Better X-ray vision

摘要

A new technique allows fainter features to be imaged by X-rays. Conventional X-ray imaging relies on the absorption and scattering of X-ray photons by the object being imaged. But X-ray phase-contrast imaging instead detects changes in the photons' direction and velocity. Alessandro Olivo and his colleagues at University College London used a conventional X-ray source outfitted with grated masks - one in front of the object for imaging and one behind it.