Computer microtomography using a laboratory x‐ray fluorescence microbeam spectrometer—A feasibility study

Abstract

AbstractAbsorption tomography imaging of small objects was performed using parallel beam geometry and a laboratory microbeam x‐ray fluorescence (µ‐XRF) spectrometer. Two x‐ray tubes, with Mo and Cr anodes, were used to perform tomographic imaging with different energies, namely 5.411 and 17.5 keV. The primary beam was collimated–focused using a tapered single glass capillary with an exit diameter of about 12 µm. The spatial resolution of the collimated x‐ray beam was about 25 µm (FWHM). The attenuated primary beam was measured using a standard Si(Li) energy‐dispersive detector. Depending on the beam intensity, two measuring modes were utilized: direct measurement of the transmitted beam and measurement of the secondary radiation excited by the transmitted beam in the yttrium target. The tomographic images of several small objects were obtained, namely a glass capillary, the tip of a match, a burned wooden stick and the head of a fly. The limitations of computer microtomography imaging using laboratory µ‐XRF are discussed and the solutions to the approached problems are presented. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.