Binary screen detector system for single-pulse dual-energy radiography.

Abstract

Dual-energy radiographic acquisition performed with a single pulse of x rays has been limited to use of stacked detectors such as photo-stimulable phosphor plates. In this study, a binary screen system is introduced that enables single-pulse dual-energy acquisition with nonstacked detectors such as charge-coupled devices (CCDs). Two x-ray phosphors with different K edges, designed to emit light of different wavelengths, were bound together in a single screen. Two CCD cameras, each sensitive to the respective wavelengths emitted by each phosphor, are proposed to be coupled to the binary screen. Optical isolation and detection of the optical emissions from the screen would enable simultaneous acquisition of both low- and high-energy images, which can then be used in dual-energy subtraction. Computer simulation results and experimentally acquired images suggest that the binary screen approach may be a viable alternative to stacked detector technology for dual-energy radiographic imaging.