An Observer-Based Study of an X-Ray Imaging System for Small Animal Research

摘要

In this study, an x-ray imaging system for small-animal studies was characterized. This system includes an x-ray source with a 20-μm focal spot and a fiber optics coupled CCD detector module. It can be operated in magnification levels ranging from X1.5 to X5, by varying the object-to-detector distance. The system was subjectively characterized using a contrast-detail x-ray phantom. X-ray images of the phantom were obtained and reviewed by observers. The threshold contrast values for different object sizes were determined from observer measurements. The contrast-detail curves showed that magnification reduces the contrast threshold required for object detection. This system is suitable for small animal studies at different magnification levels, with high spatial resolution and adequate contrast-detail detectability.