Joint-optimization of the x-ray source voltage, beam filtration and detection angle for a full-ring benchtop x-ray fluorescence computed tomography (XFCT) image system

In this thesis, we present a combined theoretical and Monte Carlo study to optimize the design of a full-ring desktop X-Ray Fluorescence Computed Tomography (XFCT) system based on ultrahigh energy resolution CdTe detectors and a pencil-beam-irradiation/multiple-slit camera (PB/MS) geometry. In this study, we have specifically focused on a joint-optimization of X-ray source voltage, beam filtering and signal-collection angle for improving the signal-to-noise ratio attainable with the imaging setup. Given a large number of possible combinations of these design parameters, we have developed an analytical approach that could be used to rapidly evaluate the intrinsic signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) that measures the fluorescence signal, Compton scattering noise, and Rayleigh scattering noise generated under a simplified X-ray irradiation and data collection geometry. We have used this method to search through a large number (a total of 4800 in this study) of different combinations of system parameters, such as X-ray tube voltage, filter material, thickness, angle of detection, etc., to identify the potential optimum choice of system parameters. The study shows the following two conclusions, (1) If the dose is the primary concern, the value of the SNR improved with an increased filter thickness and a large back-ward signal collection angle, (2) Given the X-ray tube maximum power, the maximum tube voltage with a signal collection angle of 80-100 degrees can reach the optimum SNR. These results were further validated through Monte Carlo studies with more realistic imaging geometries.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Nuclear, Plasma, Radiolgc Engr

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2022

Author dc:creator

• Nie, Xingchen

Contributors dc:contributor

• Meng, Lingjian
• Di Fulvio, Angela

• X-Ray
• XFCT
• Fluorescence
• signal-to-noise

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2022 Xingchen Nie

Language dc:language

en, eng

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/116165

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F116165