A new parafocusing paradigm for X-ray diffraction.

A new approach to parafocusing X-ray diffraction implemented with an annular incident beam is demonstrated for the first time. The method exploits an elliptical specimen path on a flat sample to produce relatively high intensity maxima that can be measured with a point detector. It is shown that the flat-specimen approximation tolerated by conventional Bragg-Brentano geometries is not required. A theoretical framework, simulations and experimental results for both angular- and energy-dispersive measurement modes are presented and the scattering signatures compared with data obtained with a conventional pencil-beam arrangement.

Dual conical shell illumination for volumetric high-energy X-ray diffraction imaging.

To retrieve crystallographic information from extended sample volumes requires a high-energy probe. The use of X-rays to combine imaging with materials characterisation is well-established. However, if fundamental crystallographic parameters are required, then the collection and analysis of X-rays diffracted by the inspected samples are prerequisites. We present a new X-ray diffraction imaging architecture, which in comparison with previous depth-resolving hollow beam techniques requires significantly less X-ray power or alternatively supports significantly increased scanning speeds. Our conceptual configuration employs a pair of conical shell X-ray beams derived from a single point source to illuminate extended samples. Diffracted flux measurements would then be obtained using a pair of energy resolving point detectors. This dual beam configuration is tested using a single X-ray beam set-up employing a dual scan. The use of commercial off-the-shelf low-cost components has the potential to provide rapid and cost-effective performance in areas including industrial process control, medical imaging and explosives detection.

Validation study of a ray-tracing simulator for focal construct geometry.

We present the results of a computer modelling package designed to simulate X-ray diffraction imaging employing focal construct geometry. The paths of coherently diffracted X-rays are modelled by ray-tracing. The results of the study show good agreement between simulated and measured data obtained in the laboratory. The validation of the modelling package permits the rapid optimisation and prototyping of focal construct technology, which has wide applicability in security X-ray imaging.

X-ray diffraction tomography employing an annular beam.

We demonstrate depth-resolved materials characterization by scanning a sample through an annular beam of X-rays. We measure Bragg X-ray diffraction from a sample with a planar detector positioned centrally in a circular dark field defined by the annular beam. The diffraction maxima are optically encoded with the position of crystalline phases along this beam. Depth-resolved material phase images are recovered via tomosynthesis. We demonstrate our technique using a heterogeneous three-dimensional object comprising three different phases; cyclotetramethylene - tetranitramine, copper and nickel, distributed in a low density medium. Our technique has wide applicability in analytical imaging and is scalable with respect to both scan size and X-ray energy.

Discrimination of liquids by a focal construct X-ray diffraction geometry.

A novel technique for the discrimination of liquids based upon X-ray diffraction and focal construct technology (FCT) is presented. FCT is a new, high efficiency coherent scatter harvesting technique. In this work, the competence of FCT to discriminate liquids was explored. A variety of liquids relevant to security inspection was analysed by FCT for application to liquid security inspection. Discrimination of potential threat liquids was successfully and reliably achieved even for limited data sets.