Introduction:

Favored systems utilizing mechanical rotation, there are two recent aspects that are, approximately a twice as fast as their peers. These are the dual-source scanners that will be examined in more detail below(Schmidt & Flohr, 2020). It is reasonable to inquire how much quicker CT systems might become in the upcoming years. if ever? Dual-source technology, illustrated in Figure 2, can attain a significant discrete decrease in imaging duration by utilizing two x-ray sources and two detectors mounted on the gantry functioning concurrently. This minimizes the least rotation required to achieve the necessary projections that range from approximately 180° to half that amount, consequently decreasing the minimum scan duration for a specified gantry rotation speed, by a multiple of two(Schmidt & Flohr, 2020).

elements that are attached to the spinning frame, particularly on the x-ray tube. Illustration 3 illustrates the pattern of g-forces on the CT x-ray tube. There have been notable rises since around the mid-1990s. It is a remarkable feat of engineering to have parts on the gantry endure g-forces that approach forty times the Earth's gravitational pull(Schmidt & Flohr, 2020). It is also remarkable that the trend has not indicated any flattening, strongly implying that additional Further rises are probable(Lell & Kachelrieß, 2020). Because the centripetal force grows with the square of the rotational speed, additional rises in the tolerance to g forces will lead to a diminishing impact on the rotation time. However, decreases from the present minimum rotation duration of 0.25 s to 0.2 s or fewer results can be anticipated in the next ten years(Lell & Kachelrieß, 2020; Rajendran et al., 2022).

Higher temporal resolution in cardiac imaging aims to enhance clarity. Multi-cycle acquisitions improve resolution but have long exam times and high radiation doses(Smerat et al., 2025). Recent developments in reconstruction algorithms allow for motion estimation and correction, reducing blurring and artifacts, benefiting cardiac imaging significantly(Lossau et al., 2019).

In summary, the minimum rotation time of CT systems in this section on temporal resolution In the upcoming ten years, it could decline from the present levels of approximately 0.250 s to between 0.15 and 0.2 s(Lossau et al., 2019). This would result in minimal imaging durations of approximately 0.040 s in dual source systems and approximately 0.075 seconds in traditional single-source systems. Additional enhancements in efficiency Temporal resolution in cardiac imaging will be attainable through reconstruction techniques. algorithms that adjust for remaining movement(Lossau et al., 2019).

Detector technology

The spatial resolution of CT scanners is significantly influenced by the detector aperture, with substantial improvements observed over time, particularly in slice thickness(Sraheen et al., 2025). However, advances in in-plane detector resolution have plateaued since the mid-1980s due to the reliance on scintillator photo diode detectors(Sraheen et al., 2025). These detectors have approximately 90% geometric efficiency in one dimension but have limitations in improving resolution due to increased reflector area, which hinders dose efficiency. Enhancements in detector aperture could lead to improved limiting spatial resolution and detective quantum efficiency (DQE), especially at mid to high frequencies(McCollough et al., 2025; Sraheen et al., 2025). Noise, particularly electronic noise, also poses challenges, disproportionately affecting low signal levels, necessitating increased radiation doses or enhanced detector technology(McCollough et al., 2025; Rehani et al., 2025). Proposals for direct conversion photon counting detectors promise solutions, achieving better spatial resolution and avoiding geometric inefficiencies. These detectors eliminate electronic noise by counting individual photons and enabling spectral imaging without altering protocols(Ren et al., 2025). Nonetheless, technical challenges, such as handling high x-ray flux, remain, delaying their integration into mainstream CT systems, with an initial focus likely on specialized rather than general-purpose applications(Ren et al., 2025).

Volumetric coverage

CT systems, introduced in the late 1970s, initially faced limitations in volumetric coverage due to single-slice imaging and slow rates(Wei et al., 2024). However, the advent of helical scanning and multi-detector row technology revolutionized this, enabling faster, thin-slice volumetric imaging(Wei et al., 2024). Despite advantages like rapid whole-organ imaging, these advanced systems face drawbacks such as cone-beam artifacts, higher x-ray scatter, and cost, limiting their general-purpose use(Yoo et al., 2024).

Radiation dose, advanced reconstruction methods, and special purpose systems

Recent advancements in CT technology have significantly reduced radiation doses to patients through optimized imaging protocols, efficient x-ray beam collimation, and advanced reconstruction algorithms. Initial helical scanners faced issues like "helical over-dosing," where radiation exposure in extreme anatomical ranges was wasted(Smerat et al., 2025). New collimators prevent this by avoiding unnecessary radiation(Larson, 2024). Controlling x-ray flux enhances the precision of reconstructed images, with techniques like mA modulation and "bowtie filters" leading to improved dose efficiency(Arfat et al., 2024; Larson, 2024). Moreover, new architectures like Inverse Geometry CT and dynamic pre-patient attenuators offer personalized illumination patterns, potentially doubling efficiency(Sabiniewicz-Ziajka & Szarmach, 2024). Statistical and model-based iterative reconstruction methods have emerged, significantly enhancing image quality, especially under low-dose conditions(Szarmach et al., 2025). These non-linear reconstructions challenge traditional image quality metrics, requiring new evaluation standards. Furthermore, the market is shifting towards specialized CT systems, such as those for breast and orthopedic imaging, indicating a trend towards tailored applications.

Conclusion

Computed tomography (CT) has advanced significantly since the 1970s, improving image quality and becoming widespread in clinical medicine. Future developments include enhanced temporal resolution and iterative reconstruction methods, alongside finer x-ray detectors for better spatial resolution and lower radiation doses. Diverse CT systems will emerge, optimized for various clinical needs, leading to new applications in diagnosis.