X-Ray tomography with anisotropic sourcesFor classical computed tomography (CT), especially for analytical CT, point-like radiation sources are necessary. The invention presented here, however, allows tomographic measurements using anisotropic radiation sources. Image reconstruction can be performed by means of an inverse 3D radon transform. One advantage of the new device is that significantly cheaper laboratory radiation sources can be used. Furthermore, the fluence of the source can be used completely. ChallengeThe achievable resolution for classical CT measurements is limited by the size of the radiation source. To obtain a high resolution, collimated and focused synchrotron radiation can be used. Unfortunately, this is expensive and neither flexible in terms of time nor location. The typical alternative is to use cheaper laboratory sources and to limit the size of the emitted radiation beams through collimating grids. However, this restriction of the beam reduces the usable source fluence. Consequently, the necessary measurement time increases and the singal-to-noise ratio deteriorates. Our SolutionGerbil cochlea. Left: Acquired X-ray projection, middle: re-projection of the reconstructed sample volume, right: Slice through the reconstructed sample volume. (Source: Malte Vassholz) The newly developed device for tomographic measurements comprises a sample holder that is designed to rotate the sample around two axis instead of only one axis as usual. Alternatively, one or both sample rotations can be replaced by a joined rotation of radiation source and detector. Hence, the dimensions of the radiation source can now be significantly larger in one direction lateral to the propagation direction than in the second lateral direction, without having a negative impact on the resolution. This anisotropy of the source is compensated by the rotation around two axes which enables different image reconstruction methods. For example the inverse 3D radon transform can be used instead of the 2D radon transform. Advantages
ApplicationsThe most promising field of application is the analytical tomography where this new method shows all its advantages. Furthermore, medical applications are possible. Development StatusThe method has been successfully implemented and the according device and sample holder have been constructed. Patent StatusGerman patent application: DE102015215323A1 Applicant: Georg-August-Universität Göttingen Stiftung Öffentlichen Rechts ReferencesTomography with extended sources: Theory, error estimates, and a reconstruction algorithm New X-Ray Tomography Method Based on the 3D Radon Transform Compatible with Anisotropic Sources ContactDr. Tilmann Götze |