Phase retrieval from one single phase contrast x-ray image

A counter-gravity casting system for in situ high-speed synchrotron x-ray imaging characterization

Counter-gravity casting (CGC) aims to eliminate turbulent melt flow and defect formation during filling and subsequent solidification by pushing high-temperature melt into the mold cavity against gravity with regulated pressure. However, limited by the opaqueness of molten metals and the complexity of the CGC apparatus, it is extremely difficult to directly quantify the high-velocity mold filling and pressurized solidification in real-time. Here, we report the design and characterization of a CGC system capable of in situ monitoring of mold filling and subsequent solidification processes in the synchrotron beamlines by deploying a high-energy, high-speed synchrotron x-ray imaging technique. The high-velocity melt flow and dendrite growth during pressurized solidification have been quantified for systematical process parameter analysis by investigating time-resolved x-ray images of an exemplary Al-Cu alloy. The high-speed imaging results demonstrate that the in situ CGC system provides a useful way to better understand the fundamentals of mold filling, pressurized solidification, and experimental inputs for high-fidelity modeling in scientific and industrial applications.

Quantitative phase contrast X-ray tomography of aluminium metal matrix composite

The quantitative assessment of micro-structure and load-induced damages in Al-SiC metal matrix composites (MMC) is important for its design optimization, performance evaluation and structure-property correlation. X-ray Phase contrast micro-tomography is potentially used for evaluation of its 3 dimensional micro-structure manifested in the form of voids, cracks, embedded particles, and load-induced damages. However, the contrast between Al matrix and SiC particles is insufficient for their clear morphological identification and quantitative assessment. In the present study, we have proposed and applied single image-based phase retrieval as a pre-processing step to micro-tomography reconstruction for improved assessment of micro-structure and cohesion-induced damages in Al-SiC MMC. The advantages of applying different phase retrieval techniques in the enhancement of image quality and morphological quantification of SiC particles, pores and cohesion damages are discussed. It is observed that the Paganin method offers the best improvement in contrast to noise ratio for the measurement of SiC particles embedded in the Al matrix.

A Pilot Study to Assess the Performance of Phase-Sensitive Breast Tomosynthesis

Background A new modality, phase-sensitive breast tomosynthesis (PBT), may have similar diagnostic performance to conventional breast tomosynthesis but with a reduced radiation dose. Purpose To perform a pilot study of the performance of a novel PBT system compared with conventional digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) in patients undergoing additional diagnostic imaging workup for breast lesions. Materials and Methods In a prospective study from June 2020 to March 2021, participants with suspicious breast lesions detected at screening DBT or MRI were recruited for additional PBT imaging before additional diagnostic workup or biopsy. In this pilot study, nine radiologists independently evaluated image quality and assessed the likelihood of lesion malignancy by retrospectively evaluating DBT and PBT images in two separate reading sessions. Image quality was rated subjectively using a Likert scale from 1 to 5. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCs) were used to compare the lesion classification (malignant vs benign) performance of the radiologists. Results Images in 50 patients (mean age, 56 years ± 12 [SD]; 49 women) with 52 evaluable lesions (28 malignant) were assessed. For image appearance and general feature visibility, DBT images had a higher total mean image quality score (3.8) than PBT images (2.9), with P < .002 for each comparison. For classification of lesions as benign or malignant, the AUCs were 0.74 for both PBT and DBT. PBT images were acquired at a 24% mean radiation dose reduction (mean, 1.78 mGy vs 2.34 mGy for DBT; P < .001). Conclusion The phase-sensitive breast tomosynthesis system had a 24% lower mean radiation dose compared with digital breast tomosynthesis, although with lower image quality. Diagnostic performance of the system remains to be determined in larger studies. © RSNA, 2022 Online supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Gao and Moy in this issue.

Evaluation and comparison of a CdTe based photon counting detector with an energy integrating detector for X-ray phase sensitive imaging of breast cancer

PURPOSE

To compare imaging performance of a cadmium telluride (CdTe) based photon counting detector (PCD) with a CMOS based energy integrating detector (EID) for potential phase sensitive imaging of breast cancer.

