Speaker information:
David Kemdirim (Carleton University)
Primary beam optimization for dual-mode radiography/coherent scatter x-ray imager
While medical and security x-ray imagers traditionally use primary x rays, novel systems can also use scatter to demonstrate material contrast. In our benchtop dual-mode system, we acquire images simultaneously from coherently-scattered x rays plus primary pencil beams. The same detector is used for both. This necessitates primary beam attenuators post object to ensure that both primary and scatter lie in the detector’s dynamic range. This research aims to improve the primary image. The variable parameters are integration time, kV, post-object primary beam attenuator material and thickness, and pre-object attenuators that are used to shape the x-ray spectrum. We evaluate their effects by scanning a test phantom comprising plastics and water. Preliminary results of this works in progress will be presented.
Rowan Thomson (Carleton University)
Changing patterns in space and time
As physicists, we research how to characterize changes in patterns across time and space. In medical physics, we devise new Monte Carlo algorithms to achieve more accurate absorbed dose distributions in realistic patient models: how can we characterize differences in 3D spatial distributions of dose compared with traditional evaluations?
On shorter length scales, simulations of radiation interactions in detailed microscopic tissue models enable new evaluations of 3D microdosimetric
distributions: how can we characterize these spatial patterns of energy deposition and connect with cellular response to radiation?
Across science, there are efforts to address the challenges of equity, diversity, and inclusion: how do we assess changes with time? This presentation will focus on research to quantify changes in – sometimes disparate – patterns in time and space.