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Key Visual Siemens Healthineers Quantum Technology showirng the face of a middle-aged women, next to the abstract visualization of a photon-counting detector with its precise pulses

NAEOTOM Alpha with Quantum TechnologyThe world's first photon-counting CT

NAEOTOM Alpha with Quantum Technology is the first photon-counting CT in clinical use, awarded the iF Design Award 2022 and reddot award 2022.

In 2021, NAEOTOM Alpha® with Quantum Technology was the first photon-counting CT in clinical use. And now, the next generation has arrived: NAEOTOM® Alpha.Peak debuts with the proven technology of the original as the pinnacle of the NAEOTOM Alpha class. Explore the evolution. 

NAEOTOM Alpha with Quantum Technology, the world's first photon-counting CT, marked the beginning of the photon-counting CT era. Its never-seen before technology is designed to guide therapeutic and clinical decision-making for more patients.

NAEOTOM Alpha.Prime, NAEOTOM Alpha.Pro and NAEOTOM ALpha.Peak are pending 510(k) clearance and are not yet commercially available in the United States and other regions.

Abstract cross-section of the QuantaMax detector: X-ray photons that are converted to an electrical charge by the crystal semi-conductor.

What is photon-counting CT?

At the heart of NAEOTOM Alpha® is a radically new photon-counting detector. The QuantaMax detector directly converts X-rays into an electrical signal, which is then used to create an image. The energy of each X-ray is measured, so spectral information is available for every scan, and the images are contrast-rich with high spatial resolution at the same dose. Combining the high spatial resolution of the QuantaMax photon-counting detector with our Dual Source temporal resolution enables the visualization of fine details for increased diagnostic confidence. 

Features & Benefits

Clinical performance

The implementation of Quantum Technology in a clinical routine CT scanner enables clinical breakthroughs not achievable with conventional CT technology and provides high diagnostic confidence to guide therapeutic decision-making.

Quantum HD 

Visualize striking anatomical details with Quantum HD in high resolution at a slice thickness of 0.2 mm to increase diagnostic confidence without compromising the dose efficiency of the scan.

This high-resolution cardiac image shows small details in coronary CTA and is an example of the advanced CT imaging techniques.

Quantum HD Cardiac

Cardiac scans are possible with a slice thickness down to 0.2 mm. Combined with a remarkable temporal resolution of 66 ms and full dose efficiency, scans now reveal impressive coronary vessel details.

Axial clinical image of an abdomen shows a spectral multiphasic liver, acquired with a 70 keV monoenergetic and iodine map CTDIvol : 9.24 mGy.

Quantum Spectral Imaging

Obtain spectral maps with each and every scan, regardless of scan speed, field-of-view or resolution. This enables precise functional evaluation without compromise.

Illustration of the Quantum Iterative Reconstruction. The scanner on the left: two iterative reconstruction circles in the middle: a big one for high energy data stream, a small one for low energy data stream. The result on the right: an optimal clinical image with reduced noise levels.

Quantum Iterative Reconstruction

Ensure optimal image quality and reduced noise levels with model-based iterative reconstructions of spectral data with full synchronization between high and low energy data streams.

Quantum PURE Lumen 

Spectral reconstructions are now possible for coronary vessels at full temporal resolution. Virtually remove calcifications from CTA exams for a confident evaluation of vessel lumen, unimpaired by blooming artifacts.1

Key technologies


NAEOTOM Alpha with Quantum Technology is the reinvention of computed tomography and offers a radically new way of generating clinical results. It incorporates innovative technologies designed to overcome the limitations of conventional CT scanners.

Close-up of sensor boards in the production mount

Precision QuantaMax detectors 

QuantaMax, the first photon-counting detector, overcomes the limitations of conventional CT detectors by providing data at high spatial resolution, without electronic noise and with improved contrast-to-noise ratio.

Image of a full Vectron X-ray tube

Full Vectron X-ray power 

Vectron X-ray tube enables high image quality, even for patients with high BMI. The microfocal spot (0.4 mm x 0.5 mm) allows to utilize the high spatial resolution of the QuantaMax detectors.

