Fast High Resolution, High Contrast Microfocus X-Ray Computed Tomography Reconstruction Algorithms for ICBM Components

Microfocus conebeam computed tomography is used by the Air Force to inspect small components of aerospace systems. Artifacts and distortion are caused by an incomplete complement of information needed for a mathematically accurate inverse, Compton scatter due to lack of beam collimation and other factors. The proposed solution will address the following limitations: (1) cone beam parallax artifact, (2), data truncation, (3), resolving power due to x-ray spot and pixel size, (4), large objects that do not fit in the viewing field, (5), noise, (6), Compton, and (7), speed of computation. Many of these limitations will be addressed by an iterative image reconstruction algorithm that incorporates models and thereby signal-processing steps that include these and other factors. This work will build upon prior work of Lickenbrock Technologies, using significantly further advanced approaches that address all of these issues. The speed of computation will be addressed by an algorithm variant that accelerates convergence to the solution and by hardware acceleration that uses high performance computers with graphical processing units. The algorithms will be developed. Software and a high-performance computer system will be delivered.