Interferometric X-ray Grating Attachment for Standard Projective Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing x-ray devices for interferometric imaging are cost-intensive due to complex production of large x-ray optical gratings, limiting their size to 50 mm×50 mm and making modular assembly challenging, which restricts the use of standard projective x-ray apparatuses for generating interferometric x-ray images.
Innovation Solution
A supplementary system for projective x-ray devices, comprising a mobile grating attachment with at least two interferometric x-ray gratings and a computer program to control and evaluate image data, allowing for differential phase and dark-field imaging alongside absorption images, using a digital flat-panel detector and an x-ray tube with a focus that satisfies coherence conditions, optionally with an absorption grating for larger focus sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If large x-ray optical gratings are produced for interferometric imaging, then image quality and coverage are improved, but production complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the grating system into multiple separate gratings (G0, G1, G2) that can be produced individually at manageable sizes (50mm x 50mm) and then assembled together to form a larger effective grating system. This segmentation allows standard manufacturing processes to be used while achieving the functionality of a large-grating system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a modular grating assembly where multiple gratings are nested or arranged in sequence within the x-ray beam path. The gratings can be positioned at different locations (e.g., G0 near the source, G1 and G2 at the detector plane) to create a coordinated interferometric system that functions as an integrated large-area grating.
2Ease of manufacture
If modular assembly of multiple small gratings is used, then manufacturing ease is improved, but assembly complexity and alignment precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into functionally distinct grating modules (G0 for coherence, G1 for Talbot effect, G2 for sampling) that can be manufactured separately using standard processes, then assembled in a defined sequence within the x-ray beam path to achieve the complete interferometric functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Each grating module is designed to perform a specific function within the interferometric system, allowing standardized manufacturing while maintaining the ability to assemble them into a universal interferometric imaging system that can be adapted to different x-ray sources and detectors.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard projective x-ray apparatuses are used without modification, then cost is reduced, but interferometric imaging capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The interferometric capability is segmented into discrete grating components (G0, G1, G2) that can be added as separate modules to existing projective x-ray systems. This allows standard x-ray apparatuses to gain interferometric functionality through the addition of these modular grating elements without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The grating assembly acts as an intermediary component that bridges standard projective x-ray systems and interferometric imaging capabilities. By introducing these gratings into the beam path, the system mediates between the existing x-ray source/detector configuration and the desired phase-contrast or dark-field imaging modes.
4Ease of manufacture
If the digital flat-panel detector resolution is used as-is, then detector cost is maintained, but interferometric pattern resolution is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The interferometric pattern sampling is segmented across multiple detector regions or achieved through the G2 grating's periodic structure, which creates a magnified or sampled version of the interference pattern that can be resolved by standard detector pixel sizes. This allows adequate measurement precision without requiring high-resolution specialized detectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the spatial frequency parameters of the interferometric pattern through grating design (grating period, orientation, and spacing) to match the resolution capabilities of standard flat-panel detectors. By adjusting these parameters, the interference pattern is transformed into a form that can be adequately sampled by conventional detector elements.
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 cost-effective generation of interferometric x-ray images using standard x-ray devices, improving diagnostic capabilities with phase-contrast and dark-field records on existing mammography, C-arm, and thorax systems without the need for extensive modifications, while maintaining image quality through precise grating positioning and adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
The absorption grating G0 ensures that the coherence condition necessary for imaging is maintained, even in the case of relatively large x-ray foci
Implementation Method 2
By way of the first phase grating G1, the Talbot effect, which generates a self-image of the grating at specific distances from the grating G1, is used
Implementation Method 3
The self-image of the grating G1 is interfered with by inserting the object to be measured into the beam path. From this interference, it is possible to obtain the image information
Implementation Method 4
The distances between the grating lamellas are typically configured in such a way that the Laue effect is satisfied such that there is constructive superposition of the individual grating cutouts in the image plane
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray device and a supplementary system are provided for interferometric X-ray imaging of a patient on the X-ray device in order to generate projective absorption recordings. An emitter-detector system includes a focus-forming X-ray tube and a digital flat-panel detector having a multiplicity of pixel-generating detector elements. A computer system has a program memory. A mobile grating attachment includes a first interferometric X-ray grating, a second interferometric X-ray grating disposed at a distance from the first X-ray grating in the radiation direction, and a displacement device for displacing the second X-ray grating in the plane of the second X-ray grating in steps over at least one detector element.