Abstract: The current invention applies to photon counting silicon x-ray detectors with energy discriminating capabilities and applications in x-ray imaging systems. The overall image quality produced by such a system is improved by the presented novel methods for optimally using the energy information in Compton events and making selective use of counts induced from charges collected in neighboring pixels. The pile-up problem during high-flux imaging regimes is reduced by a novel method for signal reset, which improves the count efficiency by reducing the risk of losing event due to signal pile-up in the read out electronics chain.

Abstract: A Silicon detector for x-ray imaging is based on multiple semiconductor detector modules (A) arranged together to form an overall detector area, where each semiconductor detector module includes an x-ray sensor of crystalline Silicon oriented edge-on to incoming x-rays and connected to integrated circuitry for registration of x-rays interacting in the x-ray sensor through the photoelectric effect and through Compton scattering and for an incident x-ray energy between 40 keV and 250 keV to provide the spatial and energy information from these interactions to enable an image of an object. Further, anti-scatter modules (B) are interfolded between at least a subset of the semiconductor detector modules to at least partly absorb Compton scattered x-rays.

Abstract: A device with high efficiency and high spatial resolution for detection of individual x-rays includes a detector for x-rays with energy exceeding 20 keV based on a columnar scintillator having a number of columns, and a semiconductor readout circuit coupled to the scintillator, where the detector is configured for providing a detector resolution that is independent of scintillator thickness. This may be accomplished by estimating a misalignment of the columns of the columnar scintillator with respect to the direction of incoming x-rays and either physically aligning the columns of the columnar scintillator to the direction of incoming x-rays or computationally correcting for the estimated misalignment.

Abstract: An imaging system is based on in-line x-ray optics arranged in combination with an X-ray detector to detect radiation from radio-labeled substances within an object to be imaged. This arrangement will provide a nuclear imaging device with potentially orders of magnitude higher resolution and efficiency and it will moreover be relatively easy to align and to produce and assemble in large quantities.

Abstract: The current invention applies to photon counting silicon x-ray detectors with energy discriminating capabilities and applications in x-ray imaging systems. The overall image quality produced by such a system is improved by the presented novel methods for optimally using the energy information in Compton events and making selective use of counts induced from charges collected in neighboring pixels. The pile-up problem during high-flux imaging regimes is reduced by a novel method for signal reset, which improves the count efficiency by reducing the risk of losing event due to signal pile-up in the read out electronics chain.

Abstract: A Silicon detector for x-ray imaging is based on multiple semiconductor detector modules (A) arranged together to form an overall detector area, where each semiconductor detector module includes an x-ray sensor of crystalline Silicon oriented edge-on to incoming x-rays and connected to integrated circuitry for registration of x-rays interacting in the x-ray sensor through the photoelectric effect and through Compton scattering and for an incident x-ray energy between 40 keV and 250 keV to provide the spatial and energy information from these interactions to enable an image of an object. Further, anti-scatter modules (B) are interfolded between at least a subset of the semiconductor detector modules to at least partly absorb Compton scattered x-rays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device with high efficiency and high spatial resolution for detection of individual x-rays. Briefly, the invention provides a detector for x-rays with energy exceeding 20 keV that is based on a columnar scintillator having a number of columns, and a semiconductor readout circuit coupled to the scintillator, where the detector is configured for providing a detector resolution that is independent of scintillator thickness. This may be accomplished by estimating a misalignment of the columns of the columnar scintillator with respect to the direction of incoming x-rays and either physically aligning the columns of the columnar scintillator to the direction of incoming x-rays or computationally correcting for the estimated misalignment.

Abstract: A beam collimator arrangement for scanned-slot x-ray imaging having one or several collimators in an x-ray apparatus is disclosed. The beam collimator arrangement includes an x-ray source; an x-ray image receiver positioned to receive x-rays from the x-ray source; a compressor or means for compressing a female breast to be examined where the compressor is positionable between the x-ray source and the x-ray image receiver; and the beam collimator is positioned between the x-ray source and the compressor. The beam collimator arrangement is arranged on a carrying structure to displace the beam collimator arrangement between a first position when no x-ray exposure is conducted and a second position before x-ray exposure is initiated.

Abstract: A shielding arrangement for an x-ray apparatus, preferably for mammography examination is disclosed, and comprises at least an x-ray source, a collimator arrangement and a detector assembly, whereby the collimator is arranged between the x-ray source and the detector assembly and through which x-rays pass. The shielding arrangement, at least partly made of x-ray blocking material and provided for blocking, scattering and/or reflecting x-rays is arranged, at least partly, in a space between the x-ray source and collimator.

Abstract: To enhance image acquisition and speed up the examination during x-ray examinations, the present invention relates to an X-ray apparatus for three dimensional imaging and in particular for tomosynthesis examination, comprising a means for obtaining a set of projection images of a body part, a reconstruction means for reconstructing a three-dimensional image volume, memory for storing the projection images, and a control means. The reconstruction arrangement is arranged to reconstruct a three-dimensional image volume from data in the projection images in the memory, the reconstruction arrangement being arranged to reconstruct a first and a second image volume, wherein the second image volume is reconstructed having lower resolution than the first image volume.

