Single-shot X-ray stereo imaging based on dual polycapillary parallel X-ray lenses

Traditional X-Ray Computed Tomography (CT) generally requires thousands of projections for reconstruction, resulting in long acquisition times that limit its applicability in scenarios demanding rapid acquisition of 3D information. In this work, computer stereo vision technology was applied to X-ray imaging, and a single-shot 3D stereo imaging method based on dual polycapillary parallel X-ray lenses (PPXRLs) was proposed using a laboratory X-ray source. Two PPXRLs were used to generate two quasi-parallel beams, which were then Bragg reflected by two SiC crystals. The object was placed at the intersection of the two X-ray beams, and a single exposure could capture X-ray projection images at different angles without rotating the object. By analyzing the quantitative disparity map, a 3D view of the object can be reconstructed. The PPXRL demonstrated a flux gain of 30 at the object. Additionally, the PPXRL can be flexibly adapted for various X-ray stereo imaging applications to achieve larger imaging areas or enhanced flux gain. The projection resolution is no longer constrained by the source size but by the critical angle of total reflection of the monocapillary. Thus, this scheme enables the use of a high-power laboratory X-ray source with a large focal spot, paving the way for real-time, rapid 3D stereo imaging.