ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the applications of Photon counting detectors (PCDs), in the field of high-resolution imaging using ionizing radiation in lab-scale systems. The most common application is using the PCD as a detector for high-resolution x-ray radiography and tomography. The chapter is divided into several parts. First, the technology of PCDs is briefly described and available PCDs are introduced. It exhibits the basic information about the principles of x-ray radiography and tomography and a summary of state-of-the-art micro-CT system construction and technology. Then, the chapter discusses the important parameters of detectors, radiation sources, and image quality evaluation criteria. Finally, it addresses the applications of PCD technology in different fields of science. PCDs are built using two different processing technologies, either monolithic or hybrid pixel detectors. Hybrid pixel detectors are assembled from an independent sensor layer and readout chip. The use of a large area PCD offers all required properties —large field of view (FOV), high contrast, and high resolution.
