High Resolution X-ray Phase Contrast Imaging with Acoustic Tissue- Selective Contrast Enhancement

摘要

We show that an ultrafast laser plasma x-ray source made by focusing a fs laser onto a liquid mercury target can be used for phase contrast imaging of a murine liver in vitro. The x-ray spectrum emitted at 5-kHz repetition rate has characteristics of a 2.5-W 30-kV microfocus x-ray tube with a tungsten anode. The phase contrast images of the liver show the venous network with approximately 20-pm spatial resolution without the use of a phase contrast agent. The method permits taking tomography images that can be viewed as orthogonal cross sections. Second we report a new preparative method for providing contrast through reduction in electron density that is uniquely suited for in-line X- ray phase contrast imaging. The method which results in an air filled vasculature makes possible visualization of the smallest micro vessels in an excised murine liver.