Joint multi-contrast CT for edge illumination X-ray phase contrast imaging using split Barzilai-Borwein steps

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Physics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Edge illumination (EI) is an advanced X-ray technique providing absorption, refraction, and scatter contrast.
• Conventional EI involves a time-intensive, two-stage process: contrast retrieval followed by tomographic reconstruction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel joint reconstruction method for EI X-ray imaging.
• To enable simultaneous reconstruction of multiple contrasts, bypassing intermediate steps.

Main Methods:

• Developed a joint reconstruction method using a combined forward model.
• Eliminated the need for a separate contrast retrieval step.
• Enabled flexible acquisition schemes, reducing data requirements.

Main Results:

• Significantly reduced reconstruction times compared to state-of-the-art methods.
• Improved reconstruction quality, particularly on subsampled datasets.
• Successfully reconstructed three contrasts from single-shot datasets.

Conclusions:

• The proposed joint reconstruction method enhances EI efficiency and flexibility.
• This approach allows for faster and higher-quality X-ray imaging with reduced data acquisition.
• Enables new possibilities for EI applications requiring rapid or limited-data imaging.