High-Efficient Compton Scattering Computed Tomography Based on a Thomson Scattering X-Ray Source

A Thomson scattering X-ray source can produce high-brightness X-rays characterized by quasi-monochromaticity, continuous energy tunability, and polarization controllability, making it an excellent light source for Compton scattering computed tomography (CSCT). In this chapter, a high-efficient imaging scheme of CSCT based on this type of light source is proposed, including the principle of Compton scattering improvement in CSCT. The implementation feasibility of this imaging modality will be demonstrated by Monte Carlo simulations. Finally, the influence of phantom attenuation, sampling strategy, and detector undersampling on the CSCT reconstruction will be discussed, and practical problems for CSCT based on this type of light source, concerning the imaging time, possible pulse pile-up problem, and radiation dose, will be analyzed.