Computed tomography for measuring annual rings of a live tree

Abstract

A portable X-ray computed-tomography (CT) scanner has been developed for the nondestructive measurement of cross sections of live trees, wooden utility poles, wooden building columns, wooden statues, etc., in the field environment. Temporal resolution of CT reconstruction is good enough for observing details of annual rings of trees. The scanner shah be useful in plant physiology, environment assessment, safety assurance of poles, archeology, and dendrochronology.