X-ray Interferometer Radial Grating Alignment for Magnification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray imaging systems face limitations in resolution, accuracy, and frame rate, particularly for weakly absorbing materials like biological tissue and polymers, where the image contrast is insufficient for practical applications.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray interferometer setup with a phase grating and an absorption grating, positioned in a radially symmetrical alignment, allows for magnified imaging without compromising phase contrast sensitivity, enabling higher spatial resolvability and increased image magnification while maintaining sufficient X-ray flux for detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the detector is positioned close to the absorption grating to maintain phase contrast sensitivity, then phase contrast sensitivity is preserved, but image magnification is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction by transitioning from a planar configuration to a three-dimensional radially symmetrical arrangement. The phase grating and absorption grating are positioned at different radial distances from the X-ray source, creating a conical beam geometry. This dimensional change allows the detector to be positioned further from the absorption grating while maintaining phase contrast sensitivity through the radial symmetry of the setup, thereby achieving both magnification and sensitivity preservation.
2Volume of moving object
If the detector is positioned at a large distance from the absorption grating to achieve higher magnification, then image magnification increases, but phase contrast sensitivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of the gratings along the radial direction from the X-ray source. The phase grating is positioned at a first radial distance while the absorption grating is positioned at a second, different radial distance. This asymmetric arrangement in the radial dimension, combined with angular offset, creates the radially symmetrical alignment that enables magnification without sacrificing phase contrast sensitivity.
3Ease of operation
If conventional X-ray imaging is used for weakly absorbing materials, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but image contrast is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces phase gratings as intermediary elements that modulate the X-ray phase before detection. These phase gratings convert subtle phase shifts caused by weakly absorbing materials into detectable intensity variations through interference patterns. This intermediary mechanism enables high contrast imaging of weakly absorbing materials while maintaining operational simplicity through automated phase-stepping sequences.
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
The solution achieves higher image magnification with preserved phase contrast sensitivity, enabling the imaging of weakly absorbing materials with improved resolution and accuracy, suitable for applications like medical and industrial non-destructive testing.
Implementation Method 1
a phase grating for effecting in correspondence with the phase grating geometry a phase shift to at least a part of X-ray incident onto the phase grating
Implementation Method 2
an absorption grating for effecting in correspondence with the absorption grating geometry absorption to at least a part of X-ray incident onto the absorption grating
Implementation Method 3
The principle of X-ray phase contrast imaging is based on detecting minute changes in the direction of propagation, which are caused by refraction of the X-rays passing through a phase shifting object
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments relate to an X-ray interferometer for imaging an object comprising: a phase grating for effecting in correspondence with the phase grating geometry a phase shift to at least a part of X-ray incident onto the phase grating; and an absorption grating for effecting in correspondence with the absorption grating geometry absorption to at least a part of X-ray incident onto the absorption grating. The grating period of the phase grating, and the grating period of the absorption grating may be dimensioned such that a detector for X-rays can be placed at a relatively large distance away from the absorption grating such the phase contrast sensitivity of the image of the object detected by the detector remains substantially unaffected.