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Lookup NU author(s): Ian Birch, Dr Colin Kotre
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Advances in microfocus X-ray tube design together with the availability of high resolution charge coupled device (CCD) detectors have led to the introduction of high magnification digital specimen cabinets for the examination of tissue samples. This paper explores the effect that the high magnification geometry permitted by such units has upon image quality in terms of phase contrast edge enhancement, spatial resolution and the appearance of test phantom images. Phase contrast effects and spatial resolution were studied using a previously established method (using edge profiles) and by computing the system spatial frequency response at various geometries. It was demonstrated that the magnitude of the phase contrast enhancement effect reaches a stable maximum at a magnification of x 4. It has also been shown that a continual increase in both the spatial resolution together with an improved signal to noise ratio occurs up to the maximum permissible magnification geometry, with effects of focal spot blur being negligible. In practice, the limited size of the digital detector and the difficulty of object alignment can constrain the use of the very high magnification option.
Author(s): Birch IP, Kotre CJ, Padgett R
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: British Journal of Radiology
Year: 2006
Volume: 79
Issue: 939
Pages: 239-243
ISSN (print): 0007-1285
ISSN (electronic): 0961-2653
Publisher: British Institute of Radiology
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1259/bjr/24723806
DOI: 10.1259/bjr/24723806
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