Inverse geometry CT: The next-generation CT architecture?

We present a new system architecture for X-ray computed tomography (CT). A multi-source inverse-geometry CT scanner is composed of a large distributed X-ray source with an array of discrete electron emitters and focal spots, and a high frame-rate flat-panel X-ray detector. In this work we study the advantages and the challenges of this new architecture. We predict potential breakthroughs in volumetric coverage, dose efficiency, and spatial resolution. We also present experimental results obtained with a universal benchtop system.