MRI: Development of the Next-generation Nano-CT System for ROI-focused Scanning and Exact Interior Reconstruction

X射线计算机层析成像(CT)是一种流行的方法，它根据来自X射线源的阴影来揭示对象的内部结构。X射线纳米CT填补了光学显微镜和电子显微镜之间的性能差距，可以描绘出小到50纳米(“分辨率”)的细节，并已成为各种应用中的一种强大工具。然而，实现其全部潜力的一个主要障碍是当一个大对象内部的感兴趣区域(ROI)仅通过该区域的X射线成像时遇到的不准确(“内部问题”)。此外，纳米CT需要强度高的X射线束，这可能会损坏生物样本。为了克服这些挑战，该项目将使用现代数学和工程方法来开发下一代纳米CT系统。纳米CT系统将加速医学、生物、纳米技术、材料和能源的进步。当与我们现有的0.5-20？m分辨率的微型CT扫描仪相结合时，由此产生的多尺度CT设施将很快成为为许多用户服务的区域中心。作为东海岸唯一的50 nm分辨率CT扫描仪，也是世界上唯一具有窄光束定向和精确内部重建能力的CT系统，该仪器将对美国的机构和行业都具有无价的价值。此外，该项目将促进弗吉尼亚理工大学和维克森林大学的纳米技术教学和培训，使来自代表性不足和多样化群体的本科生和研究生受益。最后，该系统将与领先的纳米CT公司XRadia合作进行商业化，以创造就业机会并保持美国在该领域的领导地位。

X-ray computed tomography (CT) is a popular approach that reveals internal structures of an object based on its shadows from an x-ray source. Filling in the performance gap between light and electron microscopies, x-ray nano-CT depicts details as tiny as 50nm ("resolution") and has emerged as a powerful tool in various applications. However, a major barrier to realizing its full potential is the inaccuracy encountered when an internal region of interest (ROI) inside a large object is imaged only with x-rays through that region ("the interior problem"). Also, nano-CT demands an intensive x-ray beam that may damage biological samples. To overcome these challenges, contemporary mathematical and engineering methods will be used in this project to develop the next-generation nano-CT system.The nano-CT system will accelerate progress in medicine, biology, nanotechnology, materials, and energy. When combined with our existing micro-CT scanners of 0.5-20ìm resolution, the resulting multiscale CT facility will quickly become a regional center serving many users. As the only 50nm resolution CT scanner on the East Coast and the only CT system with narrow beam targeting and accurate interior reconstruction capabilities in the world, this instrument will be invaluable to both institutions and industries in the US. Furthermore, this project will facilitate nanotechnology teaching and training at Virginia Tech and Wake Forest University, benefiting undergraduate and graduate students from underrepresented and diverse groups. Finally, this system will be commercialized in collaboration with the leading nano-CT company Xradia to create job opportunities and maintain US leadership in this area.