Three-dimensional imaging method

Abstract

The invention discloses a three-dimensional imaging method. The three-dimensional imaging method comprises the steps that radiation beams are emitted towards M sample slices (i), radiation beams are emitted towards one sample slice each time, M is an integer larger than 1, and i = 1,..., M; for each value of i, taking a two-dimensional image (i) of the sample slice (i) based on the interaction between the radiation beam and the sample slice (i); and aligning the M two-dimensional images (i) of the M sample slices (i) to form a three-dimensional image of the sample. The M sample slices (i) have been unitary samples.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The invention relates to a three-dimensional imaging method, in particular to a three-dimensional imaging method for soft tissue. [Background technology]

[0002] Three-dimensional imaging of soft tissue is very important in the medical field, especially in diagnosis and treatment. By using three-dimensional imaging technologies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography, healthcare professionals can accurately assess the details of soft tissue anatomy, thereby improving the accuracy of diagnosis, promoting the development of targeted treatment strategies, and ultimately improving patient health. [Summary of the invention]

[0003] The present invention discloses a three-dimensional imaging method, comprising: emitting a radiation beam toward M sample slices (i), emitting the radiation beam toward one sample slice at a time, wherein M is an integer greater than 1, i=1, ..., M; for each value of i, based on the interaction between the radiation beam and the sample slice (i), taking a two-dimensional image (i) of the sample slice (i); and aligning the M two-dimensional images (i) of the M sample slices (i) to form a three-dimensional image of the sample. The M sample slices (i) were once a one-piece sample.

[0004] In one aspect, for each value of i, the two-dimensional image (i) is the two-dimensional spatial distribution of the refractive index in the sample slice (i).

[0005] In one aspect, the three-dimensional image is a three-dimensional spatial distribution of the refractive index in the sample.

[0006] In one aspect, the radiation beam is an X-ray beam.

[0007] In one aspect, the M sample slices (i) are parallel to each other in the sample.

[0008] In one aspect, for each value of i, during acquisition of said two-dimensional image (i) of said sample slice (i), said sample slice (i) is parallel to the same plane.

[0009] In one aspect, the sample comprises only a single piece of soft tissue.

[0010] In one aspect, for each value of i, the ratio of the distance between a point of the sample slice (i) and a point of the radiation detector used to capture the M two-dimensional images (i) to the distance between the point of the sample slice (i) and a point of the radiation source subsystem that emits the radiation beam is at least 5.

[0011] In one aspect, for each value of i, the maximum thickness of said sample slice (i) measured along a direction perpendicular to said sample slice (i) is at most 5 mm.

[0012] In one aspect, the three-dimensional imaging method further comprises: before performing the step of emitting the radiation beam toward the M sample slices (i), cutting the sample into the M sample slices (i).

[0013] In one aspect, each of the M sample slices (i) comprises a mark, and aligning the M two-dimensional images (i) comprises aligning images of the marks of the M sample slices (i) in the M two-dimensional images (i).

[0014] In one aspect, for each value of i, the interaction between the radiation beam and the sample slice (i) includes distortion of the radiation beam caused by the sample slice (i) due to refraction, and does not include attenuation of the radiation beam caused by the sample slice (i).

[0015] In one aspect, the radiation detector used to capture the M two-dimensional images (i) includes N sensing elements; each of the M two-dimensional images (i) includes N pixels respectively captured by the N sensing elements; and the three-dimensional image of the sample includes M×N pixels.

[0016] In one aspect, the radiation beam is a cone beam.

[0017] In one aspect, for each value of i, during acquisition of said two-dimensional image (i) of said sample slice (i), said radiation beam illuminates the entire sample slice (i).

