A high brightness microstructured anode X-ray source for clinical phase contrast imaging

DESCRIPTION provided by applicant X ray phase contrast imaging XPCI is widely regarded as one of the most exciting techniques to have emerged in x ray physics and has potential to significantly change the face of biomedical imaging XPCI which is based on the refraction of X rays rather than their absorption can provide up to times greater contrast in soft tissues than absorption contrast which is the current method employed by x ray equipment The technique offers enormous potential for earlier diagnosis of diseases and visualization of features currently not visible through conventional techniques as well as dramatic reduction in dosage to enable safer screening for cancer Of the several approaches to XPCI Talbot interferometry is considered to have the most potential for clinical use as it does not require a synchrotron source However the current approach to Talbot phase contrast requires a grating placed near a conventional laboratory X ray source the addition of the source grating is called the Talbot Lau technique This has led to limits on the X ray energies used in Talbot Lau interferometers of less than andlt keV which has restricted its use keV being more optimal for clinical applications in addition to reduced source efficiency We propose to develop a high brightness X ray source that is optimized to enable clinical Talbot interferometers at the higher energies that are relevant to clinical applications The source employs a novel microstructured anode which is comprised of an array of tungsten micron sized X ray emitters embedded in a material of excellent thermal conductivity and low density diamond These micro emitters act as an array of small sources which would remove the need for the source grating and the inclusion of diamond provides superior thermal properties for high brightness The proposed Phase I month project is a proof of principle demonstration that the novel microstructured anode can be manufactured and would provide the desired thermal benefits and x ray output and the proposed Phase II month project would produce two working prototypes of the source PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE This project proposes to develop a high brightness X ray source that is optimized to enable clinical x ray phase contrast imaging XPCI which provides up to X more contrast than the current x ray imaging technique of absorption contrast Bringing phase contrast capabilities to hospitals and clinics would have a dramatic impact on diagnosis and treatment as it has the potential to provide accurate diagnosis of the early stages of many soft tissue diseases which is important for higher survival rates and better treatment plans and can reduce radiation dosage for much safer cancer screening techniques Among the many potential applications that have been envisioned for XPCI osteoarthritis impacting in Americans and breast cancer impacting in American women are considered as two extremely high potential applications that would benefit from clinical XPCI immensely and in the short term