Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, a reconstruction scheme for a CSCT is provided which is capable of reconstructing data acquired just over a half turn, i.e. 180° plus fan angle. The reconstruction scheme may provide for an extension of the reconstruction towards smaller and larger q-regions as compared with a 360°-reconstruction, if the short scan reconstruction technique is applied to a full scan data set.

Abstract: Known reconstruction techniques from coherent scattered x-rays apply non-exact reconstruction techniques. According to the present invention, a relatively wide spectrum of wave-vector transfers q of the scattered x-ray photons is acquired. The projection data is interpreted as line integrals in the x y-q space and the projection data is resorted to correspond to an acquisition along any source trajectory. Due to this, an exact helical reconstruction algorithms may be applied and redundant data may be used to obtain a better image quality.

Abstract: Cardiac CT imaging using gated reconstruction is currently limited in its temporal and spatial resolution. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an examination apparatus is provided in which an identification of a high contrast object is performed. This high contrast object is then followed through the phases, resulting in a motion vector field of the high contrast object, on the basis of which a motion compensated reconstruction is then performed.

Abstract: A computer tomography apparatus (300) for examination of an object of interest, the computer tomography apparatus (300) comprising an X-ray source (302) adapted to emit X-rays to an object of interest, first detecting elements (304) adapted to detect X-rays coherently scattered from an object of interest (301) in an energy-resolving manner, second detecting elements (305) adapted to detect X-rays coherently scattered from an object of interest (301) in a non-energy-resolving manner, and a determination unit (306) adapted to determine, based on detecting signals received from the first detecting elements (304) and/or from the second detecting elements (305), structural information concerning the object of interest (301).

Abstract: A region of interest is identified using a conventional CT or X-ray approach. Then, the region of interest is scanned using a plurality of pencil beams (28) to obtain a plurality of different scattered X-ray spectra. A geometric correction is then applied to each spectrum as if the spectrum was solely due to features in the region of interest. The various spectra recorded using the beams are combined and correlated to determine features of the region of interest (32) whilst minimising the effect of features in the rest of the sample (30).

Abstract: According to the present invention, a 3D look-up table and a method for generating the same is provided, taking into account the x-ray spectrum variations in dependence of the cone beam angle caused by the heel effect. The 3D look-up table includes monochromatic attenuation values for all corresponding polychromatic attenuation values for each x-ray spectrum, depending on the cone beam angle. Advantageously, less image artifacts, such as, for example, cupping artifacts, are achieved in the reconstructed images.

Abstract: Whereas the CT image can be acquired in a single revolution, the CSCT image acquisition may require several revolutions. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a CT/CSCT apparatus may be provided which uses CT data acquired during the first revolution to optimize acquisition parameters for the subsequent revolutions. Furthermore, projection data acquired with a pre-scanner may also be used for determining current modulation or setting an optimum voltage for the subsequent CSCT scan.

Abstract: An optical imaging apparatus (100) for examination of an object of interest (101), the optical imaging apparatus (100) comprising an optical radiation source (102) adapted to emit a primary optical radiation beam onto the object of interest (101), an optical radiation detector (106) adapted to detect a secondary optical radiation beam emitted by the object of interest (101) upon absorbing the primary optical radiation beam, a magnetic field generating element (107) adapted to generate an inhomogeneous magnetic field varying along an extension of the object of interest (101), and a determination unit (108) adapted to determine information concerning the object of interest (101) based on an analysis of the detected secondary optical radiation beam in combination with an analysis of the inhomogeneous magnetic field.

Abstract: In a CSCT material identification apparatus CT-information and differential scatter cross-sections are used for material identification. According to an aspect of the present invention, a material identification is provided which uses both the differential and the total scatter cross-sections. This may yield an improved material discrimination, i.e. a better detection rate and a lower false alarm rate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods and compounds for combined opticalultrasound imaging. The compounds of the present invention relate to particles comprising fluorescence donor and acceptor molecules for energy exchange via FRET. The methods of the present invention use ultrasound to modify the distance between donor and acceptor molecules present on the particles, and to consequently modify the fluorescence emitted by the donor and acceptor. The compounds and methods of the present invention are useful in medical or diagnostic imaging.

Abstract: The invention relates to a computer tomography scanner comprising a gantry, on the rotor of which one or more displaceable masses are arranged. During rotation of the rotor about a rotation axis, the position of each mass can be changed perpendicular to the rotation axis by means of an adjustment unit. By retaining the rotary momentum of the rotor, the rotational speed is increased when the masses are moved toward the rotation axis, and vice versa. As a result, it is possible to maintain a specific ratio between the heart rate of the examined patient and the rotational speed even if the heart rate of the patient changes during the examination.

Abstract: A CSI system is described that uses pencil beams 40,42,44,46 through a sample 30 having a region of interest 32. Each coherent scatter spectrum of sample beams 40, 44 through the region of interest is subtracted by the spectra using respective reference beams 42, 46. The measurements are combined to determine features of the region of interest 32 whilst minimising the effect of features in the rest of the sample 30.

Abstract: The invention relates to a computer tomography scanner comprising a gantry, on the rotor of which one or more displaceable masses are arranged. During rotation of the rotor about a rotation axis, the position of each mass can be changed perpendicular to the rotation axis by means of an adjustment unit. By retaining the rotary momentum of the rotor, the rotational speed is increased when the masses are moved toward the rotation axis, and vice versa. As a result, it is possible to maintain a specific ratio between the heart rate of the examined patient and the rotational speed even if the heart rate of the patient changes during the examination.

Abstract: Known reconstruction techniques from coherent scattered x-rays apply non-exact reconstruction techniques. According to the present invention, a relatively wide spectrum of wave-vector transfers q of the scattered x-ray photons is acquired. The projection data is interpreted as line integrals in the x y-q space and the projection data is resorted to correspond to an acquisition along any source trajectory. Due to this, an exact helical reconstruction algorithms may be applied and redundant data may be used to obtain a better image quality.

Abstract: A reconstruction of data from CSCT data usually requires a long reconstruction time. According to the present invention, a filtered back-projection of CSCT data, wherein the CSCT data comprises a spectrum acquired by means of an energy resolving detector element is provided, wherein the filtered back-projection is performed along curved lines represented by the wave-vector transfer in the reconstruction volume. Advantageously, a reconstruction time may be reduced, while allowing for a good image quality.