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Sun J, Ding H, Chi Z, Wang Z, Shen Z, Du Y, Li R, Huang W, Tang C. A hybrid simulation method towards the gamma ray phase contrast imaging for metallic material. Sci Rep 2024; 14:21159. [PMID: 39256492 PMCID: PMC11387728 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-72090-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
A high efficiency simulation method for propagation-based phase-contrast imaging, called directional macro-wavefront (DMWF), is developed with the aim of simulating high-energy phase-contrast imaging. This method takes both Monte Carlo and wave optical propagation into consideration. Traditional wave-optics-based simulation methods for phase-contrast imaging encounter unacceptable computational complexity when high-energy radiation is used. In contrast, this method effectively addresses this issue by using macro-wavefront integration. Several simulation examples using typical parameters of inverse Compton scattering sources are presented to illustrate the excellent energy adaptability and efficiency of the DMWF method. This method provides a more efficient approach for phase-contrast imaging simulations, which will drive the advancement of high-energy phase-contrast imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Sun
- Key Laboratory of Particle and Radiation Imaging of Ministry of Education, Department of Engineering Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Hao Ding
- Key Laboratory of Particle and Radiation Imaging of Ministry of Education, Department of Engineering Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Zhijun Chi
- Key Laboratory of Beam Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Physics and Astronomy, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Zhentian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Particle and Radiation Imaging of Ministry of Education, Department of Engineering Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Zhan Shen
- Key Laboratory of Particle and Radiation Imaging of Ministry of Education, Department of Engineering Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yingchao Du
- Key Laboratory of Particle and Radiation Imaging of Ministry of Education, Department of Engineering Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Renkai Li
- Key Laboratory of Particle and Radiation Imaging of Ministry of Education, Department of Engineering Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Wenhui Huang
- Key Laboratory of Particle and Radiation Imaging of Ministry of Education, Department of Engineering Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Chuanxiang Tang
- Key Laboratory of Particle and Radiation Imaging of Ministry of Education, Department of Engineering Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
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Sanctorum J, Sijbers J, De Beenhouwer J. Virtual grating approach for Monte Carlo simulations of edge illumination-based x-ray phase contrast imaging. OPTICS EXPRESS 2022; 30:38695-38708. [PMID: 36258428 DOI: 10.1364/oe.472145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The design of new x-ray phase contrast imaging setups often relies on Monte Carlo simulations for prospective parameter studies. Monte Carlo simulations are known to be accurate but time consuming, leading to long simulation times, especially when many parameter variations are required. This is certainly the case for imaging methods relying on absorbing masks or gratings, with various tunable properties, such as pitch, aperture size, and thickness. In this work, we present the virtual grating approach to overcome this limitation. By replacing the gratings in the simulation with virtual gratings, the parameters of the gratings can be changed after the simulation, thereby significantly reducing the overall simulation time. The method is validated by comparison to explicit grating simulations, followed by representative demonstration cases.
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3
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Semi-classical Monte Carlo algorithm for the simulation of X-ray grating interferometry. Sci Rep 2022; 12:2485. [PMID: 35169138 PMCID: PMC8847374 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05965-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional simulation techniques such as wave optics methods and Monte Carlo (MC) particle transport cannot model both interference and inelastic scattering phenomena within one framework. Based on the rules of quantum mechanics to calculate probabilities, we propose a new semi-classical MC algorithm for efficient and simultaneous modeling of scattering and interference processes. The similarities to MC particle transport allow the implementation as a flexible c++ object oriented extension of EGSnrc-a well-established MC toolkit. In addition to previously proposed Huygens principle based transport through optics components, new variance reduction techniques for the transport through gratings are presented as transport options to achieve the required improvement in speed and memory costs necessary for an efficient exploration (system design-dose estimations) of the medical implementation of X-ray grating interferometry (GI), an emerging imaging technique currently subject of tremendous efforts towards clinical translation. The feasibility of simulation of interference effects is confirmed in four academic cases and an experimental table-top GI setup. Comparison with conventional MC transport show that deposited energy features of EGSnrc are conserved.
