In-line X-ray lensless imaging with lithium fluoride film detectors

• Published in: Radiation measurements Vol. 56; pp. 277 - 280
• Main Authors: Bonfigli, F., Cecilia, A., Bateni, S. Heidari, Nichelatti, E., Pelliccia, D., Somma, F., Vagovic, P., Vincenti, M.A., Baumbach, T., Montereali, R.M.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.09.2013; Elsevier
• Subjects: Color centers; Colour centres; Detectors; Earth sciences; Earth, ocean, space; Exact sciences and technology; Geochronology; Imaging; Isotope geochemistry. Geochronology; Lensless imaging; Lithium fluoride; Photoluminescence; Projection; Synchrotrons; X-ray imaging; X-rays; Colour centres; Lithium fluoride; Lensless imaging; X-ray imaging; Photoluminescence; experimental studies; synchrotrons; fluorides; simulation; X-rays; halides; irradiation; lithium; radiation; spatial resolution; projection
• ISSN: 1350-4487; 1879-0925
• DOI: 10.1016/j.radmeas.2013.03.001

In this work, we present preliminary in-line X-ray lensless projection imaging results at a synchrotron facility by using novel solid-state detectors based on non-destructive readout of photoluminescent colour centres in lithium fluoride thin films. The peculiarities of LiF radiation detectors are high spatial resolution on a large field of view, wide dynamic range, versatility and simplicity of use. These properties offered the opportunity to test a broadband X-ray synchrotron source for lensless projection imaging experiments at the TopoTomo beamline of the ANKA synchrotron facility by using a white beam spectrum (3–40 keV). Edge-enhancement effects were observed for the first time on a test object; they are discussed and compared with simulations, on the basis of the colour centre photoluminescence linear response found in the investigated irradiation conditions. ► We performed broadband X-ray imaging at synchrotron by novel LiF imaging detectors. ► X-ray phase contrast experiments on LiF crystals and thin films were performed. ► Photoluminescent high-quality X-images on a LiF film only 1 μm thick were obtained. ► Edge-enhancement effects were detected and compared with simulations. ► A linearity of colour centre fluorescence response of LiF film was found.