Description of a transmission X-ray computed tomography scanner

A new prototype X-ray computed tomography scanner has been designed, constructed and tested locally. The major system employs an X-ray tube, a semiconductor detector, data logger and a three-dimensional sample position controller driven by three stepping motors, which allow two linear translations in addition to the rotational motion. The image resolution is determined by the step size and the diameter of the X-ray beam, which is controlled by the pinhole collimator. The scanner is designed to reconstruct two- and three-dimensional images mapping the internal structures of the object with the aid of the computer. This system, due to the semiconductor detector used, presents the novelty of being potentially able to acquire both in CT (transmission) mode and in SPECT (emission) mode. The imaging system performance is inspected for different phantoms, and some typical reconstructed images are presented.

► A prototype X-ray transmission CT scanner system was designed and constructed successfully at the X-ray Laboratory in the University of Jordan.
► X-ray CT scanner demonstrated its capability as a non-destructive tool for evaluating the internal atomic details of material objects.
► Some general problems of X-ray CT scanning and image reconstruction are discussed and some suggested solutions are presented.
► Scanner is designed to reconstruct two- and three-dimensional images mapping the internal structures of the object with the aid of the computer.
► Internal geometrical structure can be determined from CT images.