Tomography produces detailed images called tomograms, used in medical, biological, geological, oceanographic, archaeological, and materials science fields. Tomography is less invasive than surgery, and the math behind it is complex. Different beams are used, and images are cleaned up by computer programs. CT scans can be dangerous, and regular exposure should be avoided.
Tomography is a branch of imaging that produces an image called a tomogram that shows a single plane of an object in very specific detail. Many people think of tomography in terms of medical imaging, which is used to create a cross section of the body to reveal underlying medical conditions. Other branches of science also use tomography, including biology, geology, oceanography, archeology and materials science. The technique has been used since the mid-20th century, although the technology for producing tomograms is constantly improving.
By creating a tomogram, a scientist can examine something without actively opening it. In a field like archaeology, this ensures that the integrity of the specimens is respectfully preserved as they are studied. In medicine, tomography is less invasive than exploratory surgery and can provide a very good idea of what is happening inside the patient for medical providers. Geologists use it to examine cross-sections of rock and other material, and the technique is even appearing in some high-tech crime labs so that evidence can be analyzed without being destroyed.
The math behind tomography is quite complex. Essentially, the beams are passed through the object being imaged and the beams, or the tomograph machine, are moved during the imaging process to blur other planes and sharpen a cross section. Usually the specimen is held still and keeping it still is an important direction in medical imaging to ensure clear images. Unfortunately for patients, the medical devices used to create tomographic images can be very noisy and cramped, making direction very uncomfortable to hold still.
A number of different beams are used in tomography, including x-rays, gamma rays, ultrasound, MRI, and others. Once images of the object in question are captured, they are run through a computer program that cleans up the images and creates a clear cross-section. Some computer reconstruction programs can also create a three-dimensional image of the object that can be manipulated to gain more information about its inner workings.
As with other imaging techniques that bombard objects with energy, CT scans can be dangerous. People who do regular tomographic imaging usually protect themselves by staying behind a barrier or by wearing special equipment designed to resist harmful radiation. For patients, some amount of lifetime exposure is somewhat unavoidable, but it becomes a concern when a patient undergoes repeated diagnostic imaging in an attempt to get to the bottom of a medical problem.
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