AbstractID: 9483 Title: A novel technique to suppress gridline artifacts
Gridline artifacts and ripple artifacts are periodic structures visible in some radiographic
images that are caused by anti-scatter grids. Over time, a variety of techniques have been
introduced to suppress these artifacts. The authors present a theoretical framework that
describes the formation of these artifacts, and which can be used to evaluate various
artifact suppression techniques. The framework allows for the possibility of variations in
grid velocity and tube output; defects in grid manufacture are not included. A novel
technique for artifact suppression is proposed using modulation of the tube output. Some
preliminary experimental results are presented, demonstrating the possibility of tube
current modulation. The gridline artifact can therefore be robustly suppressed even for
small amounts of grid motion during the exposure (<10 septa spacings). This technique
should allow the development of coarse, high-ratio anti-scatter grids in compact housings.
Supported by NIH SBIR grant 2R44CA83425-02. The authors have applied for two
patents for this technology.