Future of X-ray phase imaging in medical imaging technology

Abstract

Weakly absorbing materials, such as biological soft tissues, can be imaged by generating contrast due to the phase shift of X-rays. In the past decade,several methods for X-ray phase imaging were proposed and demonstrated. The performance of X-ray phase imaging is attractive in the field of medical imaging technology, and its development for practical use is expected. Many methods, however, have been developed under the assumption of the use of synchrotron radiation, which is an obstacle to practical use. The method based on Talbot (-Lau) interferometry enables us to use a compact X-ray source, and its development is expected as a breakthrough for medical applications.