X-ray mammography

A phase contrast x-ray imaging system, comprising:

• a sample holder for holding a biological sample;
• an x-ray source for generating an x-ray beam for irradiating the sample;
• a first detector for generating a first image of the biological sample from the x ray beam, wherein the first detector comprises a first scintillator for converting the x-ray beam into a first optical signal, a first optical detector for detecting the first optical signal, and a first mirror for directing the first optical signal out of a path of the x-ray beam to the first optical detector;
• a second detector for generating a second image of the biological sample from the x-ray beam, wherein the second detector comprises a second scintillator for converting the x-ray beam into a second optical signal, a second optical detector for detecting the second optical signal, and a second mirror for directing the second optical signal out of a path of the x ray beam to the second optical detector;
• and
• an image processor for combining information from the first image and the second image to generate a phase contrast image of the sample;
• wherein the image processor combines information from the first image and the second image to generate a phase contrast image using the transport of intensity equation technique.