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Spatial harmonic imaging of X-ray scattering--initial results.
Han Wen1, Eric E Bennett, Monica M Hegedus
1Laboratory of Cardiac Energetics, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. wenh@nhlbi.nih.gov
IEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging
|August 2, 2008
Summary
A novel X-ray imaging technique captures both scattering and absorption data in one exposure. This method, using a grid, reveals microscopic structures in biological samples distinct from traditional absorption radiography.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Materials Science
- Biophysics
Background:
- Coherent X-ray scattering (CXS) provides insights into microscopic structures via Fourier transforms of electron density.
- Current CXS methods require synchrotron sources and lengthy scanning procedures.
- Scattering imaging offers contrast beyond absorption radiography but is time-consuming.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel, single-exposure X-ray imaging technique in the spatial frequency domain.
- To enable simultaneous acquisition of scattering and absorption data.
- To demonstrate the technique's utility with conventional X-ray equipment.
Main Methods:
- Interposing a grid between the X-ray source and the sample to modulate the beam.
- Acquiring a grid-modulated image containing primary and grid harmonic components.
- Calculating the ratio of harmonic to primary images to isolate the scattering signal.
Main Results:
- The developed method successfully acquires both scattering and absorption distributions in a single exposure.
- Scattering images, representing electron density auto-correlation, were distinct from absorption images.
- New structural features were revealed in tested samples at autocorrelation distances of 60-200 nm.
Conclusions:
- The grid-based spatial frequency domain technique simplifies X-ray scattering imaging.
- This method is compatible with conventional X-ray equipment, broadening accessibility.
- The technique enhances the imaging capabilities of X-ray scattering for biological and material samples.
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