X-ray computed tomography

X-ray computed tomography (CT) can reveal the internal details of objects in three dimensions non-destructively. In this Primer, we outline basic principles CT and describe ways which a scan be acquired using tubes synchrotron sources, including different possible contrast modes that exploited. We explain process computationally reconstructing three-dimensional (3D) images from 2D radiographs how to segment 3D for subsequent visualization quantification. Whereas is widely used medical heavy industrial contexts at relatively low resolutions, here focus on application higher resolution across science engineering. consider study subjects materials, metrology manufacturing, engineering, food, biological, geological palaeontological sciences. examine follow structural evolution materials real time or time-lapse manner, example manufacturing in-service behaviour degradation manufactured components. Finally, potential radiation damage common sources imaging artefacts, discuss reproducibility issues future advances opportunities. This Primer explores experimental configurations data acquisition as well fundamentals reconstruction, segmentation analysis with examples physical life