Small-angle scattering computed tomography (SAS-CT) using a Talbot-Lau interferometerand a rotating anode x-ray tube:theory and experiments.
X-ray differential phase contrast imaging methods, including projection imaging and the corresponding computed tomography (CT), have been implemented using a Talbot interferometer and either a synchrotron beam line or a low brilliance x-ray source generated by a stationary-anode x-ray tube. From small-angle scattering events which occur as an x-ray propagates through a medium, a signal intensity loss can be recorded and analyzed for an understanding of the micro-structures in an image object. This has been demonstrated using a Talbot-Lau interferometer and a stationary-anode x-ray tube. In this paper, theoretical principles and an experimental implementation of the corresponding CT imaging method are presented. First, a line integral is derived from analyzing the cross section of the small-angle scattering events. This method is referred to as small-angle scattering computed tomography (SAS-CT). Next, a Talbot-Lau interferometer and a rotating-anode x-ray tube were used to implement SAS-CT. A physical phantom and human breast tissue sample were used to demonstrate the reconstructed SAS-CT image volumes.
Chen
Guang-Hong
GH
Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI 53705, USA. gchen7@wisc.edu
Bevins
Nicholas
N
Zambelli
Joseph
J
Qi
Zhihua
Z
D001940:Breast / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D002113:Calcification, Physiologic; D004566:Electrodes; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007368:Interferometry / Q000295:instrumentation*; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D012399:Rotation; D053838:Scattering, Small Angle; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D014965:X-Rays