Element identification in organic samples utilizing a benchtop X-ray fluorescence emission tomography (XFET) system

Synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence computed tomography (XFCT) is a common technique for mapping metal ions in biological specimens. In recent years, it has been demonstrated that various metal ions could play critical roles in disease and general biological functions. In this work, we are developing a benchtop x-ray fluorescence emission tomography system that utilizes combines charge-coupled device (CCD) detectors and special emission tomography apertures to obtain 3-D mapping of elemental distribution in intact biological samples. We have carried out a series of studies that utilize multiple slit apertures and a monochromatic pencil beam x-ray source to image a triple-tube sample and an osmium stained zebrafish.