METHODS

A high energy inline phase sensitive imaging prototype consisting of a microfocus X-ray source with geometric magnification of 2 was employed. The pixel pitch of the PCD was 55μm, while 50μm for EID. The spatial resolution was quantitatively and qualitatively assessed through modulation transfer function (MTF) and bar pattern images. The edge enhancement visibility was assessed by measuring edge enhancement index (EEI) using the acrylic edge acquired images. A contrast detail (CD) phantom was utilized to compare detectability of simulated tumors, while an American College of Radiology (ACR) accredited phantom for mammography was used to compare detection of simulated calcification clusters. A custom-built phantom was employed to compare detection of fibrous structures. The PCD images were acquired at equal, and 30% less mean glandular dose (MGD) levels as of EID images. Observer studies along with contrast to noise ratio (CNR) and signal to noise ratio (SNR) analyses were performed for comparison of two detection systems.

RESULTS

MTF curves and bar pattern images revealed an improvement of about 40% in the cutoff resolution with the PCD. The excellent spatial resolution offered by PCD system complemented superior detection of the diffraction fringes at boundaries of the acrylic edge and resulted in an EEI value of 3.64 as compared to 1.44 produced with EID image. At equal MGD levels (standard dose), observer studies along with CNR and SNR analyses revealed a substantial improvement of PCD acquired images in detection of simulated tumors, calcification clusters, and fibrous structures. At 30% less MGD, PCD images preserved image quality to yield equivalent (slightly better) detection as compared to the standard dose EID images.

CONCLUSION

CdTe-based PCDs are technically feasible to image breast abnormalities (low/high contrast structures) at low radiation dose levels using the high energy inline phase sensitive imaging technique.

A phase sensitive x-ray breast tomosynthesis system: Preliminary patient images with cancer lesions

Phase-sensitive x-ray imaging continues to attract research for its ability to visualize weakly absorbing details like those often encountered in biology and medicine. We have developed and assembled the first inline-based high-energy phase sensitive breast tomosynthesis (PBT) system, which is currently undergoing patient imaging testing at a clinical site. The PBT system consists of a microfocus polychromatic x-ray source and a direct conversion-based flat panel detector coated with a 1 mm thick amorphous selenium layer allowing a high detective quantum efficiency at high energies. The PBT system scans a compressed breast over 15° with 9 angular projection views. The high-energy scan parameters are carefully selected to ensure similar or lower mean glandular dose levels to the clinical standard of care systems. Phase retrieval and data binning are applied to the phase contrast angular projection views and a filtered back-projection algorithm is used to reconstruct the final images. This article reports the distributions of radiation dose versus thickness of the compressed breasts at 59 and 89 kV and sample PBT images acquired from 3 patients. Preliminary PBT images demonstrate the feasibility of this new imaging modality to acquire breast images at lower radiation dose as compared to the clinical digital breast tomosynthesis system with enhanced lesion characteristics (i.e. lesion spiculation and margins).

Dual-energy phase retrieval algorithm for inline phase sensitive x-ray imaging system

Phase retrieval is vital for quantitative x-ray phase contrast imaging. This work presents an iterative method to simultaneously retrieve the x-ray absorption and phase images from a single x-ray exposure. The proposed approach uses the photon-counting detectors' energy-resolving capability in providing multiple spectrally resolved phase contrast images from a single x-ray exposure. The retrieval method is derived, presented, and experimentally tested with a multi-material phantom in an inline phase contrast imaging setup. By separating the contributions of photoelectric absorption and Compton scattering to the attenuation, the authors divide the phase contrast image into two portions, the attenuation map arises from photoelectric absorption and a pseudo phase contrast image generated by electron density. This way one can apply the Phase Attenuation Dualiby (PAD) algorithm and Fresnel propagation for the iteration. The retrieval results from the experimental images show that this iterative method is fast, accurate, robust against noise, and thus yields noticeable enhancement in contrast to noise ratios.

Development and preclinical evaluation of a patient-specific high energy x-ray phase sensitive breast tomosynthesis system

BACKGROUND

This article reports the first x-ray phase sensitive breast tomosynthesis (PBT) system that is aimed for direct translation to clinical practice for the diagnosis of breast cancer.

PURPOSE

To report the preclinical evaluation and comparison of the newly built PBT system with a conventional digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) system.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

The PBT system is developed based on a comprehensive inline phase contrast theoretical model. The system consists of a polyenergetic microfocus x-ray source and a flat panel detector mounted on an arm that is attached to a rotating gantry. It acquires nine projections over a 15° angular span in a stop-and-shoot manner. A dedicated phase retrieval algorithm is integrated with a filtered back-projection method that reconstructs tomographic slices. The American College of Radiology (ACR) accreditation phantom, a contrast detail (CD) phantom and mastectomy tissue samples were imaged at the same glandular dose levels by both the PBT and a standard of care DBT system for image quality characterizations and comparisons.

