Optimization of soft X-ray phase-contrast tomography using a laser wakefield accelerator.

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Materials Science
• Plasma Physics

Background:

• X-ray phase-contrast imaging (XPCI) enables non-invasive analysis of low-absorbing materials like soft tissue.
• Wider application of XPCI is limited by X-ray source requirements: high flux and small source size.
• Laser wakefield accelerators producing betatron X-rays meet these source criteria.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the first phase-contrast images using ionization injection-based laser wakefield acceleration.
• To evaluate the potential of laser-driven X-rays for XPCI applications.
• To explore soft X-ray phase-contrast imaging using laser-plasma sources.

Main Methods:

• Utilized ionization injection-based laser wakefield acceleration to generate betatron X-rays.
• Acquired phase-contrast images of a Chrysopa lacewing.
• Performed tomographic reconstruction and volume rendering of the acquired images.

Main Results:

• Achieved a peak photon yield of 1.9 × 10¹¹ ph/sr with a source size of 3 μm.
• Generated phase-contrast images resolving features as small as 4 μm.
• Demonstrated tomographic reconstruction revealing details on the order of tens of μm.

Conclusions:

• Ionization injection-based laser wakefield acceleration is a viable source for high-resolution X-ray phase-contrast imaging.
• This method advances non-invasive imaging capabilities in soft X-ray range.
• The technique shows promise for future applications in medical and materials science.