"Edge illumination" in X-ray Phase Contrast Imaging

Munro, Peter; Ignatyev, Konstantin; Diémoz, Paul C.; Szafraniec, Magdalena B.; Hagen, Charlotte K.; Millard, T. P.; Zapata, C. E.; Speller, Robert; Olivo, Alessandro

doi:10.1063/1.4742279

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 47 publications

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“…proportional to the first derivative of the phase shift) XPCI images are obtained in this way, just like the ones obtained on one side of the reflectivity curve of an analyser crystal [26]. Although in our case the differential nature is due to the convolution of "half" a free-space propagation profile with the pixel response function [27,28], it can be shown that, by optimizing beam thickness and sample-to-detector distance so that comparable phase sensitivity is achieved, results effectively equivalent to analyser based imaging are obtained [13].…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 54%

Applications of a non-interferometric x-ray phase contrast imaging method with both synchrotron and conventional sources

Endrizzi¹,

Diémoz²,

Munro³

et al. 2013

J. Inst.

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We have developed a totally incoherent, non-interferometric x-ray phase contrast imaging (XPCI) method. This is based on the edge illumination (EI) concept developed at the ELETTRA synchrotron in Italy in the late '90s. The method was subsequently adapted to the divergent beam generated by a conventional source, by replicating it for every detector line through suitable masks. The method was modelled both with the simplified ray-tracing and with the more rigorous wave-optics approach, and in both cases excellent agreement with the experimental results was found. The wave-optics model enabled assessing the methods' coherence requirements, showing that they are at least an order of magnitude more relaxed than in other methods, without this having negative consequences on the phase sensitivity. Our masks have large pitches (up to 50 times larger than in grating interferometry, for example), which allows for manufacturing through standard lithography, scalability, cost-effectiveness and easiness to align. When applied to a polychromatic and divergent beam generated by a conventional source, the method enables the detection of strong phase effects also with uncollimated, unapertured sources with focal spots of up to 100 µm, compatible with the stateof-the-art in mammography. When used at synchrotrons, it enables a contrast increase of orders of magnitude over other methods. Robust phase retrieval was proven for both coherent and incoherent sources, and additional advantages are compatibility with high x-ray energies and easy implementation of phase sensitivity in two directions simultaneously. This paper briefly summarizes these achievements and reviews some of the key results.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 54%

Applications of a non-interferometric x-ray phase contrast imaging method with both synchrotron and conventional sources

Endrizzi¹,

Diémoz²,

Munro³

et al. 2013

J. Inst.

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Proof-of-concept demonstration of edge-illumination x-ray phase contrast imaging combined with tomosynthesis

Szafraniec¹,

Millard²,

Ignatyev³

et al. 2014

Phys. Med. Biol.

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In this note we present the first proof-of-concept results on the potential effectiveness of the edge-illumination x-ray phase contrast method (in its 'coded-aperture' based lab implementation) combined with tomosynthesis. We believe that, albeit admittedly preliminary (e.g. we only present phantom work), these results deserve early publication in a note primarily for four reasons. First, we fully modelled the imaging acquisition method, and validated the simulation directly with experimental results. This shows that the implementation of the method in the new geometry is understood, and thus that it will be possible to use the model to simulate more complex scenarios in the future. Secondly, we show that a strong phase contrast signal is preserved in the reconstructed tomosynthesis slices: this was a concern, as the high spatial frequency nature of the signal makes it sensitive to any filtration-related procedure. Third, we show that, despite the non-optimized nature of the imaging prototype used, we can perform a full angular scan at acceptable dose levels and with exposure times not excessively distant from what is required by clinical practice. Finally, we discuss how the proposed phase contrast method, unlike other approaches apart from free-space propagation (which however requires a smaller focal spot, thus reducing the flux and increasing exposure times), can be easily implemented in a tomosynthesis geometry suitable for clinical use. In summary, we find that these technical results indicate a high potential for the combination of the two methods. Combining slice separation with detail enhancement provided by phase effects would substantially increase the detectability of small lesions and/or calcifications, which we aim to demonstrate in the next steps of this study.

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"Edge illumination" in X-ray Phase Contrast Imaging

Cited by 2 publications

References 47 publications

Applications of a non-interferometric x-ray phase contrast imaging method with both synchrotron and conventional sources

Applications of a non-interferometric x-ray phase contrast imaging method with both synchrotron and conventional sources

Proof-of-concept demonstration of edge-illumination x-ray phase contrast imaging combined with tomosynthesis

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