Modular high resolution X-ray computed tomography system
AssigneeArizona Board of Regents on behalf of Arizona State University
InventorsJames C. E. Mertens, Jason J. Williams, Nikhilesh Chawla
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A modular X-ray computed tomography (XCT) system having a higher degree of modularity provides experimental versatility and in situ capabilities. The modular XCT system includes interchangeable X-ray sources and detectors that allow for the XCT system to be readily adapted to different imaging tasks, such as those that may require different trade-offs between spatial resolution, exposure time, power, and other scanning parameters.
Claims20
A modular X-ray computed tomography system comprising:
- a base;
- an interchangeable X-ray source coupled to the base and configured to emit an X-ray beam towards a sample positioned in the modular X-ray computed tomography system, wherein the interchangeable X-ray source is one of a plurality of different X-ray sources configured to be interchangeably coupled to the base;
- a sample rotation stage coupled to the base and configured to receive a sample and to position the sample within a field-of-view of the interchangeable X-ray source;
- an X-ray detection system coupled to the base and comprising:
- at least one interchangeable X-ray detector configured to acquire data as X-rays impinge on the at least one interchangeable X-ray detector, wherein the at least one interchangeable X-ray detector is one of a plurality of different X-ray detectors configured to be interchangeably coupled to the X-ray detection system;
- a port configured to receive the at least one interchangeable X-ray detector;
- and
- at least one computing system in communication with the X-ray detection system and configured to receive the data from the X-ray detection system and to reconstruct an image of the sample from the data.
A method of image reconstruction using a modular X-ray computed tomography system, the method comprising:
- receiving a sample on a sample rotation stage coupled to a base;
- positioning the sample on the sample rotation stage within a field-of-view of an interchangeable X-ray source;
- emitting, from the interchangeable X-ray source, an X-ray beam towards a sample positioned in the modular X-ray computed tomography system, wherein the interchangeable X-ray source is one of a plurality of different X-ray sources configured to be interchangeably coupled to the base;
- acquiring data, using at least one interchangeable X-ray detector coupled to the base, as X-rays impinge on the at least one interchangeable X-ray detector, wherein the at least one interchangeable X-ray detector is one of a plurality of different X-ray detectors configured to be interchangeably coupled to a X-ray detection system;
- and
- receiving the using at least one computing system in communication with the X-ray detection system, from the X-ray detection system to reconstruct an image of the sample from the data.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.