Basis material decomposition using triple-energy X-ray computed tomography

In this paper a triple energy reconstruction method in X-ray tomography is presented. It is shown that it is possible to resolve among three basis materials if three measurements are made using three properly selected energies. An appropriate statistical model has been developed as well as an efficient algorithm to solve it. In the field of medical imaging this can allow one to monitor distribution of the contrast agent in the body. It can also have significant industrial applications in the area of nondestructive evaluation where materials with K-edges in the range of energies used are likely to be encountered. A way to extend the method to more than three energies, and three materials is also suggested.