title: Proof-of-concept demonstration of edge-illumination x-ray phase contrast imaging combined with tomosynthesis.
abstract: In this note we present the first proof-of-concept results on the potential effectiveness of the edge-illumination x-ray phase contrast method (in its 'coded-aperture' based lab implementation) combined with tomosynthesis. We believe that, albeit admittedly preliminary (e.g. we only present phantom work), these results deserve early publication in a note primarily for four reasons. First, we fully modelled the imaging acquisition method, and validated the simulation directly with experimental results. This shows that the implementation of the method in the new geometry is understood, and thus that it will be possible to use the model to simulate more complex scenarios in the future. Secondly, we show that a strong phase contrast signal is preserved in the reconstructed tomosynthesis slices: this was a concern, as the high spatial frequency nature of the signal makes it sensitive to any filtration-related procedure. Third, we show that, despite the non-optimized nature of the imaging prototype used, we can perform a full angular scan at acceptable dose levels and with exposure times not excessively distant from what is required by clinical practice. Finally, we discuss how the proposed phase contrast method, unlike other approaches apart from free-space propagation (which however requires a smaller focal spot, thus reducing the flux and increasing exposure times), can be easily implemented in a tomosynthesis geometry suitable for clinical use. In summary, we find that these technical results indicate a high potential for the combination of the two methods. Combining slice separation with detail enhancement provided by phase effects would substantially increase the detectability of small lesions and/or calcifications, which we aim to demonstrate in the next steps of this study.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Physics and Bioengineering, UCL, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
authors.forename: Magdalena B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Szafraniec
authors.forename: Thomas P
authors.initials: TP
authors.lastname: Millard
authors.forename: Konstantin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ignatyev
authors.forename: Robert D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Speller
authors.forename: Alessandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Olivo
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D008029:Lighting / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014961:X-Ray Diffraction / Q000295:instrumentation*