Abstract
X-ray differential phase contrast imaging methods, including projection imaging and the corresponding computed tomography (CT), have been implemented using a Talbot interferometer and either a synchrotron beam line or a low brilliance x-ray source generated by a stationary-anode x-ray tube. From small-angle scattering events which occur as an x-ray propagates through a medium, a signal intensity loss can be recorded and analyzed for an understanding of the micro-structures in an image object. This has been demonstrated using a Talbot-Lau interferometer and a stationary-anode x-ray tube. In this paper, theoretical principles and an experimental implementation of the corresponding CT imaging method are presented. First, a line integral is derived from analyzing the cross section of the small-angle scattering events. This method is referred to as small-angle scattering computed tomography (SAS-CT). Next, a Talbot-Lau interferometer and a rotating-anode x-ray tube were used to implement SAS-CT. A physical phantom and human breast tissue sample were used to demonstrate the reconstructed SAS-CT image volumes.
Highlights
In recent years, important progress has been made in x-ray differential phase contrast computed tomography (CT) imaging [1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11] using a Talbot interferometer
Both the attenuation contrast and small-angle scattering computed tomography (SAS-CT) image show good visibility of the calcifications, though the contrast is higher in the small-angle scattering (SAS)-CT image due to the removal of the background gelatin material
The physics of SAS events must be considered in order to develop an imaging equation for SAS-CT
Summary
Important progress has been made in x-ray differential phase contrast CT imaging [1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11] using a Talbot interferometer. The method was implemented using either synchrotron beam lines [1, 2, 12,13,14,15,16] with high brilliance and high spatial and spectral coherence or a conventional x-ray tube [4,5,6,7, 11, 17, 18] with low brilliance. A conventional x-ray tube with a focal spot on the order of a millimeter does not provide sufficient spatial coherence length for Talbot interferometry. This technical hurdle can be overcome [3, 4] by additional beam collimation using an absorption linear grating with slit opening of several microns. A micro-focus x-ray tube [29] can be used to implement differential phase contrast CT with a compact system design
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.
