Phase Imaging from Single-Shot Grating Intensity Reconstruction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing phase imaging methods require multiple imaging operations, high apparatus stability, and hardware modifications to achieve high spatial resolution, making them unsuitable for dynamic measurements and complicating the imaging process.

Innovation Solution

A phase imaging method that calculates absorption, visibility, and phase using variable approximation and minimization of differences in intensity distribution data from a single imaging operation, applicable to existing apparatus without hardware changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple imaging operations are performed with grating movement to recover phase, then phase information can be obtained, but the apparatus requires high stability and strict temperature management, and the process becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase information accuracyVSAvoidimaging process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts only the necessary information (intensity distribution) from a single imaging operation, eliminating the need for multiple imaging operations and grating movements. By using variable approximation and minimization methods on the extracted intensity data, phase information is recovered without the complexity of traditional multi-step processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the mathematical parameters and processing methods used to extract phase information. Instead of physically moving the grating and performing multiple measurements, the method uses variable approximation and minimization of differences in intensity distribution data to mathematically recover phase information from a single measurement set.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If multiple imaging operations are performed to capture phase information, then phase data can be recovered, but the measurement time increases and dynamic measurements become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase data accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention performs all necessary data extraction and phase recovery calculations from a single intensity distribution measurement, eliminating the need for subsequent imaging operations. The minimization and variable approximation methods are applied immediately to the captured data to recover phase information in one step.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention maintains continuous measurement capability by obtaining phase information from a single uninterrupted imaging operation. This allows dynamic measurements to be performed without the temporal discontinuities introduced by multiple sequential imaging operations and grating movements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Measurement precision

If conventional phase imaging methods are used, then phase contrast can be obtained, but the apparatus requires hardware modifications and high stability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase contrast capabilityVSAvoidapparatus modification requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the mechanical system of grating movement with a computational approach. Instead of physically moving the grating through multiple positions, the method uses mathematical minimization and variable approximation on intensity distribution data to achieve phase recovery, eliminating the need for precision mechanical stages and their associated stability requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention enables the existing imaging apparatus to perform phase imaging without requiring external modifications or additional hardware components. The method uses the intensity distribution data already captured by the existing detector and processing system, making the apparatus self-sufficient for phase contrast imaging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Achieves high spatial resolution with a single imaging operation, simplifying the apparatus operation and enabling dynamic measurements while maintaining or improving spatial resolution.

Implementation Method 1

a phase change that is obtained through radiation of quantum beams such as X-rays

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

the intensity of the X-rays changes due to absorption of an object when the X-ray penetrates the object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

a phase imaging method that uses Talbot interference by using diffraction gratings

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Implementation Method 4

Talbot interference by using diffraction gratings

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInterference: Interference

Implementation Method 5

a phase imaging method that uses Talbot interference by using diffraction gratings

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTalbot effect: Moiré Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3809121B1Phase image capturing method and phase image capturing device using same
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 UNIV OF TSUKUBA
  • EP3809121B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3809121B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3809121B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(e)

AI summary

[Problem] A phase imaging method and apparatus are provided that allow acquisition of phase of a test object having a high spatial resolution with at least a single imaging operation without a need of improvement in an existing apparatus. [Solution] A phase imaging method and apparatus are provided, the phase imaging method including causing a quantum beam from a radiation source to be incident on a detector through a test object and at least one phase grating and obtaining a phase image of the test object, based on intensity distribution of a beam in a pixel constituting the detector. The intensity distribution of the beam at least includes information of absorption (a0), visibility (V), and phase (ϕ). At least three adjacent pixels are assumed to have a substantially identical value for each of the absorption (a0), the visibility (V), and the phase (ϕ) through variable approximation of an image. The absorption, the visibility, and the phase are obtained, based on at least one measurement image.