Abstract: An imaging system is based on in-line x-ray optics arranged in combination with an X-ray detector to detect radiation from radio-labeled substances within an object to be imaged. This arrangement will provide a nuclear imaging device with potentially orders of magnitude higher resolution and efficiency and it will moreover be relatively easy to align and to produce and assemble in large quantities.

Abstract: An X-ray apparatus is provided for acquisition of images containing spectral information. An X-ray source and a collimator having multiple slits are operable together with a set of line detectors, the line detectors including linear arrays of photon counting channels. Each of the channels includes a photon conversion channel element which is operable to convert photons to electric pulses. A plurality of pulse counters are operable to count pulses in a plurality of different ranges of pulse strength, where the strength of a pulse depends on the energy of the photon. Further, an arrangement is included for an energy subtracting operation.

Abstract: A novel X-ray apparatus is provided for three-dimensional imaging and in particular for tomosynthesis examination, which includes an X-ray source having a focal spot, a collimator including a plurality of slits, a detector assembly including a plurality of line detectors corresponding to respective ones of the plurality of slits and an exposure volume arranged between the collimator and the detector assembly. The X-ray source, the collimator and the detector assembly are arranged in series, so that each line detector is aligned with the corresponding collimator slit and the focal spot, and is simultaneously displaceable by a scan motion relative to the exposure volume. The scan motion is primarily a rotation around a rotation axis arranged such that the detector assembly is situated essentially between the rotation axis and the X-ray source. Combined two and three-dimensional examination are also permitted according to the disclosed methods and apparatus.

Abstract: An x-ray system for narrow bandwidth imaging of in particular small objects is provided. X-radiation from an x-ray source (1) is focused by chromatic x-ray optics (2) on an x-ray energy dependent distance from the optics. Asymmetric focusing of the x-ray optics is compensated for by choosing an asymmetric focal spot of the source. The energy selective focusing makes possible blocking unwanted x-ray energies (3) from reaching an object (4). In that way optimization of the energy according to the size of the object can be done to minimize dose and maximize signal-to-noise ratio (7). Furthermore, a critical edge subtraction image can be obtained at the object dependent optimal energy if the object is injected with a contrast agent having an absorption edge close to the optimal energy (8). Radiation is registered (5) and processed (6) to combine structural and energy subtraction images.

Abstract: An X-ray apparatus is provided for acquisition of images containing spectral information. An X-ray source and a collimator having multiple slits are operable together with a set of line detectors, the line detectors including linear arrays of photon counting channels. Each of the channels includes a photon conversion channel element which is operable to convert photons to electric pulses. A plurality of pulse counters are operable to count pulses in a plurality of different ranges of pulse strength, where the strength of a pulse depends on the energy of the photon. Further, an arrangement is included for an energy subtracting operation.

Abstract: A novel X-ray apparatus is provided for three-dimensional imaging and in particular for tomosynthesis examination, which includes an X-ray source having a focal spot, a collimator including a plurality of slits, a detector assembly including a plurality of line detectors corresponding to respective ones of the plurality of slits and an exposure volume arranged between the collimator and the detector assembly. The X-ray source, the collimator and the detector assembly are arranged in series, so that each line detector is aligned with the corresponding collimator slit and the focal spot, and is simultaneously displaceable by a scan motion relative to the exposure volume. The scan motion is primarily a rotation around a rotation axis arranged such that the detector assembly is situated essentially between the rotation axis and the X-ray source. Combined two and three-dimensional examination are also permitted according to the disclosed methods and apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for detecting X-ray radiations comprising a carrying member on one face arranged with detectors consisting of a plurality of sensors arranged on a substrate. The detectors are arranged substantially edge to edge at lease in one row on at least one side of said carrying member.

Abstract: A shielding arrangement for an x-ray apparatus, preferably for mammography examination is disclosed, and comprises at least an x-ray source, a collimator arrangement and a detector assembly, whereby the collimator is arranged between the x-ray source and the detector assembly and through which x-rays pass. The shielding arrangement, at least partly made of x-ray blocking material and provided for blocking, scattering and/or reflecting x-rays is arranged, at least partly, in a space between the x-ray source and collimator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of detecting X-rays for obtaining improved radiographic images including a step of orienting a semiconductor radiation detector whose height is greater than its thickness. The orienting step comprises a selection of an acute angle between a direction of incident radiation and a side of said detector having said height such that said incident radiation mainly hit the side of said radiation detector. The hit area excludes at least a section between at least one edge of said detector and at least an active sensor area and that substantially all of the energy of the radiation is dissipated within the detector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for adjusting a number of settings in an x-ray imaging apparatus (10) for recurrent mammography examinations, said apparatus comprising at least one x-ray source (11), a collimator arrangement (12) and compression pedals (13a, 13b) for positioning and compressing the breast (14) of a patient to be examined. The arrangement comprises: control units (16-19) for adjusting said number of settings of said x-ray imaging apparatus based on an identity of said person to be examined and data stored in a database (21), said data including a set of setting-data from at least one recent x-ray examination of said patient, a main control unit (15) communicating with a control unit (16) for adjusting characteristics of x-ray radiations from said x-ray source (11), a control unit (17) for adjusting the position of said x-ray source (11) and an identity input device (20).