Improved image contrast of calcifications in breast tissue specimens using diffraction enhanced imaging.

The contrast of calcifications in images of breast tissue specimens using a synchrotron-based diffraction enhanced imaging (DEI) apparatus has been measured and is compared to the contrast in images acquired using a conventional synchrotron-based radiographic imaging modality. DEI is an imaging modality which derives image contrast from x-ray absorption, refraction and small-angle scatter-rejection (extinction), unlike conventional radiographic techniques, which can only derive contrast from absorption. DEI is accomplished by inserting an analyser crystal in the beam path between the sample and the detector.

Speciation of phosphorus in phosphorus-enriched agricultural soils using X-ray absorption near-edge structure spectroscopy and chemical fractionation.

Knowledge of phosphorus (P) species in P-rich soils is useful for assessing P mobility and potential transfer to ground water and surface waters. Soil P was studied using synchrotron X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy (a nondestructive chemical-speciation technique) and sequential chemical fractionation. The objective was to determine the chemical speciation of P in long-term-fertilized, P-rich soils differing in pH, clay, and organic matter contents.

Measurement of image contrast using diffraction enhanced imaging.

Refraction contrast of simple objects obtained using diffraction enhanced imaging (DEI) was studied and compared to conventional radiographic contrast. Lucite cylinders and nylon wires were imaged using monochromatic synchrotron radiation at the National Synchrotron Light Source (http://nslsweb. nsls.