Further Development of Asymmetric Illumination X-Ray Differential Phase Contrast Imaging

X-ray phase contrast imaging, which measures the change in phase through an object rather than change in attenuation, excels at distinguishing between similarly attenuating materials when compared to conventional transmission imaging. Most methods of phase contrast imaging, however, are challenging to implement and are limited in application to smaller objects. Previously, we proposed an alternative x-ray phase contrast imaging method based on the asymmetric illumination approach to optical differential phase contrast imaging, which requires only the addition of a single anti-scatter grid. This anti-scatter grid acts as an angular filter that translates asymmetry in the Fourier domain into intensity differences on the detector. Previously, we presented an analytical framework for the method as well as simulation results showing that such a system should be able to obtain phase information. Here, we report on our progress as we continue to advance the experimental implementation and validation of the system. We determine the effect of anti-scatter grid design parameters on the system's sensitivity to phase change in order to move towards fabrication of a customized anti-scatter grid that utilizes 3D printing capabilities.