• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.39-46
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• 2003

Digital radiographic systems based on solid-state detectors, commonly referred to as flat-panel detectors, are gaining popularity in clinical practice. Large area, flat panel solid state detectors are being investigated for digital radiography. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the active matrix flat panel digital x-ray detectors in terms of their modulation transfer function (MTF), noise power spectrum (NPS), and detective quantum efficiency (DQE). In this paper, development and evaluation of a selenium-based flat-panel digital x-ray detector are described. The prototype detector has a pixel pitch of $139\;{\mu}m$ and a total active imaging area of $14{\times}8.5\;inch^2$, giving a total 3.9 million pixels. This detector include a x-ray imaging layer of amorphous selenium as a photoconductor which is evaporated in vacuum state on a TFT flat panel, to make signals in proportion to incident x-ray. The film thickness was about $500\;{\mu}m$. To evaluate the imaging performance of the digital radiography(DR) system developed in our group, sensitivity, linearity, the modulation transfer function(MTF), noise power spectrum (NPS) and detective quantum efficiency(DQE) of detector was measured. The measured sensitivity was $4.16{\times}10^6\;ehp/pixel{\cdot}mR$ at the bias field of $10\;V/{\mu}m$ : The beam condition was 41.9\;KeV. Measured MTF at 2.5\;lp/mm was 52%, and the DQE at 1.5\;lp/mm was 75%. And the excellent linearity was showed where the coefficient of determination ($r^2$) is 0.9693.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.6 no.6
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• pp.455-464
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• 2012

This study suggested evaluation of approximately exposure to low-dose ionization radiation from medical images using a computed radiography (CR) system in standard X-ray examination and experimental model can compare diagnostic reference level (DRL) will suggest on optimization condition of guard about medical radiation of low dose space. Entrance surface dose (ESD) cross-measuring by standard dosimeter and optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters (OSLDs) in experiment condition about tube voltage and current of X-ray generator. Also, Hounsfield unit (HU) scale measured about each experiment condition in CR system and after character relationship table and graph tabulate about ESD and HU scale, approximately radiation dose about head, neck, thoracic, abdomen, and pelvis draw a measurement. In result measuring head, neck, thoracic, abdomen, and pelvis, average of ESD is 2.10, 2.01, 1.13, 2.97, and 1.95 mGy, respectively. HU scale is $3,276{\pm}3.72$, $3,217{\pm}2.93$, $2,768{\pm}3.13$, $3,782{\pm}5.19$, and $2,318{\pm}4.64$, respectively, in CR image. At this moment, using characteristic relationship table and graph, ESD measured approximately 2.16, 2.06, 1.19, 3.05, and 2.07 mGy, respectively. Average error of measuring value and ESD measured approximately smaller than 3%, this have credibility cover all the bases radiology area of measurement 5%. In its final analysis, this study suggest new experimental model approximately can assess radiation dose of patient in standard X-ray examination and can apply to CR examination, digital radiography and even film-cassette system.

• Korean Journal of Digital Imaging in Medicine
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.39-46
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• 2012

