Carbon Nanotube Stationary Head CT Scanner Prototype Evaluation (2023)
Undergraduate: Seth Tysor
Faculty Advisor: Christina Inscoe
Department: Physics and Astronomy, Psychology & Neuroscience
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze and compare neuroimages produced from a prototype carbon nanotube stationary head CT scanner to that of a clinical CT scanner used to diagnose stroke and traumatic brain injuries in human subjects.
Methods: Five subjects were scanned with each CT scanner and their images were compared through qualitative analysis using Fiji software. By evaluating the image quality produced from each CT scanner, we were able to determine future directions for improvement of the prototype which contains three-carbon nanotube (CNT) field emission x-ray source arrays, nine x-ray detectors, and translates the subjects at a rate of 5mm per second.
Results: The results of the study demonstrated the CNT s-HCT prototype can visualize bone tissue, calcifications, sinuses, and airways well; however, soft tissue and blood cannot be visualized, suggesting a higher radiation dose may be necessary for visualization.
Conclusion: By implementing a higher radiation dosage, redesigning the prototype to allow for complete cranium scanning, and increasing population size with future studies, the prototype may be utilized in severe environments due to its lighter weight and fewer moving parts.