Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Salim Aymeric Si-Mohamed, Jade Miailhes, Pierre-Antoine Rodesch, Sara Boccalini, Hugo Lacombe, Valerie Leitman, Vincent Cottin, Loic Boussel, Philippe Douek
Summary: In recent years, the introduction of new X-ray detectors, such as photon-counting detectors (PCD) in diagnostic imaging equipment, has shown advantages in small pixel size, high dose efficiency, and energy-resolving capabilities. Studies have been conducted to explore the potential of PCD as an alternative to conventional CT for chest imaging.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Veit Sandfort, Mats Persson, Amir Pourmorteza, Peter B. Noel, Dominik Fleischmann, Martin J. Willemink
Summary: Photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) is an emerging technology that shows promise in significantly improving cardiovascular imaging, with advantages such as reduced electronic noise and increased spatial resolution. Recent advancements in engineering and manufacturing by multiple vendors are expected to soon bring this new technology into clinical reality, with varying timescales for implementation and impact on different clinical scopes.
JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY
(2021)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Sara Boccalini, Riham Dessouky, Pierre-Antoine Rodesch, Hugo Lacombe, Yoad Yagil, Elias Lahoud, Klaus Erhard, Bernhard Brendel, Philippe Coulon, Jean-Baptiste Langlois, Frederic Chaput, Stephane Parola, Loic Boussel, Frederic Lerouge, Salim Si-Mohamed, Philippe C. Douek
Summary: The feasibility of gadolinium-K-edge-angiography (angio-Gd-K-edge) with gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) using spectral photon counting CT (SPCCT) was investigated in atherosclerotic rabbits. The study showed that angio-Gd-K-edge allowed visualization of target vessels and reliable measurement of their diameters.
DIAGNOSTIC AND INTERVENTIONAL IMAGING
(2023)
Review
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Joel Greffier, Nicolas Villani, Didier Defez, Djamel Dabli, Salim Si-Mohamed
Summary: Spectral computed tomography (CT) imaging is a generation of CT systems that utilize the energy-dependent information in CT images. The introduction of dual-energy CT systems expanded this principle. The first generation of spectral CT systems overcame limitations of tissue characterization encountered with conventional CT and provided a new imaging approach. The global expansion of spectral CT is seen as an important leverage for extending CT towards multi-energy CT imaging based on photon counting CT systems.
DIAGNOSTIC AND INTERVENTIONAL IMAGING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Matti Kauppinen, Alex Winkler, Vili Lamsa, Mikko Matikkala, Miroslaw Zoladz, Pawel Grybos, Rafal Kleczek, Piotr Kmon, Robert Szczygiel, Tapio Fabritius
Summary: A seamless CdTe tile was developed for large-sized energy-selective X-ray detector panels, with a focus on spectral resolution and stability performance, along with the development of an automated pixel equalization method. The results suggest that the seamless tile is a feasible approach to scale up panel sizes, but further research is needed.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INSTRUMENTATION AND MEASUREMENT
(2021)
Review
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Salim A. A. Si-Mohamed, Sara Boccalini, Marjorie Villien, Yoad Yagil, Klaus Erhard, Loic Boussel, Philippe C. C. Douek
Summary: Spectral photon-counting computed tomography (SPCCT) technology shows many advantages over conventional CT imaging, such as better spatial resolution, greater dose efficiency, and superior tissue contrast. It also utilizes known approaches like virtual monochromatic imaging and material decomposition imaging, as well as a new approach called K-edge imaging. Due to its high potential, SPCCT systems are being researched in clinical settings.
