Radiation detectors in medical and biological applications

Basic definitions of imaging theory are given and their importance for detector development is demonstrated. Developments in two-dimensional and scanning radiographic systems are discussed. The substantial progress in non-invasive coronary angiography with synchrotron radiation is presented together with a comparison of the performance of a gaseous and a silicon detector. Synchrotron radiation is also applied in mammography. New modalities making use of coherence are discussed. Non-radiative methods competing with X-ray systems are also presented. Detectors for nuclear medicine and biological structure research are briefly mentioned.