Theory and verification of moiréfringes for x-ray three-phase grating interferometer

Dual-phase and three-phase grating x-ray interference is a promising new technique for grating-based x-ray differential phase contrast imaging.Dual-phase grating interferometers have been relatively completely studied and discussed.In this paper,the corresponding imaging fringe formula of the three-phase grating interferometer is provided.At the same time,the similarities and differences between the three-phase grating interferometer and the dual-phase grating interferometer are investigated and verified,and that the three-phase grating interferometer can produce large-period moiréfringes without using the analyzing grating is demonstrated experimentally.Finally,a simple method of designing three-phase grating and multi-grating imaging systems from geometric optics based on the thin-lens theory of gratings is presented.These theoretical formulas and experimental results provide optimization tools for designing three-phase grating interferometer systems.

Design of Time-Resolved Shifted Dual Transmission Grating Spectrometer for the X-Ray Spectrum Diagnostics

A new time-resolved shifted dual transmission grating spectrometer （SDTGS） is designed and fabricated in this work. This SDTGS uses a new shifted dual transmission grating （SDTG） as its dispersive component, which has two sub transmission gratings with different line densities, of 2000 lines/mm and 5000 lines/mm. The axes of the two sub transmission gratings in SDTG are horizontally and vertically shifted a certain distance to measure a broad range of 0.1-5 keV time-resolved X-ray spectra. The SDTG has been calibrated with a soft X-ray beam of the synchrotron radiation facility and its diffraction efficiency is also measured. The designed SDTGS can take full use of the space on a record panel and improve the precision for measuring spatial and temporal spectrum simultaneously. It will be a promising application for accurate diagnosis of the soft X-ray spectrum in inertial confinement fusion.

Quantitative coherence analysis of dual phase grating x-ray interferometry with source grating

Dual phase grating x-ray interferometry is compatible with common imaging detectors,and abandons the use of an absorption analyzer grating to reduce the radiation dose.When using x-ray tubes,an absorbing source grating must be introduced into the dual phase grating interferometer.In order to attain a high fringe visibility,in this work we conduct a quantitative coherence analysis of dual phase grating interferometry to find how the source grating affects the fringe visibility.Theoretical analysis shows that with the generalized Lau condition satisfied,the fringe visibility is influenced by the duty cycle of the source grating and the transmission through the grating bar.And the influence of the source grating profile on the fringe visibility is independent of the phase grating type.Numerical results illustrate that the maximum achievable fringe visibility decreases significantly with increasing transmission in the grating bar.Under a given transmission,one can always find an optimal duty cycle to maximize the fringe visibility.These results can be used as general guidelines for designing and optimizing dual phase grating x-ray interferometers for potential applications.

Theory and method of dual-energy x-ray grating phase-contrast imaging

The principle of dual-energy x-ray grating phase-contrast imaging(DEPCI) is clarified by using the theory of x-ray interference and Fresnel diffraction. A new method of retrieving phase from the two interferograms is proposed for DEPCI,and its feasibility is verified via simulation. Finally, the proposed method applied to DEPCI experiment demonstrates the effectiveness of the method. This paper lays the theoretical foundation for performance optimization of DEPCI and the further integration of DEPCI and computed tomography.

DEFORMATION MEASUREMENT USING DUAL-FREQUENCY PROJECTION GRATING PHASE-SHIFT PROFILOMETRY

2π phase ambiguity problem is very important in phase measurement when a deformed object has a large out of plane displacement. The dual-frequency projection grating phaseshifting profilometry （PSP） can be used to solve such an issue. In the measurement, two properchosen frequency gratings are utilized to synthesize an equivalent wavelength grating which ensures the computed phase in a principal phase range. Thus, the error caused by the phase unwrapping process with the conventional phase reconstruct algorithm can be eliminated. Finally, experimental result of a specimen with large plastic deformation is given to prove that the proposed method is effective to handle the phase discontinuity.

X-ray phase-sensitive microscope imaging with a grating interferometer:Theory and simulation

A general theoretical framework is presented to explain the formation of the phase signal in an x-ray microscope integrated with a grating interferometer,which simultaneously enables the high spatial resolution imaging and the improved image contrast.By using this theory,several key parameters of phase contrast imaging can be predicted,for instance,the fringe visibility and period,and the conversion condition from the differential phase imaging(DPI)to the phase difference imaging(PDI).Additionally,numerical simulations are performed with certain x-ray optical components and imaging geometry.Comparison with the available experimental measurement[Appl.Phys.Lett.113063105(2018)]demonstrates the accuracy of this developed quantitative analysis method of x-ray phase-sensitive microscope imaging.