INVESTIGATIVE RADIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yuxi C. Dong, Ananyaa Kumar, Derick N. Rosario-Berrios, Salim Si-Mohamed, Jessica C. Hsu, Lenitza M. Nieves, Philippe Douek, Peter B. Noel, David P. Cormode
Summary: This study explores the potential of ultrasmall ytterbium nanoparticles (YbNP) as contrast agents for computed tomography (CT) and spectral photon-counting computed tomography (SPCCT). The results demonstrate that YbNP have better contrast-generating properties compared to gold nanoparticles (AuNP) and can be used for labeling and monitoring hydrogels.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Le Shen, Yuxiang Xing, Li Zhang
Summary: Photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT) is a revolutionary technology in the field of CT, with potential benefits in noise reduction, dose reduction, and material-specific imaging. However, inaccuracies in energy threshold calibration can lead to spectrum estimation errors and degrade the accuracy of reconstructions. This paper proposes a joint reconstruction and spectrum refinement algorithm (JoSR) that utilizes non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) to reduce the dimension of unknowns and improve the stability of solutions.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON MEDICAL IMAGING
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Filippo Cademartiri, Antonella Meloni, Laura Pistoia, Giulia Degiorgi, Alberto Clemente, Carmelo De Gori, Vincenzo Positano, Simona Celi, Sergio Berti, Michele Emdin, Daniele Panetta, Luca Menichetti, Bruna Punzo, Carlo Cavaliere, Eduardo Bossone, Luca Saba, Riccardo Cau, Ludovico La Grutta, Erica Maffei
Summary: The photon-counting detector (PCD) is a new technology that provides significant benefits for cardiac and coronary artery imaging. Compared with conventional CT, PCCT has improved capabilities such as multi-energy capability, increased spatial resolution, reduced radiation exposure, and optimized use of contrast agents. It also overcomes limitations of traditional CCT/CCTA, such as reducing artifacts and enabling more precise assessment of stenosis and plaque characteristics. PCCT also has potential applications in characterizing myocardial tissue using a double-contrast agent.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Sumin Baek, Okkyun Lee
Summary: A novel data-driven approach for nanoparticle agent identification using a photon-counting detector is proposed, showing potential for specific identification of targets in CT imaging to improve clinical diagnosis. The method utilizes the energy sensitivity of the detector to exploit the K-edge of nanoparticle agents, with demonstrated robustness in identifying targets with different agent concentrations without background noise.
PHYSICS IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Salim Si-Mohamed, Sara Boccalini, Pierre-Antoine Rodesch, Riham Dessouky, Elias Lahoud, Thomas Broussaud, Monica Sigovan, Delphine Gamondes, Philippe Coulon, Yoad Yagil, Loic Boussel, Philippe Douek
Summary: The study demonstrated that the large field-of-view SPCCT prototype has excellent technical capabilities and high image quality for high-resolution lung CT. Standard-dose SPCCT images had superior visibility and sharpness compared to conventional CT images, while low-dose SPCCT images showed similar clarity and visibility.
DIAGNOSTIC AND INTERVENTIONAL IMAGING
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Stefan Sawall, Carlo Amato, Laura Klein, Eckhard Wehrse, Joscha Maier, Marc Kachelriess
Summary: Molecular imaging plays a crucial role in drug discovery, disease screening, and therapy assessment. Despite challenges in utilizing CT for molecular imaging due to low sensitivity and contrast, recent advancements such as spectral photon-counting detectors show promise in overcoming these limitations. The review highlights potential future directions for advancements in CT molecular imaging.
CURRENT OPINION IN CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Judith van der Bie, Marcel van Straten, Ronald Booij, Daniel Bos, Marcel L. Dijkshoorn, Alexander Hirsch, Simran P. Sharma, Edwin H. G. Oei, Ricardo P. J. Budde
Summary: Photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) is a new technology that offers higher spatial resolution, energy resolved imaging, and spectral post-processing compared to conventional CT techniques. This results in improved contrast-to-noise ratio, reduction in artifacts and potential dose, as well as elimination of electronic noise. The shift from pre-clinical studies to clinical research has been observed since the introduction of clinical PCCT in 2021. This review article focuses on the initial clinical results of PCCT, including the current PCCT systems, applications, and challenges.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Hatem Alkadhi, Val Runge
Summary: In the past decades, tremendous technical innovations have occurred in computed tomography (CT) imaging, including improvements in resolution and dose reduction, introduction of new imaging techniques, and the development of photon-counting detector CT. This special issue of Investigative Radiology presents expert summaries and reviews on photon-counting detector CT, covering technical details, clinical experiences in various imaging fields, and future prospects for new contrast agents.
