System and method for X-ray dark-field, phase contrast and attenuation image acquisition

A method for X-ray dark field, phase contrast and attenuation image acquisition, the method comprising:

• orienting an X-ray source relative to an X-ray detector to define an axis extending from a center of the X-ray source to a center of the X-ray detector;
• locating an examination region between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector, wherein the first axis extends through the examination region, and wherein the examination region is configured to enable location of an object to be examined;
• locating an interferometer between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector, wherein the interferometer comprises a first grating and a second grating;
• in a first mode of operation controlling at least one lateral movement transducer to move the first grating or move the second grating in a lateral position direction perpendicular to the axis;
• in the first mode of operation controlling the X-ray detector to acquire image data whilst the first grating and/or second grating is moving, wherein during an exposure time of the X-ray detector the first grating and/or second grating has moved a distance less than a period of the first grating and/or second grating, and wherein movement of the first grating and/or second grating is controlled such that the image data is acquired whilst the first grating and/or second grating is moving;
• and
• outputting one or more of:
• dark field image data, phase contrast image data, and attenuation image data;
• in a second mode of operation controlling the X-ray detector to acquire each image data of a plurality of image data whilst the first grating and/or second grating is moving during an exposure time of the X-ray detector;
• in the second mode of operation controlling at least one vibration transducer to vibrate the first grating and/or second grating, wherein an amplitude of vibration is greater than or equal to the period of the first grating and/or second grating;
• in the second mode of operation generating attenuation image data and/or calibration data comprising a determination of a temporal low-pass filtered version of at least some of the plurality of image data;
• and
• outputting the attenuation image data and/or the calibration data.

A method for attenuating image and/or calibration data, the method comprising:

• locating an X-ray source relative to an X-ray detector to define an axis extending from a center of the X-ray source to a center of the X-ray detector, wherein an examination region is located between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector, wherein the first axis extends through the examination region, wherein the examination region enables location of an object to be examined, and wherein an interferometer is located between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector, wherein the interferometer comprises a first grating and a second grating;
• controlling the X-ray detector to acquire each image data of a plurality of image data whilst the first grating and/or second grating is moving during an exposure time of the X-ray detector;
• controlling the at least one vibration transducer to vibrate the first grating and/or second grating, wherein an amplitude of vibration is greater than or equal to the period of the first grating and/or second grating;
• generating the attenuation image data and/or calibration data comprising a determination of a temporal low-pass filtered version of at least some of the plurality of image data;
• and
• outputting the attenuation image data and/or the calibration data.