Overview of computerized tomography with emphasis on future developments

The applications of computer-assisted, or comput(eriz)ed, tomography (CT) are reviewed. The major emphasis is on medical applications, but all relevant technical sciences are covered. A unified descriptive account of the underlying principles is presented (detailed reviews of algorithms and their mathematical backgrounds can be found elsewhere in this special issue). Deficiencies in existing hardware and software are identified and the possible means of remedying the more urgent of these are outlined. Promising approaches for future research and development into CT are suggested.