Penalized weighted least-squares as a metal streak artifacts removal technique in computed tomography

Assesses the applicability of single-energy (SE) and dual-energy (DE) penalized weighted-least squares (PWLS) methods in the removal of metal streak artifacts. For that purpose the authors conduct experiments with a phantom containing opaque regions. Their earlier studies on computer-generated sets of data showed that both SE PWLS and DE PWLS methods are superior to a standard FBP-based method. The authors are interested to what extent the good performance of both SE and DE PWLS methods is preserved when using experimental data. Of particular relevance is that neither scatter in the body nor the polychromaticity of the X-ray source were taken into account in the computer-generated sets of data