Applications of microfocus x-ray radiography in materials and medical research

The advantages of real time microfocus radiography are evaluated for several applications. These advantages are mainly the small focal spot (5 μm) leading to a very low geometrical unsharpness (0.1 mm) for a magnification of 21 x; the positioning of the specimen very close to the source (15 mm) leading to high magnifications (100 x) and the minimal scattered radiation recorded on film. The radiographic technique was used to study the electrolytic co deposition of a Cu-layer on a metal substrate while clear enlarged images of archaeological findings revealed the smallest detail which helps in the restoration of pieces contaminated outside and remaining intact inside. For medical research microfocus X-ray radiography provided interesting information on the reaction of bone tissue on specific osteoporosis medication, on the vascular changes in experimentally induced liver tumours and on the sequential deterioration of kidney stones. The multidisciplinary approach of this technique at the Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering of the K.U. Leuven, opens border lines between different research labs and complements existing techniques. (author)