Integrated XRD CT Apparatus Monochromatic Source
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray diffraction (XRD) and computed tomography (CT) systems face limitations in combining accurate XRD measurements with CT functionality, particularly in detecting materials with low atomic numbers and achieving high contrast and resolution, especially for baggage inspection and pharmaceutical analysis.
Innovation Solution
An integrated apparatus and method that combines angle dispersive XRD with CT functionality using a monochromatic X-ray source emitting in the range of 4.5keV to 25keV, with a two-dimensional photon counting detector, allowing for both XRD and CT measurements by varying the sample and source positions, and employing a beam conditioner to reduce scattering and improve signal-to-noise ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional absorption X-ray images are used for CT measurements, then three-dimensional imaging is achieved, but contrast and resolution are insufficient for detecting materials with low atomic numbers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines angle dispersive XRD and CT measurements into a single integrated system using the same monochromatic X-ray source and detector. This merging allows simultaneous acquisition of both diffraction data (for material identification) and absorption data (for three-dimensional imaging), resolving the contradiction by enabling both functions to work together rather than separately
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses monochromatic X-rays with energy in the range of 4.5keV to 25keV, which is a specific parameter change from conventional broad spectrum X-rays. This monochromatic radiation provides enhanced contrast for low atomic number materials while enabling accurate angle dispersive XRD measurements, directly addressing the detection accuracy and contrast issue
2Use of energy by moving object
If broad spectrum X-rays are used for CT measurements, then penetration is improved, but beam hardening effects occur reducing image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs monochromatic X-ray radiation with a specific energy range (4.5keV to 25keV) instead of broad spectrum X-rays. This parameter change eliminates beam hardening effects because monochromatic radiation does not undergo spectral hardening during transmission, thereby maintaining high image quality while achieving sufficient penetration through the sample
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a beam conditioner as an intermediary component between the X-ray source and the sample. This beam conditioner shapes and conditions the monochromatic X-ray beam to optimize penetration while maintaining beam quality, acting as a mediator that ensures both sufficient energy for penetration and precision for high-quality imaging
3Device complexity
If a single apparatus is designed to perform both XRD and CT measurements, then device complexity is reduced, but functional versatility may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal X-ray apparatus that can perform both angle dispersive XRD and CT measurements using the same monochromatic X-ray source, sample stage, and two-dimensional detector. The system achieves multi-functionality by implementing different measurement geometries and data processing methods within a single integrated platform, maintaining both XRD and CT capabilities without requiring separate dedicated systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic measurement system where the sample stage can be rotated and positioned to accommodate different measurement modes. The system dynamically switches between XRD geometry (with specific angular positioning) and CT geometry (with rotational sampling), allowing a single apparatus to adapt to different measurement requirements and maintain full functional versatility
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate detection of materials with low atomic numbers, improved contrast, and enhanced resolution in imaging samples, reducing beam hardening effects and allowing for a single apparatus to perform both XRD and CT measurements effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The X-ray source may be a source that emits X-rays having a small number of peaks, for example two, in an energy band in the range 4.5keV to 25keV
Implementation Method 2
In angle dispersive measurements, a monochromatic beam is used, frequently created using a monochromator, and the XRD measurements made as a function of diffraction angle to probe different length scales in the sample
Implementation Method 3
a CT mode to measure absorption of a sample as a function of position across the sample with the two-dimensional X-ray detector
Implementation Method 4
employing a beam conditioner to reduce scattering and improve signal-to-noise ratio
Data Source
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AI summary
An imaging system combines CT and XRD measurements, both measuring the XRD diffraction and the absorption as a function of energy. A goniometer 2, source 4 and two dimensional detector 10 may be used. Embodiments use relatively soft X-rays in the 5-25 keV range. An integrated mounting unit to mount the sample 8 close to detector 10 is also described.