Refraction Contrast Imaging by Using MIRRORCLE-Type Tabletop Synchrotron

Abstract

MIRRORCLE type tabletop synchrotron is suitable for magnified hard x‐ray imaging due to its micron size x‐ray source, wide radiation angle, x‐ray spectrum ranging from a few keV to 6 MeV and high flux output. It is known that the magnified imaging by a micron size x‐ray source provides a high spatial resolution image, and a sharply enhanced edge effect for weakly absorbing objects. This x‐ray imaging technique is known as a phase‐contrast imaging. In this work, we performed a phase contrast imaging of a simple shape objects using an imaging plate for studying the characteristics of the edge enhancement by MIRRORCLE. It turns out that the edge effect is enhanced for higher magnification and smaller source size. The characteristics of the edge effect can be explained by using the refraction effect. Furthermore, the refraction contrast is enhanced when the imaging system resolution is decreased. By using MIRRORCLE, we can obtain refractive‐contrast images of objects as large as human. The magnified x‐ray imaging capabilities of MIRRORCLE are a great advantage to medical imaging and NDI of organic objects.