Hard X-ray imaging

Feature

Introducing a machine that is able to generate high-quality X-ray imaging for Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) and medical applications. MIRRORCLE X-ray imaging products are easily appreciated for their imaging capabilities when demanding spatial resolution, exposure time and transmission capability are prime imaging requirements. While conventional NDT typically uses a LINAC or high voltage X-ray tube source, it is often not possible or difficult to observe structures with micron order resolution due to the large source size. Micro focus X-ray tubes possess high spatial resolution, but low X-ray intensity results in long irradiation times and limits their usefulness for NDT applications. MIRRORCLE products on the otherhand have the advantage of both spatial resolution and transmission ability.

The spatial resolution of MIRRORCLE products depends on the X-ray target size deployed in the storage ring. MeV level hard X-rays are generated with μm order spatial resolution. This is revolutionary when compared to conventional synchrotrons, such as SPring-8, which possesses a source size of 20 μm. In addition, many experiments confirm MIRRORCLE theory in that MIRRORCLE X-ray intensity is not reduced when using a smaller target. Specific aspects of hard X-rays from MIRRORCLE sources are listed below.

MIRRORCLE light sources radiate broadband X-rays, and have the ability to create refraction contrast images with 11 times magnification. Such X-ray qualities can produce a clear X-ray image of composite specimens, such as plastics, organics, and metals, in a single exposure.
Images of up to 75 times magnification (as of April, 2007) can be taken since the X-ray radiation angle is large. The magnification is a function of the object distance from X-ray source and detector. This compares favorably with conventional X-ray tube imaging which typically is limited to 4 times magnification.
Invivo imaging simultaneously reveals bone and soft tissue details from a single X-ray image. The radiation quality can be altered by changing X-ray targets, and takes only a few second for target replacement.
X-ray microscopy with MIRRORCLE provides 10 µm spatial resolution and thus opens up the microscopic world.

The above graph is the spectrum of Bremsstrahlung radiation from MIRRORCLE

MIRRORCLE X-ray imaging products

The 1 MeV model is H150 x W50 x D70 cm, and is designed for medical imaging of a human chest or abdomin.

The 4 MeV model is designed for outdoor/on-site NDT. Machine can be mounted on a truck crane arm.

The 6 MeV model generates powerful X-ray as well as being a source for EUV and FIR.

The flagship model is rated at 20 MeV, supports up to 4 beamlines, and is capable of advanced analysis.

MIRRORCLE type:	1 MeV model	4 MeV model	6 MeV model
Injector type	RF gun	MICROTRON	MICROTRON
X-ray emission scheme	Bremsstralung radiation e.g. 10 μm Φ Cu rod target
Energy range	10 keV to 1 MeV	10 keV to 4 MeV	10 keV to 6 MeV
Radiation angle (mrad φ)	500	125	85
X-ray power	4 W	15 W	100 W
Density (Brightness) [photons/s/mrad²/0.1% λ]	10⁶	1.5 x 10⁸	10⁸
Brilliance [photons/s/mrad²/mm²/0.1% λ]	10¹⁰	1.5 x 10¹²	10¹²
Maximum input power	35 kVA	50 kVA	130 kVA
Total size (cm)	W60 x D45 x H150	W150 x D60 x H60	W100 x D150 x H130
Total weight	1t (including radiation shielding)		1 t
Control system	Automatic standby and operation. Remote monitoring and diagnosis. Emergency shutdown system.

MIRRORCLE Image Gallery

Medical Applications

Medical Imaging: MIRRORCLE technology synchrotron X-rays can be characterized as broad spectrum white X-rays with a large hard X-ray component. They are inherently very brilliant and posses good coherence as a direct consequence of the micron sized emission point. Thus, X-rays from a MIRRORCLE technology synchrotron are an ideal source for phase contrast imaging. Images made from MIRRORCLE X-rays exhibit remarkable edge enhancement, soft tissue visibility, and high resolution.

In this example lung tissue is imaged using MIRRORCLE X-rays. Note the tremendous level of soft tissue detail as a result of phase contrast imaging. Conventional X-rays sources and imaging provide minimal soft tissue image detail as X-ray absorbtion in soft tissue is uniformly low.

Phase contrast images of a common domesticated pig liver. From left to right, the top row first shows an optical image of the liver, preceded by a full view contact image with labeled sites of interest. Next are sites #2310 and #2330, On the second row left to right are sites #2307, #2308, #2311, and 2326. Both slides #2330 and #2326 use a 100 μm Φ Pt target while the other images use a 25 μm Φ Cu target. Remarkable and unusual levels of soft tissue detail are visible in these slides due to MIRRORCLE phase contrast imaging. Of special merit is the ability to see blood vessels inside the liver.

