Rapid filtration methods for dual-energy X-ray CT

A system for performing X-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging, the system comprising:

• a single-kVp X-ray source;
• a detector for detecting X-ray radiation from the source;
• a filter grating disposed between the X-ray source and the detector, the filter grating comprising a plurality of first filter strips of a first filter material and a plurality of second filter strips of a second filter material different from the first filter material, the plurality of first filter strips and the plurality of second filter strips are disposed alternatingly in the filter grating such that each of the plurality of first filter strips abuts at least one of the plurality of second filter strips and each of the plurality of second filter strips abuts at least one of the plurality of first filter strips, wherein the filter grating is positioned closer to the X-ray source than it is to the detector;
• and
• an absorption grating aligned with the filter grating to selectively block at least a portion of the X-ray radiation;
• wherein the absorption grating and the filter grating oscillate relative one another.