Asymmetric masks for laboratory-based X-ray phase-contrast imaging with edge illumination

Endrizzi, Marco; Astolfo, Alberto; Vittoria, Fabio A.; Millard, T. P.; Olivo, Alessandro

doi:10.1038/srep25466

Cited by 29 publications

(23 citation statements)

References 39 publications

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“…For some applications, for example when system robustness and simplicity have to be maximised, the necessity to perform masks movements during data acquisition might be considered disadvantageous. For these cases, a system based on an asymmetric mask design 30 can provide a solution where the imaging system is kept completely stationary during data collection and the only movement required is that of scanning the sample through. An asymmetric mask is obtained by modifying the conventional mask design into an asymmetric pattern of apertures in order to obtain complementary illumination conditions on adjacent pixels columns, rather than aiming at having the same illumination condition across the entire field of view.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Large field-of-view asymmetric masks for high-energy x-ray phase imaging with standard x-ray tube

et al. 2016

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We report on a new approach to large field-of-view laboratory-based X-ray phase-contrast imaging. The method is based upon the asymmetric mask design that enables the retrieval of the absorption, refraction and ultra-smallangle scattering properties of the sample without the need to move any component of the imaging system. The sample is scanned through the imaging system, which also removes possible aliasing problems that might arise from partial sample illumination when using the edge illumination technique. This concept can be extended to any desired number of apertures providing, at the same time, intensity projections at complementary illumination conditions. Experimental data simultaneously acquired at seven different illumination fractions are presented along with the results obtained from a numerical model that incorporates the actual detector performance. The ultimate shape of the illumination function is shown to be significantly dependent on these detector-specific characteristics. Based on this concept, a large field-of-view system was designed, which is also capable to cope with relatively high (100 kVp) X-ray energies. The imaging system obtained in this way, where the asymmetric mask design enables the data to be collected without moving any element of the instrumentation, adapts particularly well to those situations in medical, industrial and security imaging where the sample has to be scanned through the system.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Large field-of-view asymmetric masks for high-energy x-ray phase imaging with standard x-ray tube

et al. 2016

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“…This enables to obtain a uniform illumination level across the entire field of view and it can be schematized with the system working at a given position along its illumination function. In the general case, at least three images (intensity projections) -at complementary illumination fractions -are required in order to retrieve the sample's absorption, refraction and scattering images [22,27]. Three typical positions are at about 50% of the intensity on each side of the illumination function and at 100%.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Asymmetric masks for large field-of-view and high-energy X-ray phase contrast imaging

et al. 2016

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We report on a large field of view, laboratory-based X-ray phase-contrast imaging setup. The method is based upon the asymmetric mask design that enables the retrieval of the absorption, refraction and scattering properties of the sample without the need to move any component of the imaging system. This can be thought of as a periodic repetition of a group of three (or more) apertures arranged in such a way that each laminar beam, defined by the apertures, produces a different illumination level when analysed with a standard periodic set of apertures. The sample is scanned through the imaging system, also removing possible aliasing problems that might arise from partial sample illumination when using the edge illumination technique. This approach preserves the incoherence and achromatic properties of edge illumination, removes the problems related to aliasing and it naturally adapts to those situations in clinical, industrial and security imaging where the image is acquired by scanning the sample relative to the imaging system. These concepts were implemented for a large field-of-view set of masks (20 cm x 1.5 cm and 15 cm x 1.2 cm), designed to work with a tungsten anode X-ray source operated up to 80-100 kVp, from which preliminary experimental results are presented.

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“…32 It is also possible that 3D printing from micro-CT may be surpassed by other forms of high-resolution imaging, such as synchrotron or lab-based radiation phase contrast imaging, which may offer higher contrast to noise ratio and improved soft tissue microstructure detail. [33][34][35] So far, it has been used to create 3D anatomical models of small insects 36 but may have human applications. Nevertheless, these alternative high-resolution imaging modalities are currently far costlier than current micro-CT machines (which cost approximately £250,000) and are currently being developed by several manufacturers to provide a more "user-friendly" interface for clinical usages, which is likely to lead to their increased uptake and application in the near future.…”

Section: Future Directionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

3D printing from microfocus computed tomography (micro-CT) in human specimens: education and future implications

Shelmerdine

Simcock

Hutchinson

et al. 2018

BJR

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Microfocus CT (micro-CT) is an imaging method that provides three-dimensional digital data sets with comparable resolution to light microscopy. Although it has traditionally been used for non-destructive testing in engineering, aerospace industries and in preclinical animal studies, new applications are rapidly becoming available in the clinical setting including post-mortem fetal imaging and pathological specimen analysis. Printing three-dimensional models from imaging data sets for educational purposes is well established in the medical literature, but typically using low resolution (0.7 mm voxel size) data acquired from CT or MR examinations. With higher resolution imaging (voxel sizes below 1 micron, <0.001 mm) at micro-CT, smaller structures can be better characterised, and data sets post-processed to create accurate anatomical models for review and handling. In this review, we provide examples of how three-dimensional printing of micro-CT imaged specimens can provide insight into craniofacial surgical applications, developmental cardiac anatomy, placental imaging, archaeological remains and high-resolution bone imaging. We conclude with other potential future usages of this emerging technique.

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Asymmetric masks for laboratory-based X-ray phase-contrast imaging with edge illumination

Cited by 29 publications

References 39 publications

Large field-of-view asymmetric masks for high-energy x-ray phase imaging with standard x-ray tube

Large field-of-view asymmetric masks for high-energy x-ray phase imaging with standard x-ray tube

Asymmetric masks for large field-of-view and high-energy X-ray phase contrast imaging

3D printing from microfocus computed tomography (micro-CT) in human specimens: education and future implications

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