Hard x-ray phase contrast imaging using a tabletop Talbot-Lau interferometer with multiline embedded x-ray targets

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Materials Science
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Hard X-ray Phase Contrast Imaging (XPCI) offers enhanced sensitivity for materials and biological samples.
• Traditional XPCI setups often require large, complex, and high-power X-ray sources.
• Developing compact and efficient XPCI systems is crucial for broader accessibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a compact hard X-ray phase contrast imaging system.
• To introduce a novel X-ray source utilizing multiline metal targets for improved coherence.
• To achieve efficient XPCI at a reduced source-detector distance and low power.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a tabletop Talbot-Lau interferometer.
• Replaced conventional X-ray sources and gratings with a custom-designed source featuring multiline metal targets in a diamond substrate.
• Leveraged the shallow electron penetration depth in metal targets to create micro-width linear X-ray sources.
• Operated the system at 8 keV X-ray energy with 1.2 W input power.

Main Results:

• Successfully generated an array of micro-width linear X-ray sources.
• Enhanced the coherence of X rays emitted from each linear source.
• Achieved hard X-ray phase contrast imaging within a compact 45 cm source-detector distance.
• Demonstrated effective imaging under low input power conditions (1.2 W).

Conclusions:

• The novel multiline metal-target X-ray source is effective for compact hard XPCI.
• This approach simplifies source fabrication and enhances X-ray coherence.
• The developed system offers a practical and efficient solution for advanced X-ray imaging applications.