Dual-Energy Subtraction Efficiency: Development of an Objective Quality Metric for Tissue-Subtraction Radiography

Abstract: We propose a new objective numerical figure of merit to aid in the evaluation and comparison of tissue-selective images generated from dual-energy radiography systems. A metric is developed through identification of the requirements of a successful objective metric and analyzed in a variety of scenarios. The proposed Dual-Energy Subtraction Efficiency (DSE) metric adequately describes a multitude of image properties for all simulated image scenarios, indicating its ability to accurately and objectively describe image quality. The DSE and its measurement method described can become a tool to characterize dual-energy radiographic image quality objectively and quantitatively, allowing for improved system comparison, development, and optimization.