Refraction contrast 11×-magnified X-ray imaging of large objects by MIRRORCLE-type table-top synchrotron

The high-quality aspects of magnified X-ray images recorded using MIRRORCLE-6X are reported. MIRRORCLE-6X is inherently suitable for hard X-ray imaging owing to its magnified projection X-ray imaging, micrometre-size X-ray source point, wide radiation emission angle, X-ray spectrum ranging from 10 keV to 6 MeV, natural refraction contrast imaging and high flux output. Images produced with 11× geometrical magnification display a sharply enhanced edge effect when generated using a 25 µm rod electron target. Image contrast is enhanced 2× owing to refraction when compared with absorption contrast images. An imitation tumour implanted in a human chest phantom was made clearly visible by using edge enhancement on images. Soft tissue becomes highly visible as a natural consequence of refraction contrast when using hard X-rays for imaging. The authors believe that novel imaging provided by MIRRORCLE makes it a superior instrument for medical diagnosis.