Abstract: An X-ray imaging system, such as a computed tomography (CT) computed tomography (CT) imaging system is provided for material decomposition calibration and intended for use with a calibration phantom. The X-ray imaging system comprises an X-ray source configured to emit X-rays and an X-ray detector arranged in the X-ray beam path configured to generate detector data. The calibration phantom is located in the X-ray beam path. The X-ray imaging system further comprises an X-ray beam limiting device including at least one calibration element in the X-ray beam path. The X-ray imaging system also comprises image processing circuitry configured to acquire projection data for a set of projections based on the detector data, and to determine pathlengths through at least one material of the at least one calibration element and at least one material of the calibration phantom, at least partly based on acquired projection data, for performing material decomposition calibration.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for calibrating computed tomography (CT) system. In one example, a method for a computed tomography (CT) system comprises, during a calibration of the CT system, measuring a position of a detector element of a detector array of the CT system using a wire of a wire phantom coupled to a table of the CT system, during a rotational scan performed using the CT system; and during a subsequent scan performed on a subject using the CT system, applying the measured position of the detector element rather than a design target position of the detector element during reconstruction of an image from projection data acquired via the CT system; and displaying the reconstructed image on a display device of the CT system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to X-ray imaging technology as well as image post-processing. Particularly, the present invention relates to a method for computer aided detection of structures in X-ray images as well as an X-ray system. A computer aided detection algorithm visibly determines tissue structures in X-ray image information and subsequently matches the shape of a determined tissue structure with a library of known tissue structures for characterizing the type of determined tissue structure. The determination of a tissue structure and thus the characterization of the type of the tissue structure may be enhanced when employing also spectral information, in particular energy information of the acquired X-ray image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to X-ray imaging technology as well as image post-processing. Particularly, the present invention relates to a method for computer aided detection of structures in X-ray images as well as an X-ray system. A computer aided detection algorithm visibly determines tissue structures in X-ray image information and subsequently matches the shape of a determined tissue structure with a library of known tissue structures for characterizing the type of determined tissue structure. The determination of a tissue structure and thus the characterization of the type of the tissue structure may be enhanced when employing also spectral information, in particular energy information of the acquired X-ray image.

Abstract: For reducing absorption in a refractive element, the present invention relates to a refractive element (10, 20), suitable for refracting x-rays, comprising a body with low-Z material having a first end adapted to receive rays emitted from a ray source and a second end from which the rays received at the first end emerge. The refractive element comprises columns of stacked substantially identical prisms (21). The invention also relates to lens element.

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: For reducing absorption in a refractive element, the present invention relates to a refractive element (10, 20), suitable for refracting x-rays, comprising a body with low-Z material having a first end adapted to receive rays emitted from a ray source and a second end from which the rays received at the first end emerge. The refractive element comprises columns of stacked substantially identical prisms (21). The invention also relates to lens element.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a refractive arrangement for X-rays, and specially to a lens comprising: a member of low-Z material, said member of low-Z material having a first end adapted to receive x-rays emitted from an x-ray source and a second end from which emerge said x-rays received at said first end. It further comprises a plurality of substantially saw-tooth formed grooves disposed between said first and second ends, said plurality of grooves oriented such that said x-rays which are received at said first end, pass through said member of low-Z material and said plurality of grooves, and emerge from said second end, are refracted to a focal point.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a refractive arrangement for X-rays, and specially to a lens comprising: a member of low-Z material, said member of low-Z material having a first end adapted to receive x-rays emitted from an x-ray source and a second end from which emerge said x-rays received at said first end. It further comprises a plurality of substantially saw-tooth formed grooves disposed between said first and second ends, said plurality of grooves oriented such that said x-rays which are received at said first end, pass through said member of low-Z material and said plurality of grooves, and emerge from said second end, are refracted to a focal point.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for focusing X-rays. In one embodiment, his invention is a commercial-grade compound refractive X-ray lens. The commercial-grade compound refractive X-ray lens includes a volume of low-Z material. The volume of low-Z material has a first surface which is adapted to receive X-rays of commercially-applicable power emitted from a commercial-grade X-ray source. The volume of low-Z material also has a second surface from which emerge the X-rays of commercially-applicable power which were received at the first surface. Additionally, the commercial-grade compound refractive X-ray lens includes a plurality of openings which are disposed between the first surface and the second surface. The plurality of openings are oriented such that the X-rays of commercially-applicable power which are received at the first surface, pass through the volume of low-Z material and through the plurality openings. In so doing, the X-rays which emerge from the second surface are refracted to a focal point.