Lower-radiation CT scans using improved photon-counting detectors
Improving the dose efficiency of photon counting CT
Researchers are designing new photon-counting CT detector parts to help people who need CT scans get good images with less radiation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11324938 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, the team is rethinking key parts of the CT scanner so the detector captures more of the x‑rays that hit it and blocks fewer useful photons. They will build and test hardware such as a lightweight striped anti-scatter grid and sensors with higher stopping power, first in the lab and with imaging phantoms and prototypes. The work includes measuring how many photons are detected, estimating residual scatter, and optimizing detector geometry to maintain image quality while lowering dose. If successful, these redesigned components could be integrated into clinical CT systems for future patient imaging.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: The ideal candidates would be people who need clinical CT imaging and who are willing to undergo scans on research or prototype photon-counting CT systems at a participating site.
Not a fit: People who do not need CT imaging or who only receive other types of scans (like MRI or ultrasound) are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could lower the radiation dose people receive during CT scans while keeping diagnostic image quality high.
How similar studies have performed: Some commercial photon-counting CT systems have shown modest dose savings so far, but this hardware-focused redesign approach is relatively new and still being tested.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- Mayo Clinic Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hsieh, Scott Sigao — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Hsieh, Scott Sigao
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.