Design and Performance of a 32 Slice CT Detector System using Back Illuminated Photodiodes

摘要

A complete 32 slice CT detector system has been constructed which uses back illuminated photodiodes (BIPs). Individual detector modules in the system incorporate the BIPs along with highly integrated A/D conversion electronics on the same substrate. A symmetrical mechanical structure allows the system to be compact and lightweight for use at high rotational speeds. The unique design also has the advantage of having no internal cables. The current BIP exhibits a higher level of crosstalk between photosensitive elements when compared to a conventional photodiode. Differences in the crosstalk level at detector module boundaries can cause artifacts unless the crosstalk can either be reduced or a software correction made. In order to show that the BIP is a viable technology for use in multislice CT, a performance evaluation of the complete BIP system along with its associated mechanical, electrical and software components is required. The 32 slice detector system has been mounted to a rotating CT scanner for image performance evaluations. Measurements of low contrast sensitivity, MTF, limiting resolution and other parameters have been done. A crosstalk correction algorithm has also been developed and evaluated under different conditions. Low contrast sensitivity, MTF and limiting resolution of the system match those of a current conventional CT scanner of similar geometry. The crosstalk correction effectively eliminates artifacts caused by non-uniform crosstalk at module boundaries. MTF and noise properties before and after crosstalk correction match theoretical values.