PhD position: Single Shot X-ray Tomography for Real-Time 4D Functional Imaging

X-ray imaging can provide high resolution imagery of bodily organs in two and three dimensions (2D and 3D). 4D imaging is also possible, but only for slowly moving objects [1]. However, for extra dimension massively increases the ionizing radiation dose to the patient. Contrast in X-ray imaging relies on differential absorption of X-rays as they pass through materials of different chemical composition. A large fraction of the X-rays are Compton scattered at random angles to the incident beam direction. These create a problematic source of noise to X-ray images that greatly reduces image contrast and resolution. There are several methods employed in the clinic to remove these scattered photons to enhance image quality.

We have patented a technique to use the Compton scattered radiation as a source of information about the sample. We have shown that it is theoretically possible to quantitatively reconstruct the 3D structure of an object from a single short exposure. By taking multiple exposures as the object moves should enable 4D imagery with potentially very low radiation dose. For this project the student will work with our team to develop a robust image reconstruction algorithm and validate our theory using experimental data to be acquired at the Australian Synchrotron. The major benefits expected from this research are the potential for substantial dose reduction and real-time 4D imaging.

References

[1] Fouras A, Kitchen MJ, Dubsky S, Lewis RA, Hooper SB, Hourigan K, "The past, present and future of x-ray technology for in vivo imaging of function and form", Journal of Applied Physics, volume 105, issue 1 (2009).