X-ray Phase Imaging Grating Group for Moving Subject Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray phase contrast methods struggle with sensitivity, especially for biological soft tissues and polymers, due to the need for high-intensity monochromatic X-ray sources, which are typically only achievable with large synchrotron radiation facilities, and face challenges with spatial coherence and thermal load limitations in compact X-ray sources, making high-speed inspection of moving subjects difficult.
Innovation Solution
A non-destructive inspection device using a grating group with multiple gratings arranged to provide phase differences, allowing for high-sensitivity imaging of moving subjects by detecting X-rays diffracted through different partial areas, enabling phase imaging without the need for precise mechanical movement of the gratings, thus simplifying the setup and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a micro-focus X-ray source is used to achieve spatial coherence for phase contrast imaging, then sensitivity is improved, but thermal load limits the X-ray power and extends exposure time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the X-ray source into multiple line sources arranged in a specific pattern. By segmenting the source, the patent achieves sufficient spatial coherence for phase contrast imaging while distributing the thermal load across multiple target areas, enabling higher total X-ray power and shorter exposure times
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a point source to a multi-line source configuration, adding spatial dimensionality to the source structure. This dimensional change allows the system to maintain coherence properties while increasing total radiation output to reduce exposure time
2Productivity
If a normal-focus X-ray source is used to reduce exposure time, then productivity is improved, but spatial coherence is insufficient for phase contrast imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The normal-focus X-ray source is segmented into multiple line sources arranged in a specific geometric pattern. This segmentation creates multiple coherent beams that maintain the spatial coherence required for phase contrast imaging while allowing the use of a higher-power normal-focus source to reduce inspection time
3Measurement precision
If a multi-slit (G0 grating) is added to create virtual line sources, then spatial coherence is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the G0 grating (multi-slit) component from the traditional Talbot-Lau interferometer configuration. By taking out this complexity-reducing element, the patent achieves spatial coherence through alternative means (multi-line source geometry) while simplifying the overall device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical G0 grating structure with a geometric arrangement of multiple line sources. This substitution eliminates the need for precise mechanical multi-slit fabrication and alignment, reducing device complexity while maintaining spatial coherence
4Illumination intensity
If synchrotron radiation facilities are used to obtain monochromatic plane waves, then imaging intensity is improved, but the facility size and cost become prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the synchrotron radiation imaging capability using conventional X-ray sources. By replicating the essential function of producing coherent X-ray beams through multi-line source geometry and grating arrangements, the invention achieves synchrotron-like imaging performance at a fraction of the facility size and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters from requiring monochromatic plane waves to using polychromatic cone beams. By adjusting the imaging method to work with broader X-ray spectra and divergent beams, the patent eliminates the need for large synchrotron facilities 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
Enables high-sensitivity non-destructive inspection of moving subjects with reduced mechanical complexity and cost, achieving phase imaging without the need for precise grating movement, thereby improving inspection speed and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
detecting X-rays diffracted by the plurality of grating members
Implementation Method 2
X-rays are generated by irradiating electron beams to a minute area of a target
Data Source
AI summary
An accurate non-destructive inspection of a moving subject is conducted using a radiation source unit that irradiates radioactive rays toward gratings. Each grating includes a plurality of grating members. A radioactive ray detector unit detects the radioactive rays diffracted by the plurality of grating members. The plurality of grating members are arranged with a predetermined phase difference such that moiré pattern images respectively formed by the radioactive rays transmitted through first to third partial areas have a phase difference between the moiré pattern images.