Charles E. Willis, Ph.D. 1984, University of Houston The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Department of Imaging Physics Contact Information

Research Interests:

• Computed radiography
• Digital radiography
• Direct digital radiography
• Storage phosphor radiography
• Stimulable phosphor radiography

The objective of my research is to optimize the clinical use of computed radiography (CR) and direct digital radiography (DR) for diagnostic radiology. These technologies allow digital acquisition of ordinary radiological examinations in sufficient quality and quantity to enable an all-digital radiology department. Because clinical practice with CR and DR has been relatively limited, there remain a number of questions concerning their use, including appropriate technical factors, optimal digital image processing, quality control tests and quality assurance indicators. This work also includes evaluation of whether phantoms properly test the performance of CR and DR systems. I am also interested in the study of CR and DR artifacts that appear in clinical images, and the correlation of these artifacts with errors in operation, performance, and configuration of CR and DR systems.

A tutorial under my direction will provide a student firsthand experience with the clinical practice of digital radiographic imaging. The student will learn to deal with practical problems in establishing and maintaining acceptable imaging performance from these technologies, and will gain an appreciation for factors that affect patient radiation dose in ordinary radiographic examinations.


Publications

Program Affiliations:

Program in Medical Physics