Compact x-ray microtomography system for element mapping and absorption imaging
- Institut fuer Strukturphysik, University of Technology Dresden, D-01062 Dresden (Germany)
We have designed and built a compact x-ray microtomography system to perform element mapping and absorption imaging by exploiting scanning fluorescence tomography and full-field transmission microtomography, respectively. It is based on a low power microfocus tube and is potentially appropriate for x-ray diagnostics in space. Full-field transmission tomography yields the three-dimensional inner structure of an object. Fluorescence microtomography provides the element distribution on a virtual section through the sample. Both techniques can be combined for appropriate samples. Microradiography as well as fluorescence mapping are also possible. For fluorescence microtomography a small and intensive microbeam is required. It is generated using a polycapillary optic. Operating the microfocus tube with a molybdenum target at 12 W, a microbeam with a full width at half maximum lateral extension of 16 {mu}m and a flux of about 10{sup 8} photons/s is generated. As an example of application, this beam is used to determine the element distribution inside dried plant samples. For full-field scanning tomography, the x-ray optic is removed and the sample is imaged in magnifying projection onto a two-dimensional position sensitive detector. Depending on the sample size, a spatial resolution down to about 10 {mu}m is possible in this mode. The method is demonstrated by three-dimensional imaging of a rat humerus.
- OSTI ID:
- 20953528
- Journal Information:
- Review of Scientific Instruments, Journal Name: Review of Scientific Instruments Journal Issue: 7 Vol. 78; ISSN 0034-6748; ISSN RSINAK
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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