Methods and apparatus for dose reduction in a computed tomograph

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for dose reduction in a computed tomography (CT) system are described. In one embodiment, the CT system includes a configurable multislice detector array and an adjustable source collimator. The detector array includes a photodiode cell array optically coupled to a scintillator array. The photodiode array includes a plurality of photodiodes arranged in rows and columns that may be combined to collect slice data from a number of inner and outer slices. The CT system also includes an x-ray source and a collimator. The x-ray source generates an x-ray beam that is collimated by the collimator to define the thickness of each outer slice. In operation, an operator determines the quantity and thickness of inner slices and the thickness of each outer slice. After altering the detector and collimator configuration, as defined by an operator, slice data for each inner slice and each outer slice is gathered.