Varex Exhibits Highly Innovative Photon Counting X-Ray Detectors at RSNA 2021

At RSNA 2021, Varex showcased its photon counting technology which offers enhanced tissue separation and contrast in medical applications, including whole body scanning, mammography, and CT. Varex’s photon counting detectors can scan an entire 2 m human body in eight seconds, count 109 hits / mm2/ s and read out at 5,000 frames per second over an active area of 20×5 cm and at 100 micron pixel pitch.

Photon counting detectors register X-ray photons by counting the actual number of photons detected, meaning the efficiency of photon counting can support less dose and the acquisition of sharp, high resolution images. Photon counting extracts energy-resolved information on a per-interaction basis because the resulting charge distribution of each single interaction between incident X-rays and the active detector material is recorded separately.

Varex showcased its photon counting detectors in spectral X-ray imaging that use energy binning to differentiate multiple levels of energy to enable spectral imaging. The company’s photon counting detectors are designed for high resolution imaging requiring the separation of different tissues or materials. The visualization of the capillaries in this lung phantom is optimized by the capability of the detector to remove the bone signal.

Varex also highlighted its direct converting XC-Thor range of photon counting X-ray detectors that are built to a scalable, modular design to enable new features or support OEM specific image requirements, and are used in medical applications which require high speed (5000+ fps) with high resolution and high sensitivity. Two energy thresholds and multi-threshold software enable spectral X-ray imaging. The XC-Thor series of detectors are available in various sizes up to 5×40 cm². The company showcased XC-THOR.CT, an innovative segmented, curved CT detector based on XC-Thor modules, and adaptable to CT imaging of various geometries. It is available with the same features as the XC-THOR series.

Among others, Varex highlighted its direct converting XC-Hydra range of photon counting X-ray detectors that are modular and scalable. They can operate in several imaging modes – frame output for 3D or digital TDS for scanning applications. High speed performance at low dose is achieved through high efficiency, the intrinsic sharpness of direct conversion technology through CdTe, dual energy and fast imaging speed.

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Varex Imaging Corporation