Stationary chest tomosynthesis using a CNT x-ray source array

Chest tomosynthesis is an imaging modality that provides 3D sectional information of a patients thoracic cavity using limited angle x-ray projections. Studies show that tomosynthesis can improve the detection of subtle lung nodules comparing to conventional radiography at a lower radiation dose than CT. In the conventional design, the projection images are collected by mechanically moving a single x-ray source to different viewing angles. We investigated the feasibility of stationary chest tomosynthesis using the distributed CNT x-ray source array technology, which can generate a scanning x-ray beam without any mechanical motion. A proof-of-concept system was constructed using a short linear source array and a at panel detector. The performance of the source including the flux was evaluated in the context of chest imaging. The bench-top system was characterized and images of a chest phantom were acquired and reconstructed. The preliminary results demonstrate the feasibility of stationary chest tomosynthesis using the CNT x-ray source array technology.