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

x射线计算机断层扫描（CT）是一种流行的方法，它根据x射线源的阴影显示物体的内部结构。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，可以描绘小到50纳米（“分辨率”）的细节，并已成为各种应用中的强大工具。然而，实现其全部潜力的主要障碍是，当大型物体内部感兴趣的内部区域（ROI）仅使用x射线通过该区域成像时遇到的不准确性（“内部问题”）。此外，纳米ct需要密集的x射线束，这可能会破坏生物样本。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、生物学、纳米技术、材料和能源等领域的进步。当与我们现有的0.5-20ìm分辨率的微型CT扫描仪相结合时，由此产生的多尺度CT设施将迅速成为服务于许多用户的区域中心。作为东海岸唯一的50纳米分辨率CT扫描仪，也是世界上唯一具有窄光束瞄准和精确内部重建能力的CT系统，该仪器对美国的机构和行业都将是无价的。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不同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先地位。

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.