Patterned X‑ray technique delivers rapid 3‑D chemical maps with fewer scans

Researchers at Bar‑Ilan University, together with partners from several institutions, have unveiled an X‑ray imaging method that can reconstruct the three‑dimensional chemical composition of an object using dramatically fewer measurements than traditional approaches.

Mapping the internal chemistry of a sample in three dimensions has long required either lengthy tomographic scans or complex spectroscopic setups, both of which can be time‑consuming and expose the material to high radiation doses. Existing techniques often rely on collecting a full set of projections at many angles, then processing the data to separate elemental signals.

The new approach replaces the exhaustive scan with a series of patterned X‑ray illuminations. By projecting a sequence of structured X‑ray beams onto the sample and recording the resulting intensity patterns, the team can infer the spatial distribution of different elements with far fewer exposures. Computational algorithms then decode the sparse data, producing a volumetric chemical map in a fraction of the time.

Key to the method is the use of mathematically designed patterns that maximize the information gathered from each shot. When combined with advanced reconstruction software, the technique extracts both structural and compositional cues from limited measurements, effectively compressing what would normally be a massive data set into a compact representation without sacrificing accuracy.

Potential applications span a wide range of fields. In materials science, the ability to quickly assess alloy composition or detect impurities could accelerate prototype testing. Pharmaceutical manufacturers may use the technology to verify the uniformity of drug formulations. Conservators of cultural heritage objects could examine layered pigments without extensive radiation exposure, and medical researchers see promise for low‑dose imaging of mineralized tissues.

The researchers plan to refine the pattern design and explore integration with existing synchrotron facilities. Further validation on diverse sample types is underway, and collaborations with industry partners aim to translate the laboratory proof‑of‑concept into a deployable imaging tool. If successful, the method could set a new standard for rapid, low‑dose chemical tomography.