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Synchrotron split-beam method for clinical photon-counting computed tomography
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DOI：10.1016/j.ejmp.2026.105734.png)
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Abstract
En 中文
Purpose: Free-space phase contrast propagation coupled with a photon-counting detector enables CT imaging with improved contrast in soft tissues at lower radiation dose. In addition, photon-counting detectors enable inherent spectral separation that can be used to capture tissue contrast at different energy levels. The objective of this study was to (i) develop a novel split-beam method for spectral synchrotron-based imaging considering limitations of photon-counting technology and clinical requirements, and (ii) propose a redefined mathematical model to calculate contrast-to-noise ratio in spectral imaging applications. Methods: Our novel approach was applied in a CT imaging setup using a custom-made breast phantom with tissue-equivalent inserts and compared to the more common setup utilizing monochromatic beams. To complement the traditional contrast-to-noise ratio metric, a new mathematical framework for spectral contrast-to-noise ratio was introduced as a composite metric that integrates the signal-to-noise performance across spectral channels. Results: The results show that the split-beam method proposed in this study obtains a comparable spectral contrast-to-noise ratio at the same radiation dose. Relative spectral contrast-to-noise differences were 0.12 (polyethylene), 1.92 (polyamide), 1.19 (polymethylmethacrylate), -0.29 (polyoxymethylene), and-0.17 (polytetrafluoroethylene) when comparing spectral imaging with two monochromatic beams at energies of 24 keV and 38 keV against the split-beam method. Conclusion: The potential advantages of the split-beam method for spectral CT imaging are numerous - it avoids non-rigid deformations, is fast to implement, and enables optimization in the post-processing step. The model for contrast-to-noise ratio redefined in this study applies to new generation spectral CT scanners beyond synchrotron setups.
Keywords:
Photon-counting detector
Computed Tomography
Breast CT
Spectral contrast-to-noise ratio
Synchrotron breast imaging
Free-space propagation
Phase-contrast
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