Optical computed tomography liquid calibration phantom

Abstract

Fluorinated ethylene propylene tubing is investigated as a method of preparing a contrast-resolution phantom for quantitative characterization of optical CT scanners and hydrogel dosimeters. Two sizes of tubing were examined: 6 and 13 mm inner diameter with 0.75 and 0.5 mm wall thicknesses, respectively. Water solutions of carbon black, nanoparticles in micelles provided continuously adjustable absorption contrast. Cross-sectional slices from two phantoms scanned with two different optical CT scanners are presented. Reconstructions from these simple phantoms can be used to identify scanner artefacts and improve instrument design. These phantoms represent a more reproducible approach than casting "gel fingers" into gel phantoms for system characterization. The thinner walled tubes have fewer optical artefacts.