Contributions to computed tomography

I would like to add a historical footnote the excellent article by John Boone and Cynthia McCollough in September 2021 issue of Physics Today (page 34). The origins computed tomography (CT) can be traced William Oldendorf’s pioneering work late 1950s 1960s. Oldendorf was professor neurology at UCLA School Medicine when he developed prototype an automated tomographic device which used his son’s electric train set, phonograph turntable, alarm clock motor, other household items. It first demonstration “a radiographic method producing cross-sectional images soft tissue back-projection reconstruction.”11. L. J. West, C. Mazziotta, A. Yuwiler, University California: In Memoriam, 1993, California Academic Senate (1993), p. 133.In 1961 breakthrough paper, laid out CT’s basic concept,22. W. H. Oldendorf, IRE Trans. Biomed. Electron. 8, 68 (1961). https://doi.org/10.1109/TBMEL.1961.4322854 Allan Cormack later develop its underlying mathematics. October 1963 received US patent for “radiant energy apparatus investigating selected areas interior objects obscured dense material.”33. “Radiant material,” Patent 3,106,640 (8 1963).The 1975 Albert Lasker Clinical Medical Research Award recognized importance contributions discoveries that enabled CT. He shared prize with Godfrey Hounsfield, who receive Nobel Prize Physiology or four years “the development computer assisted tomography.”Some have speculated on original announcement but removed last minute behest certain members Assembly Karolinska Institute, votes nominating committee’s recommendations. is possible some assembly felt inclusion clinician cheapen award, making it appear overly pragmatic thereby reducing prestige.44. Broad, Science 207, 37 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1126/science.6985744Oldendorf gave lecture shortly after made. it, reviewed earned him should made laureate. Everyone heard presentation day (myself included) came away convinced unjustly deprived pinnacle scientific recognition. Readers wanting learn more about their context consult book topic.55. Quest Image Brain: Computerized Tomography Perspective Past Future Imaging Methods, Raven Press (1980).ReferencesSection:ChooseTop pageReferences <<CITING ARTICLES1. 133. Google Scholar2. https://doi.org/10.1109/TBMEL.1961.4322854, ScholarCrossref3. 1963). Scholar4. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.6985744, ScholarCrossref5. Scholar© 2022 American Institute Physics.