Temporal modulation transfer function of fluoroscopic systems: Small-signal vs large-signal approaches

S. N. Friedman, I. A. Cunningham

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Metrics of system performance are used to assess the abilities and safety of x-ray imaging systems. The detective quantum efficiency (DQE) is used as a measure of "dose efficiency" but, when applied to fluoroscopic systems, requires a measurement of the temporal modulation transfer function (MTF) to account for the effects of system lag. It is shown that the temporal MTF is exposure-rate dependent, and hence must be measured under the specific exposure conditions of interest. We develop a small-signal approach to temporal MTF measurements using a semi-transparent moving slanted edge. Using an x-ray image intensifier-based bench-top system, we show that there is a 50% overstatement of the DQE when not properly accounting for lag. The small-signal approach is used to calculate a lag-free fluoroscopic DQE that agrees with a radiographic DQE measurement under the same exposure-rate conditions. It was found that the temporal MTF did not change within measured precision over normal fluoroscopic conditions, and the radiopaque falling-edge results were consistent with the small-signal temporal MTF. This approach could be implemented in a clinical setting with access to raw (linear or linearized) fluoroscopic image data and could be generalized for use on pulsed-exposure systems.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMedical Imaging 2008 - Physics of Medical Imaging
DOIs
StatePublished - 2008
EventMedical Imaging 2008 - Physics of Medical Imaging - San Diego, CA, United States
Duration: Feb 18 2008Feb 21 2008

Publication series

NameProgress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE
Volume6913
ISSN (Print)1605-7422

Conference

ConferenceMedical Imaging 2008 - Physics of Medical Imaging
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego, CA
Period02/18/0802/21/08

Keywords

  • DQE
  • Detective quantum efficiency
  • Detector lag
  • Fluoroscopy
  • MTF
  • Modulation transfer function
  • Temporal MTF
  • X-ray imaging

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Temporal modulation transfer function of fluoroscopic systems: Small-signal vs large-signal approaches'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this