Photon counting X-ray imaging is a revolutionary technology, the highlight in a history of remarkable advances in X-ray imaging that began with Röntgen’s unforgettable first image of the delicate, skeletal structure of a hand. Varex Imaging is at the forefront of this technology.

Photon counting detectors measure the energy of individual photons after they have passed through the patient’s body. Every X-ray creates an electric signal in the detector material which corresponds to the energy of the photon. This signal is analyzed and based on its strength, it is separately recorded into the corresponding energy channel of the correct pixel. This energy discrimination is intrinsic to the technology and doesn’t require additional system components or added radiation dose.

Photon Counting Technology for Computed Tomography

Photon counting based computed tomography (PC-CT) is the latest implementation of photon counting technology and its advantages are already evident. The enhanced contrast to noise ratio of photon counting detectors allows imaging at low dose. The 3D images also reveal a range of detailed information that might not have been seen previously because of the reduction in noise.

Whole Body Scanning

Patients can be scanned in 8 seconds but with less dose because of the sensitivity of Varex photon counting X-ray detectors. Our detectors are optimized for scanning applications with the built-in digital time-delay summation (TDS) mode. The high spatial resolution offers clinicians additional, high-quality information that could aid in comprehensive and detailed patient assessment.

Dual energy and multi-energy imaging allow the clinician the opportunity to look more closely at bone composition and density, important parameters for the diagnosis of skeletal diseases.

Material Separation

A single exposure without any additional dose is all that is needed to capture separate images of different tissue types with a photon counting detector.

The dual energy function provides three views, e.g. one of soft tissue, the other of bone structures as well as the conventional absorption image, as the energy of each photon can be correctly measured and registered. This advanced feature could be of value to, for example, lung examinations. 

Functional Dynamic Imaging

It is now possible to see certain processes as never before because of the extremely high readout speed of a photon counting detector which can reach up to 10,000 fps. Events, such as the details of the blood flow around a stent after an implant, can be captured in X-ray imaging in real time. This was only possible with high-speed optical cameras before.

And as scientists around the world continue to explore the investigative opportunities afforded by photon counting technology, it is reassuring to know that the high sensitivity of the detectors can achieve impressive image quality at low dose levels.

Photon Counting With Multi-beam Sources

Photon counting and multi-beam X-ray sources (MBXs) are emerging technologies that offer transformative possibilities. The rapid switching of the multi-beam X-ray source enables a stationary ring of sources that in combination with a stationary set of detectors allows for CT imaging without moving parts. Combined with the extremely sensitive and efficient photon counting technology, the MBX setup can either produce maximum image quality or shortest exposure, depending on the needs of the application.

These technologies can already be deployed by fusing them with existing design concepts. MBX technology used on one imaging axis could be, for example, augmented with mechanical motion on the other. This would allow the use of a smaller, but higher quality detector which would both improve the image quality by reducing the scatter and lower the overall system cost.

Every X-ray imaging system is the product of a careful integration in which image quality, radiation dose, speed, field of view, useability and cost are evaluated and balanced according to the demands of the user application. Photon counting and multi-beam X-ray sources may be outside the mainstream now, but they are shaping the way we think about the X-ray systems of the future.

As we, the experts in X-ray imaging, continuously strive for improvement, we look forward to bringing our customers all the significant benefits of these important, next generation technologies.

Our photon counting detectors used in medical application:

Disclaimer: The actual performance of a photon counting detector depends on the configuration and combination of used features. Not all performance characters are valid for all use cases. DC-HYDRA series and DC-THOR.CT not for sale. Please contact us for more information regarding the DC-HYDRA series and the DC-THOR.CT.