X-ray phase contrast detector

A phase-contrast imaging system, comprising:

• an X-ray source configured to emit X-rays through an imaging volume during operation;
• at least one grating structure in a path of X-rays through the imaging volume, wherein the X-rays, upon passing though the at least one grating structure have a phase-contrast interference pattern;
• a phase-sensitive detector configured to generate signals in response to X-rays emitted by the X-ray source and passing through the at least one grating structure, wherein the phase-sensitive detector comprises:
• a plurality of pixel elements, wherein some or all of the pixel elements each comprise a plurality of electrodes, wherein the plurality of electrodes are in an alternating pattern of interleaved comb members with a spacing therebetween corresponding to a frequency of the phase-contrast interference pattern;
• and
• one or more processing components configured to process the signals generated by the plurality of electrodes to generate images;
• wherein the alternating pattern of interleaved comb members of the plurality of electrodes are aligned in the same direction as the X-rays emitted from the X-ray source;
• wherein a path of the X-ray radiation beam is incident on multiple pixel elements aligned in the direction of the X-ray radiation beam;
• and
• wherein the pixel elements change in length in the direction of the path of X-ray radiation beam.

A phase-contrast imaging method comprising:

• operating an X-ray source of an imaging system to emit X-rays through an imaging volume;
• receiving the X-rays at a phase-sensitive detector after the X-rays pass through at least one grating structure that imparts a phase-contrast interference pattern to the X-rays, wherein the phase-sensitive detector comprises a plurality of pixel elements, wherein some or all of the pixel elements each comprise a plurality electrodes, wherein the plurality of electrodes are in an alternating pattern of interleaved comb members with a spacing therebetween corresponding to a frequency of the phase-contrast interference pattern;
• processing signals generated by the plurality of electrodes to simultaneously determine an amplitude, an offset, and a phase of the phase-contrast interference pattern;
• and
• generating a phase image, an absorption image, or a darkfield image using at least one of the phase, the amplitude, and the offset;
• wherein the alternating pattern of interleaved comb members of the plurality of electrodes are aligned in the same direction as the X-rays emitted from the X-ray source;
• wherein a path of the X-ray radiation beam is incident on multiple pixel elements aligned in the direction of the X-ray radiation beam;
• and
• wherein the pixel elements change in length in the direction of the path of X-ray radiation beam.