Recursive correction algorithm for detector decay characteristics in CT

Many studies have been conducted on the utilization of solid state detectors for computed tomography (CT). One of the important performance parameters for the solid state detector has been shown to be the primary speed and afterglow. In this paper, we present a detailed investigation on the signal decay characteristics of the HiLightTM scintillating detector. We first develop an analytical model to fully characterize the detector impulse response. The model sensitivity to x-ray photon energy, detector aging, and radiation exposure is then established and analyzed. The impact of various decay time constants on CT image quality is subsequently illustrated with computer simulations and phantom experiments. Finally, a recursive correction approach is derived and evaluated.