A system design method for signal-to-noise ratio enhancement in single-grating-based X-ray phase-contrast imaging

• Published in: Nuclear engineering and technology Vol. 57; no. 7; p. 103482
• Main Authors: Lee, Hunwoo, Lee, Minjae, Lim, Hyunwoo, Lee, Jonghyeok, Cho, Hyosung
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.07.2025; Elsevier; 한국원자력학회
• Subjects: Device layout; Image quality; Single-grating; X-ray imaging system; X-ray phase-contrast imaging; 원자력공학; Image quality; Device layout; Single-grating; X-ray imaging system; X-ray phase-contrast imaging
• ISSN: 1738-5733; 2234-358X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.net.2025.103482

Single-grating-based X-ray phase-contrast imaging using the Fourier transform method is a practical technique for non-destructively visualizing fine structures in samples for industrial and biomedical applications. However, this technique has limitations, including aliasing artifacts and low refraction sensitivity, which reduces signal-to-noise ratio. In this study, we propose a system design method to address this limitation. Validation tests were conducted to compare the proposed device layout derived by our method with alternative layouts in terms of spatial resolution and signal-to-noise ratio. The results demonstrate that the proposed method yields signal-enhanced phase-contrast images with reduced image noise. This method is expected to be valuable for industrial applications, such as battery and food inspection, where edge detection is essential.