INVESTIGATIVE RADIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Josua A. Decker, Stefanie Bette, Nora Lubina, Katharina Rippel, Franziska Braun, Franka Risch, Claudia Wollny, Christian Scheurig-Muenkler, Thomas J. Kroencke, Florian Schwarz
Summary: This study compared the quantitative and qualitative image quality of a novel PCD-CT and a traditional EID-CT in low-dose CT scans of the abdomen. The results showed that the PCD-CT had lower image noise, higher SNR, improved subjective image quality, and better conspicuity of abdominal fine structures compared to the EID-CT.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Jinlu Ruan, Liang Chen, Pengxiao Xu, Yapeng Zhang, Xue Du, Hongqiao Yin, Shiyi He, Fangbao Wang, Xun Zhang, Xiaoping Ouyang
Summary: A new SiC detector with a faster time response was developed to improve the temporal response of SiC-HPMTs. The improved SiC-HPMT showed significantly enhanced temporal response compared to the previous SiC-HPMT, and it can accurately measure the time information of fast pulsed radiation fields.
NUCLEAR INSTRUMENTS & METHODS IN PHYSICS RESEARCH SECTION A-ACCELERATORS SPECTROMETERS DETECTORS AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT
(2024)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Kevin Nash
Summary: This article discusses the need for extensive upgrades of the LHC detectors, particularly the Outer Tracker, due to the demanding conditions and radiation of the High Luminosity LHC scenario. The design choices, technological approaches, and R&D activities for the Outer Tracker Phase-2 upgrade are highlighted.
NUCLEAR INSTRUMENTS & METHODS IN PHYSICS RESEARCH SECTION A-ACCELERATORS SPECTROMETERS DETECTORS AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT
(2024)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
S. A. Wotton
Summary: The hadron particle identification provided by LHCb's RICH system is crucial for the success of the experiment, and it will continue to play a significant role in Upgrade II. To maintain the current excellent particle identification performance, substantial improvements in the precision of measuring the space and time coordinates of detected photons in the RICH and in the resolution of the reconstructed Cherenkov angle are required.
NUCLEAR INSTRUMENTS & METHODS IN PHYSICS RESEARCH SECTION A-ACCELERATORS SPECTROMETERS DETECTORS AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT
(2024)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
R. Cardarelli, A. Rocchi, G. Aielli, P. Camarri, A. Di Ciaccio, L. Di Stante, B. Liberti, E. Pastori, L. Pizzimento, G. Proto
Summary: The Resistive Cylindrical Chamber (RCC) is a new generation of gaseous particle detectors that overcome the limitations of Resistive Plate Chambers (RPC) and expand their application range. By transitioning from planar to cylindrical geometry, while maintaining an almost planar electric field, the RCC achieves improved detection efficiency, increased gas pressure, and the possibility of using eco-friendly gases.
NUCLEAR INSTRUMENTS & METHODS IN PHYSICS RESEARCH SECTION A-ACCELERATORS SPECTROMETERS DETECTORS AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT
(2024)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Giacomo Volpe
Summary: The ALICE collaboration is proposing a new apparatus, ALICE 3, to investigate the Quark Gluon Plasma (QGP) properties. In this context, conceptual studies for the development of a RICH detector for ALICE 3 are ongoing. The proposed baseline layout is a proximity-focusing RICH, using aerogel as Cherenkov radiator and Silicon Photomultipliers for photon detection. The detector specifications and performance obtained by Monte Carlo simulation are presented, along with the R&D challenges related to the design.
