Propagation based X-ray phase-contrast imaging technique for the microstructure analysis of biological soft tissues

X-ray phase-contrast imaging (PCI) technique is an emerging method for the study of the biological soft tissues, carbon composite materials, polymers, low-Z material science, etc. We have set up an experimental facility using a combination of X-ray CCD detector and a microfocus X-ray source. We demonstrate that sufficient contrast and intensity can be achieved for biological soft tissues with the X-ray source in the standard operation mode. Based on the cylindrical fiber and pigeon feathers imaging experiments, the boundary information was observed successfully in the light element materials and extremely low absorption material. This shows that X-ray phase-contrast imaging in this area will have a brilliant future.