X-Ray Excited Fluorescent Materials for Medical Application

X-ray fluorescence (XF) and X-ray luminescence (XL) are X-ray stimulated processes which can be exploited for medical imaging. In recent years, the computed tomography (XFCT and XLCT) imaging of these processes has attracted much attention especially in the field of radiation therapy. These imaging modalities have potentials to offer additional functional information from the patient during exposure to X-rays for position alignment before the radiation treatment. More recently, these new techniques have been further studied in Monte Carlo simulations and benchtop experiments to characterize and optimize different imaging configurations. This chapter summarizes recent instrumentational developments in X-ray excited imaging; discusses their attributes, advantages, and drawbacks; and describes specifications and applications of various contrast agents for XF- and XLCT. The feasibility of the modalities for future clinical applications will be also highlighted.