Single-shot grating-based x-ray differential phase contrast imaging with a modified analyzer grating

X-ray grating interferometer has attracted widely attention in the past years due to its capability in achieving x-ray phase contrast imaging with low brilliance source. However, the widely used phase stepping information extraction method reduces system stability and prolongs data acquisition time by several times compared with conventional x-ray absorption- based imaging. The mechanical stepping can be avoided by using a staggered grating, but at the cost of low vertical spatial resolution. In this paper, employing a modified staggered grating and the angular signal radiography, we proposed a single-shot grating-based x-ray differential phase contrast imaging with decent vertical spatial resolution. The theoretical framework was deduced and proved by numerical experiments. Absorption, phase, and scattering computed tomography can be performed without phase stepping. Therefore, we believe this fast and highly stable imaging method with decent resolution would be widely applied in x-ray grating-based phase contrast imaging.

BONE MINERAL ANALYSIS OF WHOLE BODY IN 292 NORMAL SUBJECTS ASSESSED BY DUAL X-RAY ABSORPTIOMETRY

Objective. To study the whole body bone mineral changes in normal subjects.Methods. Bone mineral was measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry(DXA) in 292 normal subjectsaged 10～79 years, including 152 females and 140 males. They were divided into age-groups by decade.Results. In males, the ages with peak value of total bone mineral content (TBMC), total bone min-eral density (TBMD), anteroposterior spine BMD(L2-4 BMD) were in the 30～39,20～39, 20～29 age-groups respectively. In females, they were all in the 30～39 age-group. Peak values of TBMC, TBMD,L2-4 BMD were higher in males than those in females. Loss of bone mineral for females was more pro-nounced than that for males. Loss of L2-4 BMD was more pronounced than TBMD.Conclusion. This study provides the normal bone mineral data of whole body for males and females,and the characteristic of changes.

Measurement of a discontinuous object based on a dual-frequency grating

The dual-frequency grating measurement theory is proposed in order to carry out the measurement of a discontinuous object. Firstly, the reason why frequency spectra are produced by low frequency gratings and high frequency gratings in the field of frequency is analysed, and the relationship between the wrapped-phase and the unwrapping-phase is discussed. Secondly, a method to combine the advantages of the two kinds of gratings is proposed： one stripe is produced in the mutation part of the object measured by a suitable low frequency grating designed by MATLAB, then the phase produced by the low frequency grating need not be unfolded. The integer series of stripes is produced by a high frequency grating designed by MATLAB based on the frequency ratio of the two kinds of gratings and the high frequency wrapped-phase, and the high frequency unwrapping-phase is then obtained. In order to verify the correctness of the theoretical analysis, a steep discontinuous object of 600×600 pixels and 10.00 mm in height is simulated and a discontinuous object of ladder shape which is 32.00 mm in height is used in experiment. Both the simulation and the experiment can restore the discontinuous object height accurately by using the dual-frequency grating measurement theory.

双频磁场分时激励的新型单列绝对式直线时栅位移传感器

针对小体积安装、高精度直线位移测量需求,基于双频磁场分时激励方案和外差降频原理,设计了一种新型单列绝对式直线时栅位移传感器结构,解决提高传感器激励信号频率来获得高信噪比与高分辨力之间的矛盾。首先,建立平面线圈瞬态磁场耦合模型,构建单列绝对式直线时栅测量模型及其传感机理,其对极数互质绝对位置解算方案避免实际使用中测量误差对解算结果的影响;通过电磁场仿真对比分析了不同形状感应线圈与气隙磁场之间的耦合特性,确定了传感器优化安装间隙为0.6 mm;采用500 kHz、1 MHz不同频率分时激励驱动方案,并提出一种外差降频的解耦新方法,保证传感器高分辨力的前提下,提高了传感器的信噪比;最后,制作传感器样机并进行性能测试。实验结果表明,采用外差降频解耦新方法相对于原直接解耦法在一个“精机”对极周期内的测量精度提高了36.4%,传感器在187.68 mm有效测量范围内,经误差补偿后的精度为±4.9μm,分辨力为0.14μm。该时栅位移传感器与国外主流产品相比,降低了对超精密栅线的刻画和电子细分技术的依赖,具有高精度、高分辨力、体积小、成本低的特点。

