PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Miracle, A.C. AU - Mukherji, S.K. TI - Conebeam CT of the Head and Neck, Part 1: Physical Principles AID - 10.3174/ajnr.A1653 DP - 2009 Jun 01 TA - American Journal of Neuroradiology PG - 1088--1095 VI - 30 IP - 6 4099 - http://www.ajnr.org/content/30/6/1088.short 4100 - http://www.ajnr.org/content/30/6/1088.full SO - Am. J. Neuroradiol.2009 Jun 01; 30 AB - SUMMARY:Conebeam x-ray CT (CBCT) is a developing imaging technique designed to provide relatively low-dose high-spatial-resolution visualization of high-contrast structures in the head and neck and other anatomic areas. This first installment in a 2-part review will address the physical principles underlying CBCT imaging as it is used in dedicated head and neck scanners. Concepts related to CBCT acquisition geometry, flat panel detection, and image quality will be explored in detail. Particular emphasis will be placed on technical limitations to low-contrast detectability and radiation dose. Proposed methods of x-ray scatter reduction will also be discussed.