Quantitative methods in phase-contrast x-ray imaging

A new method for extracting quantitative information from phase-contrast x- ray images obtained with microfocus x-ray sources is presented. The propose d technique allows rapid noninvasive characterization of the internal struc ture of thick optically opaque organic samples. The method does not general ly involve any sample preparation and does not need any x-ray optical eleme nts (such as monochromators, zone plates, or interferometers). As a consequ ence, samples can be imaged in vivo or in vitro, and the images are free fr om optical aberrations. While alternative techniques of x-ray phase-contras t imaging usually require expensive synchrotron radiation sources, our meth od can be implemented with conventional, albeit microfocus, x-ray tubes, wh ich greatly enhances its practicality. In the present work, we develop the theoretical framework, perform numerical simulations, and present the first experimental results, demonstrating the viability of the proposed approach . We believe that this method should find wide-ranging applications in clin ical radiology and medical research. Copyright (C) 2000 by W.B. Saunders Co mpany.