A method for detecting a mass density image of an object. An x-ray beam is transmitted through the object and a transmitted beam is emitted... Show moreA method for detecting a mass density image of an object. An x-ray beam is transmitted through the object and a transmitted beam is emitted from the object. The transmitted beam is directed at an angle of incidence upon a crystal analyzer. A diffracted beam is emitted from the crystal analyzer onto a detector and digitized. A first image of the object is detected from the diffracted beam emitted from the crystal analyzer when positioned at a first angular position. A second image of the object is detected from the diffracted beam emitted from the crystal analyzer when positioned at a second angular position. The first image and the second image are combined mathematically to derive a mass density image of the object. Sponsorship: Illinois Institute of Technology United States Patent Show less