Multiple-energy micro-CT using multi-layered, multi-color, thin-film scintillators

The optimization of this elemental decomposition task involves exploring a very large parameter space. So far, we have focused on the thicknesses of the detector layers, the type and amount of contrast material, and the energy distribution of the x-ray spectrum. A few key findings make us optimistic that this multi-layer detector scheme will be a successful approach. Firstly, our simulations indicate that with the proper setup, such a detector will provide enough spectral information to get quantitative images of a pair of contrast materials at micron resolution in a reasonable imaging time. This approach could be utilized to achieve faster scan times at the synchrotron by using a high flux “pink” beam instead of the current method of acquiring multiple monoenergetic images, or it could enable spectral micro-CT to be performed with a bench-top system utilizing a micro-focus x-ray tube. Secondly, we have found that the results of optimizing the detector layer thicknesses are very consistent even when the other parameters discussed are varied. This means that it will be possible to develop a single detector that performs well over a wide range of imaging tasks.