Characterization of anti-scatter grids via a modulation transfer function improvement factor using an edge device

Abstract In optimizing the imaging conditions, changes in image quality due to scattered radiation are important evaluation targets. This study focuses on the evaluation of the image quality improvement characteristics obtained using anti-scatter grids in digital x-ray imaging, and proposes a frequency-dependent modulation transfer function (MTF) improvement factor, M I F G ( u ) , as a new evaluation index. Accordingly, the purpose of this study is to clarify the validity and the usefulness of this proposed index in the performance evaluation of grids. The proposed M I F G ( u ) method is applied to evaluate several types of grids with different grid densities and ratios, and the characteristics of grids exhibiting different performances are examined. The proposed index is calculated based on the MTF measurement by using an edge test device. The results show that M I F G ( u ) changed according to grid type and scatter conditions. In particular, a remarkable difference was observed in the high scatter condition compared with the low condition. M I F G ( u ) in the vertical direction with regards to the absorbing strips shows a peak at 0.2–0.5 cycles/mm and be a constant value from approximately 1 cycle/mm; while M I F G ( u ) in the parallel direction is a constant value with respect to changes in spatial frequency. It is shown that M I F G ( u ) could be used to accurately describe the characteristics of a grid under different imaging conditions. We believe that the use of the proposed index could expand the options for optimizing imaging conditions when using grids.