Boston, S. (Corresponding author)MLZ*

2025

Abstract: An X-ray subsystem was integrated into the ANTARES neutron imaging instrument (FRM II/MLZ)to enable dual-modality radiography and computed tomography without relocating the specimen.The upgrade comprises a compact source–detector assembly within the instrument envelope, integrationwith the existing interlock/safety architecture, and networked control used during commissioningto coordinate motion and acquisition. A pre-commissioning calibration workflow producesdetector products (dark/flat maps for DSNU/PRNU, a defect mask, and a stabilizer), performs geometriccalibration/rectification, and determines cone-beam parameters for the X-ray arm. A reproduciblepipeline was formalized: modality-aware preprocessing (normalization, masking, geometricharmonization) → per-modality reconstruction → rigid (affine-optional) multi-resolution coregistration→ intensity-space fusion for complementary contrast. Validation with resolution targetsand simple phantoms confirmed geometric consistency and stable magnification across scans; endto-end tests showed that per-dataset centre-of-rotation refinements remove residual mechanicaloffsets without altering commissioning parameters. The workflow reduces setup time via rapid X-rayradiographic checks, supports independent or dual-modality CT, and provides a standards-orientedpackaging of geometry and provenance for reconstruction. The system establishes a practical foundationfor quantitative dual-modality studies at ANTARES and outlines paths for improving calibrationmetrics, synchronization, and application-specific fusion.

Keyword(s): Instrument and Method Development (1st) ; Instrument and Method Development (2nd)

1. ANTARES (ANTARES)

1. ANTARES: Cold neutron radiography and tomography station (SR4a)