Patent ID: 8477904
Filing Date: 2013-07-02
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A dual mode X-ray diffraction and computed tomography imaging system, comprising: an X-ray source for emitting an X-ray beam; a two-dimensional X-ray detector; a sample position; a goniometer for positioning the X-ray source, X-ray detector and a sample at the sample position relative to one another; and a computer arranged to process the input from the 2D detector and output information about the sample based on the input from the 2D detector and the relative positions of X-ray source, X-ray detector and sample; wherein the computer positions the X-ray source, X-ray detector and sample to operate in an X-ray diffraction, XRD, mode carrying out angle dispersive X-ray diffraction on the sample by measuring the X-ray diffraction as a function of diffraction angle 2θ using the X-ray detector; and the computer positions the X-ray source, X-ray detector and sample to operate in a computed tomography, CT, mode to measure absorption of a sample as a function of position across the sample with the two-dimensional X-ray detector; wherein the imaging system operates in dual XRD mode and CT mode; and wherein the X-ray source is a source that emits X-rays having at least 30% of the total emitted X-ray intensity in at least one X-ray line in an energy band in the range 4.5 keV to 25 keV.