Analytical radiography for planar radiographic images implemented with a multi-modal system

A radiographic system is optimized for the contrast inherent to small animals and is developed for a multi-modal imaging system devised for in-vivo studies. The range of X-ray energies utilized (generally considered ''soft X-rays'') enables enhanced spatial resolution and superior contrast for detailed study of the mouse anatomy and smaller specimens. Despite the difficulties presented by the complicated energy spectrum of soft X-rays, relevant system calibrations for bone measures are described in detail and applied to the mouse. Further, long-bone symmetry modeling using a cylindrical projection is applied to the planar density image, providing convenient bone density estimates that are consistent with other methodologies.