NUCLEAR INSTRUMENTS & METHODS IN PHYSICS RESEARCH SECTION A-ACCELERATORS SPECTROMETERS DETECTORS AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT
(2024)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
M. G. Mazarakis, E. Jongewaard, J. Ellsworth
Summary: This report presents experimental data and a step-by-step technique for evaluating the work functions of thermionic cathodes. The experiments were conducted using small-sized thermionic cathodes provided by Spectra-Mat corporation. The cathode electron current emission work function is emphasized as a crucial parameter for selecting cathodes in various applications.
NUCLEAR INSTRUMENTS & METHODS IN PHYSICS RESEARCH SECTION A-ACCELERATORS SPECTROMETERS DETECTORS AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT
(2024)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
M. Loyd, A. Khaplanov, V. Sedov, J. Beal, T. Visscher, C. Donahue, C. Montcalm, G. Warren, R. Butz, C. Boone, C. Hart, R. Riedel, Y. Diawara
Summary: Thermal and cold neutron beamlines require detector systems with high efficiency, large active area, and good spatial resolution. This study presents a new design of Anger camera using silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) instead of photomultiplier tubes (PMTs), offering better resolution, less distortion, and more compactness. The use of SiPMs also enables the camera to be used in strong magnetic fields, providing additional experimental capabilities.
NUCLEAR INSTRUMENTS & METHODS IN PHYSICS RESEARCH SECTION A-ACCELERATORS SPECTROMETERS DETECTORS AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT
(2024)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Thomas Neulinger, Hanno Filter, Oliver Zimmer
Summary: This paper describes the mathematical foundation for analyzing vertical time-of-flight (TOF) measurements using ultracold neutrons (UCN). It enables the spectroscopy of UCN with kinetic energies below the neutron optical potential of the detector entrance window. The paper provides general treatment methods and transformation rules for converting vertical TOF spectra into other spectra of interest.
NUCLEAR INSTRUMENTS & METHODS IN PHYSICS RESEARCH SECTION A-ACCELERATORS SPECTROMETERS DETECTORS AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT
(2024)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Huynh Dinh Chuong, Nguyen Huynh Duy Khang, Le Thi Ngoc Trang, Nguyen Thi Truc Linh, Truong Thanh Sang, Nguyen Thanh Dat, Hoang Duc Tam
Summary: This paper presents a comparative study of three models, including virtual point detector (VPD), curve fitting (CF), and machine learning (ML), in determining the full-energy peak efficiency (FEPE) of HPGe detector. The study found that the ML model outperforms VPD and CF models in terms of accuracy.
NUCLEAR INSTRUMENTS & METHODS IN PHYSICS RESEARCH SECTION A-ACCELERATORS SPECTROMETERS DETECTORS AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT
(2024)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
M. H. Kushoro, M. Angelone, D. Bozzi, G. Gorini, F. La Via, E. Perelli Cippo, M. Pillon, M. Tardocchi, M. Rebai
Summary: This paper presents the characterization of a series of SiC detectors operated with partial polarization, achieving excellent energy resolution and detection characteristics for both alpha particles and neutrons. The results demonstrate the potential of SiC detectors for fast neutron detection in fusion experiments. The limitations and challenges for manufacturing thick SiCs in the future are also discussed.
NUCLEAR INSTRUMENTS & METHODS IN PHYSICS RESEARCH SECTION A-ACCELERATORS SPECTROMETERS DETECTORS AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT
(2024)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Deb Sankar Bhattacharya, Andrea Bressan, Chandradoy Chatterjee, Silvia Dalla Torre, Mauro Gregori, Alexander Kiselev, Stefano Levorato, Anna Martin, Saverio Minutoli, Mikhail Osipenko, Richa Rai, Marco Ripani, Fulvio Tessarotto, Triloki Triloki
Summary: In this article, we report on the measurement of the time resolution of an LAPPD prototype using Cherenkov radiation emitted by high energy hadrons. Our approach has demonstrated the capability of measuring time resolutions as fine as 25-30 ps. The measured time resolution for single photoelectrons is about 80 ps r.m.s.
