Hybrid Spectral Micro-CT: System Implementation, Exposure Reduction, K-edge Imaging Optimization, and Content Management

Spectral computed tomography (CT) has proven an important development in biomedical imaging, yet there are several limitations to this nascent technology. Near-term implementation of spectral CT imaging can be enhanced using a hybrid architecture that integrates a narrow-beam spectral 'interior' imaging chain integrated with a traditional wide-beam 'global' imaging chain. The first study demonstrates the feasibility of hybrid spectral micro-CT architecture with a first-of-its-kind system implementation and preliminary results showing improved contrast resolution and spatial resolution. The second study seeks to characterize the hybrid spectral micro-CT scan protocol for reduction of radiation exposure. In the third study, the spectral 'interior' imaging chain was optimized for K-edge imaging of high-z elemental contrast agents. In the final study, an open-source, low-cost solution for managing digital content in an academic setting was demonstrated. The results of these studies confirm the merits of a hybrid architecture and warrant further consideration in future pre-clinical and clinical spectral micro-CT and CT scanner design and protocols.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph. D.

Level thesis:degree_level

doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biomedical Engineering

Department dc:contributor.department

Biomedical Engineering

Grantor dc:publisher

Virginia Tech

Year dc:date.issued

2014

Author dc:creator

• Bennett, James

Chairs dc:contributor.committeechair

• Cao, Guohua
• Wang, Ge

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Rylander, Christopher G.
• Butler, Anthony
• Yu, Hengyong

• Micro-CT
• Spectral CT
• Hybrid Imaging
• K-edge Imaging
• Content Management

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Dc Identifier Other

vt_gsexam:2258

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/25525