Multi-element imaging CT using a tube source of X-rays

An experimental and theoretical study has been made of the imaging of several atomic elements in a single CT (computed tomography) scan using a tube source of X-rays. This work is part of a preliminary study of techniques to correct for matrix effects. Without such corrections, accurate quantitative measurements of element concentrations cannot be made. While not as sensitive as elemental imaging using synchrotron radiation, the technique described is capable of imaging medium-mass atomic elements at concentrations down to 0.1 kg/m³ in a water-like matrix several centimeters across using less than 10⁸ photons. Several elements can be imaged in a single scan