Optimizing and applying high-resolution, in-line laboratory phase-contrast X-ray imaging for low-density material...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Imaging Physics
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Attenuation-based X-ray imaging struggles with low-density, soft samples due to poor contrast.
• Propagation-based phase-contrast X-ray imaging (PBI) offers an alternative by leveraging phase shifts.
• Advancements in micro- and nano-focus X-ray sources facilitate laboratory-based PBI applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the advantages of lab-based PBI for low-density materials.
• To present a multi-step optimization process for lab-based PBI systems.
• To evaluate the impact of phase retrieval on image quality and resolution.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a lab-based micro- and nano-computed tomography system (Easytom XL Ultra).
• Performed multi-step optimization: hardware selection, imaging geometry, and phase retrieval.
• Conducted a parametric study to optimize the phase retrieval process.
• Analyzed noise correlation and texturing effects from phase retrieval.

Main Results:

• Achieved micron and sub-micron resolution PBI images of selected samples.
• Demonstrated improved image quality and contrast-to-noise ratio using phase images.
• Observed marginal impact of phase retrieval on spatial resolution.
• Identified noise correlation and texturing as artifacts of phase retrieval.

Conclusions:

• Lab-based PBI significantly enhances imaging of low-density materials compared to transmission imaging.
• Optimized PBI provides superior contrast and image quality, enabling detailed structural analysis.
• Phase retrieval is crucial for maximizing PBI benefits, despite potential artifacts.