Language
Country/Area
No result found
Phase-contrast X-ray imaging: How to reveal the mysteries of the body's interior?
With the rapid development of medical imaging technology, X-ray imaging technology is also evolving, and phase contrast X-ray imaging is a revolutionary technology. The core of this technology is to achieve higher quality images, especially in terms of contrast when detecting soft tissues, by using phase changes in the X-ray wavelength.
Phase contrast X-ray imaging is based on image reconstruction based on information about the phase change of X-rays after they have penetrated a sample, without relying on conventional X-ray intensity attenuation measurements.
Basic principles of phase contrast X-ray imaging
Conventional X-ray imaging relies on the reduction in the intensity of the X-ray beam after it enters a sample, a technique that cannot effectively capture tiny differences in tissue density. Phase contrast X-ray imaging improves image contrast by recording the phase changes of X-rays. This conversion process uses the principles of wave optics, taking into account the complex refractive index of the X-rays in the sample.
Phase contrast X-ray imaging allows for more sensitive detection of low atomic number elements, which is why it is particularly well suited for use in medical imaging, especially when examining soft tissue.
Historical Background of Technology
The concept of phase contrast imaging was first proposed by Dutch physicist Fitz Zernike, who won the 1953 Nobel Prize for his research on diffraction lattices in visible light. It was not until decades later that this principle was successfully transplanted to the field of X-ray imaging. Initial progress came in 1965, but progress in advancing the technology was slow due to difficulties in focusing X-ray beams.
With the development of synchrotron radiation sources, researchers have discovered that this radiation technology can provide a stronger and wider X-ray source than traditional X-ray tubes, laying the foundation for the further development of phase contrast X-ray imaging.
Advanced phase contrast X-ray imaging technology
Currently, several methods have been developed for phase contrast X-ray imaging, including crystal interferometry, propagation imaging, analyzer imaging, edge illumination, and grating imaging. What these technologies have in common is that they enhance image contrast through interference phenomena, overcoming the limitations of traditional X-ray images.
In the past few years, researchers have made significant progress in different phase contrast techniques, among which grating imaging technology is particularly noteworthy, which can obtain clear images through the self-imaging effect and reduce the radiation dose.
Clinical applications are gradually expanding
Currently, phase contrast X-ray imaging technology is gradually entering clinical application. For example, the development of differential phase contrast mammography technology allows doctors to observe breast tissue structure more accurately and predict possible lesions. At the same time, imaging studies of facet joints are ongoing in the hope of opening up new avenues for accessible noninvasive examinations.
Challenges and future potential
Although phase contrast X-ray imaging technology has achieved certain success, it still faces many challenges, especially in the computational efficiency and equipment cost of image reconstruction. With the increasing advancement of computer technology and the development of materials science, future phase contrast imaging technology will hopefully overcome these difficulties, further improve image quality, reduce radiation dose, and expand its scope of application.Is it possible that in the future we will see phase contrast X-ray imaging become commonplace in routine medical examinations?
