Analysis and interpretation of the first monochromatic X-ray tomography data collected at the Australian Synchrotron Imaging and Medical beamline.
The first monochromatic X-ray tomography experiments conducted at the Imaging and Medical beamline of the Australian Synchrotron are reported. The sample was a phantom comprising nylon line, Al wire and finer Cu wire twisted together. Data sets were collected at four different X-ray energies. In order to quantitatively account for the experimental values obtained for the Hounsfield (or CT) number, it was necessary to consider various issues including the point-spread function for the X-ray imaging system and harmonic contamination of the X-ray beam. The analysis and interpretation of the data includes detailed considerations of the resolution and efficiency of the CCD detector, calculations of the X-ray spectrum prior to monochromatization, allowance for the response of the double-crystal Si monochromator used (via X-ray dynamical theory), as well as a thorough assessment of the role of X-ray phase-contrast effects. Computer simulations relating to the tomography experiments also provide valuable insights into these important issues. It was found that a significant discrepancy between theory and experiment for the Cu wire could be largely resolved in terms of the effect of the point-spread function. The findings of this study are important in respect of any attempts to extract quantitative information from X-ray tomography data, across a wide range of disciplines, including materials and life sciences.
CSIRO, Materials Science and Engineering, Private Bag 33, Clayton South, Victoria 3169, Australia. andrew.stevenson@csiro.au
Andrew W
AW
Stevenson
Christopher J
CJ
Hall
Sheridan C
SC
Mayo
Daniel
D
Häusermann
Anton
A
Maksimenko
Timur E
TE
Gureyev
Yakov I
YI
Nesterets
Stephen W
SW
Wilkins
Robert A
RA
Lewis
D016477:Artifacts; D017356:Synchrotrons; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*