The advancements in medical imaging technologies that have radically altered healthcare diagnostics in the past few decades include X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans, among others. They enable doctors to visualise the internal anatomy of the human body non-invasively. But have you ever considered the underlying physics and engineering that make these technologies possible? As Electrical and Electronics Engineering students, you’ll recognise the crucial role that concepts like electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields, and modern computations play in the physics of medical imaging.
In this blog, we’ll delve into the fascinating intersection of physics, engineering, and medicine, exploring how these principles are harnessed to create cutting-edge diagnostic tools. Let us examine the innovative technologies that are transforming healthcare.
The Role of Electromagnetic Rays in X-Ray Imaging
X-ray imaging, a cornerstone of medical diagnostics, relies on electromagnetic rays. Each ray in the light spectrum has a wavelength from 0.01 to 10 nanometres. These radiations penetrate body tissues to varying degrees based on density.
For instance, bones absorb more X-rays due to their high calcium content, appearing white on radiographs, while softer tissues absorb less, producing grey areas. The process involves emission through a tungsten target, where high-speed electrons decelerate to produce radiation.
The physics of medical imaging is crucial, especially in designing X-ray generator circuits, optimising tube voltage, and ensuring efficient image capture using digital detectors.
Quantum Mechanism in Magnetic Resonance Imaging
MRI leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to visualise internal body structures with exceptional clarity. This technique harnesses the quantum behaviour of hydrogen nuclei (protons) in our body, which naturally align with a powerful magnetic field. When a burst of radiofrequency energy jolts these protons, they jump to higher energy states—only to relax and send out signals that are transformed into the images we see.
Thanks to the physics of medical imaging, MRI scans now boast sharper resolution, quicker imaging, and even the ability to map brain activity in real time through functional MRI (fMRI).
Electrical Engineering behind CT Scan Technology
The power of a CT scan lies in its ability to create detailed cross-sectional images using advanced physics. At its core lies X-ray technology, where an X-ray tube emits a controlled beam of radiation that passes through the body.
Detectors on the opposite side capture the X-rays that have passed through, converting them into electrical signals. Complex algorithms then process these signals to generate high-resolution 3D images.
Electrical engineers continuously improve the precision of these systems by enhancing detector sensitivity, optimising the power of the X-ray source, and refining the software algorithms, leading to faster scans and more accurate diagnoses.
OmDayal Group of Institutions: Championing World-class Study of Modern Optics
We endorse the advancements in medical imaging physics that consistently push the boundaries of innovation and research. By providing students with cutting-edge resources, expert faculty, and hands-on experience, we are shaping the next generation of professional engineers, empowering them to lead and contribute to this field.
Sources:
- https://www.iaea.org/resources/hhc/medical-physics/radiology
- https://www.news-medical.net/health/The-Role-of-Physics-in-Medicine.aspx#:~:text=Magnetic%20resonance%20imaging%20(MRI)%20is,(signal)%20released%20from%20photons
- https://radiologybusiness.com/topics/medical-imaging/6-key-trends-medical-imaging-physics
