What configuration is used in fourth generation CT scanners for the tube-detector arrangement?

In fourth generation CT scanners, the configuration used is known as the rotate-stationary arrangement. In this design, the X-ray tube rotates around the patient while the detectors remain stationary. This setup permits a wider detector array and contributes to improved image quality, as the stationary detectors can collect data from multiple angles as the tube rotates.

This configuration also allows for the use of a larger array of detectors, enhancing the ability to capture more data per rotation. This helps in reducing scan time and increasing the efficiency of image acquisition. The design minimizes issues related to motion artifacts, which can occur when the patient moves during the scanning process. The rotate-stationary configuration has laid the foundation for more advanced scanning techniques, improving diagnostic capabilities in medical imaging.