title: Regularized iterative integration combined with non-linear diffusion filtering for phase-contrast x-ray computed tomography.
abstract: Phase-contrast x-ray computed tomography has a high potential to become clinically implemented because of its complementarity to conventional absorption-contrast.In this study, we investigate noise-reducing but resolution-preserving analytical reconstruction methods to improve differential phase-contrast imaging. We apply the non-linear Perona-Malik filter on phase-contrast data prior or post filtered backprojected reconstruction. Secondly, the Hilbert kernel is replaced by regularized iterative integration followed by ramp filtered backprojection as used for absorption-contrast imaging. Combining the Perona-Malik filter with this integration algorithm allows to successfully reveal relevant sample features, quantitatively confirmed by significantly increased structural similarity indices and contrast-to-noise ratios. With this concept, phase-contrast imaging can be performed at considerably lower dose.
authors.forename: Karin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Burger
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Koehler
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chabior
authors.forename: Sebastian
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Allner
authors.forename: Mathias
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Marschner
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fehringer
authors.forename: Marian
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Willner
authors.forename: Franz
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Pfeiffer
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Noël
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D017711:Nonlinear Dynamics; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*; D014961:X-Ray Diffraction / Q000379:methods*