White Paper Reveals Key to Ultra-High-Resolution CT Imaging: Stable Ultra-Small Focal Spots 

Hamburg, 20th November 2025 – Dunlee, a leading innovator in imaging components manufacturing, has released a new white paper detailing how ultra-small and stable focal spots in X-ray tubes significantly enhance image quality in Ultra-High-Resolution CT (UHRCT) and Photon-Counting CT (PCCT) systems.


UHR and PCCT are fast developing imaging methods in the CT field and are highly recognized for applications where very fine details are relevant for diagnosis and treatment evaluation, like cardiac procedures, visualization of fine details in organs like the heart and lung or the differentiation of benign tissue from cancerous tumors.

Small Focal Spots Enable High Spatial Resolution

 

The paper discusses how UHRCT and PCCT systems benefit from small focal spots, noting that while conventional CT technology is focused on the detector as the determinant of spatial resolution, the X-ray source is a determining factor with UHRCT and PCCT technology. Enhanced spatial resolution has far-reaching applications in radiology, cardiology, neurology and oncology.“We are incredibly proud to be at the forefront of this fundamental change in CT imaging,” said Robert Bayerlein, Senior Product Manager CT Tubes at Dunlee. “Smaller focal spots enable visualization of finer details, which drives diagnostic confidence for multiple applications.” 

The white paper highlights:

 

  • The role of focal spot size and stability in determining CT spatial resolution.
  • The impact of power density and heat management on tube performance.
  • The clinical relevance of high-resolution imaging in detecting and characterizing disease.
  • Dunlee’s engineering solutions for balancing image quality, throughput, and tube longevity.

 

It also addresses the technical challenges associated with maintaining power density and thermal stability in X-ray tubes with reduced focal spot sizes. 

Dunlee pioneers tubes for evolving clinical and technical demands

 

To fully leverage the capabilities of high-resolution detectors, the performance of the X-ray tube is critical. Dunlee’s Xpert Bundles—featuring CT6000, CT6500, and CT8000 tubes—are designed to meet the demands of the latest CT technology. They offer a range of focal spot sizes, including extra-small options, while maintaining high power output and mechanical stability. These features enable modern UHRCT and PCCT systems to unlock their full potential across a wide range of clinical applications.The white paper reflects Dunlee’s ongoing commitment to supporting the development of high-performance CT systems through advanced tube technology. Dunlee X-ray tubes fully leverage the capabilities of high-resolution detectors, balancing focal spot size, power and thermal capability to propel CT systems into next generation performance.

If you would like to receive the White Paper or schedule an interview with a product expert, please contact Christina Meyer-Bland (christina.meyer-bland@philips.com).

About Dunlee

 

Dunlee has over 100 years’ experience in developing, producing and integrating innovative components for imaging systems. Serving the OEM market, Dunlee offers a comprehensive portfolio of reliable X-ray tubes, high voltage generators, detectors and product packages for CT, as well as solutions for interventional radiology, MRI and nuclear medicine. Dunlee also operates one of the world’s largest printer parks for additive manufacturing with tungsten. It offers support during development and throughout the product lifecycle, contributing to its customers’ efficient production and go-to-market strategies. Visit www.dunlee.com to learn more.

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About Dunlee

Dunlee is a brand of the Philips Company Group and distributes all products, solutions and services for the third-party imaging business. The product portfolio includes CT, MR and X-ray solutions for OEMs and 3D printed tungsten products.

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