1. Abstract submitted to
AccApp’15
12th International Topical Meeting on the Nuclear Applications of Accelerators
10–13 November 2015, Washington, DC, USA
Conceptual Design of a Novel 3-D Tomosynthesis Device Using a Compact Linear
Accelerator for Low-Dose Hi-Definition Medical Imaging
C.O. Maidana1,2
1
MAIDANA RESEARCH, 2885 Sanford Ave SW #25601, Grandville, MI 49418-1342, USA
Quai du Montblanc 33, Swiss Post Box: 102197, CH 1201 Geneva, Switzerland
2
Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209, USA
E-mail: carlos.omar.maidana@maidana-research.ch
Tomosynthesis is a method for performing high-resolution limited-angle tomography at low dose
levels, combining digital image capture and processing with simple source/detector motion. Although
there are some similarities to computed tomography (CT), it is a separate and simpler technique. The
tomosynthesis principle leads to a sensible improvement of radiographic images signal to noise ratio and
contrast which allows the localization and the measurement of observed structures inside a body.
The use of an electron source with a compact accelerating cell structure operating on the X-band aids
to the portability of the device widening the number of applications. When the electron beam collides
against a thin metallic target, X-rays are produced. By distributing X-ray sources across a plane and
bursting X-rays from each micro-source sequentially, the production of X-rays can be optimized.
Furthermore, the use of structured scintillators allows a higher resolution and contrast than what is
possible with other scintillator technologies. If full beam transport is used instead of source-detector
rotation fast 3D tomosynthesis would also be possible.
We aim to develop a new type of low-dose high-definition 3D tomosynthesis device for breast and
chest imaging with further capabilities for cardiac imaging and device tracking, using a compact particle
accelerator, a distributed X-ray source array and structured scintillators, reducing the time of exposure
while improving the quality of the imaging system and its robustness. Conceptual and design studies are
discussed.