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Quénot L, Brun E, Létang JM, Langer M. Evaluation of simulators for x-ray speckle-based phase contrast imaging. Phys Med Biol 2021; 66. [PMID: 34412046 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/ac1f38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
X-ray phase contrast imaging (PCI) denotes a group of highly sensitive imaging techniques that permits imaging at scales ranging from nanoscopic to the medical. Recently introduced, speckle-based imaging has seen a rapid development because of its experimental simplicity and its capability to retrieve the refraction, the scattering and the absorption of a sample using a conventional x-ray set-up. Precise simulation would permit to optimise the imaging setups for different applications, but until now works on simulation of x-ray speckle-based PCI have been very few. In this work we evaluate different simulation codes, based on Monte-Carlo, analytical ray-tracing and wave-optics Fresnel propagation. The simulation results are compared to both synchrotron and conventional imaging experiments to permits their validation. We obtain a strong similarity between simulated and experimental data. We discuss the validity and applicability of each approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Quénot
- Inserm UA7 Strobe, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - E Brun
- Inserm UA7 Strobe, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - J M Létang
- Univ Lyon, INSA Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, UJM-Saint Étienne, CNRS, Inserm, CREATIS UMR 5220, U1206, F-69373, Lyon, France
| | - M Langer
- Univ Lyon, INSA Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, UJM-Saint Étienne, CNRS, Inserm, CREATIS UMR 5220, U1206, F-69373, Lyon, France.,Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, UMR 5525, VetAgro Sup, Grenoble INP, TIMC, 38000 Grenoble, France
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5
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McMillan L, Reidt S, McNicol C, Barnard IRM, MacDonald M, Brown CTA, Wood K. Imaging in thick samples, a phased Monte Carlo radiation transfer algorithm. JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL OPTICS 2021; 26:JBO-210166R. [PMID: 34490761 PMCID: PMC8421375 DOI: 10.1117/1.jbo.26.9.096004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Optical microscopy is characterized by the ability to get high resolution, below 1 μm, high contrast, functional and quantitative images. The use of shaped illumination, such as with lightsheet microscopy, has led to greater three-dimensional isotropic resolution with low phototoxicity. However, in most complex samples and tissues, optical imaging is limited by scattering. Many solutions to this issue have been proposed, from using passive approaches such as Bessel beam illumination to active methods incorporating aberration correction, but making fair comparisons between different approaches has proven to be challenging. AIM We present a phase-encoded Monte Carlo radiation transfer algorithm (φMC) capable of comparing the merits of different illumination strategies or predicting the performance of an individual approach. APPROACH We show that φMC is capable of modeling interference phenomena such as Gaussian or Bessel beams and compare the model with experiment. RESULTS Using this verified model, we show that, for a sample with homogeneously distributed scatterers, there is no inherent advantage to illuminating a sample with a conical wave (Bessel beam) instead of a spherical wave (Gaussian beam), except for maintaining a greater depth of focus. CONCLUSION φMC is adaptable to any illumination geometry, sample property, or beam type (such as fractal or layered scatterer distribution) and as such provides a powerful predictive tool for optical imaging in thick samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lewis McMillan
- University of St. Andrews, SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Sascha Reidt
- University of Dundee, School of Science and Engineering, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Cameron McNicol
- University of St. Andrews, SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Isla R. M. Barnard
- University of St. Andrews, SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Michael MacDonald
- University of Dundee, School of Science and Engineering, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Christian T. A. Brown
- University of St. Andrews, SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Kenneth Wood
- University of St. Andrews, SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
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Haggmark I, Shaker K, Hertz HM. In Silico Phase-Contrast X-Ray Imaging of Anthropomorphic Voxel-Based Phantoms. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON MEDICAL IMAGING 2021; 40:539-548. [PMID: 33055024 DOI: 10.1109/tmi.2020.3031318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Propagation-based phase-contrast X-ray imaging is an emerging technique that can improve dose efficiency in clinical imaging. In silico tools are key to understanding the fundamental imaging mechanisms and develop new applications. Here, due to the coherent nature of the phase-contrast effects, tools based on wave propagation (WP) are preferred over Monte Carlo (MC) based methods. WP simulations require very high wave-front sampling which typically limits simulations to small idealized objects. Virtual anthropomorphic voxel-based phantoms are typically provided with a resolution lower than imposed sampling requirements and, thus, cannot be directly translated for use in WP simulations. In the present paper we propose a general strategy to enable the use of these phantoms for WP simulations. The strategy is based on upsampling in the 3D domain followed by projection resulting in high-resolution maps of the projected thickness for each phantom material. These maps can then be efficiently used for simulations of Fresnel diffraction to generate in silico phase-contrast X-ray images. We demonstrate the strategy on an anthropomorphic breast phantom to simulate propagation-based phase-contrast mammography using a laboratory micro-focus X-ray source.