RESULTS

The PBT imaging scores with the ACR phantom are in good to excellent range and meet the quality assurance criteria set by the Mammography Quality Standard Act. The CD phantom image comparison and associated statistical analyses from two-alternative forced-choice reader studies confirm the improvement offered by the PBT system in terms of contrast resolution, spatial resolution, and conspicuity. The artifact spread function (ASF) analyses revealed a sizable lateral spread of metal artifacts in PBT slices as compared to DBT slices. Signal-to-noise ratio values for various inserts of the ACR and CD phantoms further validated the superiority of the PBT system. Mastectomy sample images acquired by the PBT system showed a superior depiction of microcalcifications vs the DBT system.

CONCLUSION

The PBT imaging technology can be clinically employed for improving the accuracy of breast cancer screening and diagnosis.

The Potential of Utilizing Mid-Energy X-Rays for In-Line Phase Sensitive Breast Cancer Imaging

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to demonstrate the potential of utilizing mid-energy x-rays for in-line phase-sensitive breast cancer imaging by phantom studies.

METHODS

The midenergy (50-80kV) in-line phase sensitive imaging prototype was used to acquire images of the contrast-detail mammography (CDMAM) phantom, an ACR accreditation phantom, and an acrylic edge phantom. The low-dose mid-energy phase-sensitive images were acquired at 60 kV with a radiation dose of 0.9 mGy, while the high-energy phase-sensitive images were acquired at 90 kV with a radiation dose of 1.2 mGy. The Phase-Attenuation Duality (PAD) principle for soft tissue was used for the phase retrieval. A blind observer study was conducted and paired-sample T-test were performed to compare the mean differences in the two imaging systems.

RESULTS

The correct detection ratio for the CDMAM phantom for phase-contrast images acquired by the low-dose mid-energy system was 56.91%, whereas images acquired by the high-energy system correctly revealed only 40.97% of discs. The correct detection ratios were 57.88% and 43.41% for phase-retrieved images acquired by the low-dose mid-energy and high-energy imaging systems, respectively. The reading scores for all three groups of objects in the ACR phantom were higher for the mid energy imaging system as compared to the high-energy system for both phase-contrast and phase- retrieved images. The calculated edge enhancement index (EEI) from the acrylic edge phantom image for the mid-energy system was higher than that calculated for the high-energy imaging system. The quantitative analyses showed a higher Contrast to Noise Ratio (CNR) as well as a higher Figure of Merit (FOM) in images acquired by the low-dose mid-energy imaging system.

CONCLUSION

The PAD based retrieval method can be applied in mid-energy system without remarkably affecting the image quality, and in fact, it improves the lesion detectability with a patient dose saving of 25%.

Impact of a single distance phase retrieval algorithm on spatial resolution in X-ray inline phase sensitive imaging

A single-projection based phase retrieval method based on the phase attenuation duality principle (PAD) was used to compare the spatial resolution of the acquired phase sensitive and PAD processed phase retrieved images. An inline phase sensitive prototype was used to acquire the phase sensitive images. The prototype incorporates a micro-focus x-ray source and a flat panel detector with a 50 μm pixel pitch. A phantom composed of a 2 cm thick 50-50 adipose-glandular mimicking slab sandwiched with a 0.82 cm thick slanted PMMA sharp edge was used. Phase sensitive image of the phantom was acquired at 120 kV, 3.35 mAs with a 16 μm tube focal spot size under a geometric magnification (M) of 2.5. The PAD based method was applied to the acquired phase sensitive image for the retrieval of phase values. With necessary data processing, modulation transfer function (MTF) curves were determined for the estimation and comparison of the spatial resolution. The PAD processed phase retrieved values of the phantom were in good agreement with the theoretically calculated values. Phase sensitive images showed higher spatial resolution at all spatial frequencies compared to the phase retrieved images. It was noted that the high-frequency signal components in the retrieved image were suppressed that resulted in lower MTF values. When compared to the phase sensitive image, the cutoff resolution (10% MTF) for phase retrieved image dropped 32% from 15.6 lp/mm (32μm) to 10.6 lp/mm (47μm). The resolution offered by this phase sensitive prototype is radiographically enough to detect breast cancer.

Improved phase-attenuation duality method with space-frequency joint domain iterative regularization

PURPOSE

A common problem of in-line phase contrast imaging systems based on laboratory source and detector is the negative effects of finite source size, limited spatial resolution, and system noise. These negative effects swamp the fine phase contrast fringes and impede the precise retrieval of phase maps. This study aims to develop a novel phase retrieval method to restore phase information that is lost due to an imperfect system.

