X-ray imaging detector for radiological applications in the harsh environments of low-income countries

TL;DR

This paper presents a robust, cost-effective X-ray imaging system tailored for low-income countries, capable of high-quality diagnostics in harsh tropical environments.

Contribution

A novel indirect conversion X-ray detector design optimized for low-resource, harsh environments with high image quality and robustness.

Findings

Achieves DQE up to 60% at 2.34 micro Gray

Operates effectively at 60°C and 98% humidity

Utilizes a multi-camera architecture for image conversion

Abstract

This paper describes the development of a novel medical Xray imaging system adapted to the needs and constraints of low and middle income countries. The developed system is based on an indirect conversion chain: a scintillator plate produces visible light when excited by the Xrays, then a calibrated multi camera architecture converts the visible light from the scintillator into a set of digital images. The partial images are then unwarped, enhanced and stitched through parallel processing units and a specialized software. All the detector components were carefully selected focusing on optimizing the system s image quality, robustness, cost, effectiveness and capability to work in harsh tropical environments. With this aim, different customized and commercial components were characterized. The resulting detector can generate high quality medical diagnostic images with DQE levels up to 60 percent, at 2.34 micro Gray, even under harsh environments i.e. 60 degrees Celsius and 98 percent humidity.