Phantom and animal imaging studies using PLS synchrotron X-rays

Ultra-high resolution radiographs can be obtained using synchrotron X-rays. A collaboration team consisting of K-JIST, POSTECH, and YUMC has recently commissioned a new beamline (5Cl) in Pohang Light Source (PLS) in Korea for medical applications using phase contrast radiology. Relatively simple image acquisition systems were set-up on 5Cl beamline, and imaging studies were performed for resolution test patterns, mammographic phantom, and animals. Resolution test patterns and mammographic phantom images showed much better image resolution and quality with the 5Cl imaging system than the mammography system. Both fish and mouse images with 5Cl imaging system also showed much better image resolution with great details of organs and anatomy compared to those obtained with a conventional mammography system. A simple and inexpensive ultra-high resolution imaging system on 5Cl beamline was successfully implemented. We were able to acquire ultra-high resolution images for resolution test patterns, mammographic phantom, fishes, and mice. The results showed that the 5Cl imaging system could be used for ultra-high resolution imaging studies in medical applications.