METHODS

An improved phase-attenuation duality (PAD) method based on space-frequency joint domain iterative regularization (JDIR) is proposed to overcome the problems of the analytical PAD method and the spatial-domain iterative regularization (SDIR) based PAD method. These problems include noise robustness and optical transfer function compensation. The proposed method was compared with the two former PAD methods through computer simulations and experiments for validation.

RESULTS

Results reveal that JDIR method outperforms the other two methods in terms of improving the visibility of structures in the retrieved phase maps. Among all the phase retrieval algorithms, the TV-norm-based JDIR method performed the best in considering the contrast and noise performance.

CONCLUSIONS

This paper provides a new method to investigate quantitative phase-contrast imaging when considering the negative effects of an imperfect system.

Detectability comparison of simulated tumors in digital breast tomosynthesis using high-energy X-ray inline phase sensitive and commercial imaging systems

This study compared the detectability of simulated tumors using a high-energy X-ray inline phase sensitive digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) prototype and a commercial attenuation-based DBT system. Each system imaged a 5-cm thick modular breast phantom with 50-50 adipose-glandular percentage density containing contrast-detail (CD) test objects to simulate different tumor sizes. A commercial DBT system acquired 15 projection views over 15 degrees (15d-15p) was used to acquire the attenuation-based projection views and to reconstruct the conventional DBT slices. Attenuation-based projection views were acquired at 32 kV, 46 mAs with a mean glandular dose (D_g) of 1.6 mGy. For acquiring phase sensitive projection views, the prototype utilized two acquisition geometries: 11 projection views were acquired over 15 degrees (15d-11p), and 17 projection views were acquired over 16 degrees (16d-17p) at 120 kV, 5.27 mAs with 1.51 mGy under the magnification (M) of 2. A phase retrieval algorithm based on the phase-attenuation duality (PAD) was applied to each projection view, and a modified Feldkamp-Davis-Kress (FDK) algorithm was used to reconstruct the phase sensitive DBT slices. Simulated tumor margins were rated as more conspicuous and better visualized for both phase sensitive acquisition geometries versus conventional DBT imaging. The CD curves confirmed the improvement in both contrast and spatial resolutions with the phase sensitive DBT imaging. The superiority of the phase sensitive DBT imaging was further endorsed by higher contrast to noise ratio (CNR) and figure-of-merit (FOM) values. The CNR improvements provided by the phase sensitive DBT prototype were sufficient to offset the noise reduction provided by the attenuation-based DBT imaging.

Robust phase-retrieval-based X-ray tomography for morphological assessment of early hepatic echinococcosis infection in rats

Propagation-based phase-contrast computed micro-tomography (PPCT) dominates the non-destructive, three-dimensional inner-structure measurement in synchrotron-based biomedical research due to its simple experimental setup. To quantitatively visualize tiny density variations in soft tissues and organs closely related to early pathological morphology, an experimental study of synchrotron-based X-ray PPCT combined with generalized phase and attenuation duality (PAD) phase retrieval was implemented with the hepatic echinococcosis (HE) infection rat model at different stages. We quantitatively analyzed and evaluated the different pathological characterizations of hepatic echinococcosis during the development of this disease via our PAD-based PPCT and especially provided evidence that hepatic alveolar echinococcosis invades the liver tissue and spreads through blood flow systems with abundant blood supply in the early stage. Additionally, the infiltration of tiny vesicles in HE lesions can be clearly observed by our PAD-PPCT technique due to the striking contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and mass density resolution, which cannot be found by the medical imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and ultrasound, in hospitals. The results demonstrated that our PAD-PPCT technique has a great potential for indicating the subtle structural information of pathological changes in soft biomedical specimens, especially helpful for the research of early micro-morphology of diseases.

Detectability comparison between a high energy x-ray phase sensitive and mammography systems in imaging phantoms with varying glandular-adipose ratios