[0018] In one aspect, the radiation beam is emitted by a radiation source subsystem, the radiation source subsystem comprising a capillary device configured to guide radiation particles to form the radiation beam. The capillary device comprises P networks (j) each consisting of a plurality of interconnected capillary segments, wherein P is a positive integer, j=1, ..., P. For each value of j, the network (j) comprises a capillary segment (j, 1), a capillary segment (j, 2), and a capillary segment (j, 3). For each value of j, the network (j) is configured to allow a radiation particle (j, 1) to enter the network (j) via an open end (j, 1, 1) of the capillary segment (j, 1), and then guide the radiation particle (j, 1) within the capillary segment (j, 1) from the open end (j, 1, 1) of the capillary segment (j, 1) to the interconnected end (j, 1, 2) of the capillary segment (j, 1), and then guide the radiation particle (j, 1) within the capillary segment (j, 3) from the interconnected end (j, 3, 1) of the capillary segment (j, 3) to the open end (j, 3, 2) of the capillary segment (j, 3), and then guide the radiation particle (j, 1) to leave the network (j) via the open end (j, 3, 2) of the capillary segment (j, 3). For each value of j, the network (j) is configured to allow a radiation particle (j, 2) to enter the network (j) via an open end (j, 2, 1) of the capillary segment (j, 2), and then guide the radiation particle (j, 2) within the capillary segment (j, 2) from the open end (j, 2, 1) of the capillary segment (j, 2) to the interconnected end (j, 2, 2) of the capillary segment (j, 2), and then guide the radiation particle (j, 2) within the capillary segment (j, 3) from the interconnected end (j, 3, 1) of the capillary segment (j, 3) to the open end (j, 3, 2) of the capillary segment (j, 3), and then guide the radiation particle (j, 2) to leave the network (j) via the open end (j, 3, 2) of the capillary segment (j, 3).

[0019] In one aspect, for each value of j, the interconnection end (j, 1, 2) is connected to the interconnection end (j, 3, 1) directly or via one or more capillary segments of the network (j), so that the network (j) can guide the radiation particles (j, 1) from the interconnection end (j, 1, 2) to the interconnection end (j, 3, 1) directly or through the interior of the one or more capillary segments, and the interconnection end (j, 2, 2) is connected to the interconnection end (j, 3, 1) directly or via one or more capillary segments of the network (j), so that the network (j) can guide the radiation particles (j, 2) from the interconnection end (j, 2, 2) to the interconnection end (j, 3, 1) directly or through the interior of the one or more capillary segments.

[0020] In one aspect, for each value of j, the network (j) is configured to guide radiation particles that enter the network (j) via each of all open ends in the capillary segments of the network (j) except the open end (j,3,2) of the capillary segment (j,3) to leave the network (j) only via the open end (j,3,2) of the capillary segment (j,3).

[0021] In one aspect, P=1.

[0022] In one aspect, the plurality of interconnected capillary segments of the P networks comprise silica, ceramic, or glass fibers.

[0023] In one aspect, the plurality of interconnected capillary segments of the P networks are pores within a matrix.

[0024] In one aspect, for each value of j, at least 2 capillary junctions are located on the path of the radiation particle (j,1) from the open end (j,1,1) of the capillary segment (j,1) to the open end (j,3,2) of the capillary segment (j,3).

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] Figure 1 A sample cut into slices according to an embodiment is schematically shown.

[0026] Figure 2 An imaging system according to an embodiment is schematically illustrated.

[0027] Figure 3 A flow chart outlining the operation of an imaging system according to an embodiment is shown.

[0028] Figure 4 A radiation source subsystem of an imaging system according to an embodiment is schematically illustrated.

[0029] Figure 5 A network of multiple capillary segments of a radiation source subsystem according to an embodiment is schematically shown. [Specific implementation method]

[0030] Sample sectioning

[0031] Figure 1 The sample 100 to be imaged is schematically shown. In one embodiment, the sample 100 may be a component (i.e., a single object). In one embodiment, the sample 100 may be cut into a plurality of sample slices (e.g., three sample slices 100a, 100b, and 100c as shown).

[0032] In one embodiment, a plurality of sample slices (e.g., sample slices 100a, 100b, and 100c) are once parallel to each other in sample 100. In one embodiment, sample 100 may include only one piece of soft tissue 100st. In other words, there is no other piece of soft tissue in sample 100. In one embodiment, sample 100 itself may be one piece of soft tissue.

[0033] Imaging System

[0034] Figure 2 An imaging system 200 according to an embodiment is schematically shown. In one embodiment, the imaging system 200 may include a radiation source subsystem 210 and a radiation detector 220.

[0035] In one embodiment, the radiation source subsystem 210 can emit radiation for imaging (eg, as shown in the figure, a radiation beam 215). In one embodiment, the radiation beam 215 can be an X-ray beam. In one embodiment, the radiation beam 215 can be a cone beam.

[0036] In one embodiment, the radiation detector 220 may include a plurality of sensor elements (e.g., 28 sensor elements 225 as shown). In one embodiment, the sensor elements 225 of the radiation detector 220 may be arranged in a two-dimensional array (e.g., Figure 2 7×4 array shown).

