TU‐A‐9A‐03: Development and Verification of a Forward Model That Assists in Iterative Post‐Processing Algorithms Used to Reduce Blur in Compton Backscatter Imaging Systems

Abstract

Purpose:In Compton Backscatter Imaging (CBI), the source and detector reside on the same side of the patient. We previously demonstrated the applicability of CBI systems for medical purposes using an industrial system. To assist in post‐processing images from a CBI system, a forward model based on radiation absorption and scatter principles has been developed.Methods:The forward model was developed in C++ using raytracing to track particles. The algorithm accepts phantoms of any size and resolution to calculate the fraction of incident photons scattered back to the detector, and can perform these calculations for any detector geometry and source specification. To validate the model, results were compared to MCNP‐X, which is a Monte Carlo based simulation software, for various combinations of source specifications, detector geometries, and phantom compositions.Results:The model verified that the backscatter signal to the detector was based on three interaction probabilities: a) attenuation of photons going into the phantom, b) Compton scatter of photons toward the detector, and c) attenuation of photons coming out of the phantom. The results from the MCNP‐X simulations and the forward model varied from 1 to 5%. This difference was less than 1% for energies higher than 30 keV, but was up to 4% for lower energies. At 50 keV, the difference was less than 1% for multiple detector widths and for both homogeneous and heterogeneous phantoms.Conclusion:As part of the optimization of a medical CBI system, an efficient and accurate forward model was constructed in C++ to estimate the output of CBI system. The model characterized individual components contributing to CBI output and increased computational efficiency over Monte Carlo simulations. It is now used in the development of novel post‐processing algorithms that reduce image blur by reversing undesired contribution from outside the region of interest.