Grating-based X-ray Phase Contrast Research Articles

Phase retrieval for X-ray differential phase contrast radiography with knowledge transfer learning from virtual differential absorption model

Grating-based X-ray phase contrast radiography and computed tomography (CT) are promising modalities for future medical applications. However, the ill-posed phase retrieval problem in X-ray phase contrast imaging has hindered its use for quantitative analysis in biomedical imaging. Deep learning has been proved as an effective tool for image retrieval. However, in practical grating-based X-ray phase contrast imaging system, acquiring the ground truth of phase to form image pairs is challenging, which poses a great obstacle for using deep leaning methods. Transfer learning is widely used to address the problem with knowledge inheritance from similar tasks. In the present research, we propose a virtual differential absorption model and generate a training dataset with differential absorption images and absorption images. The knowledge learned from the training is transferred to phase retrieval with transfer learning techniques. Numerical simulations and experiments both demonstrate its feasibility. Image quality of retrieved phase radiograph and phase CT slices is improved when compared with representative phase retrieval methods. We conclude that this method is helpful in both X-ray 2D and 3D imaging and may find its applications in X-ray phase contrast radiography and X-ray phase CT.

Modeling vibrations of a tiled Talbot-Lau interferometer on a clinical CT.

X-ray computed tomography (CT) is an invaluable imaging technique for non-invasive medical diagnosis. However, for soft tissue in the human body the difference in attenuation is inherently small. Grating-based X-ray phase-contrast is a relatively novel imaging method which detects additional interaction mechanisms between photons and matter, namely refraction and small-angle scattering, to generate additional images with different contrast. The experimental setup involves a Talbot-Lau interferometer whose susceptibility to mechanical vibrations hindered acquisition schemes suitable for clinical routine in the past. We present a processing pipeline to identify spatially and temporally variable fluctuations occurring in an interferometer installed on a continuously rotating clinical CT gantry. The correlations of the vibrations in the modular grating setup are exploited to identify a small number of relevant fluctuation modes, allowing for a sample reconstruction free of vibration artifacts.

Single-shot grating-based X-ray phase contrast imaging via generative adversarial network

Talbot-Lau interferometry obtains X-ray differential phase contrast (DPC) signals of object by subtracting multiple moiré patterns acquired by phase-stepping (PS) procedure. Due to the need of multiple intensity measurements, the long measuring time is inevitable in the conventional DPC imaging, giving rise to X-ray dose and fluctuations. In this paper, we propose a single-shot X-ray phase contrast imaging (XPCI) method based on deep learning. Specifically, in hardware, we propose to replace the analysis absorption grating with the high-resolution X-ray detector system to avoid the illumination flux loss caused by the analysis grating. In software, we employ a U-net based generative adversarial network (GAN) for solving the phase reconstruction problem with single-shot intensity pattern. By examining the performance on a variety of simulated and experimental datasets, we demonstrate that our approach, in spite of only using single intensity pattern, is able to obtain results with high resolution and image contrast which is competitive with the conventional PS approach, while being less time-consuming and low-dose.

Fourier-based interpretation and noise analysis of the moments of small-angle x-ray scattering in grating-based x-ray phase contrast imaging.

In grating-based x-ray phase contrast imaging, Fourier component analysis (FCA) is usually recognized as a gold standard to retrieve the contrasts including attenuation, phase and dark-field, since it is well-established on wave optics and is of high computational efficiency. Meanwhile, an alternative approach basing on the particle scattering theory is being developed and can provide similar contrasts with FCA by calculating multi-order moments of deconvolved small-angle x-ray scattering, so called as multi-order moment analysis (MMA). Although originated from quite different physics theories, the high consistency between the contrasts retrieved by FCA and MMA implies us that there may be some intrinsic connections between them, which has not been fully revealed to the best of our knowledge. In this work, we present a Fourier-based interpretation of MMA and conclude that the contrasts retrieved by MMA are actually the weighted compositions of Fourier coefficients, which means MMA delivers similar physical information as FCA. Based on the recognized cosine model, we also provide a truncated analytic MMA method, and its computational efficiency can be hundreds of times faster than the original deconvolution-based MMA method. Moreover, a noise analysis for our proposed truncated method is also conducted to further evaluate its performances. The results of numerical simulation and physical experiments support our analyses and conclusions.

Noise properties of multi-combination information in x-ray grating-based phase-contrast imaging**Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 11535015), the National Special Foundation of China for Major Science Instrument (Grant No. 61227802), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 61405120, 61605119, 61571305, and 11674232), the Natural Science Foundation of Shenzhen, China (Grant No. JCYJ20170302142617703), and

Grating-based x-ray phase contrast imaging has attracted increasing interest in recent decades as multimodal and laboratory source usable method. Specific efforts have been focused on establishing a new extraction method to perform practical applications. In this work, noise properties of multi-combination information of newly established information extraction method, so-called angular signal radiography method, are investigated to provide guidelines for targeted and specific applications. The results show that how multi-combination of images can be used in targeted practical applications to obtain a high-quality image in terms of signal-to-noise ratio. Our conclusions can also hold true for upcoming targeted practical applications such as biomedical imaging, non-destructive imaging, and materials science.

