Development of single frame X-ray framing camera for pulsed plasma experiments

A single-frame X-ray framing camera has been set up for fast imaging of X-ray emissions from pulsed plasma sources. It consists of two parts, viz. an X-ray pin-hole camera using an open-ended microchannel plate (MCP) detector coupled to a CCD camera, and a high voltage short duration gate pulse for the MCP. The camera uses a 10-Μm pin-hole aperture for imaging on the MCP detector with a magnification of 6 X. The high voltage pulser circuit generates a pulse of variable duration from 5 to 30 ns (at 70% of peak amplitude) with variable amplitude from 800 V to 1.25 kV, and is triggered through a laser pulse synchronized with the event to be recorded. The performance of the system has been checked by recording X-ray emission from a laser-produced copper plasma. A reduction factor of ∼ 6.5 is seen in the dark current contribution as the MCP gate pulse is decreased from 250Μs to 5 ns duration.     

同步辐射与分析测试

本文介绍一种大科学装置——同步辐射装置。这是一种数百人可同时在其上进行不同的科学技术实验的设备，其可达到的水平比实验室的极限水平高许多，从某些角度代表了国家的科学和技术水平。本文扼要介绍了同步辐射的特性，同步辐射装置的构造及一些主要的分析测试技术，如：X射线吸收精细结构光谱，X射线散射，高分辨X射线衍射，能量色散与时间分辨技术，聚集与微分析，成像与显微放大，综合测试原位测试及作铯对标定等。     

Development of a lab-scale,high-resolution,tube-generated X-ray computed-tomography system for three-dimensional (3D) materials characterization

The design and construction of a modular high resolution X-ray computed tomography (XCT) system is highlighted in this paper. The design approach is detailed for meeting a specified set of instrument performance goals tailored towards experimental versatility and high resolution imaging. The XCT tool is unique in the detector and X-ray source design configuration, enabling control in the balance between detection efficiency and spatial resolution. The system package is also unique: The sample manipulation approach implemented enables a wide gamut of in situ experimentation to analyze structure evolution under applied stimulus, by optimizing scan conditions through a high degree of controllability. The component selection and design process is detailed: Incorporated components are specified, custom designs are shared, and the approach for their integration into a fully functional XCT scanner is provided. Custom designs discussed include the dual-target X-ray source cradle which maintains position and trajectory of the beam between the two X-ray target configurations with respect to a scintillator mounting and positioning assembly and the imaging sensor, as well as a novel large-format X-ray detector with enhanced adaptability. The instrument is discussed from an operational point of view, including the details of data acquisition and processing implemented for 3D imaging via micro-CT. The performance of the instrument is demonstrated on a silica-glass particle/hydroxyl-terminated-polybutadiene (HTPB) matrix binder PBX simulant. Post-scan data processing, specifically segmentation of the sample's relevant microstructure from the 3D reconstruction, is provided to demonstrate the utility of the instrument.     

Hard-X-ray dark-field imaging using a grating interferometer

Imaging with visible light today uses numerous contrast mechanisms, including bright- and dark-field contrast, phase-contrast schemes and confocal and fluorescence-based methods. X-ray imaging, on the other hand, has only recently seen the development of an analogous variety of contrast modalities. Although X-ray phase-contrast imaging could successfully be implemented at a relatively early stage with several techniques, dark-field imaging, or more generally scattering-based imaging, with hard X-rays and good signal-to-noise ratio, in practice still remains a challenging task even at highly brilliant synchrotron sources. In this letter, we report a new approach on the basis of a grating interferometer that can efficiently yield dark-field scatter images of high quality, even with conventional X-ray tube sources. Because the image contrast is formed through the mechanism of small-angle scattering, it provides complementary and otherwise inaccessible structural information about the specimen at the micrometre and submicrometre length scale. Our approach is fully compatible with conventional transmission radiography and a recently developed hard-X-ray phase-contrast imaging scheme. Applications to X-ray medical imaging, industrial non-destructive testing and security screening are discussed.     

