Abstract:
Since 1990s, X-ray phase imaging methods have been studied for highly sensitive X-ray imaging, which enables us to observe weakly absorbing objects, such as biological soft tissues and polymers. X-ray phase imaging consists of two components of technologies: one is an optical device for generating X-ray phase contrast and the other is a method for measuring the phase shift caused by a sample based on digital imaging. The changes in X-ray phase and amplitude by a sample are measured separately by phase imaging, eliminating the effect due to the imperfection in optical elements. X-ray phase tomography has been realized based on X-ray phase imaging.
X-ray grating interferometry, such as X-ray Talbot interferometry [1] and X-ray Talbot-Lau interferometry [2], has been attracting attention as a new device for X-ray phase imaging especially because of its compatibility with laboratory sources, while other X-ray phase imaging have been performed at synchrotron facilities. Therefore, we are motivated to advance towards practical implementation of X-ray grating interferometry for clinical diagnosis and non-destructive testing.
I am conducting a project supported by Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), with which we have been developing medical systems for diagnosis of articular rheumatism and breast cancer in collaboration with a medical company. A machine installed in a hospital is now used for clinical study with patients [3]. In addition, the first prototype developed at my laboratory is now provided for the research of non-destructive testing by the people from industry.
I will introduce details of the various developments with grating interferometry in my group including other applications with synchrotron radiation, such as microscopic Talbot interferometry and four-dimensional X-ray phase tomography.
[1] A. Momose et al., Jpn. J. Appl. Phys. 42 (2003) L866.
[2] F. Pfeiffer et al., Nat. Phys. 2 (2006) 258.
[3] J. Tanaka et al., Z. Med. Phys. to be published.
