Abstract
X-ray dark-field (XDF) imaging accesses information on the small-angle scattering properties of the sample. With grating interferometry, the measured scattering signal is related to the sample’s autocorrelation function, which was previously demonstrated for simple samples, such as mono-dispersed microspheres for which the autocorrelation function is mathematically given. However, in potential clinical applications of XDF imaging, complex microstructures, such as lung parenchyma are under investigation. Their bahaviour in XDF imaging is not yet known and no mathematical description of the autocorrelation function is derived so far. In this work we demonstrate the previously established correlation of the XDF data of complex sample structures with their autocorrelation function to be impractical. Furthermore, we propose an applicable correlation between XDF and the sample’s structural parameter on the basis of mean chord length, a medically-approved measure for alveolar structure, known to be affected by structural lung diseases. Our findings reveal a correlation between energy-dependent XDF imaging and the sample’s mean chord length. By that, a connection between a medical measure for alveoli and XDF is achieved, which is particularly important regarding potential future XDF lung imaging applications for the assessment of alveoli size in diagnostic lung imaging.
Highlights
X-ray dark-field (XDF) imaging accesses information on the small-angle scattering properties of the sample
We present an alternative correlation between energy dependent XDF imaging and the sample’s mean chrod length (MCL), which is shown to be more practicable for fututre XDF imaging applications on samples with complex microstructure, such as lung parenchyma
We investigated samples with complex micro structure, such as various types of closed-cell plastic foams, namely: neoprene (CR-L), ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM)
Summary
X-ray dark-field (XDF) imaging accesses information on the small-angle scattering properties of the sample. In potential clinical applications of XDF imaging, complex microstructures, such as lung parenchyma are under investigation Their bahaviour in XDF imaging is not yet known and no mathematical description of the autocorrelation function is derived so far. Previous studies aimed to provide a quantitative correlation between XDF signal at a distinct sampled correlation length and the autocorrelation function of the sample’s microstructure. It was derived theoretically and subsequently shown experimentally by Lynch et al.[10] and Yashiro et al.[11] with monochromatic X-ray sources. Recent smallanimal studies revealed a decrease in XDF signal for both emphysema[19] and fibrosis[20], which suggests a similar behaviour for humans and would enable a diagnosis of potential pathological changes
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
