X-ray phase contrast imaging, which measures the change in phase through an object rather than change in attenuation, excels at distinguishing between similarly attenuating materials when compared to conventional transmission imaging. Most methods of phase contrast imaging, however, are challenging to implement and are limited in application to smaller objects. Previously, we proposed an alternative x-ray phase contrast imaging method based on the asymmetric illumination approach to optical differential phase contrast imaging, which requires only the addition of a single anti-scatter grid. This anti-scatter grid acts as an angular filter that translates asymmetry in the Fourier domain into intensity differences on the detector. Previously, we presented an analytical framework for the method as well as simulation results showing that such a system should be able to obtain phase information. Here, we report on our progress as we continue to advance the experimental implementation and validation of the system. We determine the effect of anti-scatter grid design parameters on the system’s sensitivity to phase change in order to move towards fabrication of a customized anti-scatter grid that utilizes 3D printing capabilities.
As opposed to transmission imaging, X-ray Phase Contrast Imaging (XPCI) produces images with higher contrast and allows us to distinguish between materials that are weakly attenuating or between materials that possess similar attenuation values. Edge Illumination (EI), a type of XPCI, utilizes spatial variation to uncover information about an object’s phase properties, such as the index of refraction. Instead of spatial variation, we previously proposed an alternative EI method, Spectrally Responsive Edge Illumination (SREI), which relies on energy variation. Prior SREI experimental efforts struggled to meet the necessary component performance requirements, so, as an intermediate step, we are currently focused on developing an energy resolving x-ray refractometer and a related database of materials. In this paper we will share our theory and initial proof of concept experimental results, as well as our next steps.
Simulation is a valuable tool for designing and evaluating the performance of x-ray imaging systems. In previous work, a hybrid CT+XRD imaging system was developed for improved identification of threat objects in checked baggage. Through large-scale simulations of this hybrid CT+XRD system, we can investigate the impact of various parameters on system performance. These parameters include varying energy resolution, multi-energy acquisitions, and additional system views. We will report on our findings and evaluate the system performance resulting from these and other variations of the simulated system as well as discuss how these findings may inform future system design.
X-ray phase contrast imaging has the potential to improve image contrast and better differentiate between weakly attenuating materials. Current implementations, however, focus on small biological samples and coherent sources. Here we propose asymmetric illumination as a low complexity variation of x-ray differential phase contrast imaging. With this method, we would utilize angular filtration of the signal at the detector to convert the phase shifts into intensity variation. We will report our findings as we test the feasibility of this method through simulation as well as discuss ongoing efforts in the development of the system.
Photon counting detectors with energy resolving capabilities have the potential to improve computed tomography (CT) imaging and x-ray diffraction (XRD) systems. In order to better understand the use of these detectors in the CT and XRD application spaces, we have experimentally investigated the detector performance of two newly-released photon counting detectors: the Redlen LDA detector and the Kromek D-Matrix v2 detector. Detector performance involves a complicated interplay of semiconductor physics and readout electronics, and the outcome can depend crucially on the properties of the incoming X-rays—specifically the flux and spectral content. Although the LDA and D-Matrix v2 detectors differ in many ways, particularly in the manner in which they collect spectroscopic information, both are of interest for CT and XRD modalities. We report on our analysis of the detector performance, including the noise statistics, detector quantum efficiency, response linearity, and energy resolution of the detectors as well as discuss how our findings influence the use of these detectors in diffraction and transmission measurements.
X-ray Phase Contrast Imaging (XPCI) is an imaging method that can provide quantitative information about the change in phase of X-ray wavefronts as they pass through an object. XPCI can image objects that cannot be easily seen in conventional absorption imaging, such as thin, weakly-absorbing objects. Most exploration into XPCI has involved synchrotron sources, which are large, fixed facilities and not widely available. Several tabletop methods exist, but these generally rely on interferometric methods or complicated gratings. We began investigating Edge-Illumination (EI), a non-interferometric, inexpensive XPCI method that can use a standard x-ray tube. However, EI requires at least two different spatial shifts, with small aperture openings and precise beam alignment, thereby increasing the complexity of the method. Due to the limitations of EI and the rise in availability of spectrally sensitive detectors, we propose a variant of EI, called Spectrally Responsive Edge Illumination (SREI), which relies on a diversity of X-ray energies instead of spatial shifts. Our goal is to develop an XPCI method that is simple, robust, and easily implementable with commercially available equipment. I will report on our progress.
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