3D chest tomosynthesis using a stationary flat panel source array and a stationary detector: A Monte Carlo proof of concept.

3D imaging modalities such as computed tomography and digital tomosynthesis typically scan the patient from different angles with a lengthy mechanical movement of a single X-ray tube. Therefore, millions of 3D scans per year require expensive mechanisms to support a heavy X-ray source and have to compensate for machine vibrations and patient movements. However, recent developments in cold-cathode field emission technology allow the creation of compact, stationary arrays of emitters. Adaptix Ltd. has developed a novel, low-cost, square array of such emitters and demonstrated 3D digital tomosynthesis of human extremities and small animals. The use of cold-cathode field emitters also makes the system compact and lightweight. This paper presents Monte Carlo simulations of a concept upgrade of the Adaptix system from the current 60 kVp to 90 kVp and 120 kVp which are better suited for chest imaging. Between 90 kVp and 120 kVp, 3D image quality appears insensitive to voltage and at 90 kVp the photon yield is reduced by 40-50% while effective dose declines by 14%. A square array of emitters can adequately illuminate a subject for tomosynthesis from a shorter source-to-image distance, thereby reducing the required input power, and offsetting the 28-50% more input power that is required for operation at 90 kVp. This modelling suggests that lightweight, stationary cold-cathode X-ray source arrays could be used for chest tomosynthesis at a lower voltage, with less dose and without sacrificing image quality. This will reduce weight, size and cost, enabling 3D imaging to be brought to the bedside.

X-ray high frequency pulse emission characteristic and application of CNT cold cathode x-ray source cathode x-ray source

Carbon nanotube (CNT) field-emission X-ray source has great potential in X-ray communication (XCOM) because of its controllable emission and instantaneous response. A novel voltage loading mode was proposed in this work to achieve high-frequency pulse X ray-emission. The characteristics of cathode current and pulse X-ray versus voltage, frequency, and pulse amplitude were studied, and XCOM data transmission experiment was carried out. Results showed that the CNT cold cathode X-ray source, as a communication signal source, could work in 1.05 MHz pulse emission frequency. When the grid voltage was higher than 470 V, the pulse X-ray waveform amplitude achieved peak, and the shape exhibited a pseudo square wave. The duty cycle of the X-ray waveform exceeded 50%, reaching 56% when the pulse frequency reached 1 MHz. In the XCOM data transmission experiment, the pulsed X-ray waveform was well consistent with the loading data signal voltage waveform under different pulse-emission frequencies. This work realized the X-ray high-frequency pulse emission of CNT cold cathode X-ray source and lays a foundation for the development and application of CNT cold cathode X-ray source in XCOM.

Recent Progress on ZnO Nanowires Cold Cathode and Its Applications

A cold cathode has many applications in high frequency and high power electronic devices, X-ray source, vacuum microelectronic devices and vacuum nanoelectronic devices. After decades of exploration on the cold cathode materials, ZnO nanowire has been regarded as one of the most promising candidates, in particular for large area field emitter arrays (FEAs). Numerous works on the fundamental field emission properties of ZnO nanowire, as well as demonstrations of varieties of large area vacuum microelectronic applications, have been reported. Moreover, techniques such as modifying the geometrical structure, surface decoration and element doping were also proposed for optimizing the field emissions. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review on recent progress on the ZnO nanowire cold cathode and its applications. We will begin with a brief introduction on the synthesis methods and discuss their advantages/disadvantages for cold cathode applications. After that, the field emission properties, mechanism and optimization will be introduced in detail. Then, the development for applications of large-area ZnO nanowire FEAs will also be covered. Finally, some future perspectives are provided.

Investigation of the Effect of Structural Properties of a Vertically Standing CNT Cold Cathode on Electron Beam Brightness and Resolution of Secondary Electron Images

Carbon nanotube (CNT)-based cold cathodes are promising sources of field emission electrons for advanced electron devices, particularly for ultra-high-resolution imaging systems, due to their high brightness and low energy spread. While the electron field emission properties of single-tip CNT cathodes have been intensively studied in the last few decades, a systematic study of the influencing factors on the electron beam properties of CNT cold cathodes and the resolution of the secondary electron images has been overlooked in this field. Here, we have systematically investigated the effect of the structural properties of a CNT cold cathode on the electron beam properties and resolution of secondary electron microscope (SEM) images. The aspect ratio (geometric factor) and the diameter of the tip of a vertically standing CNT cold cathode significantly affect the electron beam properties, including the beam size and brightness, and consequently determine the resolution of the secondary electron images obtained by SEM systems equipped with a CNT cold cathode module. Theoretical simulation elucidated the dependence of the structural features of CNT cold cathodes and electron beam properties on the contribution of edge-emitted electrons to the total field emission current. Investigating the correlations between the structural properties of CNT cold cathodes, the properties of the emitted electron beams, and the resolution of the secondary electron images captured by SEM equipped with CNT cold cathode modules is highly important and informative as a basic model.