[0037] Operation of the imaging system

[0038] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2, the imaging system 200 can operate as follows. The sample slice 100a can be located between the radiation source subsystem 210 and the radiation detector 220, so that the radiation beam 215 is directed to the sample slice 100a. Then, the radiation detector 220 can take a first two-dimensional image of the sample slice 100a based on the interaction between the radiation beam 215 and the sample slice 100a.

[0039] Next, in one embodiment, the sample slice 100a can be removed from the imaging system 200, and then the sample slice 100b can be positioned between the radiation source subsystem 210 and the radiation detector 220 so that the radiation beam 215 is directed toward the sample slice 100b. The radiation detector 220 can then capture a second two-dimensional image of the sample slice 100b based on the interaction between the radiation beam 215 and the sample slice 100b.

[0040] Next, in one embodiment, the sample slice 100b can be removed from the imaging system 200, and then the sample slice 100c can be positioned between the radiation source subsystem 210 and the radiation detector 220 so that the radiation beam 215 is directed toward the sample slice 100c. The radiation detector 220 can then capture a third two-dimensional image of the sample slice 100c based on the interaction between the radiation beam 215 and the sample slice 100c.

[0041] In one embodiment, for each of the sample slices 100a, 100b, and 100c, during the capturing of the two-dimensional image of each sample slice, the interaction between the radiation beam 215 and each sample slice (A) may include the distortion of the radiation beam 215 caused by the refraction of each sample slice, and (B) may not include the attenuation of the radiation beam 215 caused by each sample slice. In one embodiment, the two-dimensional image of each sample slice may be a two-dimensional spatial distribution of the refractive index in each sample slice.

[0042] Next, in one embodiment, the first two-dimensional image, the second two-dimensional image, and the third two-dimensional image may be aligned to form a three-dimensional image of the sample 100. In one embodiment, the three-dimensional image of the sample 100 may be a three-dimensional spatial distribution of the refractive index in the sample 100.

[0043] For example, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , assuming that the radiation detector 220 includes Figure 2The 28 sensor elements 225 are arranged in a 7×4 array. Then, each of the first two-dimensional image, the second two-dimensional image, and the third two-dimensional image should have 28 picture elements, which (A) are respectively photographed by the 28 sensor elements 225 of the radiation detector 220 and (B) are arranged in a 7×4 picture element array.

[0044] Therefore, the three-dimensional image of the sample 100 formed by aligning the first two-dimensional image, the second two-dimensional image and the third two-dimensional image should have 3×28=84 pixels. In other words, the three-dimensional image has three layers of pixels, each layer is a 7×4 pixel array.

[0045] Flowchart outlining the operation of the imaging system

[0046] Figure 3 shows a summary according to an embodiment Figure 2 Flowchart 300 of the operation of the imaging system 200 .

[0047] In step 310, the operation may include emitting a radiation beam toward M sample slices (i), emitting a radiation beam toward one sample slice at a time, wherein M is an integer greater than 1, i=1, ..., M, and the M sample slices were once a one-piece sample. Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the radiation beam 215 is emitted toward the sample slices 100a, 100b, and 100c, and the radiation beam 215 is emitted toward one sample slice at a time. The sample slices 100a, 100b, and 100c were once a unitary sample 100.

[0048] In step 320, the operation may include, for each value of i, taking a two-dimensional image (i) of the sample slice (i) based on the interaction between the radiation beam and the sample slice (i). For example, in the above embodiment, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 For each of the sample slices 100a, 100b, and 100c, a two-dimensional image of each sample slice is captured based on the interaction between the radiation beam 215 and each sample slice.

[0049] In step 330, the operation may include aligning the M two-dimensional images (i) of the M sample slices (i) to form a three-dimensional image of the sample. Figure 1 and Figure 2 , align the first two-dimensional image, the second two-dimensional image, and the third two-dimensional image to form a three-dimensional image of the sample 100.

[0050] Other embodiments

[0051] Sample slice parallel to radiation detector

[0052] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 During the capturing of the first two-dimensional image of the sample slice 100a, the sample slice 100a may be parallel to the radiation receiving surface 227 of the radiation detector 220. In one embodiment, the radiation receiving surface 227 may be a best fit plane intersecting all the sensing elements 225 of the radiation detector 220.

