title: Asymmetric masks for laboratory-based X-ray phase-contrast imaging with edge illumination.
abstract: We report on an asymmetric mask concept that enables X-ray phase-contrast imaging without requiring any movement in the system during data acquisition. The method is compatible with laboratory equipment, namely a commercial detector and a rotating anode tube. The only motion required is that of the object under investigation which is scanned through the imaging system. Two proof-of-principle optical elements were designed, fabricated and experimentally tested. Quantitative measurements on samples of known shape and composition were compared to theory with good agreement. The method is capable of measuring the attenuation, refraction and (ultra-small-angle) X-ray scattering, does not have coherence requirements and naturally adapts to all those situations in which the X-ray image is obtained by scanning a sample through the imaging system.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Endrizzi
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Astolfo
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Fabio A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Vittoria
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Thomas P
authors.initials: TP
authors.lastname: Millard
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Alessandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Olivo