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to reduce Entrance Surface Dose and maintain image quality by changing Source to Image receptor Distance. And we'd like to compare ESD on this study to DRLs in other contries. Materials and Methods : We used indirect DR system(Definium 8000, General Electric, USA)and phantom(ART-200X, Flukebiomedical, USA),glass dosimeters(GD-352M, Asahi Techno Glass, Japan)for this study. The imagies were obtained throuh 80kVp fixed, and different tube currents using AEC mode in $16{\times}16$(inch) field size and changing Source to Image receptor Distance from 100 cm to 130 cm per 10 cm unit. The phantom with attaching 5 glass dosimeters on abdomonal skin was set at supine and erect position as a anterioposterial projection on detector For measuring Entrance Surface Dose. Image analysis was conducted by histograms of Image J(1.46r) which was given from National Institutes of Health(NIH). Results : Due to inverse square law of distance, the tube currents were increasing 42.6 % in supine position and 32.6 % in erect position according to the change of Source to Image receptor Distance. While Entrance Surface Doses were rapidly decreasing 14.2 % in supine position and 29.4 % in erect position according to the change of Source to Image receptor Distance. As the results of histogram using Image J, pixel mean values from 100 cm to 110 cm, 120 cm and 130 cm were decreasing each 1.4%, 2.5%, 2.7%, 4.5%, 2.2 %, 5.8 % in supine, erect position. While standard deviations from 100 cm to 110 cm, 120 cm and 130 cm were increasing each 1.4 %, 2.5 %, 2.5 %, 4.0 %, 2.0 %, 4.9 % Consequently, there are no significant differences in abdomen images taken. Conclusion: As the results described above, we strongly recommend using long Sourceto Image receptor Distance than 100cm that we have been using. So, we should deliver less Entrance Surface Dose to the patients while maintaining image quality in abdomen radiography.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.27-35
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• 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate the features of CsI:Tl and $Gd_2O_2S$ detectors with an indirect conversion method using phantom in the DR (digital radiography) system by obtaining images of thick chest phantom, medium thickness thigh phantom, and thin hand phantom and by analyzing the SNR and CNR. As a result of measuring the SNR and CNR according to the thickness change of the subject, the SNR and CNR were higher in CsI:Tl detector than in $Gd_2O_2S$ detector when the medium thickness thigh phantom and thin hand phantom were scanned. However, when the thick chest phantom was used, for the SNR at 80~125 kVp and the CNR at 80~110 kVp in the $Gd_2O_2S$ detector, the values were higher than those of CsI:Tl detector. The SNR and CNR both increased as the tube voltage increased. The SNR and CNR of CsI:Tl detector in the medium thickness thigh phantom increased at 40~50 kVp and decreased as the tube voltage increased. The SNR and CNR of $Gd_2O_2S$ detector increased at 40~60 kVp and decreased as the tube voltage increased. The SNR and CNR of CsI:Tl detctor in the thin hand phantom decreased at the low tube voltage and increased as the tube voltage increased, but they decreased again at 100~110 kVp, while the SNR and CNR of $Gd_2O_2S$ detector were found to decrease as the tube voltage increased. The MTF of CsI:Tl detector was 6.02~90.90% higher than that of $Gd_2O_2S$ detector at 0.5~3 lp/mm. The DQE of CsI:Tl detector was 66.67~233.33% higher than that of $Gd_2O_2S$ detector. In conclusion, although the values of CsI:Tl detector were higher than those of $Gd_2O_2S$ detector in the comparison of MTF and DQE, the cheaper $Gd_2O_2S$ detector had higher SNR and CNR than the expensive CsI:Tl detector at a certain tube voltage range in the thick check phantom. At chest X-ray, if the $Gd_2O_2S$ detector is used rather than the CsI:Tl detector, chest images with excellent quality can be obtained, which will be useful for examination. Moreover, price/performance should be considered when determining the detector type from the viewpoint of the user.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.11 no.5
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• pp.379-385
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• 2017

This study identifies the optimal tube voltages depending on the changes in the patient's body type for limb tests using a digital radiography (DR) system. For the upper-limp test, the dose area product (DAP) was fixed at $5.06dGy{\ast} cm^2$, and for the lower-limb test, the DAP was fixed at $5.04dGy{\ast} cm^2$. Afterwards, the tube voltage was changed to four different stages and the images were taken three times at each stage. The thickness of the limbs was increased by 10 mm to 30 mm to change in the patient's body type. For a quantitative evaluation, Image J was used to calculate the contrast to noise ratio (CNR) and signal to noise ratio (SNR) among the four groups, according to the tube voltage. For statistical testing, the statistically significant differences were analyzed through the Kruskal-Wallis test at a 95% confidence level. For the qualitative analysis of the images, the pre-determined items were evaluated based on a 5-point Likert scale. In both upper-limb and lower-limb tests, the more the tube voltage increased, the more the CNR and SNR of the images decreased. The test on the changes depending on the patient's body shape showed that the more the thickness increased, the more the CNR and SNR decreased. In the qualitative evaluation on the upper limbs, the more the tube voltage increased, the more score increased to 4.6 at the maximum of 55kV and 3.6 at 40kV, respectively. The mean score for the lower limbs was 4.4, regardless of the tube voltage. The more either the upper or lower limbs got thicker, the more the score generally decreased. The score of the upper limps sharply dropped at 40kV, whereas that of the lower limps sharply dropped at 50kV. For patients with a standard thickness, the optimized images can be obtained when taken at 45kV for the upper limbs, and at 50kV for the lower limbs. However, when the thickness of the patient's limbs increases, it is best to set the tube voltage at 50 kV for the upper limbs and at 55 kV for the lower limbs.

