Full-field fluorescence computed tomography (F3CT) using a calibrated virtual cone-beam pinhole geometry

Year: 2026

Type: preprint

Abstract: We present F3CT, a synchrotron-based hyperspectral full-field fluorescence computed tomography technique that avoids raster scanning by combining a pinhole aperture with an energy-resolving 2D detector. A virtual cone-beam model and two-stage calibration-reconstruction workflow enable 3D elemental mapping under full-field illumination. The method is demonstrated on biological and geological specimens, resolving silver-stain distributions in zebrafish tissue and high-energy fluorescence signatures in rock cores. Phase-contrast tomograms acquired sequentially under the same experimental geometry provide co-registered structural context. F3CT provides a high-throughput route to 3D XRF imaging and establishes a foundation for correlated structural and chemical tomography, with potential for future in-situ and operando implementations.

Source: arXiv (Cornell University)

DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2608.28275

Authors: Zillhardt, Thomas, Chen, Yunhui, Rack, Alexander, Veale, Matthew, Wilson, Matt, Withers, Philip J., Viganò, Nicola

Institutions: Diamond Light Source, University of Manchester, Henry Royce Institute, European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Science and Technology Facilities Council, Monash University, Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives, CEA Grenoble, Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire de Grenoble, Université Grenoble Alpes

Language: English

Topic: Advanced X-ray Imaging Techniques

Subfield: Radiation

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: UK Research and Innovation, European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Universiteit Gent, Uppsala Universitet, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, Science and Technology Facilities Council

OpenAlex ID: W7204848537