Which type of CT scanner is characterized by a rotating tube and a stationary detector?

The type of CT scanner that is characterized by a rotating tube and a stationary detector is known as the fourth generation CT scanner. These systems typically consist of a ring of detectors that remain fixed while the x-ray tube rotates around the patient. This design allows for continuous data acquisition and improved image quality. The stationary nature of the detector assembly helps in reducing the amount of scatter radiation that the detectors would otherwise experience if they were moving as well. This setup enhances the efficiency of the scanning process, as it allows for faster rotations and improved spatial resolution in the resulting images.

Fourth generation scanners are particularly beneficial for certain applications where high-quality images are crucial, such as in angiography and advanced diagnostic imaging, due to their advanced hardware and sophisticated signal processing capabilities that contribute to a clearer representation of internal structures.