Open AccessDark-field computed tomography reaches the human scale
Author(s) -
Manuel Viermetz,
Nikolai Gustschin,
Clemens Schmid,
Jakob Haeusele,
Maximilian von Teuffenbach,
Pascal Meyer,
F. Bergner,
Tobias Lasser,
Roland Proksa,
Thomas Kœhler,
Franz Pfeiffer
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.011
H-Index - 771
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.2118799119
Subject(s) - imaging phantom , physics , scanner , tomography , field (mathematics) , rotation (mathematics) , computer science , dark field microscopy , medical physics , optics , computer vision , mathematics , microscopy , pure mathematics
Significance X-ray computed tomography (CT) is one of the most commonly used diagnostic three-dimensional imaging modalities today. Conventionally, this noninvasive technique generates contrast by measuring the X-ray attenuation properties of different tissues. Considering the wave nature of X-rays, complementary contrast can be achieved by further measuring their small-angle scattering (dark-field) properties. This provides additional valuable diagnostic information on otherwise unresolved tissue microstructure. In our work, we have translated this wave-optical mechanism from the optical bench to a human-sized prototype CT system. This involved the integration of an interferometer into a clinical CT gantry and overcoming several associated challenges regarding vibrations, continuous gantry rotation, and large field of view. This development puts complementary X-ray contrast within reach for real-word medical applications.