Simulated grating-based x-ray phase contrast images of CFRP-like objects

Because of their microstructure, carbon fibre reinforced polymers outperform conventional materials in many aspects. These materials are, given the low x-ray absorption contrast they provide, ideally suited for phase contrast x-ray computed tomography. For system prototyping and for benchmarking and testing acquisition and reconstruction procedures, computer simulations are a valuable tool. In this paper, we propose the application of an alternative simulation strategy that unites Monte Carlo simulations with numerical wave optics and involves detailed modelling of the internal carbon fibre reinforced polymer structure down to the individual fibre scale.

Development of Laboratory Grating-based X-ray Phase Contrast Microtomography for Improved Pathology

Development of Laboratory Grating-based X-ray Phase Contrast Microtomography for Improved Pathology

Fabrication of absorption gratings with X-ray lithography for X-ray phase contrast imaging

Grating-based X-ray phase contrast imaging is promising especially in the medical area. Two or three gratings are involved in grating-based X-ray phase contrast imaging in which the absorption grating of high-aspect-ratio is the most important device and the fabrication process is a great challenge. The material with large atomic number Z is used to fabricate the absorption grating for excellent absorption of X-ray, and Au is usually used. The fabrication process, which involves X-ray lithography, development and gold electroplating, is described in this paper. The absorption gratings with 4 [Formula: see text]m period and about 100 [Formula: see text]m height are fabricated and the high-aspect-ratio is 50.

Analysis and correction of bias induced by phase stepping jitter in grating-based X-ray phase-contrast imaging.

Grating-based X-ray phase-contrast (gbPC) is an X-ray phase-contrast imaging method involving optical gratings that typically employs the Talbot self-imaging effect. X-ray phase contrast is known to provide significant benefits for biomedical imaging. To investigate these benefits for gbPC, a high-sensitivity gbPC micro-CT setup for small biological samples has been constructed. A gbPC projection measurement simultaneously retrieves the transmittance, differential-phase and dark-field modalities of a sample. Phase stepping, the most common gbPC acquisition technique, involves several acquisitions at different lateral positions of one of the gratings. The three modalities can then be retrieved by least-squares- or FFT-based methods. Unfortunately, increasing differential-phase sensitivity also leads to an increased magnitude of artifacts introduced during retrieval of the modalities from the phase-stepping data, which limits image quality. Most importantly, processing of phase-stepping data with incorrect stepping positions (i.e., spatial sampling jitter) can introduce artifacts to the modalities. Using data from the high-sensitivity gbPC setup, as well as simulations, we show that an artifact is introduced by the jitter which is correlated with the phase of the stepping curve. We present a theoretical explanation for this correlation by introducing small deviations to an equidistant sampling of a stepping curve and approximating the effect on the calculation of the three gbPC modalities with a first-order Taylor approximation. Finally, we present an algorithm for the detection and removal of these artifacts that exploits these correlations. We show that this algorithm is able to eliminate these artifacts without degrading true image information.

Non-Destructive Testing of Archaeological Findings by Grating-Based X-Ray Phase-Contrast and Dark-Field Imaging

The analysis of archaeological findings reveals the remaining secrets of human history. However, it is a challenging task to investigate and simultaneously preserve the unique remains. Available non-destructive examination methods are limited and often insufficient. Thus, we considered X-ray grating interferometry as a non-destructive and advanced X-ray imaging method to retrieve more information about archaeological findings. In addition to the conventional attenuation image, the differential phase and the dark-field image are obtained. We studied the potential of the scattering-sensitive dark-field and the phase-shift sensitive differential phase image to analyse archaeological findings. Hereby, the focus lies on organic remnants. Usually, the organic materials have vanished due to decomposition processes, but the structures are often preserved by mineralisation and penetration of corrosion products. We proved that the combination of the attenuation and the dark-field image in particular, enables a separation of structural properties for fabric remnants. Furthermore, we achieved promising results for the reconstruction of sub-pixel sized fibre orientations of woven fabric remnants by employing the directional dark-field imaging method. We conclude from our results that a further application of X-ray dark-field imaging on wet organic findings and on the distinction of different types of organic remnants at archaeological findings is promising.

