Purpose: This paper describes and experimentally validates a methodology for improving contrast and spatial resolution of the x-ray dark-field imaging (XDFI) by cutting the monochromator-collimator asymmetrically and thinning the Laue angle analyzer.
Methods: We measure the spatial resolution of our XDFI setup using a test object consisting of wolfram tungsten meshes and compare it with the theoretical prediction. Using x-ray dark-field computed tomography of breast cancer specimens (lobular carcinoma in situ), we demonstrate that the resolution of XDFI is sufficient for histopathologic analysis.
Results: Our experimental results show that the overall spatial resolution of XDFI can be improved by approximately a factor of 2 when these modifications are implemented. The reconstructed images of breast cancer specimens provide sufficient details for radiologic histopathology.
Conclusions: By cutting the monochromator-collimator and thinning the Laue angle analyzer, XDFI can achieve the resolution sufficient for radiologic histopathology.
Keywords: X-ray dark field imaging; contrast resolution; crystal analyzer-based imaging; phase-contrast imaging; phase-contrast imaging setup; spatial resolution.
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