Improving contrast and spatial resolution in crystal analyzer-based x-ray dark-field imaging: Theoretical considerations and experimental demonstration.

PURPOSE: This paper describes and experimentally validates a methodology for improving contrast and spatial resolution of the x-ray dark-field imaging (XDFI) by cutting the monochromator-collimator asymmetrically and thinning the Laue angle analyzer.

METHODS

We measure the spatial resolution of our XDFI setup using a test object consisting of wolfram tungsten meshes and compare it with the theoretical prediction. Using x-ray dark-field computed tomography of breast cancer specimens (lobular carcinoma in situ), we demonstrate that the resolution of XDFI is sufficient for histopathologic analysis.

RESULTS

Our experimental results show that the overall spatial resolution of XDFI can be improved by approximately a factor of 2 when these modifications are implemented. The reconstructed images of breast cancer specimens provide sufficient details for radiologic histopathology.

CONCLUSIONS

By cutting the monochromator-collimator and thinning the Laue angle analyzer, XDFI can achieve the resolution sufficient for radiologic histopathology.