X-ray Ghost Imaging via Light Shadow Pattern Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray imaging techniques face challenges in reducing radiation dose while maintaining image quality, particularly with high-energy X-ray radiation, and in generating reliable beam optics for light and shadow patterns.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray imaging apparatus and method that converts X-ray radiation into visible light and generates a large number of light and shadow patterns using a pattern generator, allowing for the creation of images by modifying detector signals based on these patterns, thereby reducing the need for costly beam optics and improving reproducibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional X-ray imaging uses high photon flux density to maintain image quality, then image quality is improved, but radiation dose to the object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging process is segmented into multiple measurements with different light and shadow patterns. Instead of using a single high-flux measurement, the system divides the imaging task into N sequential measurements, each with lower photon flux density, thereby reducing radiation dose while maintaining image quality through computational reconstruction
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic modulation of light and shadow patterns over time. By sequentially applying different patterns (I1, I2, ..., IN) and measuring their corresponding detector signals, the system achieves image reconstruction through time-resolved periodic measurements rather than a single static high-dose measurement
2Reliability
If ghost imaging uses high-energy X-ray radiation to achieve penetration, then imaging capability is improved, but beam optics generation becomes difficult and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a pattern generator as an intermediary device between the X-ray source and object. This pattern generator modulates the X-ray beam into various light and shadow patterns, enabling ghost imaging without requiring complex beam optics. The pattern generator serves as a mediator that simplifies the overall system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of directly manipulating high-energy X-ray beams with complex optics, the system creates simplified copies or representations of the beam patterns using the pattern generator. The pattern generator produces equivalent light and shadow patterns that are easier to control and reproduce, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining imaging capability
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 enables source-independent X-ray ghost imaging with reduced radiation exposure to the object and eliminates the need for complex beam optics, enhancing image quality and reproducibility while using lower sensitivity X-ray radiation.
Implementation Method 1
a converter, to spatially resolved conversion of X-ray radiation, after passing through the receiving region, into visible light
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, an X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray radiation source to emit X-ray radiation, an object to be sampled being within a receiving region; a converter for spatially resolved conversion of X-ray radiation, after passing through the receiving region, into visible light; a detector, to emit a detector signal based upon visible light from the converter registered by the detector; a pattern generator, to realize a large number of light and shadow patterns (LSPs) in a time-staggered manner by acting on visible light generated by the converter, respective detector signals being generated based upon respective LSPs; and at least one processor, to generate the image of the object based upon the detector signals generated and an item of information about the LSPs. The pattern generator device is configured to generate the large number of LSPs by at least one of overriding and partial shadowing of the visible light.