Snapshot molecular imaging using coded energy-sensitive detection

Opt Express. 2013 Oct 21;21(21):25480-91. doi: 10.1364/OE.21.025480.

Abstract

We demonstrate a technique for measuring the range-resolved coherent scatter form factors of different objects from a single snapshot. By illuminating the object with an x-ray pencil beam and placing a coded aperture in front of a linear array of energy-sensitive detector elements, we record the coherently scattered x-rays. This approach yields lateral, range, and momentum transfer resolutions of 1 mm, 5 mm, and 0.2 nm⁻¹, respectively, which is sufficient for the distinguishing a variety of solids and liquids. These results indicate a path toward real-time volumetric molecular imaging for non-destructive examination in a variety of applications, including medical diagnostics, quality inspection, and security detection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms*
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Image Enhancement / instrumentation*
  • Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / instrumentation*
  • Lighting / instrumentation*
  • Molecular Imaging / instrumentation*
  • Refractometry / instrumentation*