Combined synchrotron X-ray tomography and X-ray powder diffraction using a fluorescing metal foil

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Crystallography
• Imaging Technologies

Background:

• Traditional X-ray methods often require large beam illumination and high-resolution detectors.
• Integrating multiple X-ray techniques can provide comprehensive material characterization.
• Synchrotron sources offer high-intensity X-rays crucial for advanced imaging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a method for simultaneous micro-X-ray computed tomography (micro-CT) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD).
• To enable characterization of materials at micrometer and crystallographic length scales.
• To explore elemental contrast imaging using synchrotron radiation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a synchrotron beamline with a thin zinc metal foil to create a divergent X-ray beam.
• Applied the divergent beam for micro-CT imaging of low and high-density materials (kapton, plant, faience).
• Demonstrated parallel powder diffraction using the direct transmitted beam.

Main Results:

• Successfully achieved simultaneous micro-CT and XRD measurements.
• Showcased elemental contrast imaging with copper (Cu) and nickel (Ni) meshes.
• Validated the technique's applicability across diverse material densities.

Conclusions:

• The developed technique is viable for combined micrometer and crystallographic scale analysis.
• Paves the way for in situ tomography/diffraction studies.
• Enables advanced elemental contrast imaging and reconstruction methods.