X-ray imaging with amorphous silicon active matrix flat-panel imagers (AMFPIs)

Recent advances in thin-film electronics technology have opened the way for the use of flat-panel imagers in a number of medical imaging applications. These novel imagers offer real time digital readout capabilities (∼30 frames per second), radiation hardness (>106 cGy), large area (30×40 cm2) and compactness (∼1 cm). Such qualities make them strong candidates for the replacement of conventional x-ray imaging technologies such as film-screen and image intensifier systems. In this report, qualities and potential of amorphous silicon based active matrix flat-panel imagers are outlined for various applications such as radiation therapy, radiography, fluoroscopy and mammography.