EXPERIMENTAL SCATTER CORRECTION METHODS IN INDUSTRIAL X-RAY CONE-BEAM CT

Scattered radiation presents a major source of image degradation in industrial cone-beam computed tomography systems. Scatter artifacts introduce streaks, cupping and a loss of contrast in the reconstructed CT-volumes. In order to overcome scatter artifacts, we present two complementary experimental correction methods: the beam-stop array (BSA) and an inverse technique we call beam-hole array (BHA). Both correction methods are examined in comparative measurements where it is shown that the aperture-based BHA technique has practical and scatter-reducing advantages over the BSA. The proposed BHA correction method is successfully applied to a large-scale industrial specimen whereby scatter artifacts are reduced and contrast is enhanced significantly.