Small-angle scattering computed tomography (SAS-CT) using a Talbot-Lau interferometer and a rotating anode x-ray tube: theory and experiments

• Published in: Optics express Vol. 18; no. 12; pp. 12960 - 12970
• Main Authors: Chen, Guang-Hong, Bevins, Nicholas, Zambelli, Joseph, Qi, Zhihua
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 07-06-2010
• ISSN: 1094-4087; 1094-4087
• DOI: 10.1364/OE.18.012960

X-ray differential phase contrast imaging methods, including projection imaging and the corresponding computed tomography (CT), have been implemented using a Talbot interferometer and either a synchrotron beam line or a low brilliance x-ray source generated by a stationary-anode x-ray tube. From small-angle scattering events which occur as an x-ray propagates through a medium, a signal intensity loss can be recorded and analyzed for an understanding of the micro-structures in an image object. This has been demonstrated using a Talbot-Lau interferometer and a stationary-anode x-ray tube. In this paper, theoretical principles and an experimental implementation of the corresponding CT imaging method are presented. First, a line integral is derived from analyzing the cross section of the small-angle scattering events. This method is referred to as small-angle scattering computed tomography (SAS-CT). Next, a Talbot-Lau interferometer and a rotating-anode x-ray tube were used to implement SAS-CT. A physical phantom and human breast tissue sample were used to demonstrate the reconstructed SAS-CT image volumes.