X-ray-induced acoustic computed tomography (XACT) imaging with single-shot nanosecond x-ray

Abstract

X-ray-induced acoustic computed tomography (XACT) has emerged as a promising imaging modality with broad applications in both biomedicine and nondestructive testing. The previous XACT imaging systems require thousands of averages to achieve reasonable images. Here, we report the experimental demonstration of single-shot XACT imaging of a metal object using a single-shot 50 ns x-ray pulse. A two-stage dedicated amplification and a 128-channel parallel data acquisition configuration were introduced for XACT imaging to enable sufficient acoustic signal amplification and maintain an overall low noise level for single-shot XACT imaging. Details of the system design are presented; the improved signal-to-noise ratio (>23 dB) and image reconstruction have been demonstrated with a ring ultrasound transducer array imaging system. The study paves the way for realizing real-time XACT imaging and its potential applications in image-guided intervention.

The feasibility study of XACT imaging for characterizing osteoporosis

“…However, there will be challenges for the strong attenuation of higher frequency ultrasound signals in large size human bone. (2) XACT imaging may be a lower dose diagnostic imaging technique as compared to the current CT imaging because of 3D image can be obtained with single X‐ray projection 62 . Recent publication shows that the minimal X‐ray dose for imaging a 100‐μm calcification with XACT is about 0.36 mGy 44 .…”

“…(2) XACT imaging may be a lower dose diagnostic imaging technique as compared to the current CT imaging because of 3D image can be obtained with single X-ray projection. 62 Recent publication shows that the minimal X-ray dose for imaging a 100-µm calcification with XACT is about 0.36 mGy. 44 Our recent publication has further demonstrated that XACT images can be performed with just a single-shot X-ray pulse in 50 ns.…”

“…[33][34][35][36] In XACT imaging, X-ray-induced acoustics (XA) waves generated by an incident X-ray source spherically propagate from an X-ray absorber, therefore encoding 3D X-ray absorption information in the generated acoustic signal. [37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45] XACT imaging has already been proposed for in vivo dosimetry during radiation therapy, 32,33,46 breast imaging, 40 and even for nondestructive testing in industry. 41,42 However, no research has been done to apply XACT imaging on osteoporotic imaging so far.…”

“…In 2013, XACT imaging for biomedical purposes was first proposed, 31 demonstrated, 32 and has since been investigated by different groups all over the world in various applications 33–36 . In XACT imaging, X‐ray‐induced acoustics (XA) waves generated by an incident X‐ray source spherically propagate from an X‐ray absorber, therefore encoding 3D X‐ray absorption information in the generated acoustic signal 37–45 . XACT imaging has already been proposed for in vivo dosimetry during radiation therapy, 32,33,46 breast imaging, 40 and even for nondestructive testing in industry 41,42 .…”

Single-pulse X-ray Acoustic Computed Tomography Image Guided Precision Radiation Therapy

“…Currently FLASH mode therapy is only used in research; however, its characteristics may be beneficial in solidifying XACT as a dosimetric tool: a higher dose per pulse can considerably increase the SNR, and the spatial resolution limited by the 4 μs of conventional therapy can be overcome. Another recent study reported the experimental demonstration of XACT of a metallic object using single-pulses of 50 ns, exhibiting the growing benefits of these ultrafast radiation pulses 26 .…”