NUCLEAR INSTRUMENTS & METHODS IN PHYSICS RESEARCH SECTION A-ACCELERATORS SPECTROMETERS DETECTORS AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT
(2024)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Bharti Rohila, S. R. Abhilash, Diwanshu, Chetan Sharma, Devinder Mehta, Ashok Kumar
Summary: Self-supporting and Au backed Ag-107 targets have been fabricated using a combination of cold rolling and e-beam melting technique. The method is efficient, resulting in targets without significant material loss or major contamination. Various techniques have been used for thickness measurements and characterizations, and one of the fabricated targets has been successfully used in a nuclear physics experiment.
NUCLEAR INSTRUMENTS & METHODS IN PHYSICS RESEARCH SECTION A-ACCELERATORS SPECTROMETERS DETECTORS AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT
(2024)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
B. Kronheim, A. Belloni, T. K. Edberg, S. C. Eno, C. Howe, C. Palmer, C. Papageorgakis, M. Paranjpe, S. Sriram
Summary: This paper presents measurements of the relative decrease of light output during irradiation of small plastic scintillator tiles read out by silicon photomultipliers. The study found substantial temporary damage during low-temperature irradiation, regardless of oxygen concentration and wrapping material. The wrapping material had an impact on the relative light loss, with the 3M(TM) Enhanced Specular Reflector Film showing the largest loss. The light loss was less at warmer temperatures and similar to that in standard atmosphere with 3% oxygen concentration. Evidence of a plateau in the radical density was seen for the data at 0 degrees C.
NUCLEAR INSTRUMENTS & METHODS IN PHYSICS RESEARCH SECTION A-ACCELERATORS SPECTROMETERS DETECTORS AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT
(2024)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
V. V. Haurylavets, V. K. Ivanov, A. V. Korol, A. V. Solov'yov
Summary: Computational modeling of high-energy electron passage through crystalline media is conducted using relativistic molecular dynamics. The results show good agreement with experimental data, demonstrating the accuracy of the simulations. Minor discrepancies between theory and experiment are discussed.
NUCLEAR INSTRUMENTS & METHODS IN PHYSICS RESEARCH SECTION A-ACCELERATORS SPECTROMETERS DETECTORS AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT
(2024)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Luca Quaglia, R. Cardarelli, B. Liberti, E. Pastori, G. Proto, L. Pizzimento, A. Rocchi, G. Aielli, P. Camarri, A. Di Ciacco, L. Di Stante, R. Santonico, D. Boscherini, A. Bruni, L. Massa, A. Polini, M. Romano, L. Benussi, S. Bianco, D. Piccolo, G. Saviano, M. Abbrescia, L. Congedo, M. De Serio, G. Galati, G. Pugliese, S. Simone, D. Ramos, P. Salvini, A. Samalan, M. Tytgat, N. Zaganidis, J. Eysermans, A. Ferretti, M. Gagliardi, L. Terlizzi, E. Vercellin, P. Dupieux, B. Joly, S. P. Manen, R. Guida, B. Mandelli, G. Rigoletti, M. Barroso, M. C. Arena, A. Pastore, R. Aly, M. Verzeroli, S. Buontempo
Summary: Resistive Plate Chamber detectors are widely used in current High Energy Physics experiments. However, efforts are being made to find eco-friendly gas alternatives to Tetrafluoroethane. The RPC EcoGas@GIF++ collaboration aims to improve RPC technology, evaluate the performance of RPCs with eco-friendly gas mixtures, and conduct aging tests.
NUCLEAR INSTRUMENTS & METHODS IN PHYSICS RESEARCH SECTION A-ACCELERATORS SPECTROMETERS DETECTORS AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT
(2024)