A New Method of Analyzing Edge Effect in Phase Contrast Imaging with Incoherent X-rays

A method has been devised to calculate the half-width of the phase contrast enhanced edge of an X-ray- image with incoherent X-rays. This method is based on changes in the wave fronts of X-rays after penetrating an object, and it takes into account the blur due to penumbra observed in practical radiographic imaging. The method closely predicted edge enhancement when images of a plastic fiber were produced with practical X-ray tubes (Cu, Mo, and W anodes with focus-diameters of 10,100, and 40 μ, respectively). Thus, the method shows promise in facilitating phase contrast X-ray imaging in both medical radiography and non-destructive inspection using incoherent X-rays from X-ray tubes with substantial focus-sizes.