The quasi-elastic scattering of 1 GeV protons permits the three-dimensional reconstruction of the density distribution in extended bodies. Fast multiwire proportional chambers are used to localize the position of every incoming and outgoing charged particle and to determine the coordinates at the interaction vertex. This article describes tests on a human head fixed on formalin. The comparison with computed tomography scans and anatomical sections is encouraging. Slices with a volume element of 5.5 mm3 illustrate the sensitivity of the method. The results also demonstrate the ability of the method to select the density distribution of hydrogen by making use of the kinematic relations specific to elastic scattering. Trials of this method in living humans are being planned.

Brain↗

PubMed1978

Reconstruction tomography by nuclear scattering radiography.

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Brain↗

PubMed1976

Further results in nuclear scattering radiography.

A further investigation of the nuclear scattering of 500-1000 MeV protons is described. Three-demensional information on the desity distribution within carbon, CH and H2O phantoms is obtained with a volume resolution of 2 mm3. The separation of scattering on hydrogen from that on heavier nuclei, such as carbon and oxygen, is demonstrated, providing the statistics are sufficient. Some preliminary measurements on animals are reported, but with a volume resolution limited by statistics to 43 mm3.

Animals↗

PubMed1975

Nuclear scattering applied to radiography.

The possibility of using the nuclear scattering of 500-1000 MeV protons was investigated, in order to obtain direct, three-dimensional reconstruction of an object with only one exposure. The resolution should be about 1 mm3. Preliminary measurements with an incomplete set-up give a resolution of 10 mm3. Additional independent information on the relative concentration of hydrogen compared to other elements should also be obtainable by nuclear scattering radiography. The radiation doses involved are comparable to those of other techniques. The first experimental results are given.

Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation↗