Curved X-ray Grating Testing via Optical Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Grating-based X-ray imaging systems face challenges in accurately testing the radius of curvature and detecting inhomogeneities in curved gratings, which can lead to imaging artefacts due to mismatch or deformation over time, requiring a method for efficient on-site calibration and validation.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using a line-shaped beam of light reflected off a concave reflective surface of the curved grating, with a projection screen to determine if the projection is within a central region, allowing for quick diagnosis of curvature deviations and inhomogeneities, and a portable device for on-site testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a grating is physically bent to adapt to cone beam geometry, then the grating can be adapted to the beam shape, but the bending process requires tight tolerance control and can lead to imaging artefacts if the radius or homogeneity is mismatched
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing curvature testing on the grating before it is installed in the X-ray imaging system. A portable testing device with a light source and camera captures images of the grating's reflective surface to determine its radius of curvature and detect inhomogeneities in advance, allowing corrections to be made before the grating is bent and installed, thereby preventing imaging artefacts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with an optical testing method. Instead of using mechanical gauges or contact-based measurement tools to assess grating curvature, the system uses a light source to illuminate the grating's reflective surface and a camera to capture the reflected light pattern, from which the radius of curvature and homogeneity are calculated optically
2Reliability
If the grating shape evolves over time due to stresses, then the grating may deform, but this requires calibration and validation during manufacture, installation, quality control and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the grating to be tested and validated using a portable device that can be brought to the installation site. The system uses the grating's own reflective properties to perform self-diagnosis of its curvature and homogeneity, eliminating the need for complex external calibration equipment or disassembly of the imaging system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing a testing device that can perform multiple functions: determining the radius of curvature, detecting inhomogeneities in the grating surface, and validating the grating's suitability for use. This single portable device serves as both a measurement tool and a quality control instrument across different stages of the grating lifecycle
3Loss of information
If conventional X-ray imaging techniques are used, then the imaging is simple, but additional diagnostic information from phase contrast and dark-field imaging requires grating interferometer systems with complex grating configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by validating the grating's curvature and homogeneity before it is installed in the complex grating interferometer system. By ensuring the grating meets precise specifications in advance using the portable testing device, the system reduces the risk of imaging artefacts and maintains the high diagnostic quality of phase contrast and dark-field images
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback by using the optical testing system to measure the actual curvature and homogeneity of the grating, comparing these measurements against required specifications, and providing information that guides whether the grating is suitable for use or requires adjustment. This feedback loop ensures the complex interferometer system operates with optimally configured gratings
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables easy and quick diagnosis of inhomogeneities and curvature deviations in curved gratings, reducing imaging artefacts and facilitating on-site quality control and maintenance in X-ray imaging devices.
Implementation Method 1
reflecting the beam of light off a concave reflective surface of the curved X-ray grating
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method, and a corresponding device, for testing a radius of curvature and/or for detecting inhomogeneities of a curved X-ray grating for a grating-based X-ray imaging device. The method comprises generating a beam of light diverging from a source point, propagating along a main optical axis and having a line-shaped beam profile. The method comprises reflecting the beam off a concave reflective surface of the grating. A principal axis of the concave reflective surface coincides with the main optical axis and the source point is at a predetermined distance from a point where the main optical axis intersects the concave reflective surface. The method comprises determining whether a projection of the reflected beam in a plane at or near the source point is present outside a central region around the source point, in which an absence of this projection outside the central region indicates that a radius of curvature of the concave reflective surface corresponds to the predetermined distance and/or that the reflective surface is substantially homogeneously curved along a curve formed by the beam impinging on the concave reflective surface.