Multiscale biomedical imaging at the SYRMEP beamline of Elettra - Closing the gap between preclinical research and patient applications

Abstract

Here we present the specifications and capabilities of the SYRMEP (SYnchrotron Radiation for MEdical Physics) beamline of the Italian Synchrotron “Elettra” in Trieste. SYRMEP was designed to provide X-ray imaging in an energy range that fits both biomedical research and clinical applications on patients. Additionally, SYRMEP covers a spatial resolution range of 100 μm down to 1 μm (1/50th the width of a human hair) with a comparably wide field-of-view (FOV), which enables studies in large specimens and therefore closes the gap between micro computed tomography (CT) in biomedical research and clinical CT imaging. Moreover, the possible long sample-to-detector distance allows for an effective use of free-propagation phase contrast that increases dose efficacy and soft-tissue contrast. These parameters and their function are further discussed on a set of examples of biomedical applications.