[0053] In one embodiment, similarly, during the capturing of the second two-dimensional image of the sample slice 100b, the sample slice 100b may be parallel to the radiation receiving surface 227; and during the capturing of the third two-dimensional image of the sample slice 100c, the sample slice 100c may be parallel to the radiation receiving surface 227. Therefore, the sample slices 100a, 100b, and 100c are parallel to the same plane (i.e., the radiation receiving surface 227 of the radiation detector 220).

[0054] Arrangement of components of imaging system

[0055] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 During the capture of a two-dimensional image of each of the sample slices 100a, 100b and 100c, the ratio of (A) the distance between a point of each of the sample slices and a point of the radiation detector 220 to (B) the distance between the point of each of the sample slices and a point of the radiation source subsystem 210 can be at least 5.

[0056] For example, during the taking of the first two-dimensional image of the sample slice 100a, the ratio of (A) the distance between a point on the sample slice 100a and a point on the radiation detector 220 to (B) the distance between the point on the sample slice 100a and a point on the radiation source subsystem 210 is at least 5.

[0057] The thickness of each sample slice

[0058] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 1 The maximum thickness of each of the sample slices 100a, 100b, and 100c measured along a direction perpendicular to the sample slice may be at most 5 mm.

[0059] For example, the maximum thickness 110a of the sample slice 100a measured along a direction 120a perpendicular to the sample slice 100a may be at most 5 mm.

[0060] Markers for aligning 2D images

[0061] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 Each of the sample slices 100a, 100b, and 100c may include a mark 130. For example, the sample slice 100a may include two marks 130a1 and 130a2, the sample slice 100b may include two marks 130b1 and 130b2, and the sample slice 100c may include two marks 130c1 and 130c2 (as shown in the figure).

[0062] In one embodiment, aligning the first two-dimensional image, the second two-dimensional image, and the third two-dimensional image to form a three-dimensional image of the sample 100 may include aligning images of the marks 130 of the sample slices 100a, 100b, and 100c located in the first two-dimensional image, the second two-dimensional image, and the third two-dimensional image.

[0063] Specifically, in one embodiment, aligning the first two-dimensional image, the second two-dimensional image, and the third two-dimensional image may include (A) aligning the images of markers 130a1, 130b1, and 130c1 and (B) aligning the images of markers 130a2, 130b2, and 130c2.

[0064] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 1 , the mark 130 can be placed in the sample slices 100a, 100b and 100c as follows. First, two metal wires 140w1 and 140w2 (for example, copper wires) can be embedded in the sample 100. Then, the sample 100 can be cut into sample slices 100a, 100b and 100c, so that the sample slices 100a, 100b and 100c are perpendicular to the two metal wires 140w1 and 140w2, resulting in the sample slices 100a, 100b and 100c having the mark 130 as shown. Note that the marks 130a1, 130b1, 130c1 were once the metal wire 140w1 in the sample 100, and the marks 130a2, 130b2, 130c2 were once the metal wire 140w2 in the sample 100.

[0065] The radiation beam completely illuminates each sample slice

[0066] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 During the capture of the two-dimensional image of each of the sample slices 100a, 100b, and 100c, the radiation beam 215 may fully illuminate each of the sample slices. For example, during the capture of the first two-dimensional image of the sample slice 100a, the radiation beam 215 illuminates the entire sample slice 100a.

[0067] Radiation source subsystem 210

[0068] Figure 4 Schematically shows a Figure 2 In one embodiment, the radiation source subsystem 210 may include a radiation source 410 and a capillary device 420. In one embodiment, the radiation source 410 may generate X-rays (not shown) toward the capillary device 420.

[0069] Capillary device 420

[0070] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 4 , the capillary device 420 may include one or more networks (e.g., three networks 111, 112, 113 as shown) each consisting of a plurality of interconnected capillary segments. In one embodiment, each of the three networks 111, 112, 113 of the capillary device 420 may include a plurality of interconnected capillary segments. For example, the network 111 may include five capillary segments (1,1), (1,2), (1,3), (1,4), (1,5). Figure 5 An enlarged view of network 111 is shown.

[0071] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 4 and Figure 5 Each capillary segment of the capillary device 420 may have two ends. If one end of a capillary segment is not connected to any end of any other capillary segment, the end is called an open end; if one end of a capillary segment is connected to any end of any other capillary segment, the end is called an interconnected end.

