Development of novel ultrafast-laser-based micro-CT system for small-animal imaging

Andrzej Krol, Jean Claude Kieffer, John A. Nees, Liming Chen, Remy Toth, Bixhue Hou, Russell E. Kincaid, Ioana L. Coman, Charles C. Chamberlain, Edward D. Lipson, Gérard A. Mourou

Research output: Contribution to journalConference Articlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

We investigated the performance of an ultrafast-laser-based x-ray source as a possible replacement of a microfocal X-ray tube in a micro-CT system for small-animal imaging. Using a number of solid targets (Ge, Mo, Ag, Sn, BaF 2, La, and Nd) with matching filters, we optimized conditions for x-ray generation and measured x-ray spectra, conversion efficiency, x-ray fluence, and x-ray focal-spot size. We obtained images of small animals. X-ray spectra created by ultrafast laser are advantageous for micro-CT imaging because most of the emission is in narrow characteristic lines. The spectra could be rapidly changed and matched to the imaging task (e.g. animal thickness and density). This novel x-ray source can be also easily applied in dual-energy micro-CT for small-animal imaging with suitable contrast agent (e.g. I-, Ba-, or Gd-based) and matching targets and filters for low- and high-energy beams. We have established that the effective x-ray focal-spot size can be smaller than 5 μm and that the average power can surpass the power delivered by a microfocal x-ray tube with 5 fun focal-spot size.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numberM4-4
Pages (from-to)1993-1996
Number of pages4
JournalIEEE Nuclear Science Symposium Conference Record
Volume3
DOIs
StatePublished - 2003
Event2003 IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium Conference Record - Nuclear Science Symposium, Medical Imaging Conference - Portland, OR, United States
Duration: Oct 19 2003Oct 25 2003

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiation
  • Nuclear and High Energy Physics
  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Development of novel ultrafast-laser-based micro-CT system for small-animal imaging'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this