Near-field artifacts reduction in coded aperture push-broom Compton scatter imaging

Abstract Recently, we have devised a novel method called coded aperture push-broom Compton scatter imaging (CAPCSI) to improve the use of backscattered X-rays. Based on a correlation algorithm, near-field artifacts are obvious in the CAPCSI, although they could be reduced partially by averaging dual acquisitions of a mask and an antimask. In this paper, we introduce a maximum-likelihood expectation–maximization (MLEM) algorithm into the CAPCSI to improve the artifacts without dual acquisitions. First, a theoretical system matrix (SM) and a simulative SM were derived from the generation of near-field artifacts. Then, simulation for ideal sources was carried out to compare different algorithms of the correlation and the MLEM. Further, a CAPCSI prototype was set up to confirm the simulation. Because of the system nonuniformity, an experimental SM was derived in advance by a ray-driven way. Finally, imaging for character phantoms was presented. Preliminary results showed the MLEM performed much better for the point source and could obtain a cleaner background for complex objects than the correlation. In the simulation, the theoretical SM and the simulative SM were no essential difference. However, in the experiment, the experimental SM performed essentially better than the theoretical SM, because it took the near-field effects and the system nonuniformity into a comprehensive consideration. This work will help enhance the application potential of the CAPCSI.