[0072] For example, refer to Figure 5 , end (1,1,1) of capillary segment (1,1) is an open end because it is not connected to any end of any other capillary segment; end (1,1,2) of capillary segment (1,1) is an interconnected end because it is connected to end (1,3,1) of capillary segment (1,3).

[0073] The capillaries merge downstream

[0074] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , each network of capillary devices 420 can include at least (A) a first capillary segment having a first open end and a first interconnected end, (B) a second capillary segment having a second open end and a second interconnected end, and (C) a third capillary segment having a third open end and a third interconnected end.

[0075] For example, the network 111 includes (A) a first capillary segment (1,1) having a first open end (1,1,1) and a first interconnected end (1,1,2), (B) a second capillary segment (1,2) having a second open end (1,2,1) and a second interconnected end (1,2,2), and (C) a third capillary segment (1,3) having a third open end (1,3,2) and a third interconnected end (1,3,1).

[0076] In addition, in one embodiment, each network of the capillary device 420 can (A) allow the first radiation particles from the radiation source 410 to enter each network through the first open end, and then, (B) guide the first radiation particles in the first capillary segment from the first open end to the first interconnected end, and then, (C) guide the first radiation particles from the first interconnected end directly or through the interior of one or more capillary segments of each network to the third interconnected end, and then, (D) guide the first radiation particles in the third capillary segment from the third interconnected end to the third open end, and then, guide the first radiation particles to leave each network through the third open end.

[0077] For example, the network 111 (A) allows radiation particles (1, 1) from the radiation source 410 to enter the network 111 via the first open end (1, 1, 1), then, (B) guides the radiation particles (1, 1) within the first capillary segment (1, 1) from the first open end (1, 1, 1) to the first interconnected end (1, 1, 2), then, (C) guides the radiation particles (1, 1) from the first interconnected end (1, 1, 2) directly to the third interconnected end (1, 3, 1), then, (D) guides the radiation particles (1, 1) within the third capillary segment (1, 3) from the third interconnected end (1, 3, 1) to the third open end (1, 3, 2), and then, guides the radiation particles (1, 1) to leave the network 111 via the third open end (1, 3, 2).

[0078] In addition, in one embodiment, each network of the capillary device 420 can (A) allow second radiation particles from the radiation source 410 to enter each network via the second open end, and then (B) guide the second radiation particles within the second capillary segment from the second open end to the second interconnected end, and then (C) guide the second radiation particles from the second interconnected end directly or through the interior of one or more capillary segments of each network to the third interconnected end, and then (D) guide the second radiation particles within the third capillary segment from the third interconnected end to the third open end, and then guide the second radiation particles to leave each network via the third open end.

[0079] For example, the network 111 (A) allows radiation particles (1, 2) from the radiation source 410 to enter the network 111 via the second open end (1, 2, 1), then, (B) guides the radiation particles (1, 2) within the second capillary segment (1, 2) from the second open end (1, 2, 1) to the second interconnected end (1, 2, 2), then, (C) guides the radiation particles (1, 2) from the second interconnected end (1, 2, 2) through the interior of the capillary segment (1, 4) to the third interconnected end (1, 3, 1), then, (D) guides the radiation particles (1, 2) within the third capillary segment (1, 3) from the third interconnected end (1, 3, 1) to the third open end (1, 3, 2), and then, guides the radiation particles (1, 2) to leave the network 111 via the third open end (1, 3, 2).

[0080] In short, each of the networks 111, 112, 113 of the capillary device 420 is configured to direct at least two separate radiation particle beams through the capillary device 420 to a single open end. Figure 5 , the network 111 guides two independent radiation particle beams (1,1) and (1,2) through the capillary device 420 to the open end (1,3,2).

[0081] In one embodiment, the ability of the networks 111 , 112 , 113 to guide radiation particles through the interior of their capillary segments may be based on the effect of total reflection of the radiation particles by the inner smooth surfaces of the capillary segments.

[0082] Operation of Radiation Source Subsystem 210

[0083] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 4 , the radiation source subsystem 210 can operate as follows. In one embodiment, the radiation source 410 can emit radiation particles, which enter the three networks 111, 112, 113 through the nine open ends on the left side of the capillary device 420. The three networks 111, 112, 113 then guide the radiation particles through the capillary device 420, and then leave the capillary device as a radiation beam 215 through the three open ends on the right side of the capillary device 420.