3D visualization of the two tubes and two detectors of a Dual Source CT scanner

Unmatched Dual Source speed 

The unique Dual Source technology enables a native temporal resolution of 66 ms and a scan speed of up to 74 cm/sec – mastering even the most challenging imaging tasks.

User experience  


NAEOTOM Alpha was developed with clinical users in mind. The system supports and guides users throughout the scan, while AI-enabled solutions help radiologists when reading cases.

NAEOTOM Alpha was developed with clinical users in mind. The system supports and guides users throughout the scan, while AI-enabled solutions help radiologists when reading cases.

myExam Companion  

myExam Companion supports efficient scanner operation, consistent results and personalized patient care. It is suitable for users of all skill levels working across different patient groups and sites with varying throughput levels. 

A technician controls a CT scan using a tablet and GO technologies.

Automated GO technologies  

Accessible via tablet or workstation, GO technologies are a set of technologies that standardize and simplify all departmental processes – from patient setup to image distribution, archiving, and reading.

Image of a FAST 3D Camera, which standardizes isocentric patient positioning by capturing the patient’s shape, position, and height in 3D.

FAST 3D Camera

The FAST 3D Camera offers standardized isocentric patient positioning by capturing the patient’s shape, position, and height in three dimensions, enabling the optimization of organ dose and improving image quality.

As a radiographer, the new way of setting up the protocols and to be able to use the different features of NAEOTOM Alpha has the biggest impact.2
Marcel Dijkshoorn
CT Radiographer/Technologist,
Erasmus Medical Center,
Rotterdam, The Netherland


Patient experience

NAEOTOM Alpha also offers improvements for patients with unprecedented levels of comfort and support.

Image of the front of a NAEOTOM Alpha scanner. A patient being placed into the large 82 cm bore has plenty of space.

Large 82 cm bore

The additional space of the 82 cm bore eases interventional procedures and facilitates the positioning of patients with reduced mobility, enhancing patient comfort and helping them relax. 

Image of the NAEOTOM Alpha and its multipurpose patient table in the lowest position: The table can go as low as 38 cm for easier patient access.

Multipurpose table

The multipurpose tabletop moves independently from the base, allowing easy access to patients inside the gantry. The table can go as low as 38 cm for easier patient access.

Technician shows the patient where the patient’s instructions are displayed during the scan, e.g., a countdown helps the patient hold their breath for a short time.

Visual patient instruction

Visual patient instruction eases the scanning procedure for hearing-impaired patients. The intuitive graphical countdown helps patients comply with breath-hold times.

Technical Details

    Tube & detector
    Resolution & performance
    Power & speed

    X-ray tubes

    2 x Vectron X-ray tubes

    Detector

    2 x QuantaMax photon-counting CT detectors

    Max. number of acquired slices

    2 x 144 slices

    Max. number of reconstructed slices

    2 x 288 slices

    mA

    Up to 1300 mA

    Temporal resolution

    Down to 66 ms

    kV

    70, 90, 120, 140 kV
    Sn100, Sn140 kV

    z-coverage

    144 x 0.4 mm
    120 x 0.2 mm (Quantum HD)

    Spatial resolution

    0.11 mm (in-plane) in Quantum HD    

    Power

    2 x 120 kW

    Table load

    Up to 307 kg

    Speed

    Up to 737 mm/s (with Turbo Flash)

    NAEOTOM Alpha.Prime, NAEOTOM Alpha.Pro and NAEOTOM ALpha.Peak are pending 510(k) clearance and are not yet commercially available in the United States and other regions.
    The products/features (mentioned herein) are not commercially available in all countries. Their future availability cannot be guaranteed.
    1
    Quantum PURE Lumen (Vascular Calcium Removal (VCR)) can be used to measure vessel (e.g., coronary) stenoses by removing the contributions of calcium from images, based on a phantom evaluation (Allmendinger T. et al., 2022, Investigative Radiology). 
    2
    The statements by Siemens Healthineers customers described herein are based on results that were achieved in the customer’s unique setting. Because there is no “typical” hospital and many variables exist, (e.g., hospital size, samples mix, case mix) there can be no guarantee that other customers will achieve the same results.