Open AccessAnalysis and interpretation of the first monochromatic X‐ray tomography data collected at the Australian Synchrotron Imaging and Medical beamline
Author(s) -
Stevenson Andrew W.,
Hall Christopher J.,
Mayo Sheridan C.,
Häusermann Daniel,
Maksimenko Anton,
Gureyev Timur E.,
Nesterets Yakov I.,
Wilkins Stephen W.,
Lewis Robert A.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of synchrotron radiation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.172
H-Index - 99
ISSN - 1600-5775
DOI - 10.1107/s0909049512023618
Subject(s) - beamline , monochromatic color , monochromator , synchrotron , wiggler , optics , tomography , imaging phantom , physics , synchrotron radiation , x ray , allowance (engineering) , hounsfield scale , medical physics , detector , medical imaging , beam (structure) , computed tomography , computer science , nuclear physics , wavelength , medicine , radiology , engineering , artificial intelligence , mechanical engineering , cathode ray , electron
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.