[0084] Each network has only one exit open port

[0085] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 4 and Figure 5For each of the three networks 111, 112, 113 of the capillary device 420, each network has only one open end (referred to as an outlet open end) as an outlet. In other words, radiation particles entering each network through each of all open ends of each network except the outlet open end of each network will be guided by each network and leave each network only through the outlet open end of each network.

[0086] For example, for network 111, open end (1,3,2) is the only open end that serves as an exit. In other words, radiation particles that enter network 111 through each of open ends (1,1,1), (1,2,1), and (1,5,1) will be guided by network 111 and leave network 111 only through exit open end (1,3,2).

[0087] Capillary section material

[0088] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The capillary segments of the three networks 111, 112, 113 of the capillary device 420 can be made of silica, ceramic, glass or glass fiber. Alternatively, the capillary segments of the three networks 111, 112, 113 of the capillary device 420 can be pores in the matrix (not shown). In one embodiment, the matrix can be made of plastic.

[0089] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 4 , the fabrication of the capillary device 420 may be as follows. In one embodiment, a plurality of individual capillary segments may be fused together and then bundled together to form the three networks 111 , 112 , 113 of the capillary device 420 .

[0090] In one embodiment, if the capillary section of the capillary device 420 is required to be a pore in a matrix, the three networks 111, 112, 113 formed above can be embedded in the matrix, and then the materials of the three networks 111, 112, 113 formed above can be dissolved and removed.

[0091] At least 2 capillary connections downstream

[0092] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 4 and Figure 5 For each of the three networks 111, 112, and 113 of the capillary device 420, there may be at least two capillary joints on a certain path of the radiated particles within each network from the non-outlet open end of each network to the outlet open end of each network.

[0093] By definition, a capillary junction is where at least three interconnected ends belonging to three capillary segments meet. Figure 5 , on the path of the radiation particle (1, 2) within the network 111, there are two capillary joints 111a and 111b.

[0094] Alternative Embodiments

[0095] In the above embodiment, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the first two-dimensional image, the second two-dimensional image, and the third two-dimensional image of the sample slices 100a, 100b, and 100c are taken by the radiation detector 220. Alternatively, the first two-dimensional image, the second two-dimensional image, and the third two-dimensional image can be taken by a plurality of radiation detectors, respectively. For example, the first two-dimensional image, the second two-dimensional image, and the third two-dimensional image can be taken by three different radiation detectors similar to the radiation detector 220, respectively.

[0096] Although various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A three-dimensional imaging method, characterized in that: include: emitting a radiation beam toward M sample slices (i), emitting a radiation beam toward one sample slice at a time, wherein M is an integer greater than 1, i=1, ..., M, wherein the M sample slices (i) were once a one-piece sample; for each value of i, taking a two-dimensional image (i) of the sample slice (i) based on the interaction between the radiation beam and the sample slice (i); and The M two-dimensional images (i) of the M sample slices (i) are aligned to form a three-dimensional image of the sample.

2. The three-dimensional imaging method according to claim 1, characterized in that: For each value of i, the two-dimensional image (i) is the two-dimensional spatial distribution of the refractive index in the sample slice (i).

3. The three-dimensional imaging method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The three-dimensional image is the three-dimensional spatial distribution of the refractive index in the sample.

4. The three-dimensional imaging method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The radiation beam is an X-ray beam.

5. The three-dimensional imaging method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The M sample slices (i) are parallel to each other in the sample.

6. The three-dimensional imaging method according to claim 1, characterized in that: For each value of i, during acquisition of said two-dimensional image (i) of said sample slice (i), said sample slice (i) is parallel to the same plane.

7. The three-dimensional imaging method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sample consisted of only a single piece of soft tissue.

8. The three-dimensional imaging method according to claim 1, characterized in that: For each value of i, the ratio of the distance between a point of the sample slice (i) and a point of the radiation detector used to capture the M two-dimensional images (i) to the distance between the point of the sample slice (i) and a point of the radiation source subsystem that emits the radiation beam is at least 5.

9. The three-dimensional imaging method according to claim 1, characterized in that: For each value of i, the maximum thickness of the sample slice (i) measured along a direction perpendicular to the sample slice (i) is at most 5 mm.

10. The three-dimensional imaging method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: Prior to performing the emitting the radiation beam towards the M sample slices (i), the sample is sliced ​​into the M sample slices (i).

11. The three-dimensional imaging method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the M sample slices (i) comprises a label, The aligning the M two-dimensional images (i) comprises aligning the images of the marks of the M sample slices (i) in the M two-dimensional images (i).