The objective of this study was to demonstrate the potential benefits of using high energy x-rays in comparison with the conventional mammography imaging systems for phase sensitive imaging of breast tissues with varying glandular-adipose ratios. This study employed two modular phantoms simulating the glandular (G) and adipose (A) breast tissue composition in 50 G-50 A and 70 G-30 A percentage densities. Each phantom had a thickness of 5 cm with a contrast detail test pattern embedded in the middle. For both phantoms, the phase contrast images were acquired using a micro-focus x-ray source operated at 120 kVp and 4.5 mAs, with a magnification factor (M) of 2.5 and a detector with a 50 µm pixel pitch. The mean glandular dose delivered to the 50 G-50 A and 70 G-30 A phantom sets were 1.33 and 1.3 mGy, respectively. A phase retrieval algorithm based on the phase attenuation duality that required only a single phase contrast image was applied. Conventional low energy mammography images were acquired using GE Senographe DS and Hologic Selenia systems utilizing their automatic exposure control (AEC) settings. In addition, the automatic contrast mode (CNT) was also used for the acquisition with the GE system. The AEC mode applied higher dose settings for the 70 G-30 A phantom set. As compared to the phase contrast images, the dose levels for the AEC mode acquired images were similar while the dose levels for the CNT mode were almost double. The observer study, contrast-to-noise ratio and figure of merit comparisons indicated a large improvement with the phase retrieved images in comparison to the AEC mode images acquired with the clinical systems for both density levels. As the glandular composition increased, the detectability of smaller discs decreased with the clinical systems, particularly with the GE system, even at higher dose settings. As compared to the CNT mode (double dose) images, the observer study also indicated that the phase retrieved images provided similar or improved detection for all disc sizes except for the disk diameters of 2 mm and 1 mm for the 50 G-50 A phantom and 3 mm and 0.5 mm for the 70 G-30 A phantom. This study demonstrated the potential of utilizing a high energy phase sensitive x-ray imaging system to improve lesion detection and reduce radiation dose when imaging breast tissues with varying glandular compositions.

Human DPSCs fabricate vascularized woven bone tissue: a new tool in bone tissue engineering

Human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) are mesenchymal stem cells that have been successfully used in human bone tissue engineering. To establish whether these cells can lead to a bone tissue ready to be grafted, we checked DPSCs for their osteogenic and angiogenic differentiation capabilities with the specific aim of obtaining a new tool for bone transplantation. Therefore, hDPSCs were specifically selected from the stromal–vascular dental pulp fraction, using appropriate markers, and cultured. Growth curves, expression of bone-related markers, calcification and angiogenesis as well as an in vivo transplantation assay were performed. We found that hDPSCs proliferate, differentiate into osteoblasts and express high levels of angiogenic genes, such as vascular endothelial growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor A. Human DPSCs, after 40 days of culture, give rise to a 3D structure resembling a woven fibrous bone. These woven bone (WB) samples were analysed using classic histology and synchrotron-based, X-ray phase-contrast microtomography and holotomography. WB showed histological and attractive physical qualities of bone with few areas of mineralization and neovessels. Such WB, when transplanted into rats, was remodelled into vascularized bone tissue. Taken together, our data lead to the assumption that WB samples, fabricated by DPSCs, constitute a noteworthy tool and do not need the use of scaffolds, and therefore they are ready for customized regeneration.

Technical Note: Synchrotron-based high-energy x-ray phase sensitive microtomography for biomedical research

PURPOSE

Propagation-based phase-contrast CT (PPCT) utilizes highly sensitive phase-contrast technology applied to x-ray microtomography. Performing phase retrieval on the acquired angular projections can enhance image contrast and enable quantitative imaging. In this work, the authors demonstrate the validity and advantages of a novel technique for high-resolution PPCT by using the generalized phase-attenuation duality (PAD) method of phase retrieval.

METHODS

A high-resolution angular projection data set of a fish head specimen was acquired with a monochromatic 60-keV x-ray beam. In one approach, the projection data were directly used for tomographic reconstruction. In two other approaches, the projection data were preprocessed by phase retrieval based on either the linearized PAD method or the generalized PAD method. The reconstructed images from all three approaches were then compared in terms of tissue contrast-to-noise ratio and spatial resolution.

RESULTS

The authors' experimental results demonstrated the validity of the PPCT technique based on the generalized PAD-based method. In addition, the results show that the authors' technique is superior to the direct PPCT technique as well as the linearized PAD-based PPCT technique in terms of their relative capabilities for tissue discrimination and characterization.

CONCLUSIONS

This novel PPCT technique demonstrates great potential for biomedical imaging, especially for applications that require high spatial resolution and limited radiation exposure.

Optimization of reconstructed quality of hard x-ray phase microtomography

For applications of hard x-ray propagation-based phase-contrast computed microtomography (PPCT) in high-resolution biological research, high spatial resolution and high contrast-to-noise ratio are simultaneously required for tiny structural discrimination and characterization. Most existing micro-CT techniques to improve image quality are limited by high cost, physical limitations, and complexity of the experimental hardware and setup. In this work, a novel PPCT technique, which combines a wavelet-transform-based modulation transform function compensation algorithm and a generalized phase-retrieval algorithm, is proposed to optimize the reconstruction quality of tomographic slices. Our experimental results, which compared the spatial resolutions and contrast-to-noise ratios of reconstructed images, demonstrated the validity of the proposed generalized PPCT technique. The experimental results showed that the proposed generalized PPCT technique is superior to the direct PPCT and the linearized phase-retrieval PPCT techniques. This novel PPCT technique demonstrates great potential for biological imaging, especially for applications that require high spatial resolution and limit radiation exposure.

