We validate axon diameter and density estimates using a novel biomimetic brain phantom that emulates the microstructural features of white matter, consisting of hollow textile axons (“taxons”) on the micron scale with distinct intra- and extra-axonal compartments and crossing regions. Diffusion data acquired over a range of gradient strengths, directions and diffusion times were fitted with the TractCaliber approach. Taxon volume fractions were accurately estimated, and the diameters were slightly overestimated in areas with less densely packed fibers. Such phantoms may be useful for testing microstructural models of the diffusion signal, and for scanner and protocol calibration.
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