12. The three-dimensional imaging method according to claim 1, characterized in that: For each value of i, the interaction between the radiation beam and the sample slice (i) includes distortion of the radiation beam caused by the sample slice (i) due to refraction, and does not include attenuation of the radiation beam caused by the sample slice (i).

13. The three-dimensional imaging method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The radiation detector for capturing the M two-dimensional images (i) comprises N sensing elements, Each of the M two-dimensional images (i) includes N picture elements respectively photographed by the N sensing elements, The three-dimensional image of the sample includes M×N pixels.

14. The three-dimensional imaging method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The radiation beam is a cone beam.

15. The three-dimensional imaging method according to claim 1, characterized in that: For each value of i, during acquisition of said two-dimensional image (i) of said sample slice (i), said radiation beam illuminates the entire sample slice (i).

16. The three-dimensional imaging method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The radiation beam is emitted by a radiation source subsystem, the radiation source subsystem comprising a capillary device configured to guide radiation particles to form the radiation beam, The capillary device comprises P networks (j) each consisting of a plurality of interconnected capillary segments, wherein P is a positive integer, j=1, ..., P; For each value of j, the network (j) includes capillary segment (j,1), capillary segment (j,2), and capillary segment (j,3), For each value of j, the network (j) is configured to allow a radiation particle (j, 1) to enter the network (j) via an open end (j, 1, 1) of the capillary segment (j, 1), then guide the radiation particle (j, 1) within the capillary segment (j, 1) from the open end (j, 1, 1) of the capillary segment (j, 1) to the interconnected end (j, 1, 2) of the capillary segment (j, 1), then guide the radiation particle (j, 1) within the capillary segment (j, 3) from the interconnected end (j, 3, 1) of the capillary segment (j, 3) to the open end (j, 3, 2) of the capillary segment (j, 3), then guide the radiation particle (j, 1) to leave the network (j) via the open end (j, 3, 2) of the capillary segment (j, 3), For each value of j, the network (j) is configured to allow a radiation particle (j, 2) to enter the network (j) via an open end (j, 2, 1) of the capillary segment (j, 2), and then guide the radiation particle (j, 2) within the capillary segment (j, 2) from the open end (j, 2, 1) of the capillary segment (j, 2) to the interconnected end (j, 2, 2) of the capillary segment (j, 2), and then guide the radiation particle (j, 2) within the capillary segment (j, 3) from the interconnected end (j, 3, 1) of the capillary segment (j, 3) to the open end (j, 3, 2) of the capillary segment (j, 3), and then guide the radiation particle (j, 2) to leave the network (j) via the open end (j, 3, 2) of the capillary segment (j, 3).

17. The three-dimensional imaging method according to claim 16, characterized in that: For each value of j, The interconnection end (j, 1, 2) is connected to the interconnection end (j, 3, 1) directly or via one or more capillary segments of the network (j), so that the network (j) can guide the radiation particles (j, 1) from the interconnection end (j, 1, 2) to the interconnection end (j, 3, 1) directly or through the interior of the one or more capillary segments, The interconnection end (j, 2, 2) is connected to the interconnection end (j, 3, 1) directly or via one or more capillary segments of the network (j), so that the network (j) can guide the radiation particles (j, 2) from the interconnection end (j, 2, 2) directly or through the inside of the one or more capillary segments to reach the interconnection end (j, 3, 1).

18. The three-dimensional imaging method according to claim 16, characterized in that: For each value of j, the network (j) is configured to guide radiation particles that enter the network (j) via each of all open ends in the capillary segments of the network (j) except the open end (j,3,2) of the capillary segment (j,3) to leave the network (j) only via the open end (j,3,2) of the capillary segment (j,3).

19. The three-dimensional imaging method according to claim 16, characterized in that: P＝1。 20. The three-dimensional imaging method according to claim 16, characterized in that: The plurality of interconnected capillary segments of the P networks include silica, ceramic, or glass fibers.

21. The three-dimensional imaging method according to claim 16, characterized in that: The plurality of interconnected capillary segments of the P networks are pores within a matrix.

22. The three-dimensional imaging method according to claim 16, characterized in that: For each value of j, at least 2 capillary junctions are located on the path of the radiation particle (j,1) from the open end (j,1,1) of the capillary segment (j,1) to the open end (j,3,2) of the capillary segment (j,3).

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