基于双光栅和柱透镜的高分辨率近红外微型光谱仪

因为便携、低成本、集成化等优势,微型光谱仪已经成为光谱仪技术发展的重要趋势,其中工作波段在近红外的微型光谱仪,在光纤传感和解调、光纤通信等领域有着非常广泛的应用。但目前的近红外微型光谱仪普遍存在分辨率低、成本高、体积大不便于携带等问题,为此,提出了一种独特的基于双光栅和柱透镜的微型光谱仪结构,开展了理论和实验研究。相对于传统的微型光谱仪结构,新的设计主要有三个特征:使用光纤代替入射狭缝,以减少光能损失;采用双光栅将光束进行二次衍射;使用柱透镜以改变线阵CCD阵列表面的成像尺寸。首先,利用Zemax软件进行了光学设计和仿真分析,光谱范围为1525~1570 nm,光学系统结构在66 mm×40 mm×24 mm的体积范围内,光谱分辨率理论上达到0.2 nm,比未加柱透镜的结构提升了2.5倍。然后,根据理论分析,选购了合适的光电器件进行了系统封装,与匹配的电路模块结合,实现了微型光谱仪的光谱检测功能。光谱仪的光学系统安装在66 mm×40 mm×30 mm的体积范围内,实际测量的光谱分辨率为0.215 nm,与理论结果较为吻合。进一步地,搭建了一套基于该微型光谱仪的光纤光栅温度传感测量系统,该微型光谱仪作为信号解调仪,选择了四个中心波长分别为1534、1538、1542和1545 nm的光纤光栅作为传感器,温度在0~50℃范围内以1℃为间隔连续变化,最终实现了温度实时测量和信号解调,系统温度灵敏度分别达到9.58、9.68、9.69和9.6 pm·℃^(-1),验证了该微型光谱仪的高分辨率和高可靠性。研制的微型光谱仪的子组件可以固定在外壳上,系统内部无可移动元器件,体积小、分辨率高、稳定性好,可应用于其他诸如物质浓度分析、传感信号测量等需要高分辨光谱分析的场合。

Prevalence and outcome of sarcopenia in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

BACKGROUND Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)includes a spectrum of conditions,progressing from mild steatosis to advanced fibrosis.Sarcopenia,characterized by decreased muscle strength and mass,shares common pathophysiological traits with NAFLD.An association exists between sarcopenia and increased NAFLD prevalence.However,data on the prevalence of sarcopenia in NAFLD and its impact on the outcomes of NAFLD remain inconsistent.AIM To analyze the prevalence and outcomes of sarcopenia in patients with NAFLD.METHODS We conducted a comprehensive search for relevant studies in MEDLINE,Embase,and Scopus from their inception to June 2023.We included studies that focused on patients with NAFLD,reported the prevalence of sarcopenia as the primary outcome,and examined secondary outcomes,such as liver fibrosis and other adverse events.We also used the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for quality assessment.RESULTS Of the 29 studies included,the prevalence of sarcopenia in NAFLD varied widely(1.6%to 63.0%),with 20 studies reporting a prevalence of more than 10.0%.Substantial heterogeneity was noted in the measurement modalities for sarcopenia.Sarcopenia was associated with a higher risk of advanced fibrosis(odd ratio:1.97,95%confidence interval:1.44-2.70).Increased odds were consistently observed in fibrosis assessment through biopsy,NAFLD fibrosis score/body mass index,aspartate aminotransferase to alanine aminotransferase ratio,diabetes(BARD)score,and transient elastography,whereas the fibrosis-4 score showed no such association.Sarcopenia in NAFLD was associated with a higher risk of steatohepatitis,insulin resistance,cardiovascular risks,and mortality.CONCLUSION This systematic review highlights the critical need for standardized diagnostic criteria and measurement methods for sarcopenia in NAFLD patients.The variability in study designs and assessment methods for sarcopenia and liver fibrosis may account for the inconsistent findings.This review demonstrates the multidimensional impact of sarcopenia on NAFLD,indicating its importance beyond liver-related events to include cardiovascular risks,mortality,and metabolic complications.

Comparative analysis of phase extraction methods based on phase-stepping and shifting curve in grating interferometry

Two phase extraction methods which are based separately on phase-stepping and shifting curve are mainly used in phase-sensitive imaging in gating interferometry to determine the x-ray phase shift induced by an object in the beam. In this paper, the authors perform a full comparative analysis and present the main virtues and limitations of these two methods according to the theoretical analysis of the grating interferometry.

