Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

Advances in computed tomography (CT) imaging technology are currently limited by the low number of X-ray generators present on a single CT machine. Currently, X-ray tube is mechanically rotated around a patient to acquire images from multiple angles - this approach only allows for limited resolution of images, leas to excessive radiation exposure to the patient, and is time consuming. The availability of a multi-beam X-ray CT will greatly improve imaging resolution and imaging speed, while decreasing radiation dosage delivered to patients. Recently, Dr. Yeow has made significant research progress on dual-beam X-ray sources, which has laid the foundation for realization of a functional multi-beam X-ray CT. However, the existing experimental setup has exceeded its maximum working capacity, and an X-ray testing platform with a higher power range is necessary to fully characterize device performance such as X-ray power, switching speed, and lifetime. We propose funding for an X-ray system to be used for the development and optimization of next generation X-ray imaging systems. The proposed equipment is a second-hand real-time industrial X-ray system, which will be upgraded with Dr. Yeow's new multi-beam X-ray sources technology and modified with Dr. Willett's mechanical components. These components will allow the system to accommodate different radiation device designs, making it suitable for use in a range of experiments from medical imaging to industrial non-destructive testing (NDT). The aims of the program are to develop :(i) a novel carbon nanotube (CNT)-based field emission X-ray source, which will be used by Dr. Yeow in the development of a Fluence Field Modulated Computed Tomography (FFMCT) system for medical imaging; (ii) a field emission backscattering X-ray NDT system for spacecraft inspection; and (iii) nanomaterial-based X-ray dosimeter. The research program enabled by the proposed equipment will greatly enhance performance of Dr. Yeow's multi-beam X-ray source and allow the development of a functional multi-beam X-ray CT. The proposed facility will also provide Dr. Wong the capability to capture 3D images that will be used in the development of 3D image reconstruction algorithms and software of the next generation CT; and will enable Dr. Willett's crucial real-time NDT imaging of bone and bone-inspired composite materials to investigate multi-scale deformation phenomena during mechanical testing. The requested equipment will enable multi-beam X-ray CT, which will impact (i) health care systems, by providing better diagnostic capability to detect diseases such as cancer; and (ii) the manufacturing industry, by enabling fast, high-resolution NDT of materials and products. The requested equipment will also allow over ten graduate students and many co-op students to be trained in the fields of nanotechnology, biomedical engineering, medical imaging, and material research.