Optimal current patterns for three-dimensional electric current computed tomography

Basic investigations of the detectability of small targets in a three-dimensional cylindrical saline phantom are described. Distinguishability, a measure of target detectability, is defined, and the effects of electrode geometry, target volume and target height on distinguishability are reported. An algorithm that computes current patterns that maximize distinguishability in a three-dimensional electrode array is described and tested. The results show that the algorithm greatly increases distinguishability for small, off-center targets and converges quickly to optimal current patterns.<<ETX>>