• Korean Journal of Digital Imaging in Medicine
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.23-31
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• 2012

There are AEC mode and fix mode to exposure when the whole spine antero-posterior radiography is done by using DR equipment. This study compared the utility of fix mode to AEC mode, by evaluating organ dose and effective dose and by examining the quality of radiographic image. GE DEFINIUM 8000 and ART-200X Rando Phantom manufactured by Flukebiometical were used for this study. The Rando phantom was set in front of wall detector of X-rays equipment. AEC mode was set at 80kVp and Fix mode was set at 80kVp, 25mAs, 32mAs, 40mAs, and 50mAs. Whole spine AP image were aquired by combining C, T-L and L-S spine images obtained through 3 exposures. When obtaining C, T-L and L-S spine images, were checked for Air kerma (mGy) value calculated by UNFORS Xi meter attached at the phantom surface of center of radiation field. The effective and organ doses were compared by PCXMC program (PC-Based Monte Carlo Program). The quality of obtained radiographic image was evaluated visually by 3 radiologists using resolution chart. When the effective doses was calculated based on tissue weighting factor of ICRP-103, 1.278mSv was measured by AEC mode, and Fix mode measured 0.405mSv at 25mAs, 0.518mSv at 32mAs, 0.649mSv at 40mAs, and 0.810mSv at 50mAS. In addition, the organ dose measured with esposure at 25mAs by Fix mode was almost equivalent to the organ dose by AEC mode, at the esophagus, thyroid, oral mucosa, salivaly glands located at the cervical spine part, while the organ dose by Fix mode was in general lower than the organ dose by AEC mode at the other organs. When Fix mode at 32mAs, 40mAs, and 50mAs was compared to AEC mode for organ dose in 26 organs, AEC mode had higher measurement in 21 organs but not for than brain, trachea, thyroid, oral mucosa, and salivaly glands which are located at the cervical spine part. The image quality evaluated by resolution test chart was much higher with AEC mode than the quality with Fix mode at all exposure conditions. However, while the image quality of cervical spine exposured at 50mAs by Fix mode was lower than the quality of AEC mode, thoraco-lumbar spine and lumbo-sacral spine were calculated and the quality was similar to AEC mode. Scoliosis occurs mainly at thoraco-lumbar and lumbo-sacral spine, not at cervical spine. Compared to AEC mode, Using the appropriate protocol (80kVp, 50mAs) of fix mode for whole spine AP radiography was thought to be useful because the image quality of the thoraco-lumar and lumbo-sacral spine was similar on AEC mode, Also organ and effective doses can be decreased with Fix mode. Therefore, It is considered that fix mode can be used properly with AEC mode for whole spine AP radiography when considering patient's body posture.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.11 no.9
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• pp.3517-3523
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• 2010

Single exposure dual X-ray imaging can be used to separate soft and dense-material images for medical and industrial applications. This study keep focusing baggage inspection system(BIS) specifically. New detector modules for single exposure dual X-ray imaging are consisted of low energy detector (LED) and high energy detector (HED). First, the optimized thickness of copper filter coupled HED to separate low energy and high energy was simulated by the given X-ray energy (140 kVp, 1 mA) using Monte Carlo simulation codes, MCNPX. So as a result of simulation, the copper filter thickness is 0.7 mm. For the design of PIN photodiode, ATLAS device simulation tool was used. 16 channels PIN photodiode of 1.5 mm ${\times}$ 3.2 mm for Dual X-ray imaging detector was fabricated in the process of ETRI. And its dark current and quantum efficiency, terminal capacitance were measured. It was proven that the Lanex Fast B coupled HED were a sufficient candidate to replace the CsI(Tl) commerced in dual X-ray system, since these give a strong signal, overcoming system noise. Finally dual X-ray image was acquired through correction of the LED X-ray Image and the HED X-ray Image.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.121-127
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• 2012

Of this study, it was found that there were 250 mammographic units in total installed and used in the areas for this study, and 36 units were used in general hospitals, 53 units in hospitals and 116 units in clinics. That is, the units in clinics accounted for 50% out of the whole units. As for the image acquisition method, it was found there were 131 units using F/S, 67 units using CR and 7 units using DR respectively. At present, F/S system was mainly used in the areas. As for the materials of target/filter, it was found that Mo/Mo was mostly used (66%), followed by Mo/Rh (25%). As for the size of focus, both 0.1 mm for small focus and 0.3 mm for large focus were mainly used for the units.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2012.02a
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• pp.321-322
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• 2012

