High-Resolution X-Ray Computed Tomography Systems for Science, Medicine and Industry

Brief description of the context of the research including potential impact

X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) is best known for its role in medical diagnostics, but over the last decade has also emerged as a key technology in a breadth of sectors spanning across science, medicine, and industry. CT is extremely versatile, due to the ability of x-rays to penetrate thick samples and provide high-resolution information. However, for certain "challenging" samples it can be hard to achieve a good contrast, especially when a sample features only weak intrinsic x-ray attenuation or when it is composed of materials with very similar attenuation. Furthermore, achieving a high spatial resolution (that is, the ability to detect small details in a sample) is often only possible through very long scan times, limiting the throughput of the method.

Aims and Objectives

This project seeks to develop new approaches to tomographic x-ray imaging targeted at accommodating an wider range of samples and imaging tasks, thereby increasing the technology's application radius and, ultimately, impact. A specific focus will be the development of innovative high-resolution approaches, including across length scales, and involving complementary contrast modes (phase contrast), which are known to provide superior contrast for samples with weak attenuation contrast. Another key focus will be the development of fast approaches to high-resolution imaging to increase the throughput capabilities of the method. The research will build on innovative acquisition techniques developed by UCL's Advanced X-Ray Imaging group in UCL's Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering. Specifically, the project seeks to further develop a cycloidal sampling scheme by which data can be collected in a continuous ("fly scan") manner and which is known to enable much shorter scan times than needed for a stepped acquisition. The project will investigate to which extent the cycloidal principles apply at high resolution (a few micrometres).

Novelty of Research Methodology

The project will combine state-the-art phase contrast imaging technology with novel acquisition schemes. Innovative approaches to image processing methods (advanced phase retrieval, iterative image reconstruction, machine learning based processing, e.g., denoising) will be developed and/or integrated into the imaging pipeline alongside this to maximise the information that can be extracted from the data and reconstruct high quality images for a wide range of samples.

Alignment to EPSRC's strategies and research areas

The planned research spans across the EPSRC's themes engineering, physical sciences and healthcare technologies. The enabling role of CT technology in a breadth of scientific areas also means the project aligns with of EPSRC's strategic priority of making the UK a "physical and mathematical sciences powerhouse".

Any companies or collaborators involved

The Advanced X-Ray Imaging group works with several industry partners including Nikon X-Tek Systems, ISDI, Scintacor, and Quantum Detectors. Other partners include the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology and three synchrotrons (Diamond, Elettra and the ESRF).