An improved phase shift reconstruction algorithm of fringe scanning technique for X-ray microscopy

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Biomedical Imaging
• Optics

Background:

• X-ray phase imaging utilizes the Talbot effect and X-ray gratings for soft tissue observation.
• Conventional fringe scanning techniques require numerous images, increasing radiation exposure and demanding high mechanical stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze approximation errors in fringe scanning for X-ray microscopy using a single grating.
• To propose and validate an improved algorithm for reconstructing phase shift images with reduced data acquisition.

Main Methods:

• Developed an iterative computation method to analyze and incorporate approximation errors into phase shift reconstruction.
• Applied the improved algorithm to X-ray microscopy utilizing a Fresnel zone plate and a phase grating.

Main Results:

• The proposed algorithm significantly suppresses approximation errors, enabling high-precision phase shift imaging with fewer sample images.
• Simulation experiments demonstrated that the improved algorithm with 4 sample images achieved precision comparable to the conventional method using 40 images.
• Successful experimental validation was achieved using real biological tissue data.

Conclusions:

• The improved fringe scanning algorithm enhances the efficiency and practicality of X-ray phase imaging for soft biological tissues.
• This method offers a promising approach to reduce radiation dose and simplify experimental setups in biomedical X-ray microscopy.