의료용 방사선 장비는 초기의 아날로그 방식의 필름 및 카세트에서 진보되어 현재는 디지털 방식의 DR (Digital Radiography)이 널리 사용되며 그에 관한 연구개발이 활발히 진행되고 있다. DR은 크게 간접방식과 직접방식의 두 분류로 나눌 수 있는데, 간접방식은 X선을 흡수하면 가시광선으로 전환하는 형광체(Scintillator)를 사용하여 X선을 가시광선으로 전환하고, 이를 Photodiode와 같은 광소자로 전기적 신호로 변환하여 방사선을 검출하는 방식을 말하며, 직접 방식은 X선을 흡수하면 전기적 신호를 발생 시키는 광도전체(Photoconductor)를 사용하여 광도전체 양단 전극에 고전압을 인가한 형태를 취하고 있는 가운데, X선이 조사되면 일차적으로 광도전체 내부에서 전자-전공쌍(Electron-hole pair)이 생성된다. 이들은 광도전체 양단의 인가되어 있는 전기장에 의해 전자는 +극으로, 전공은 -극으로 이동하여 아래에 위치한 Active matrix array을 통해 방사선을 검출하는 방식이다. 본 연구에서는 직접방식 X-ray 검출기에서 활용되는 a-Se을 ITO (Indium Thin oxide) glass 상단에 Thermal evaporation증착을 이용하여 두께 $50{\mu}m$, 33 넓이로 증착 시킨 다음, a-Se상단에 Sputtering증착을 이용하여 ITO를 11 cm, 22 cm, $2.7{\times}2.7cm$ 넓이로 증착시켜 상하부의 ITO를 Electrode로 이용하여 직접방식의 X-ray검출기 샘플을 제작하였다. 제작 과정 중 a-Se의 Thermal evaporation증착 시, 저진공 $310^{-3}_{Torr}$, 고진공 $2.210^{-5}_{Torr}$에서 보트의 가열 온도를 두 번의 스텝으로 나누어 증착 시켰다. 첫 번째 스텝 $250^{\circ}C$, 두 번째 스텝은 $260^{\circ}C$의 조건으로 증착하여 보트 내의 a-Se을 남기지 않고 전량을 소모할 수 있었으며, 스텝간의 온도차를 $10^{\circ}C$로 제어하여 균일한 박막을 형성 할 수 있었다. Sputtering증착 시, 저진공 $2.510^{-3}$, 고진공 $310^{-5}$에서 Ar, $O_2$를 사용하여 100 Sec간 플라즈마를 생성시켜 ITO를 증착하였다. 제작된 방사선 각각의 검출기 샘플 양단의 ITO에 500V의 전압을 인가하고, 진단 방사선 범위의 70 kVp, 100 mA, 0.03 sec 조건으로 X-ray를 조사시켜 ITO넓이에 따른 민감도(Sensitivity)와 암전류(Dark current)를 측정하였다. 측정결과 민감도(Sensitivity)는 X-ray샘플의 두께에 따른 $1V/{\mu}m$ 기준 시, 증착된 ITO의 넓이가 11 cm부터 22 cm, $2.7{\times}2.7cm$까지 각각 $7.610nC/cm^2$, $8.169nC/cm^2$, $6.769nC/cm^2$로 22 cm 넓이의 샘플이 가장 높은 민감도를 나타내었으나, 암전류(Dark current)는 $1.68nA/cm^2$, $3.132nA/cm^2$, $5.117nA/cm^2$로 11 cm 넓이의 샘플이 가장 낮은 값을 나타내었다. 이러한 데이터를 SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio)로 합산 하였을 시 104.359 ($1{\times}1$), 60.376($2{\times}2$), 30.621 ($2.7{\times}2.7$)로 11 cm 샘플이 신호 대 별 가장 우수한 효율을 나타냄을 알 수 있었다. 따라서 ITO박막의 면적이 클수록 민감도는 우수하나 그에 따른 암전류의 증가로 효율이 떨어짐을 검증 할 수 있었으며, 이는 ITO면적이 넓어짐에 따른 저항의 증가로 암전류에 영향을 끼침을 할 수 있었다. 본 연구를 통해 a-Se의 ITO 박막 면적에 따른 전기적 특성을 검증할 수 있었다.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.316-323
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• 2015

In this study, we analyzed radiation dose and MTF with setting of Ion chamber and changing kVp so that we are able to suggest acquiring optimized diagnostic images and minimizing patient dose. we assumed right lateral decubitus position among chest decubitus projection and set 7 combination of Ion chamber. By changing kVp(100, 110, 120, 130kVp), we exposed x-ray five times respectively and calculated average value after measuring entrance dose. we input the entrance dose value to PCXMC Monte carlo simulation tool and calculated organ dose and effective dose. Then we did physical image evaluation with MTF for the purpose to compare image quality. As a result, the high kVp, entrance dose is reduced. As change of ion chamber, when selecting second ion chamber, both organ dose and effective dose were the lowest. In contrast, selecting first ion chamber was the highest. MTF is superior to set second Ion chamber and using 120 kVp. Consequently, when taking chest right lateral decubitus using Digital radiography, the optimized combination which have both reducing dose efficiently without declining image quality and aquring good qualified image is set 120 kVp and selecting second Ion chamber.