An algebraic iterative reconstruction technique for differential X-ray phase-contrast computed tomography

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Physics
• Computational Science

Background:

• Iterative reconstruction offers advantages for conventional X-ray computed tomography (CT).
• Grating-based differential phase-contrast CT (DPC-CT) provides complementary information to absorption-based CT.
• Existing reconstruction methods may not fully leverage DPC-CT data characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and validate an algebraic iterative reconstruction technique specifically for grating-based DPC-CT.
• To adapt iterative reconstruction algorithms for the differential nature of DPC-CT projections.
• To demonstrate the potential of the proposed method for improving DPC-CT applications.

Main Methods:

• Development of an algebraic iterative reconstruction algorithm incorporating differential and smoothing operators.
• Numerical simulations to assess algorithm performance.
• Experimental verification using data acquired from a two-grating interferometer setup.

Main Results:

• The proposed iterative reconstruction technique was successfully implemented for DPC-CT.
• Numerical and experimental studies validated the algorithm's effectiveness.
• The method accounts for the differential projection data inherent in DPC-CT.

Conclusions:

• The developed iterative reconstruction technique is effective for grating-based DPC-CT.
• The algorithm's adaptability and ease of implementation suggest broad applicability.
• This method is expected to significantly advance future medical and industrial DPC-CT imaging.