Multiplexed computed tomography x-ray imaging

A method for producing an x-ray image using an x-ray detection system that includes a plurality of x-ray sources and a plurality of detectors, the method comprising:

• determining, based on a total energy budget and a fidelity parameter associated with reconstructed x-ray images, a number of exposures, and a number, a position, and an output energy level associated with each x-ray source in two or more groups of x-ray sources, each group comprising at least two x-ray sources that are configured to turn on simultaneously to form a single exposure;
• (a) illuminating an object by simultaneously turning on the x-ray sources in a first group of x-ray sources to provide a first exposure;
• (b) detecting, at one or more of the detectors, x-ray radiation associated with the first exposure after illumination of the object;
• (c) repeating operations (a) and (b) for a second and any additional groups of x-ray sources to detect radiation associated with a second and any additional exposures until the number of exposures are exhausted;
• and
• constructing an image of the object based on information obtained at the plurality of detectors from detections of the first, the second and the additional exposures.