Coherent imaging using diffracted X-rays

An overview of the development of the fields of X-ray imaging and X-ray diffraction is discussed. Rapid tomographic energy dispersive diffraction imaging (rTEDDI) imaging system using an collimator-detector array configuration, was developed and tested using thin metal, polymer and deer antler bone samples, to overcome the long exposure times needed to produce 2D and 3D images. Despite the positive results achieved in imaging using the rTEDDI system only thin/low density samples could be imaged, the diffraction patterns where of poor statistical quality and only covering a small number of diffraction peaks. Substituting Si with CdZnTe as the detection media would allow for a higher detection efficiency, higher energies and a wider range of X-ray energies to be utilized when imaging using the rTEDDI system. Utilizing the rTEDDI imaging and 3D fluorescence tomography capability of the system allows for fast analysis of structure, strain and chemical contamination of whole engineered components.