High resolution X-ray analysis of a proximal human femur with synchrotron radiation and an innovative linear detector

Synchrotron based digital radiography and micro tomography devices are powerful, non-destructive, high-resolution research tools. In this study, we present a linear system capable of a nominal spatial resolution of 22.5 micrometers over a Field-Of-View (FOV) of 13 cm long and about 1 mm high. The system is composed of a linear converter GOS screen coupled to an intensified Electron-Bombarded CCD (EBCCD) camera, by means of a rectangular-to-linear fiber optic adapter. This optical guide is composed of seven bundles, each one transporting light in a coherent way to preserve spatial information. In this way, a high spatial resolution over an extended FOV is obtained The detector works as an X-ray scanner by means of a high-precision translation mechanical device. Here we present an investigation gained at ELETTRA synchrotron facility at Trieste (Italy). A monochromatic 34 keV has been used for imaging a human proximal femur, 9 cm in width, with our system. The excellent spatial resolution of the system allows the analysis of the trabecular structure of the bone over the entire FOV of about 10 cm.