SPring-8: Tohoku Univ succeeds in synchrotron radiation multi-beam: Dynamic 3D observation/millisecond order
SPring-8:
[Points of presentation]
- In conventional X-ray CT, “it is necessary to rotate the sample at a very high speed in order to acquire projection images from many angles.”
- World’s first successful development of synchrotron radiation multi-beam technology that can realize millisecond order/X-ray CT without rotating the sample
- “Dynamic 3D observation of fluid samples and living organisms can be performed in the order of milliseconds”, with application expected in a wide range of fields
【Overview】
Tohoku University: Associate Professor Yashiro
Tokyo Gakugei University: Associate Professor Wolfgang Voegeli,
University of Tsukuba: Professor Kudo,
High Brightness Science Research Center: Senior Researcher Kajiwara
Joint research group:
For the first time in the world, we succeeded in “synchronization of synchrotron radiation for realizing millisecond order/X-ray CT” without rotating the sample.
This research result enables “dynamic 3D observation of fluid samples/living organisms” in the order of milliseconds.
Application areas:
Possible to introduce various sample environments
From basic research in materials and life sciences
For a wide range of fields leading to industrial applications
Expected to be applied.
The results of this research were published online in the academic journal “Optica” on May 12, 2020.
TOHOKU UNIVERSITY-
https://www.tohoku.ac.jp/japanese/2020/05/press20200513-01-CT.html
Successful synchrotron radiation multi-beam for millisecond X-ray CT
-Dynamic 3D observation possible without sample rotation-
reaserch result:
The joint research group of Associate Professor Yashiro
Developed an X-ray optical system for converting synchrotron radiation into multiple beams as shown in Fig. 1.
For the first time in the world, we have demonstrated that 3D reconstruction is possible with a shooting time of 1 ms (millisecond).
Features of X-ray CT:
X-rays having a high penetrating power used for X-ray CT generally have a small interaction with a substance.
Therefore, the direction of propagation cannot be controlled as easily as the reflection of visible light by a mirror.
In this study:
Figure 1 A thin single crystal with the shape on the upper left is fabricated by microfabrication.
Curve it on the hyperboloid as shown in the lower left of Fig. 1,
By arranging in three stages as shown in the right of Fig. 1,
We have succeeded in “Development of multi-beam optical system that covers ±70° projection direction”.
Case description:
An example of the projected image on the left of Fig. 2,
An example of the result of 3D reconstruction is shown on the right of Fig. 2.
SPring-8:
The experiment was carried out using the synchrotron radiation of beam line BL28B2 at the large synchrotron radiation facility SPring-8 (Note 2).
With this synchrotron radiation multi-beam technology, projection images from many directions can be acquired simultaneously.
X-ray CT of millisecond order can be realized without rotating the sample.
Three-dimensional reconstruction:
Note that for the three-dimensional reconstruction on the right in Fig. 2, it is possible to reconstruct an image from projection images in only a few tens of directions.
Uses an algorithm based on state-of-the-art compressed sensing (Note 3).
Future outlook:
Dynamic 3D observation of fluid samples and living organisms is possible in the order of milliseconds.
It is also possible to introduce various sample environments.
It is expected to have a ripple effect in a wide range of fields from basic research in materials and life sciences to industrial applications.
For example:
Research on the fracture process of polymer materials and adhesive interfaces,
Dynamic biomimetics (Note 4) research by 3D observation of living insects,
We expect various application developments.
— SPring-8 Web Site
http://www.spring8.or.jp/ja/news_publications/press_release/2020/200513_1/
Unlocking the gate to the millisecond CT
Many will undergo a CT scan at some point in their lifetime – being slid in and out of a tunnel as a large machine rotates around.
X-ray computed tomography, better known by its acronym CT, is a widely used method of obtaining cross-sectional images of objects.
Now a research team – led by Tohoku University Professor, Wataru Yashiro –
has developed a new method using intense synchrotron radiation that produces higher quality images within milliseconds.
High-speed, high-resolution X-ray CT
is currently possible using intense synchrotron radiation.
However, this requires samples to be rotated at high speed to obtain images from many directions. This would make CT scans more akin to a rollercoaster ride!
Extreme rotation also makes controlling the temperature or atmosphere of the sample impossible.
Nevertheless, the research team
solved this conundrum by creating an optical system that splits single synchrotron X-ray beams into many.
These beams then shine onto the sample from different directions at the same time; thus, negating the need to rotate the sample.
SPring-8 Web Site
http://www.spring8.or.jp/en/news_publications/press_release/2020/200513_1/?set_language=en&cl=en