Towards sub-micrometer high aspect ratio X-ray gratings by atomic layer deposition of iridium

X-ray grating interferometry is an excellent technique for X-ray phase contrast imaging and X-ray wavefront sensing with applications in materials science, biology and medical diagnosis. Among other requirements, the method depends on the availability of highly X-ray absorbing metallic gratings. Here, we report on the fabrication and characterization of high aspect ratio iridium gratings with a period of 1 μm and a depth of 30 μm combining deep reactive ion etching of silicon and atomic layer deposition of iridium. The implementation of such structures can greatly enhance the sensitivity of grating-based X-ray phase contrast imaging and thus, expand further its broad range of applications.

Signal-to-noise ratio comparison of angular signal radiography and phase stepping method**Project supported by the National Research and Development Project for Key Scientific Instruments (Grant No. CZBZDYZ20140002), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 11535015, 11305173, and 11375225), the project supported by Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant No. Y4545320Y2), and the Fundamental Research Funds

Grating-based x-ray phase contrast imaging has the potential to be applied in future medical applications as it is compatible with both laboratory and synchrotron source. However, information retrieval methods are important because acquisition speed, scanning mode, image quality, and radiation dose depend on them. Phase-stepping (PS) is a widely used method to retrieve information, while angular signal radiography (ASR) is a newly established method. In this manuscript, signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) of ASR are compared with that of PS. Numerical experiments are performed to validate theoretical results. SNRs comparison shows that for refraction and scattering images ASR has higher SNR than PS method, while for absorption image both methods have same SNR. Therefore, our conclusions would have guideline in future preclinical and clinical applications.

Optimization of grating duty cycle in non-interferometric grating-based X-ray phase contrast imaging.

Grating-based X-ray phase contrast imaging technology is one of the most potential imaging methods in real applications. It can be classified into two categories: interferometry and non-interferometric imaging. The non-interferometric grating-based X-ray phase contrast imaging (NIGPCI) instrument has a great advantage in the forthcoming commercial applications for the flexible system design and the use of large periodic gratings. The performance of the NIGPCI instrument depends on its angular sensitivity to a great extent. Therefore, good angular sensitivity is mandatory in order to obtain high quality phase-contrast images. Several parameters, such as the X-ray spectrum, the inter-grating distances, and the parameters of the three gratings, influence the angular sensitivity of the imaging system. However, the quantitative relationship between the angular sensitivity and grating duty cycle is unclear. Therefore, this paper is devoted to revealing their internal relation by theoretical deduction and emulation of the imaging process with the theories of linear system and Fourier optics. Furthermore, a quantitative analysis method to optimize the duty cycles of gratings is proposed and its applicability to a general NIGPCI system is verified.

Effect of current density on the deposit stress in gold electroplating

As the key components of grating-based X-ray phase contrast imaging, absorption gratings are essential to be fabricated. In fact, the internal stress is one of the critical issues for the application of the electroplated gold deposit as the absorption metal for absorption gratings. It is common that high internal stress levels can cause the deposit cracking, blistering and peeling away from the substrate material. This study investigates the effect of current density on the internal stress by the bent strip method. The surface morphologies of gold deposits are examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the crystal structure of the electroplated deposit is analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The change of current density reverses the internal stress of the deposits from compressive to tensile. The value of deposit stress can be near zero by optimizing the current density.

Qualitative and Quantitative Imaging Evaluation of Renal Cell Carcinoma Subtypes with Grating-based X-ray Phase-contrast CT

Current clinical imaging methods face limitations in the detection and correct characterization of different subtypes of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), while these are important for therapy and prognosis. The present study evaluates the potential of grating-based X-ray phase-contrast computed tomography (gbPC-CT) for visualization and characterization of human RCC subtypes. The imaging results for 23 ex vivo formalin-fixed human kidney specimens obtained with phase-contrast CT were compared to the results of the absorption-based CT (gbCT), clinical CT and a 3T MRI and validated using histology. Regions of interest were placed on each specimen for quantitative evaluation. Qualitative and quantitative gbPC-CT imaging could significantly discriminate between normal kidney cortex (54 ± 4 HUp) and clear cell (42 ± 10), papillary (43 ± 6) and chromophobe RCCs (39 ± 7), p < 0.05 respectively. The sensitivity for detection of tumor areas was 100%, 50% and 40% for gbPC-CT, gbCT and clinical CT, respectively. RCC architecture like fibrous strands, pseudocapsules, necrosis or hyalinization was depicted clearly in gbPC-CT and was not equally well visualized in gbCT, clinical CT and MRI. The results show that gbPC-CT enables improved discrimination of normal kidney parenchyma and tumorous tissues as well as different soft-tissue components of RCCs without the use of contrast media.

Noise analysis of grating-based x-ray differential phase-contrast imaging with angular signal radiography**Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 11535015, 11305173, and 11375225).

