Prototyping DXA4A: first proof-of-concept for bone densitometry with Timepix detectors
Laura Antonia Cerbone
Scuola Superiore Meridionale, University of Naples Federico II
Abstract:
DXA4A is a compact Dual X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) scanner based on Timepix detectors, designed to enable in-flight assessment of bone density loss in astronauts due to skeletal deconditioning in microgravity. The system is conceived to be lightweight and portable, addressing the constraints of space missions.
Conventional DXA systems rely on dual acquisitions with tube voltage switching to obtain low- and high-energy images. In contrast, DXA4A exploits the spectral capabilities of Timepix detectors to generate energy-resolved images from a single acquisition, potentially simplifying the system design and reducing dose and acquisition time.
In this seminar, I will present the first proof-of-concept tests for bone densitometry performed with Timepix3 and Timepix4 detectors. The results demonstrate the feasibility of energy separation and quantitative measurements, representing a first step towards the development of the DXA4A scanner.
Seminar takes place on Tuesday, March 24th 2026 at 2:00 PM
in the IEAP meeting room, Praha 1, Husova 240/5.
| Ing. Bartoloměj Biskup, Ph.D. seminar chair |
doc. Ing. Ivan Štekl, CSc. director of IEAP |
doc. Dr. André Sopczak IEEE CS - NPSS chair |
NUCLEAR & PLASMA SCIENCES SOCIETY CHAPTER
IEEE Czechoslovakia section
https://www.ieee.cz/main/section/nps/