Phase-Contrast X-Ray CT System Xctal 5000

Importance of the Topic

Phase-contrast X-ray CT provides complementary information to absorption CT by measuring X-ray refraction and scattering.
This capability is critical for imaging low-contrast materials such as composites, biofuels and biological tissues, improving nondestructive testing and research outcomes.

Study Objectives and Overview

The study presents the Xctal 5000 system designed to acquire absorption, dark-field and phase-contrast images in a single scan using grating interferometry.
The system’s performance was evaluated on fiber reinforced plastics, composite laminates, advanced biofuels and various biological specimens.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The Xctal 5000 employs a diffraction grating interferometer positioned between an X-ray source and a flat-panel detector to detect phase shifts.
It generates three image types:

• Absorption: conventional attenuation contrast.
• Dark-field: scattering contrast revealing fine cracks and fiber bundles.
• Phase: refraction-based density contrast identifying interfaces in low absorption samples.

Used Instrumentation

• X-ray source: up to 90 kV, 800 µA, 50 W output.
• Flat-panel detector with rotating sample stage (Φ150 mm, H275 mm capacity).
• Grating interferometer assembly for three-contrast imaging.
• Software suite: Xctal Control, XctalViewer, MPR, optional HADI-S and VGSTUDIO MAX.

Key Results and Discussion

The system achieved wide-field dark-field imaging up to 100 mm to locate fine cracks and analyze fiber orientation in CFRP and GFRP samples.
Phase images provided high-contrast views of resin and water interfaces and resolved density differences of ≥0.2 g/cm³.
Biocoke microcracks were quantified, supporting renewable energy research.
Biological studies demonstrated soft tissue visualization in neonate mice, insects and fish without contrast agents, preserving specimens for further analysis.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Non-destructive detection of microcracks in composites and biomaterials.
• Fiber orientation mapping for quality control in injection molding and laminate design.
• High-contrast density imaging of weakly absorbing samples such as plastics and biological tissues.
• One-scan multi-contrast capability reduces sample handling and increases throughput.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Integration with machine learning for automated defect detection and fiber mapping.
Higher resolution gratings and faster detectors for sub-micrometer phase-contrast imaging.
Four-dimensional dynamic studies to monitor processes in situ.
Expansion to in vivo imaging and clinical applications with optimized dose and speed.

Conclusion

The Xctal 5000 phase-contrast X-ray CT system extends traditional CT by providing simultaneous absorption, dark-field and phase images.
It delivers enhanced contrast for low-absorption materials across a broad field of view, enabling new analytical capabilities in materials science and life sciences.