Development of a computed tomography equipment using a thick-GEM detector

• Grant number: 23/13993-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: March 01, 2024
• End date: August 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - Nuclear Physics
• Principal Investigator: Paulo Roberto Costa
• Grantee: Gustavo Freire Pereira da Silva
• Host Institution: Instituto de Física (IF). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 20/04867-2 - High energy physics and instrumentation with the LHC-CERN, AP.ESP

Abstract

The quantity of Computed Tomography (CT) scans performed in Brazil and worldwide has been increasing, given the capacity of this medical imaging modality to represent the internal structures of the human body quickly, efficiently, and non-invasively. The state of São Paulo possesses the highest number of CT equipment in Brazil, which makes evident the need for the development of studies involving this type of equipment in the region.The present project proposes the development of a benchtop X-ray tomograph for laboratory and educational use, employing innovative and state-of-the-art technologies, such as Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) acquisition techniques and data acquisition using photon counting detectors (PCCT). In addition to the mechanical system, an image reconstruction algorithm will be developed from raw detector data, based on the Python programming language (Python Software Foundation), along with a clear and intuitive user interface. For this proposal, thick-GEM detectors developed by the High Energy Physics and Instrumentation Center (HEPIC) of the Department of Nuclear Physics at the Institute of Physics of USP will be used. (AU)