Low resolution scintillating array for CT imaging and method of implementing same

摘要

A CT system includes a rotatable gantry having an opening to receive an object to be scanned, an x-ray source configured to project an x-ray beam toward the object, and a detector array configured to detect x-rays passing through the object. The detector array includes a first array of pixels positioned to receive x-rays that pass to the detector array outside a first field-of-view (FOV) to a second FOV, the first array of pixels providing a first resolution, and a second array of pixels positioned to receive x-rays passing through the first FOV, the second array of pixels providing a second resolution that is different from the first resolution. The system includes a data acquisition system (DAS) configured to receive outputs from the detector array, and a computer programmed to acquire projections of imaging data of the object, and generate an image of the object using the imaging data.

主权项

1. A CT system comprising:
a rotatable gantry having an opening to receive an object to be scanned; an x-ray source configured to project an x-ray beam toward the object; a detector array configured to detect x-rays passing through the object, the detector array comprising:
a first array of pixels positioned to receive x-rays that pass to the detector array outside a first field-of-view (FOV) to a second FOV, the first array of pixels providing a first resolution; anda second array of pixels positioned to receive x-rays passing through the first FOV, the second array of pixels providing a second resolution that is different from the first resolution; a data acquisition system (DAS) connected to the detector array and configured to receive outputs from the detector array; and a computer programmed to:
acquire projections of imaging data of the object from the DAS; andgenerate an image of the object using the imaging data; wherein the first array of pixels is comprised of detector modules having a first scintillator coupled to a first photodiode, wherein the first scintillator comprises a first cross-sectional area that is essentially orthogonal to x-rays of the x-ray beam passing thereto from the x-ray source; wherein several pixels of the first array of pixels are comprised of a single scintillator, wherein the detector array includes an x-ray blocking material coupled to a first surface of the single scintillator, the x-ray blocking material having a plurality of rungs forming a plurality of openings therein that delineate the first array of pixels, wherein the rungs are positioned to block x-rays passing from the x-ray source to the single scintillator; and wherein the single scintillator includes a first plurality of notches positioned therein and in a second surface of the single scintillator that is opposite the first surface, wherein each notch of the first plurality of notches corresponds to a respective rung position of the plurality of rungs, wherein a first notch of the first plurality of notches is notched to a first depth, and wherein the notches are pixels in both an x-direction and a z-direction and are orthogonal to each other.