Innovative radiographic system to improve the sharpness of radiographs: could a phase-shift effect contribute to improved image-quality for plain computed radiographs for general use?
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine whether a high-resolution digital radiography system that was originally developed for mammography could be used for general radiographic purposes by means of a phantom test.


METHODS
This system includes an X-ray tube with a smaller focal point than is generally used for general radiography, and a computed radiography (CR) system to provide the highest spatial resolution. The imaging object and CR plate are intentionally separated to capture an edge-enhancing effect that is the result of a phase-shift (phase contrast) of the X-rays.


RESULTS
This system showed greater sharpness and spatial resolution, as well as an equal level of contrast resolution compared to a conventional X-ray system. The image sharpness in this system appears to be at least partially attributable to an edge-enhancing effect produced by the phase-contrast effect, which occurs when X-rays pass the surfaces of objects.


CONCLUSIONS
This technique may be suitable for clinical use and may contribute to improved image-quality in general radiography.
Tanaka
Junji
J
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Saitama Medical University Hospital, Irumagun, Saitama, Japan. jtanaka@saitama-med.ac.jp
Oda
Hiromi
H
Mimura
Toshihide
T
Honda
Chika
C
Oohara
Hiromu
H
Kawasaki
Hiroaki
H
Kondo
Atsushi
A
Wada
Yukihito
Y
D004867:Equipment Design; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000295:instrumentation*