Practical use of the modified Bronnikov algorithm in micro-CT

Abstract Through the years, the resolution of X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) systems has increased rapidly, in particular for the newer micro- and nano-CT systems. With this increasing resolution, the limits of absorption contrast CT are being reached. At the same time, a new type of contrast becomes visible: phase contrast. Mainly for low-absorbing objects such as insects and wood, phase contrast can lead to a new type of CT reconstruction using the modified Bronnikov algorithm (MBA) [A. Groso, R. Abela, M. Stampanoni, Implementation of a fast method for high 297 resolution phase contrast tomography, Opt. Express 14 (18) (2006) 8103.] Despite it’s theoretical limitation to pure phase objects, the algorithm has some clear advantages with respect to filtered back-projection (FBP). The MBA is therefore commonly used at the Centre for X-ray Tomography of the Ghent University (UGCT) to obtain additional information for optimal scanning results.