X-ray phase-contrast imaging is one of the novel techniques, and has potential to enhance image quality and provide the details of inner structures nondestructively. In this work, we investigate quantitatively signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of grating-based x-ray phase contrast imaging (GBPCI) system by employing angular signal radiography (ASR). Moreover, photon statistics and mechanical error that is a major source of noise are investigated in detail. Results show the dependence of SNR on the system parameters and the effects on the extracted absorption, refraction and scattering images. Our conclusions can be used to optimize the system design for upcoming practical applications in the areas such as material science and biomedical imaging.

Research on dual energy grating based X-ray phase contrast imaging

There exist some problems in a grating-based X-ray differential phase contrast imaging system, such as complex imaging system, low imaging efficiency and high requirements for step precision. The phase information extraction method of imaging system has been developed into an existing two-stepping phase shift method from the original phase stepping method, which improves the imaging efficiency and reduces the imaging radiation dose and imaging time. However, the method of two-stepping phase shift still needs to move the grating, and the requirement for accuracy of the step position is also very high. According to the problems mentioned above, in this paper we propose a dual energy multi-line X-ray source and a dual energy analysis grating. The dual energy multi-line X-ray source can emit two different levels of X-ray structure light, which can replace the X-ray source and source grating. The dual energy analysis grating is composed of two different types of scintillator materials, which are in staggered distribution. One is scintillator material that can transform high energy X-ray into visible light, and the other one can convert low energy X-ray into visible light. The dual energy analysis grating can replace traditional analysis grating and the conversion screen of X-ray CCD detector. By using the dual energy multi-line X-ray source and dual energy analysis grating in grating-based X-ray differential phase contrast imaging system, a dual energy grating-based X-ray phase contrast imaging system is proposed in this paper. In addition, in this paper we show the structure and imaging principle of the imaging system. The imaging system can achieve high and low energy X-ray imaging without moving grating. Two levels of X-ray imaging are equivalent to the analysis grating displacement π phase, which is in line with the traditional two-stepping method of two image phase shift requirements. Therefore, after the normalization processing of the two kinds of energies, the phase information can be extracted by the traditional two-stepping phase shift method. In order to validate the correctnesses of the imaging principle of the proposed imaging system and extraction method of phase information, the imaging system is simulated. The simulation is performed on the assumption that an X-ray beam passes through a polymethyl methacrylate sphere as a phase specimen, and the method is adopted by using the proposed dual energy X-ray about left and right lumbar imaging to extract phase information. The simulation result shows that the imaging system can realize normal imaging, and the first-order derivative distribution of the sphere phase extracted by the dual energy X-ray method is consistent with the experimental result.

铋光栅X射线相衬成像条纹对比度的定量计算

铋光栅X射线相衬成像条纹对比度的定量计算

Note: Gratings on low absorbing substrates for x-ray phase contrast imaging.

Grating based X-ray phase contrast imaging is on the verge of being applied in clinical settings. To achieve this goal, compact setups with high sensitivity and dose efficiency are necessary. Both can be increased by eliminating unwanted absorption in the beam path, which is mainly due to the grating substrates. Fabrication of gratings via deep X-ray lithography can address this issue by replacing the commonly used silicon substrate with materials with lower X-ray absorption that fulfill certain boundary conditions. Gratings were produced on both graphite and polymer substrates without compromising on structure quality. These gratings were tested in a three-grating setup with a source operated at 40 kVp and lead to an increase in the detector photon count rate of almost a factor of 4 compared to a set of gratings on silicon substrates. As the visibility was hardly affected, this corresponds to a significant increase in sensitivity and therefore dose efficiency.

High sensitivity phase retrieval method in grating-based x-ray phase contrast imaging.

Grating-based x-ray phase contrast imaging is considered as one of the most promising techniques for future medical imaging. Many different methods have been developed to retrieve phase signal, among which the phase stepping (PS) method is widely used. However, further practical implementations are hindered, due to its complex scanning mode and high radiation dose. In contrast, the reverse projection (RP) method is a novel fast and low dose extraction approach. In this contribution, the authors present a quantitative analysis of the noise properties of the refraction signals retrieved by the two methods and compare their sensitivities. Using the error propagation formula, the authors analyze theoretically the signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) of the refraction images retrieved by the two methods. Then, the sensitivities of the two extraction methods are compared under an identical exposure dose. Numerical experiments are performed to validate the theoretical results and provide some quantitative insight. The SNRs of the two methods are both dependent on the system parameters, but in different ways. Comparison between their sensitivities reveals that for the refraction signal, the RP method possesses a higher sensitivity, especially in the case of high visibility and/or at the edge of the object. Compared with the PS method, the RP method has a superior sensitivity and provides refraction images with a higher SNR. Therefore, one can obtain highly sensitive refraction images in grating-based phase contrast imaging. This is very important for future preclinical and clinical implementations.