HIGH-SPATIAL-RESOLUTION CT WITH A SYNCHROTRON-RADIATION SYSTEM

Objective: We describe a monochromatic X-ray CT system using synchrotr on radiation, which has been constructed employing a vertical wiggler beam line at the National Laboratory for High-Energy Physics in Tsukub a, Japan. This CT system was produced to facilitate examination of the microstructures of material and biological specimens. Materials and M ethods: The system provides excellent contrast and has a spatial resol ution capacity ranging from 2 to 100 mm. In this preliminary experimen t, the images of the rat were obtained at 36-mm slice thickness and 33 .2-keV X-ray energy. Results: The nasal cartilage, skull, and teeth of a live rat were clearly demonstrated with 36-mm spatial resolution. C onclusion: Using a monochromatic X-ray CT system with synchrotron radi ation, detailed structures of rat skull were imaged clearly.