TY - JOUR
T1 - X-ray computed tomography
AU - Withers, Philip J.
AU - Bouman, Charles
AU - Carmignato, Simone
AU - Cnudde, Veerle
AU - Grimaldi, David
AU - Hagen, Charlotte K.
AU - Maire, Eric
AU - Manley, Marena
AU - Du Plessis, Anton
AU - Stock, Stuart R.
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2021, Springer Nature Limited.
PY - 2021/12
Y1 - 2021/12
N2 - X-ray computed tomography (CT) can reveal the internal details of objects in three dimensions non-destructively. In this Primer, we outline the basic principles of CT and describe the ways in which a CT scan can be acquired using X-ray tubes and synchrotron sources, including the different possible contrast modes that can be exploited. We explain the process of computationally reconstructing three-dimensional (3D) images from 2D radiographs and how to segment the 3D images for subsequent visualization and quantification. Whereas CT is widely used in medical and heavy industrial contexts at relatively low resolutions, here we focus on the application of higher resolution X-ray CT across science and engineering. We consider the application of X-ray CT to study subjects across the materials, metrology and manufacturing, engineering, food, biological, geological and palaeontological sciences. We examine how CT can be used to follow the structural evolution of materials in three dimensions in real time or in a time-lapse manner, for example to follow materials manufacturing or the in-service behaviour and degradation of manufactured components. Finally, we consider the potential for radiation damage and common sources of imaging artefacts, discuss reproducibility issues and consider future advances and opportunities.
AB - X-ray computed tomography (CT) can reveal the internal details of objects in three dimensions non-destructively. In this Primer, we outline the basic principles of CT and describe the ways in which a CT scan can be acquired using X-ray tubes and synchrotron sources, including the different possible contrast modes that can be exploited. We explain the process of computationally reconstructing three-dimensional (3D) images from 2D radiographs and how to segment the 3D images for subsequent visualization and quantification. Whereas CT is widely used in medical and heavy industrial contexts at relatively low resolutions, here we focus on the application of higher resolution X-ray CT across science and engineering. We consider the application of X-ray CT to study subjects across the materials, metrology and manufacturing, engineering, food, biological, geological and palaeontological sciences. We examine how CT can be used to follow the structural evolution of materials in three dimensions in real time or in a time-lapse manner, for example to follow materials manufacturing or the in-service behaviour and degradation of manufactured components. Finally, we consider the potential for radiation damage and common sources of imaging artefacts, discuss reproducibility issues and consider future advances and opportunities.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85120494388&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=85120494388&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1038/s43586-021-00015-4
DO - 10.1038/s43586-021-00015-4
M3 - Review article
AN - SCOPUS:85120494388
SN - 2662-8449
VL - 1
JO - Nature Reviews Methods Primers
JF - Nature Reviews Methods Primers
IS - 1
M1 - 18
ER -