Diode array digital radiography: Initial clinical experience

Initial clinical results are described for a new method of digital radiography based on high-detail self-scanning linear diode arrays which overcome many of the limitations of present film or other digital methods. The technique uses a fan-shaped X-ray beam to produce a nearly scatter-free image on a phosphor strip that is fiber-optically coupled to six self-scanning arrays of light-sensitive diodes spaced 0.025 mm, thus providing 6,144 discrete sensors across the field of view. Because these diodes have a greatly expanded dynamic range and operate at very low noise, it becomes possible to visualize small density differences or contrast below 1% both in the light and dark areas of the image. Because of the efficiency of detection and display, radiation doses can be reduced for a given information content. Our preliminary clinical studies have shown the broad application of our method in examining the chest and abdomen and in performing intravenous digital arteriography.