An x-ray imaging system includes an x-ray source, an x-ray detector including a plurality of detector strips arranged in a first direction of the x-ray detector. Each detector strip includes a plurality of detector pixels arranged in a second direction of the x-ray detector. A phase grating and a plurality of analyzer gratings including grating slits are disposed between the x-ray source and detectors. The x-ray source and the x-ray detector are adapted to perform a scanning movement in relation to an object in the first direction, in order to scan the object. Each of the plurality of analyzer gratings is arranged in association with a respective detector strip with the grating slits arranged in the second direction. The grating slits of the analyzer gratings of the detector strips are offset relative to each other in the second direction.

An imaging system (200) is configured for grating-based DPCI. The imaging system includes a rotating gantry (204) that rotates around an examination region, a radiation source (208), supported by the rotating gantry, that emits radiation that traverses the examination region, a detector array (212), supported by the rotating gantry, that detects radiation that traverses the examination region, and an interferometer, supported by the rotating gantry, which includes a source grating (214), a phase grating (218), and an absorber grating (220). At least one of the phase grating or the absorber grating continuously translates with respect to the other during an integration period and the detector generates and outputs an electrical signal indicative of the detected radiation, wherein the electrical signal includes an absorption component, a coherence component and a phase component.

Phase stepping for differential phase contrast and/or dark field x-ray imaging using a switchable grating in which particles in a reservoir are aligned into wall-like x-ray absorbing structures by inducing a standing wave in a medium in the reservoir. The standing wave is modified by a second ultrasound generator that modifies the standing wave such that the pressure nodes of the first standing wave shift position.

An exemplary mounting structure can be provided for interferometric imaging and an interferometric imaging apparatus comprising same. The mounting structure comprises at least one curved surface for receiving an interferometric grating to rest thereon. The surface can be provided having a plurality of apertures, whereas that the grating when so received, covers at least one of the apertures.

An imaging apparatus and associated methods are provided to efficiently estimate scatter during multi-fraction treatments for improved quality and workflow. Estimated scatter from one fraction during a treatment course can be utilized during subsequent fractions, allowing for measurements with higher scatter-to-primary ratios. The quality of scatter estimates can be maintained, while workflow improves and dosage decreases. Scan configuration limits can be utilized to maintain a minimum level of scatter measurement quality. Patient information can be monitored to ensure that prior fraction scatter estimates are still applicable to current patient status.

A method for the reduction of streak artifacts in an image data set reconstructed from projection images of an X-ray device is provided. The method includes determining a first interim data set by applying a non-linear low-pass filter to pixels that satisfy a selection condition. A second non-linear, high-pass-filtered interim data set is determined by pixel-by-pixel subtraction of the first interim data set from the image data set. The second interim data set is Fourier transformed in order to obtain a spatial frequency data set. Frequency portions attributable to artifacts in the spatial frequency data set are removed, and the processed spatial frequency data set is inverse Fourier transformed, such that a third interim data set is obtained. An artifact-reduced result data set is determined by addition of the third interim data set and the first interim data set.

Device and Method for Evaluating Dark Field Images The present invention relates to the use of dark field X-ray images in an ablation treatment of a tumour. By acquiring dark field X-ray images displaying the region of interest targeted in the ablation treatment, information can be derived which allows taking a decision on terminating the ablation treatment. A set of dark field X-ray images is received (101), which is acquired at different time instants and comprises the region of interest. Dark field X-ray images of the set are compared (102), for example by determining difference images between the individual images. If during that comparison a change in the dark field X-ray images is detected over time in the region of interest, then a signal is generated (103) indicating a change has occurred. That signal may indicate that healthy tissue is being affected instead of the tumour and that consequently the ablation treatment should be ended.

Techniques are provided for the production of high-contrast, x-ray and/or gamma-ray radiographic images. The images have minimal contributions from object-dependent background radiation. The invention utilizes the low divergence, quasi-monoenergetic, x-ray or gamma-ray output from a laser-Compton source in combination with x-ray optical technologies to produce a converging x-ray or gamma-ray beam with which to produce a high-contrast, shadowgraph of a specific object. The object to be imaged is placed within the path of the converging beam between the x-ray optical assembly and the focus of the x-ray beam produced by that assembly. The beam is then passed through an optically thick pinhole located at the focus of the beam. Downstream of the pinhole, the inverted shadowgraph of the object is then recorded by an appropriate 2D detector array.

An x-ray imaging apparatus and associated methods are provided to execute multi-pass imaging scans for improved quality and workflow. An imaging scan can be segmented into multiple passes that are faster than the full imaging scan. Data received by an initial scan pass can be utilized early in the workflow and of sufficient quality for treatment setup, including while the another scan pass is executed to generate data needed for higher quality images, which may be needed for treatment planning. In one embodiment, a data acquisition and reconstruction technique is used when the detector is offset in the channel and/or axial direction for a large FOV during multiple passes.

The present invention relates to an apparatus (10) for presentation of dark field information. It is described to provide (210) an X-ray attenuation image of a region of interest of an object. A dark field X-ray image of the region of interest of the object is also provided (220). A plurality of sub-regions of the region of interest are defined (230) based on the X-ray attenuation image of the region of interest or based on the dark field X-ray image of the region of interest. At least one quantitative value is derived (240) for each of the plurality of sub-regions, wherein the at least one quantitative value for a sub-region comprises data derived from the X-ray attenuation image of the sub-region and data derived from the dark field X-ray image of the sub-region. A plurality of figures of merit are assigned (250) to the plurality of sub-regions, wherein a figure of merit for a sub-region is based on the at least one quantitative value for the sub-region. Data representative of the region of interest is output (260) with figures of merit for the respective sub-regions.