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The effects of compensator design on scatter distribution and magnitude: a Monte Carlo study

X-ray scatter has a significant impact on image quality in kV cone-beam CT (CBCT), its effects include: CT number inaccuracy, streak and cupping artifacts, and loss of contrast. Compensators provide a method for not only decreasing the magnitude of the scatter distribution, but also reducing the structure found in the scatter distribution. Recent Monte Carlo (MC) simulations examining X-ray scatter in CBCT projection images have shown that the scatter distribution in x-ray imaging contains structure largely induced by coherent scattering. In order to maximize the reduction of x-ray scatter induced artifacts a decrease in the magnitude and structure of the scatter distribution is sought through optimal compensator design. A flexible MC model that allows for separation of scattered and primary photons has been created to simulate the CBCT imaging process. The CBCT MC model is used to investigate the effectiveness of compensators in decreasing the magnitude and structure of the scatter distribution in CBCT projection images. The influence of the compensator designs on the scatter distribution are evaluated for different anatomy (abdomen, pelvis, and head and neck) and viewing angles using a voxelized anthropomorphic phantom. The effect of compensator material composition on the amount of contamination photons in an open field is also investigated.