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Sanctorum J, De Beenhouwer J, Sijbers J. X-ray phase contrast simulation for grating-based interferometry using GATE. OPTICS EXPRESS 2020; 28:33390-33412. [PMID: 33115004 DOI: 10.1364/oe.392337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The overall importance of x-ray phase contrast (XPC) imaging has grown substantially in the last decades, in particular with the recent advent of compact lab-based XPC systems. For optimizing the experimental XPC setup, as well as benchmarking and testing new acquisition and reconstruction techniques, Monte Carlo (MC) simulations are a valuable tool. GATE, an open source application layer on top of the Geant4 simulation software, is a versatile MC tool primarily intended for various types of medical imaging simulations. To our knowledge, however, there is no GATE-based academic simulation software available for XPC imaging. In this paper, we extend the GATE framework with new physics-based tools for accurate XPC simulations. Our approach combines Monte Carlo simulations in GATE for modelling the x-ray interactions in the sample with subsequent numerical wave propagation, starting from the GATE output.
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Sung Y, Nelson B, Shanblatt ER, Gupta R, McCollough CH, Graves WS. Wave optics simulation of grating-based X-ray phase-contrast imaging using 4D Mouse Whole Body (MOBY) phantom. Med Phys 2020; 47:5761-5771. [PMID: 32969031 DOI: 10.1002/mp.14479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Demonstrate realistic simulation of grating-based x-ray phase-contrast imaging (GB-XPCI) using wave optics and the four-dimensional Mouse Whole Body (MOBY) phantom defined with non-uniform rational B-splines (NURBS). METHODS We use a full-wave approach, which uses wave optics for x-ray wave propagation from the source to the detector. This forward imaging model can be directly applied to NURBS-defined numerical phantoms such as MOBY. We assign the material properties (attenuation coefficient and electron density) of each model part using the data for adult human tissues. The Poisson noise is added to the simulated images based on the calculated photon flux at each pixel. RESULTS We simulate the intensity images of the MOBY phantom for eight different grating positions. From the simulated images, we calculate the absorption, differential phase, and normalized visibility contrast images. We also predict how the image quality is affected by different exposure times. CONCLUSIONS GB-XPCI can be simulated with the full-wave approach and a realistic numerical phantom defined with NURBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjin Sung
- College of Engineering & Applied Science, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 3200 North Cramer Street, Milwaukee, WI, 53211, USA
| | - Brandon Nelson
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Elisabeth R Shanblatt
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Rajiv Gupta
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Cynthia H McCollough
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - William S Graves
- Department of Physics, Arizona State University, 550 East Tyler Drive, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
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Langer M, Cen Z, Rit S, Létang JM. Towards Monte Carlo simulation of X-ray phase contrast using GATE. OPTICS EXPRESS 2020; 28:14522-14535. [PMID: 32403491 DOI: 10.1364/oe.391471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
We describe the first developments towards a Monte Carlo X-ray phase contrast imaging simulator for the medical imaging and radiotherapy simulation software GATE. Phase contrast imaging is an imaging modality taking advantage of the phase shift of X-rays. This modality produces images with a higher sensitivity than conventional, attenuation based imaging. As the first developments towards Monte Carlo phase contrast simulation, we implemented a Monte Carlo process for the refraction and total reflection of X-rays, as well as an analytical wave optics approach for generating Fresnel diffraction patterns. The implementation is validated against data acquired using a laboratory X-ray tomography system. The overall agreement between the simulations and the data is encouraging, which motivates further development of Monte Carlo based simulation of X-ray phase contrast imaging. These developments have been released in GATE version 8.2.
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Vignero J, Marshall NW, Bliznakova K, Bosmans H. A hybrid simulation framework for computer simulation and modelling studies of grating-based x-ray phase-contrast images. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 63:14NT03. [DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/aaceb8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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11
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Tessarini S, Fix MK, Volken W, Frei D, Stampanoni MF. Abstract ID: 197 Monte Carlo simulations of X-ray grating interferometry based imaging systems. Phys Med 2018; 45 Suppl 1:S3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2017.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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12
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Harti RP, Kottler C, Valsecchi J, Jefimovs K, Kagias M, Strobl M, Grünzweig C. Visibility simulation of realistic grating interferometers including grating geometries and energy spectra. OPTICS EXPRESS 2017; 25:1019-1029. [PMID: 28157983 DOI: 10.1364/oe.25.001019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The performance of X-ray and neutron grating interferometers is characterised by their visibility, which is a measure for the maximum achievable contrast. In this study we show how the real grating geometry in a grating interferometer with three gratings impacts the interference and self projection that leads to visibility in the first place. We quantify the individual contributions of wavelength distributions and grating shapes in terms of visibility reduction by determining the absolute as well as relative effect of each contribution. The understanding of the impact of changed geometry and wavelength distributions on the interference of neutrons/X-rays allows us to present the first fully quantitative model of a grating interferometer setup. We demonstrate the capability of the simulation framework by building a model of the neutron grating interferometer at the ICON beamline and directly comparing simulated and measured visibility values. The general nature of the model makes it possible to extend it to any given grating interferometer for both X-rays and neutrons.
