Compton scattering is a dominant interaction during radiography and computed tomography x-ray imaging. However,
the scattered photons are not used for extracting imaging information, but seriously degrade image quality. Here we
introduce a new scheme that overcomes most of the problems associated with existing Compton scattering imaging
schemes and allows Compton scattered photons to be effectively used for imaging. In our scheme, referred as Compton
coincidence volumetric imaging (CCVI), a collimated monoenergetic x-ray beam is directed onto a thin semiconductor
detector. A small portion of the photons is Compton scattered by the detector and their energy loss is detected. Some of
the scattered photons intersect the imaging object, where they are Compton scattered a second time. The finally scattered
photons are recorded by an areal energy resolving detector panel around the object. The two detectors work in
coincidence mode. CCVI images the spatial electron density distribution in the imaging object. Similar to PET imaging,
the event location can be located within a curve; therefore the imaging reconstruction algorithms are also similar to those
of PET. Two statistical iterative imaging reconstruction algorithms are tested. Our study verifies the feasibility of CCVI
in imaging acquisition and reconstruction. Various aspects of CCVI are discussed. If successfully implemented, it will
offer a great potential for imaging dose reduction compared with x-ray CT. Furthermore, a CCVI modality will have no
moving parts, which potentially offers cost reduction and faster imaging speed.
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