Characterisation and Assessment of a Novel Technology (Flat Panel X-ray Sources)

Digital tomosynthesis is a tool that is used in medical imaging to capture 3D images and thus reduce the need for more complex tomographic imaging techniques. Adaptix have developed a system known as the Flat Panel Source (FPS) that can capture tomosynthesis images in a manner that is power efficient, low cost and meaning that systems can be more widely used in radiology, including mobile tomosynthesis.

A research project is underway to investigate the characteristics of this source including its use clinically, the properties of the cold cathode field emitters used by the FPS, the radiation output of the source and how to confirm the FPS is performing satisfactorily. The FPS is a novel design and therefore there is very little literature reflecting the exact nature of the source. Experience can be drawn from literature examining the use of tomosynthesis and cold cathode type tubes that reflect some of what the Adaptix source accomplishes. Consequently, safety requirements will have to be established from first principles and drawing from previous experience using conventional x-ray and systems that utilise Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT) to gather a full picture of the potential of the FPS.