Osteogenic potential of dualblocks cultured with human periodontal ligament stem cells: in vitro and synchrotron microtomography study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

In the present study, the early stages of in vitro bone formation in collagenated porcine scaffolds cultured with human periodontal ligament cells were investigated. The comparison between the osteogenic potential of this structure in basal and differentiating culture media was explored to predict the mechanism of its biological behavior as graft in human defect. Results were validated by synchrotron radiation X-Ray phase contrast computed microtomography (micro-CT). As the periodontal disease plays a key role in systemic and oral diseases, it is crucial to find advanced therapeutic clinical interventions to repair periodontal defects. This has been recently explored using cells and tissues developed in vitro that should ideally be immunologically, functionally, structurally and mechanically identical to the native tissue.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In vitro cultures of human periodontal ligament cells, easily obtained by scraping of alveolar crestal and horizontal fibers of the periodontal ligament, were seeded on to collagenated porcine blocks constituted by natural cancellous and cortical bone. 3D images were obtained by synchrotron radiation micro-CT and processed with a phase-retrieval algorithm based on the transport of intensity equation.

RESULTS

Starting from the second week of culture, newly formed mineralized bone was detected in all the scaffolds, both in basal and differentiating media. Bone mineralization was proved to occur preferentially in the trabecular portion and in differentiating media.

CONCLUSION

The chosen method, supported by phase contrast micro-CT analysis, successfully and quantitatively monitored the early stages of bone formation and the rate of the bioscaffold resorption in basal and differentiating culture media.

Characterization of a high-energy in-line phase contrast tomosynthesis prototype

PURPOSE

In this research, a high-energy in-line phase contrast tomosynthesis prototype was developed and characterized through quantitative investigations and phantom studies.

METHODS

The prototype system consists of an x-ray source, a motorized rotation stage, and a CMOS detector with a pixel pitch of 0.05 mm. The x-ray source was operated at 120 kVp for this study, and the objects were mounted on the rotation stage 76.2 cm (R1) from the source and 114.3 cm (R2) from the detector. The large air gap between the object and detector guarantees sufficient phase-shift effects. The quantitative evaluation of this prototype included modulation transfer function and noise power spectrum measurements conducted under both projection mode and tomosynthesis mode. Phantom studies were performed including three custom designed phantoms with complex structures: a five-layer bubble wrap phantom, a fishbone phantom, and a chicken breast phantom with embedded fibrils and mass structures extracted from an ACR phantom. In-plane images of the phantoms were acquired to investigate their image qualities through observation, intensity profile plots, edge enhancement evaluations, and/or contrast-to-noise ratio calculations. In addition, the robust phase-attenuation duality (PAD)-based phase retrieval method was applied to tomosynthesis for the first time in this research. It was utilized as a preprocessing method to fully exhibit phase contrast on the angular projection before reconstruction.

RESULTS

The resolution and noise characteristics of this high-energy in-line phase contrast tomosynthesis prototype were successfully investigated and demonstrated. The phantom studies demonstrated that this imaging prototype can successfully remove the structure overlapping in phantom projections, obtain delineate interfaces, and achieve better contrast-to-noise ratio after applying phase retrieval to the angular projections.

CONCLUSIONS

This research successfully demonstrated a high-energy in-line phase contrast tomosynthesis prototype. In addition, the PAD-based method of phase retrieval was combined with tomosynthesis imaging for the first time, which demonstrated its capability in significantly improving the contrast-to-noise ratios in the images.

Phase retrieval method for in-line phase contrast x-ray imaging and denoising by regularization

Phase contrast X-ray imaging is increasingly popular in the past decade. In order to acquire phase contrast X-ray images, different types of imaging mechanisms have been proposed. Among them, in-line phase contrast X-ray imaging shows the highest potential because of its simplicity. In the study of in-line phase contrast imaging, based on different physical assumptions, many non-iterative phase retrieval methods, such as Bronnikov method, modified Bronnikov method, phase-attenuation duality (PAD) method, single-material method, and two-material method have been proposed. The main step of the non-iterative methods is a filtering process, thus different methods involve different filter design. In this paper we showed that every filter applied in the methods listed above is indeed the minimizer of a L(2)-norm regularization problem. In addition, two methods were proposed to overcome the over smoothing problem owing to the nature of L(2)-norm regularization.

