Talbot Interferometer Phase Grating Continuous Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining phase and amplitude between interfering x-ray beams in a Talbot interferometer require sequential displacement of gratings, leading to complex and time-consuming measurement procedures, making them unsuitable for fast CT scans and cost-effective detector design.
Innovation Solution
The method allows for the exact description of the intensity curve at a detector pixel relative to the displacement of an upstream grating without stopping the measurement, using known movement functions of the grating, enabling integrating intensity measurements during continuous movement and accounting for the path-time relationship to determine phase, amplitude, or median values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sequential displacement of gratings is used to measure intensity curve, then measurement precision is improved, but measurement time and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by enabling continuous movement of the grating during measurement rather than sequential static positioning. The grating moves continuously through the measurement range while the detector integrates signals, transforming a previously static step-by-step measurement process into a dynamic continuous measurement process. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining measurement precision through continuous data acquisition while dramatically reducing measurement time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by performing intensity measurements continuously during grating movement without stopping at discrete positions. The detector integrates the intensity curve continuously as the grating moves, eliminating the need to stop and reset between measurements. This continuous measurement approach maintains precision while reducing total measurement time and allowing the radiation source to remain continuously active.
2Measurement precision
If sequential displacement of gratings is used, then phase and amplitude can be determined, but device complexity and operation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies device operation by replacing complex sequential positioning and resetting operations with continuous grating movement. The measurement system no longer requires precise stopping and resetting at multiple discrete positions, eliminating the need for complex position control and synchronization between grating movement and detector readout. This dynamic approach maintains measurement precision while dramatically reducing operational complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If radiation source is switched on and off during sequential measurement, then patient dose is minimized, but productivity and measurement speed decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous radiation emission during the entire measurement process by performing continuous intensity integration as the grating moves. The radiation source remains continuously active without needing to be switched on and off between measurement cycles, thereby maintaining high productivity and fast measurement speed while still controlling the total radiation dose through the efficient continuous measurement process.
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
This approach simplifies the measurement process, reducing radiation exposure and enabling faster, uninterrupted data acquisition during continuous grating movement, suitable for practical applications including fast CT scans and x-ray dark field imaging.
Implementation Method 1
an interference of the two coherent or quasi-coherent x-ray beams using an exposed phase grating
Implementation Method 2
an integrating measurement of the radiation intensity at the detector pixel
Data Source
AI summary
In a method to determine phase and/or amplitude between interfering, adjacent x-ray beams in a detector pixel in a Talbot interferometer for projective and tomographical x-ray phase contrast imaging and/or x-ray dark field imaging, after an irradiation of the examination subject with at least two coherent or quasi-coherent x-rays, an interference of the at least two coherent or quasi-coherent x-rays with the aid of an irradiated phase grating is generated, and the variation of multiple intensity measurements in temporal succession after an analysis grating is determined in relation to known displacements of one of the gratings or of an x-ray source fashioned like a grating, positioned upstream in the beam path, relative to one of the gratings. The integrating intensity measurements ensue during a relative movement—thus not during the standstill—of one of the upstream gratings or of the x-ray source fashioned like a grating or of the examination subject, with known speed behavior over a final time interval of a final distance.