A phase contrast image of a red bell pepper reveals the complex internal structure of this vegetable. Seeds and other internal structures are clearly visible. The fourth picture is a CT image of the red pepper.

Phase contrast image of a typical head of iceberg lettuce. Individual leaves in the interior of the lettuce are clearly visible.

Phase contrast images of a cicada. Internal organs are visible and possess good detail. The last image is of the insects wings which are particularly difficult to image.

A composite picture showing the internal structures of a chicken body. Bone and soft tissues are imaged in a single exposure

Phase contrast X-ray image of a dragonfly again displaying the ideal suitability of MIRRORCLE X-rays as a source for this imaging technique. Cone Beam Computed Tomography: The natively divergent nature of the MIRRORCLE technology X-rays, as well as their brilliant high quality nature make them very suitable for cone beam CT and phase contrast CT.

Cancer Research: MIRRORCLE technology is capable of being configured such that it can function in both cancer detection and therapy roles. Experiments show that 1mm diameter cancer tumors are detectable using MIRRORCLE X-rays.

Phase contrast images of a chest phantom with embedded spherical tumor sites. From left to right, the top row first shows an optical image of a chest phantom, preceded by 1x, 5x, and 10x magnification of a tumor site. The second row displays an overall X-ray image of the chest phantom and again preceded by 1x, 5x, and 10x magnification of a second tumor site. Remarkably, in this instance the 5x and 10x images clearly show the tumor even though it is partially obscured by a rib.

Security Applications

Cargo/package Inspection: The high power X-ray output from MIRRORCLE technology combined with its superior imaging capability mean larger, more dense objects can be inspected, and the resulting images providing more object detail.

X-ray Inspection1:Phase contrast imaging techniques provide enhanced image detail ideal for examining the contents of packages, crates, and baggage. Note the general level of plastic material of visibility. Experiments are planned to show the suitability of MIRRORCLE X-rays for sea container inspection.

X-ray Inspection2:The varius objects can be distinguished in tour bag. The picture shows fuel gas, orange, and liquid in alminium bottle at the same time.

Non Destructive Testing

High quality hard X-rays provide a premium source for NDT imaging. Many organic and synthetic materials can be imaged along side metallic materials. Plastic, rubber and liquids are all clearly discernable using MIRRORCLE technology X-rays.

The internal observation for engine. (2 times magnified.)

The internal observation for turbopump. (2 times magnified.)

We can observe the internal construction of the a high power vacuum tube called a thyratron without disassembly. Left image: Optical image of a thyratron. Center image: Contact X-ray image. Right image: Magnified X-ray image.

Example valve images created from MIRRORCLE technology X-rays. The close-up images are produced via inherent magnification from MIRRORCLEs cone beam output. The last image highlights some of MIRRORCLE technology X-rays properties by imaging rubber and metal parts simultaneously.

Concrete imaging
Success in observing 3mmΦ steel reinforcing rod within 600mm thick concrete. MIRRORCLE-CV4 enables observation of 3mmΦ steel reinforcment rods in a 600mm thick concrete using X-ray Non Destructive Testing (The Japanese Society for Non-Destructive Inspection standard, NDIS 1401). We can distinguish RC (Reinforcing steel rod and Concrete) thickness ratio down to 0.5% using MIRRORCLE-CV4. A conventional Co⁶⁰source is capable of oserving an RC ratio down to only 1.5%.

Image of 600mm thick concrete and reinforcing steel rods using MIRRORCLE-CV4 X-ray imaging.

A comparison of NDT capabilities between MIRRORCLE-CV4 and conventional X-ray source.

300keV X-ray tube; Contact imaging with X-ray grid.
MIRRORCLE-CV4; 2.6 x magnification imaging with no X-ray grid. The distance from source to detector is 1.0 m.
MIRRORCLE-6X; 3 x magnification imaging with no X-ray grid. The distance from source to detector is 3.6 m.

X-ray image of 15cm thick concrete structure. Not only is the crack around the frame steel visible, but also the uniformity is visible too.

Movie showing XY plane images from the Z axis (2.9MB avi file)
Movie showing YZ plane images from the X axis (4.2 MB avi file)
Volume reconstructions of concrete block using cone beam CT:

Corrosion pipes inspection

(a) Experimental setup for corrosion examination. 100mmΦ diameter pipe with 6.0mm wall thickness and 50mm thick surrounding insulation.
(b) 150mmΦ diameter corroded pipe with 5.0mm wall thickness and 50mm thick surrounding insulation. The corrosion plane is visible.
(c) The pipe (b) is observed from different angle.
(d) 100mmΦ diameter corroded pipe with 6.0mm wall thickness and 50mm thick surrounding insulation. Visible is a 1mmΦ unperforated chasm in the thickness of the pipe.
(e) The pipe (d) is observed from a different direction.

Vacuum feed through electrical connector.

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