Complex dark-field contrast and its retrieval in x-ray phase contrast imaging implemented with Talbot interferometry

PURPOSE

Under the existing theoretical framework of x-ray phase contrast imaging methods implemented with Talbot interferometry, the dark-field contrast refers to the reduction in interference fringe visibility due to small-angle x-ray scattering of the subpixel microstructures of an object to be imaged. This study investigates how an object's subpixel microstructures can also affect the phase of the intensity oscillations.

METHODS

Instead of assuming that the object's subpixel microstructures distribute in space randomly, the authors' theoretical derivation starts by assuming that an object's attenuation projection and phase shift vary at a characteristic size that is not smaller than the period of analyzer grating G₂ and a characteristic length dc. Based on the paraxial Fresnel-Kirchhoff theory, the analytic formulae to characterize the zeroth- and first-order Fourier coefficients of the x-ray irradiance recorded at each detector cell are derived. Then the concept of complex dark-field contrast is introduced to quantify the influence of the object's microstructures on both the interference fringe visibility and the phase of intensity oscillations. A method based on the phase-attenuation duality that holds for soft tissues and high x-ray energies is proposed to retrieve the imaginary part of the complex dark-field contrast for imaging. Through computer simulation study with a specially designed numerical phantom, they evaluate and validate the derived analytic formulae and the proposed retrieval method.

RESULTS

Both theoretical analysis and computer simulation study show that the effect of an object's subpixel microstructures on x-ray phase contrast imaging method implemented with Talbot interferometry can be fully characterized by a complex dark-field contrast. The imaginary part of complex dark-field contrast quantifies the influence of the object's subpixel microstructures on the phase of intensity oscillations. Furthermore, at relatively high energies, for soft tissues it can be retrieved for imaging with a method based on the phase-attenuation duality.

CONCLUSIONS

The analytic formulae derived in this work to characterize the complex dark-field contrast in x-ray phase contrast imaging method implemented with Talbot interferometry are of significance, which may initiate more activities in the research and development of x-ray differential phase contrast imaging for extensive biomedical applications.

Dose and detectability improvements with high energy phase sensitive x-ray imaging in comparison to low energy conventional imaging

The objective of this study was to demonstrate the potential benefits of using high energy x-rays for phase sensitive breast imaging through a comparison with conventional mammography imaging. We compared images of a contrast-detail phantom acquired on a prototype phase sensitive x-ray imaging system with images acquired on a commercial flat panel digital mammography unit. The phase contrast images were acquired using a micro-focus x-ray source with a 50 µm focal spot at 120 kVp and 4.5 mAs, with a magnification factor of 2.46 and a 50 µm pixel pitch. A phase attenuation duality-based phase retrieval algorithm that requires only a single phase contrast image was applied. Conventional digital mammography images were acquired at 27 kVp, 131 mAs and 28 kVp, 54 mAs. For the same radiation dose, both the observer study and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)/figure of merit comparisons indicated a large improvement by the phase retrieved image as compared to the clinical system for the larger disc sizes, but the improvement was not enough to detect the smallest discs. Compared to the double dose image acquired with the clinical system, the observer study also indicated that the phase retrieved image provided improved detection capabilities for all disc sizes except the smallest discs. Thus the SNR improvement provided by phase contrast imaging is not yet enough to offset the noise reduction provided by the clinical system at the doubled dose level. However, the potential demonstrated by this study for high energy phase sensitive x-ray imaging to improve lesion detection and reduce radiation dose in mammography warrants further investigation of this technique.

A robust general phase retrieval method for medical applications

From medical imaging perspective the robustness of a phase retrieval method is of critical importance. In this presentation we compare the robustness of two general phase retrieval methods, namely the transport of intensity equation inversion (TIE-inversion) method and the attenuation partition based (AP-based) method. We showed that the TIE-inversion method, regardless if being assisted with the Tikhonov regularization, failed to retrieve the phase maps in two experimental studies. The failure exposes this method's weakness as being unstable against the noise. In contrast, the sample phase maps are retrieved successfully by using the AP-based method. The stark performance differences of the two methods are rooted in their different techniques dealing with the singularity problem. This comparison shows that the robust AP-based phase retrieval method will be superior to the TIE-inversion method for medical imaging applications where radiation doses are stringently limited.