An experimental method for ripple minimization in transmission data for industrial X-ray computed tomography imaging system

Industrial Computed Tomographic (ICT) imaging systems based on X-rays require a high stability source. This emanates from the fact that in a computed tomographic imaging system, statistical variation inherent in the penetrating radiation used to probe the specimen, electronic noise generated in the detection system and reconstruction errors play an important role in the overall quality of the image. A conventional industrial X-ray machine used for routine radiography work is not suitable for tomographic imaging applications because of its output dose variations. In this paper, an experiment is described to utilise a general-purpose 160 kV constant potential industrial X-ray machine with significant ripple in its output beam, in an experimental Computed Industrial Tomographic Imaging System (CITIS) developed at Isotope Applications Division of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre. Studies carried out include the analysis of temporal profile of X-ray beam intensity and online averaging of detected signals for the minimization of periodic ripple, which mainly showed up, at the power line frequency. A tomographic image of a typical specimen, reconstructed with the processed projection data is analysed. It was observed that the mean value of reconstructed linear absorption coefficients and standard deviation computed over a window within a constant density region of the object were stable     

基于MCNP的X光机模拟及足跟效应修正

为修正X射线管的足跟效应,根据常用的X射线管参数,基于MCNP建立了X光机仿真模型,模仿光机成像系统增感屏,建立了169个像素的探测器阵列,并利用该阵列探究了X射线管的足跟效应现象,采用多项式拟合分段修正的方法设计了足跟效应过滤片HEF,对足跟效应照度过高的区域进行匀整修正。通过平面过滤片与HEF的通量分布对比,发现HEF成功地将阴阳极轴线方向-12°至19°的范围修正到无过滤片时强度的60%,该区域通量的最大相对误差小于3%,实现较大匀整面积。通过模拟成像对比分析发现,经过HEF修正后的X光机,大大提高了物体分辨的能力。所提出的对特定X光管参数和成像阵列面足跟效应的修正方法具有一定的实用性与可推广性,对X光机的设计和使用具有一定的参考价值。     

基于CZT探测器的双能X线骨密度测量技术

提出了一种应用碲锌镉(CdZnTe或CZT)晶体探测器的骨矿密度测量方法。该方法通过对被测对象的定位,X射线扫描,应用CZT晶阵对被骨组织吸收、衰减后的双能X射线进行测量。测量信号经分级处理后,实现了骨矿密度定量测量和成像。实验结果表明,CZT探测器具有良好的工作性能,系统测量具有快速,高精度,高空间分辨率等特点。     

一种基于X射线成像系统医疗设备技术的研究

G形臂X射线成像系统(以下简称"G形臂")集移动性G形臂与X线成像系统于一身,是一种基于X射线成像系统的新医疗设备技术,填补了国内同类产品空白,顺应我国战略新兴产业发展方向。G形臂相较于传统C形臂X射线成像系统,因其独特的设计、工艺、创新,应用于手术,具有精度高、风险相对低、手术时间短、出血少、麻醉需求量少、感染发生机率较低等优点,具有不可比拟的临床优势。     

X-Ray Detection Using a Two-Transistor Active Pixel Sensor Array Coupled to an a-Se X-Ray Photoconductor

A direct-conversion X-ray sensor array using amorphous silicon (a-Si) thin-film transistor (TFT) based active pixel sensor (APS) readout circuit coupled with a stabilized amorphous selenium (a-Se) photoconductor for large-area digital imaging applications is presented. The pixel readout circuit employs a novel two-transistor (2T) active/passive pixel architecture that enables a compact pixel circuit for high-resolution sensor arrays with high large-area fabrication reliability. The X-ray detector consists of an in-house fabricated 150 $mu$m pixel pitch 2-TFT pixel coated with an 80 $mu$m thick a-Se photoconductor. A detector dark current of 110 pA/cm$^{2}$ at 10 V/$mu$ m electric field, and a controllable pixel conversion gain up to 8.4 nA/mR with a quantum efficiency of 60% was measured. Capabilities such as voltage programmable gain and dynamic range control, as well as nondestructive readout during X-ray exposure are demonstrated. The detector in this work represents a highly promising technology for high-resolution X-ray digital imaging, adaptable to a wide range of applications owing to its gain and dynamic range programmability.      

Secondary radiation in transmission-type X-ray tubes: Simulation, practical issues and solution in the context of X-ray microtomography

In laboratory-based X-ray radiography and computed tomography, the X-rays are assumed to originate from one single focal spot with a finite spot size, which is generated by focussing accelerated electrons on the target material. However, apart from this focal spot, X-rays can also be produced elsewhere in the tube system. A major contribution of this parasitic radiation originates from electrons that are backscattered from the target material, into the X-ray tube system, where they can produce so-called off-focus or secondary X-rays. This phenomenon has been widely studied for rotating anode X-ray tubes in medical imaging systems, but not for transmission-type microfocus X-ray tubes. This paper presents a study on the origin of secondary radiation in this kind of X-ray tubes, which is performed by Monte Carlo simulations and by experimental measurements. The impact of this phenomenon on the imaging process is studied, and two correction methods are proposed, both on the hardware and on the software levels.     

