[Paper Review] Development of a cost-effective X-ray imaging device based on Raspberry Pi Camera

N. Ton, N. T. Luan+6 more|arXiv (Cornell University)|Feb 24, 2026

Digital Radiography and Breast Imaging0 citations

TL;DR

The paper reports a portable X-ray imaging device built from a Raspberry Pi camera using a Gd2O2S:Tb scintillator, achieving clinical-grade spatial resolution (MTF20 up to 68 lp/mm in ambient light and 25 lp/mm under X-ray exposure) and demonstrated with multiple screens for modularity.

ABSTRACT

This study reports the development and characterization of a cost-effective X-ray imaging device built from Raspberry Pi components, including a high-quality 12.3-megapixel camera configured for indirect detection with a Gd2O2S: Tb scintillation screen. The device was evaluated under both ambient light and X-ray exposure conditions. Initial characterization under ambient light ensured proper optical focusing; subsequently, camera settings (ISO and exposure time) were evaluated and optimized for X-ray imaging performance. Spatial resolution of the developed device was quantified using the Slanted-Edge method to derive the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF). The device achieves MTF20 values of 68 lp/mm under ambient light and 25 lp/mm under X-ray irradiation (50 and 70 kV) with Gd2O2S:Tb screen. Besides, the modularity of the developed device was confirmed by conducting the tests with LYSO:Ce and GAGG:Ce screens. Results demonstrate that this compact, cost-effective platform delivers spatial resolution comparable to clinical radiography systems, with potential applications in scientific, educational, and medical contexts where cost and portability are critical factors.

Motivation & Objective

• Develop a compact, cost-effective X-ray imaging system based on a Raspberry Pi camera.
• Evaluate optical focusing and camera settings to optimize X-ray imaging performance.
• Characterize spatial resolution and modularity with different scintillation screens.
• Demonstrate the device under ambient and X-ray irradiation conditions.
• Assess potential applications in education, science, and medicine where portability matters.

Proposed method

• Assemble a high-quality 12.3-megapixel Raspberry Pi camera configured for indirect X-ray detection.
• Use a Gd2O2S:Tb scintillation screen for indirect X-ray conversion.
• Characterize focusing under ambient light to establish baseline optics.
• Optimize camera parameters (ISO, exposure time) for X-ray imaging performance.
• Quantify spatial resolution with the Slanted-Edge method to derive the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF).
• Test device with alternative screens (LYSO:Ce, GAGG:Ce) to confirm modularity.

Experimental results

Research questions

• RQ1 Can a Raspberry Pi camera-based system achieve clinically relevant spatial resolution for X-ray imaging under portable, low-cost conditions?
• RQ2 What camera settings optimize X-ray imaging performance with a scintillation screen?
• RQ3 How does the system perform with different scintillation screens in terms of resolution and modularity?
• RQ4 Is the device suitable for education, science, and medical contexts where portability is critical?

Key findings

• MTF20 values of 68 lp/mm under ambient light.
• MTF20 values of 25 lp/mm under X-ray irradiation at 50 and 70 kV.
• System demonstrates low-noise performance and modular compatibility with LYSO:Ce and GAGG:Ce screens.
• Spatial resolution achieved is comparable to clinical radiography systems within the tested scope.
• A high-quality 12.3 MP Raspberry Pi camera can be used for indirect X-ray imaging with simple, portable hardware.