Initial evaluation of a newly developed high resolution CT imager for dedicated breast CT

A new, high resolution 40x30cm2 area CsI-TFT based CT imager having 127μm pixel pitch was developed for fully-3D breast CT imaging as part of a SPECT-CT system. The imager has two narrow edges suited for pendant breast CT imaging close to the chest wall. The scintillator thickness of 600 microns provides >90% absorption for the 36keV mean x-ray energy of the cone beam source. The 2D MTF is ˜7.5% at the 3.9 lp/mm Nyquist frequency. The imager has excellent linearity over the full dynamic range. The imager is mounted on the CT device and initial tomographic imaging of geometric and breast phantoms demonstrate the reliable and robust imaging capabilities of this device for breast CT.