Deep-learning-based image registration for nano-resolution tomographic reconstruction

J Synchrotron Radiat. 2021 Nov 1;28(Pt 6):1909-1915. doi: 10.1107/S1600577521008481. Epub 2021 Sep 13.

Abstract

Nano-resolution full-field transmission X-ray microscopy has been successfully applied to a wide range of research fields thanks to its capability of non-destructively reconstructing the 3D structure with high resolution. Due to constraints in the practical implementations, the nano-tomography data is often associated with a random image jitter, resulting from imperfections in the hardware setup. Without a proper image registration process prior to the reconstruction, the quality of the result will be compromised. Here a deep-learning-based image jitter correction method is presented, which registers the projective images with high efficiency and accuracy, facilitating a high-quality tomographic reconstruction. This development is demonstrated and validated using synthetic and experimental datasets. The method is effective and readily applicable to a broad range of applications. Together with this paper, the source code is published and adoptions and improvements from our colleagues in this field are welcomed.

Keywords: deep learning; full-field transmission X-ray microscopy; image registration; nano-tomography; residual neural network.