Industrial Consultancy & Sponsored Research (IC&SR) , IIT Madras
A Dual Modality Camera for X-ray and Fluorescence Imaging System
Technology Category/Market
Technology: Dual Modality Camera;
Industry: Hospitals, Diagnostic Imaging Centres; Applications: Cardiology, Oncology;
Market: The global hybrid imaging market size is projected at a CAGR of 4.5% during period of 2019-2026.
Image
Problem Statement
- It is noted that hybrid imaging systems used with radiations such x-rays and visible light in the application area such as pre-clinical studies, like imaging mice.
- Non-invasive in-vivo imaging of these mice over time provides important bio-markers for pharmaceutical research & development.
- Further, commonly used one of the hybrid imaging system consists of an X-ray micro-CT scanner & an optical fluorescence imaging scanner, which are separate and placed in such a manner that there is no interference during imaging.
- Based on literature survey, it is found that expensive flat panel detectors (FDP) are used for X-ray imaging & highend cooled CCD cameras are used for capturing the fluorescence signal, wherein said prior arts include a few issues like high cost & too slow for imaging fast processes.
- Hence, it is needed a device to mitigate above challenges & provide efficient solution in cost-effective manner.
Technology
- Present invention describes an apparatus for imaging an object to be imaged, wherein the apparatus is an X-ray detector.
- Said apparatus comprises of
- an electromagnetic radiation source;
- A photo-sensitive means to convert into visible light the radiation passing through the object to be imaged;
- a deflector is deflect the visible light to a camera with a means to capture and record the image optically coupled to it.
- Said Photo-sensitive means is a scintillator made of Casium Iodide doped with Thallium.
- Further, said invention discloses an X-ray detector that perform high resolution optical imaging which is achieved using CsI scintillator.
- Moreover, scintillator screen is coupled with a high frame rate CMOS camera.
- Facilitates multi modality imaging with a single camera.
Key Features/Value Proposition
Technical Perspective
- The camera can be used in a system to perform Soft X-ray Radiography, X-ray CT, Fluroscopy, UV, Visible and NIR optical imaging.
- Non-trivial imaging device that performs X-ray & optical imaging alternatively.
- Motorized scintillator helps in positioning the component through software.
- The Auto-focus detector module integrated with the X-ray/visible source helps to perform dual imaging at different magnifications.
Industrial Perspective
- Cost-effective and compact in size.
- Large area scintillators are readily available & are an order of magnitude cheaper than flat panel detector systems for X-ray imaging.
- Commercial CMOS cameras are used in the proposed system are cheaper.
- Provides High temporal resolution in a laboratory setting.
- Economic hybrid system for X-ray & fluorescence imaging.
- 6. This setup has applications in small animal fluorescence imaging
User Perspective
- Ensures more reliable & user-friendly apparatus.
- The apparatus includes a motorized aperture and focus mechanism enabling easy set-up & use when switching between x-ray imaging and fluorescence imaging mode.
Questions about this Technology?
Contact for Licensing
Research Lab
Prof. Ganapthy Krishnamurthi
Department of Engineering Design
Intellectual Property
- IITM IDF Ref:1460
- Patent Application No. 201641030379
Technology Readiness Level
TRL- 4
Proof of Concept ready & validated