Micron Resolution Volume-Computed Tomography

Instrumentation that can provide microstructural characterization of medical grade polymers,fabrics, and composite materials is the proposed research's long term goal. One micron resolutionvolume computed tomography of test specimens can now be demonstrated by combining anNIST-developed x-ray microscope with BIR's volume CT capability. Micro VCT will be a valuable toolin the development of new medical materials. The submicron resolution NIST system is currently inoperation at the Brookhaven synchrotron. With suitable modifications, it can be adapted to collect VCTdata sets. In collaboration with NIST, BIR will design and apply the required modifications and thecollect VCT data sets for reconstruction into three dimensional density maps at BIR. One micronresolution will be demonstrated on test objects and material samples. While the x-ray microscope iscurrently designed for operation with synchrotron radiation, a Phase II research effort will be directedtoward its modification and improvement for wide spread use with conventional x-ray sources.