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13
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Gkoumas S, Villanueva-Perez P, Wang Z, Romano L, Abis M, Stampanoni M. A generalized quantitative interpretation of dark-field contrast for highly concentrated microsphere suspensions. Sci Rep 2016; 6:35259. [PMID: 27734931 PMCID: PMC5062466 DOI: 10.1038/srep35259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In X-ray grating interferometry, dark-field contrast arises due to partial extinction of the detected interference fringes. This is also called visibility reduction and is attributed to small-angle scattering from unresolved structures in the imaged object. In recent years, analytical quantitative frameworks of dark-field contrast have been developed for highly diluted monodisperse microsphere suspensions with maximum 6% volume fraction. These frameworks assume that scattering particles are separated by large enough distances, which make any interparticle scattering interference negligible. In this paper, we start from the small-angle scattering intensity equation and, by linking Fourier and real-space, we introduce the structure factor and thus extend the analytical and experimental quantitative interpretation of dark-field contrast, for a range of suspensions with volume fractions reaching 40%. The structure factor accounts for interparticle scattering interference. Without introducing any additional fitting parameters, we successfully predict the experimental values measured at the TOMCAT beamline, Swiss Light Source. Finally, we apply this theoretical framework to an experiment probing a range of system correlation lengths by acquiring dark-field images at different energies. This proposed method has the potential to be applied in single-shot-mode using a polychromatic X-ray tube setup and a single-photon-counting energy-resolving detector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spyridon Gkoumas
- Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institute, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland
| | | | - Zhentian Wang
- Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institute, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland.,Institute for Biomedical Engineering University and ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Lucia Romano
- Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institute, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland.,Institute for Biomedical Engineering University and ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland.,Department of Physics and IMM-CNR, University of Catania, 64 via S. Sofia, I-95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Matteo Abis
- Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institute, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland.,Institute for Biomedical Engineering University and ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Marco Stampanoni
- Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institute, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland.,Institute for Biomedical Engineering University and ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
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Yashiro W, Momose A. Effects of unresolvable edges in grating-based X-ray differential phase imaging. OPTICS EXPRESS 2015; 23:9233-9251. [PMID: 25968757 DOI: 10.1364/oe.23.009233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
We investigated effects of unresolvable sharp edges on images obtained in a grating-based X-ray differential phase imaging technique. Results of numerical calculations for monochromatic X-rays show that an unresolvable sharp edge generates not only differential-phase contrast but also visibility contrast. The latter shows that the visibility contrast has another major origin other than ultra-small-angle X-ray scattering (USAXS) from randomly distributed unresolvable microstructures, which has been considered the main origin for the contrast. The effects were experimentally confirmed using a synchrotron X-ray source.
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Cipiccia S, Vittoria FA, Weikum M, Olivo A, Jaroszynski DA. Inclusion of coherence in Monte Carlo models for simulation of x-ray phase contrast imaging. OPTICS EXPRESS 2014; 22:23480-23488. [PMID: 25321817 DOI: 10.1364/oe.22.023480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Interest in phase contrast imaging methods based on electromagnetic wave coherence has increased significantly recently, particularly at X-ray energies. This is giving rise to a demand for effective simulation methods. Coherent imaging approaches are usually based on wave optics, which require significant computational resources, particularly for producing 2D images. Monte Carlo (MC) methods, used to track individual particles/photons for particle physics, are not considered appropriate for describing coherence effects. Previous preliminary work has evaluated the possibility of incorporating coherence in Monte Carlo codes. However, in this paper, we present the implementation of refraction in a model that is based on time of flight calculations and the Huygens-Fresnel principle, which allow reproducing the formation of phase contrast images in partially and fully coherent experimental conditions. The model is implemented in the FLUKA Monte Carlo code and X-ray phase contrast imaging simulations are compared with experiments and wave optics calculations.
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