Current advances and future trends in X-ray digital detectors formedical applications

Despite the progress made in imaging modalities based on nonionizing radiation such as ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, X-ray is still the primary imaging method in most radiology departments. In recent years, digital electronics and manufacturing methods have led to many approaches for the design and construction of X-ray detectors. The ideal medical X-ray system is a digital, flat-panel able to perform all current radiological modalities at reduced dose. It would, immediately after the patient's X-ray exposure, provide a high quality radiograph on a video monitor. It would also be usable for real-time imaging (e.g., digital cine loops and fluoroscopy). The physical form would be similar to a film/screen cassette (except for the addition of an umbilical cord) which could easily fit into the Bucky tray of existing X-ray rooms. There are two main approaches both based on active matrix technology developed for lap-top displays. The first, called the direct method employs a photoconductive layer of amorphous selenium (a-Se) to detect X-rays. The charge image formed on the surface of the a-Se is digitally read out in situ using a two-dimensional array of thin-film transistors (TFT's), i.e., an active matrix. The second flat panel method is called the indirect method and uses an active matrix to readout a phosphor layer. Phosphors give off light on interaction with X-rays and this is sensed by photo diodes on the active matrix. The relative practicality of the direct and indirect active matrix readout systems is an area of current investigation     

包含光源面积的整体相位衬度调制传递函数

在部分相干光学理论的基础上,建立了一个整体相位衬度调制传递函数理论模型,模型中包含了光源焦点面积大小对X线相衬成像系统相位调制的影响,并通过数值模拟和数据计算,提出了X线相衬成像系统对光源焦点面积的选择原则,和焦点面积确定条件下的成像参数优化方法,结果表明,这种包含X线光源面积因素的相位衬度调制传递函数模型,更能反映整个系统的光学成像性能,更能有利于成像参数的优化设计。     

便携式 X-射线透视仪图像非均匀性分析及校正

从射线场强度的非均匀性、转换屏响应不一致性和 CCD 相机像元光电响应不一致性三方面对便携式X射线透视仪图像非均匀性的产生机理进行了理论分析. 并在此基础上建立了透视仪每个像元通道光电响应的数学模型. 基于该模型,提出了一种多点线性拟合校正算法. 给出了应用本方法校正前后的图像结果及标准差对比情况. 本方法已应用于便携式安检排爆 X-射线检测系统.     

Simulation of high-resolution X-ray microscopic images for improved alignment

The introduction of precision optical elements to X-ray microscopes necessitates fine realignment to achieve optimal high-resolution imaging. In this paper, we demonstrate a numerical method for simulating image formation that facilitates alignment of the source, condenser, objective lens, and CCD camera. This algorithm, based on ray-tracing and Rayleigh-Sommerfeld diffraction theory, is applied to simulate the X-ray microscope beamline U7A of National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory (NSRL). The simulations and imaging experiments show that the algorithm is useful for guiding experimental adjustments. Our alignment simulation method is an essential tool for the transmission X-ray microscope (TXM) with optical elements and may also be useful for the alignment of optical components in other modes of microscopy.     

Simulated performance of a single pixel PIN spectrometer SCXM equipped with a concentrator optics in Solar coronal X-ray observations

In this paper we present simulated solar coronal X-ray observations to verify the sensitivity of a new hypothetical instrument design. These simulations are folded through this X-ray spectrometer having a moderate size circular field of view (FoV) of 1.6°. This SCXM (Solar Coronal X-ray Mapper) is designed to compose of a single pixel silicon PIN detector equipped with a single reflection double frustum X-ray optics. A moderate FoV would enable a morphological study of the expanded X-ray emission from the solar corona during a high activity of the Sun. The main scientific task of SCXM would be the mapping of the coronal X-ray emission, i.e. to resolve the radial distribution of the X-ray surface brightness around the Sun. These kinds of off-limb observations would help to interpret the coronal plasma diagnostics as a function of the elongation angle.Direct solar full disc observations could be also performed with SCXM. In this work we have applied real solar coronal X-ray data obtained by the SMART-1 XSM (X-ray Solar Monitor) [3] to simulate on-solar observations at different flux levels to derive full disc sensitivity and performance of SCXM.A challenging attempt for SCXM would also be to distinguish the X-ray spectrum of the decaying axions around the Sun. These axions are assumed to be created as side products of fusion reactions in the core of the Sun. These axions are predicted to be gravitationally trapped to orbit the Sun forming a halo-like X-ray emitting object. No signature of an axion X-ray emission around the Sun has been observed to this day.This simple X-ray spectrometer with an optical concentrator would be an inexpensive instrument with low mass and telemetry budgets compared with more accurate X-ray instruments of imaging capability. Hence SCXM would be an advanced choice as an auxiliary instrument for solar coronal X-ray observations.     