Total variation minimization approach in in-line x-ray phase-contrast tomography

The reconstruction problem in in-line X-ray Phase-Contrast Tomography is usually approached by solving two independent linearized sub-problems: phase retrieval and tomographic reconstruction. Both problems are often ill-posed and require the use of regularization techniques that lead to artifacts in the reconstructed image. We present a novel reconstruction approach that solves two coupled linear problems algebraically. Our approach is based on the assumption that the frequency space of the tomogram can be divided into bands that are accurately recovered and bands that are undefined by the observations. This results in an underdetermined linear system of equations. We investigate how this system can be solved using three different algebraic reconstruction algorithms based on Total Variation minimization. These algorithms are compared using both simulated and experimental data. Our results demonstrate that in many cases the proposed algebraic algorithms yield a significantly improved accuracy over the conventional L2-regularized closed-form solution. This work demonstrates that algebraic algorithms may become an important tool in applications where the acquisition time and the delivered radiation dose must be minimized.

Phase retrieval in in-line x-ray phase contrast imaging based on total variation minimization

State-of-the-art techniques for phase retrieval in propagation based X-ray phase-contrast imaging are aiming to solve an underdetermined linear system of equations. They commonly employ Tikhonov regularization - an L2-norm regularized deconvolution scheme - despite some of its limitations. We present a novel approach to phase retrieval based on Total Variation (TV) minimization. We incorporated TV minimization for deconvolution in phase retrieval using a variety of the most common linear phase-contrast models. The results of our TV minimization was compared with Tikhonov regularized deconvolution on simulated as well as experimental data. The presented method was shown to deliver improved accuracy in reconstructions based on a single distance as well as multiple distance phase-contrast images corrupted by noise and hampered by errors due to nonlinear imaging effects.

X-ray phase-contrast imaging: from pre-clinical applications towards clinics

Phase-contrast x-ray imaging (PCI) is an innovative method that is sensitive to the refraction of the x-rays in matter. PCI is particularly adapted to visualize weakly absorbing details like those often encountered in biology and medicine. In past years, PCI has become one of the most used imaging methods in laboratory and preclinical studies: its unique characteristics allow high contrast 3D visualization of thick and complex samples even at high spatial resolution. Applications have covered a wide range of pathologies and organs, and are more and more often performed in vivo. Several techniques are now available to exploit and visualize the phase-contrast: propagation- and analyzer-based, crystal and grating interferometry and non-interferometric methods like the coded aperture. In this review, covering the last five years, we will give an overview of the main theoretical and experimental developments and of the important steps performed towards the clinical implementation of PCI.

ANKAphase: software for single-distance phase retrieval from inline X-ray phase-contrast radiographs

A computer program named ANKAphase is presented that processes X-ray inline phase-contrast radiographs by reconstructing the projected thickness of the object(s) imaged. The program uses a single-distance non-iterative phase-retrieval algorithm described by David Paganin et al. [(2002), J. Microsc. 206, 33-40]. Allowing for non-negligible absorption in the sample, this method is strictly valid only for monochromatic illumination and single-material objects but tolerates deviations from these conditions, especially polychromaticity. ANKAphase is designed to be applied to tomography data (although it does not perform tomographic reconstruction itself). It can process series of images and perform flat-field and dark-field correction. Written in Java, ANKAphase has an intuitive graphical user interface and can be run either as a stand-alone application or as a plugin to ImageJ, a widely used scientific image-processing program. A description of ANKAphase is given and example applications are shown.

Performance analysis of the attenuation-partition based iterative phase retrieval algorithm for in-line phase-contrast imaging

The phase retrieval is an important task in x-ray phase contrast imaging. The robustness of phase retrieval is especially important for potential medical imaging applications such as phase contrast mammography. Recently the authors developed an iterative phase retrieval algorithm, the attenuation-partition based algorithm, for the phase retrieval in inline phase-contrast imaging [1]. Applied to experimental images, the algorithm was proven to be fast and robust. However, a quantitative analysis of the performance of this new algorithm is desirable. In this work, we systematically compared the performance of this algorithm with other two widely used phase retrieval algorithms, namely the Gerchberg-Saxton (GS) algorithm and the Transport of Intensity Equation (TIE) algorithm. The systematical comparison is conducted by analyzing phase retrieval performances with a digital breast specimen model. We show that the proposed algorithm converges faster than the GS algorithm in the Fresnel diffraction regime, and is more robust against image noise than the TIE algorithm. These results suggest the significance of the proposed algorithm for future medical applications with the x-ray phase contrast imaging technique.