Micro-X: Mission Overview and Science Goals

Micro-X, the High-Resolution Microcalorimeter X-ray Imaging Rocket, is a sounding rocket space telescope that will combine a transition-edge-sensor (TES) X-ray microcalorimeter array with a conical imaging mirror to obtain high spectral resolution images of extended and point X-ray sources. Microcalorimeters measure the energy of an absorbed photon by sensing the increase in temperature of the sensor from the thermalization of the absorbed photon’s energy. The advantages and scientific promise of this technology have fueled active development for the past 20 years. We will leverage this development and take the next step by producing a flight-qualified system that will serve as a pathfinder for future missions. Our scientific program will initially focus on extended sources, for which our high-spectral-resolution observations have distinct advantages over other technologies. For our initial flight, we will observe the bright eastern knot in the Puppis A remnant, a site of complex cloud-shock interactions and ejecta enrichment. A Micro-X observation of the bright eastern knot of Puppis A will obtain a line-dominated spectrum with 90,000 counts collected in 300 seconds at 2 eV resolution across the 0.3–2.5 keV band.      

X射线数字成像系统及其应用

X射线数字成像技术具有一些引进胶片成像技术所不具备的特点,本文介绍了几种X射线数字成像系统的技术特点和主要性能指标,并就其综合性能进行了比较;介绍了两种常见的X射线数字成像系统的应用情况;对X射线数字成像技术的发展方向作了简述。     

Low-temperature detectors in X-ray astronomy

The most compelling nature of X-ray astronomy is its richness and scale. Almost every observable object in the sky either naturally emits X-ray radiation or can be observed through X-ray absorption. Current X-ray observatories such as Chandra and XMM-Newton have considerably advanced our understanding of many of these systems by using imaging X-ray cameras and dispersed X-ray spectrometers. However, it is the combination of these two techniques to provide a true broadband, high spectral-resolution, imaging spectrometer that will drive the next revolution in X-ray astronomy. This is where Low-temperature detectors (LTDs) can play a key role but also where the science will continuously challenge the technology. In this brief overview we will explore the constraints that both the science goals and the space environment place on the implementation of LTDs, how current missions such as XQC and Astro-E2 have met these challenges, and where future missions such as Constellation-X, XEUS, and NeXT will drive LTD instruments to a much larger scale. Finally, we will address scaling issues in current LTD detectors and where the LTD community needs to proceed to address both the science goals and expectations of the astrophysics community.     

A novel sensor for X-ray imaging applications

In this study, a novel direct X-ray conversion electronic sensor for X-ray imaging, aimed at the enhancement of the signal characteristics of a cadmium zinc telluride (CdZnTe) detector substrate, is proposed. CdZnTe substrates are promising candidates in detector technology since they have a high stopping power. The novelty of the sensor lies in the material of use as well as in the signal collector design, which exhibits “Frisch-grid” capabilities. As a result, the proposed technology provides an effective mode to shield the electron-collecting electrode from the charge induced on it from moving positive ions and trapped charge. Overall, this technology would allow for a decreased sensor thickness, accompanied with a high collector efficiency, and consequently improved signal characteristics. Therefore, the signal quality of an imaging sensor as applied to medical detector technology, radio astronomy, aviation security, surveillance and nondestructive inspection, and other industrial areas will be significantly improved     

X-ray reflection tomography: a new tool for surface imaging

We report here a novel technique of surface imaging by X-ray reflection tomography utilizing an ordinary laboratory X-ray source. The technique utilizes the line projection, at different rotation angles, of the reflected beam from a highly reflecting patterned sample at grazing incidence. Filtered back-projection algorithm is applied to the line projection data to reconstruct an image of the pattern on the sample surface. Spatial resolution currently obtained is ~1.6 mm. Nonetheless, we have achieved high correlation between the original image and the reconstructed image. This work is the first step in future efforts of nondestructive X-ray imaging for buried surfaces and interfaces.