Evaluation of the dual vascular supply patterns in ground-glass nodules with a dynamic volume computed tomography

BACKGROUND In recent years,the detection rate of ground-glass nodules(GGNs)has been improved dramatically due to the popularization of low-dose computed tomography(CT)screening with high-resolution CT technique.This presents challenges for the characterization and management of the GGNs,which depends on a thorough investigation and sufficient diagnostic knowledge of the GGNs.In most diagnostic studies of the GGNs,morphological manifestations are used to differentiate benignancy and malignancy.In contrast,few studies are dedicated to the assessment of the hemodynamics,i.e.,perfusion parameters of the GGNs.AIM To assess the dual vascular supply patterns of GGNs on different histopathology and opacities.METHODS Forty-seven GGNs from 47 patients were prospectively included and underwent the dynamic volume CT.Histopathologic diagnoses were obtained within two weeks after the CT examination.Blood flow from the bronchial artery[bronchial flow(BF)]and pulmonary artery[pulmonary flow(PF)]as well as the perfusion index(PI)=[PF/(PF+BF)]were obtained using first-pass dual-input CT perfusion analysis and compared respectively between different histopathology and lesion types(pure or mixed GGNs)and correlated with the attenuation values of the lesions using one-way ANOVA,student’s t test and Pearson correlation analysis.RESULTS Of the 47 GGNs(mean diameter,8.17 mm;range,5.3-12.7 mm),30(64%)were carcinoma,6(13%)were atypical adenomatous hyperplasia and 11(23%)were organizing pneumonia.All perfusion parameters(BF,PF and PI)demonstrated no significant difference among the three conditions(all P>0.05).The PFs were higher than the BFs in all the three conditions(all P<0.001).Of the 30 GGN carcinomas,14 showed mixed GGNs and 16 pure GGNs with a higher PI in the latter(P<0.01).Of the 17 benign GGNs,4 showed mixed GGNs and 13 pure GGNs with no significant difference of the PI between the GGN types(P=0.21).A negative correlation(r=-0.76,P<0.001)was demonstrated between the CT attenuation values and the PIs in the 30 GGN carcinomas.CONCLUSION The GGNs are perfused dominantly by the PF regardless of its histopathology while the weight of the BF in the GGN carcinomas increases gradually during the progress of its opacification.

Single order soft X-ray diffraction with quasi-random radius pinhole array spectroscopic photon sieves

A novel single order diffraction grating in the soft X-ray region, called quasi-random radius pinhole array spectro- scopic photon sieves （QRSPS）, is proposed in this paper. This new grating is composed of pinholes on a substrate, whose radii are quasi-random, while their centers are regular. Analysis proves that its transmittance function across the grating bar is similar to that of sinusoidal transmission gratings. Simulation results show that the QRSPS can suppress higher-order diffraction effectively. And the QRSPS would still retain its characteristic of single order diffraction when we take the effect of X-ray penetration into account. These properties indicate that the QRSPS can be used in the soft X-ray spectra measurement.

A novel single-order diffraction grating: Random position rectangle grating

Spectral diagnosis of radiation from laser plasma interaction and monochromation of radiation source are hot and important topics recently. Grating is one of the primary optical elements to do this job. Although easy to fabricate, traditional diffraction grating suffers from multi-order diffraction contamination. On the other hand, sinusoidal amplitude grating has the nonharmonic diffraction property, but it is too difficult to fabricate, especially for x-ray application. A novel nonharmonic diffraction grating named random position rectangle grating（RPRG） is proposed in this paper. Theoretical analysis and experiment results show that the RPRG is both higher order diffraction suppressing and not difficult to fabricate. Additionally, it is highly efficient; its first order absolute theoretical diffraction efficiency reaches 4.1%. Our result shows that RPRG is a novel tool for radiation diagnosis and monochromation.

A rapid and convenient experimental method of absolutely calibrating transmission of x-ray flat-response filter

We develop a rapid and convenient experimental method of absolutely calibrating the transmission of an x-ray flatresponse filter. The calibration experiment is performed on a small laser-target facility, and a set of high resolution holographic flat-field grating spectrometers is used as a discrimination system of the laser-produced x-ray source. Given that the holographic flat-field grating has a relatively large width, the grating is divided into two regions for use in that direction,where one region has the filter added and the other region does not. The filter transmission is determined by dividing the x-ray signal counts detected when the filter is in the line of sight by those detected when the filter is out of the line of sight.We find that the calibration results of this experiment agree with the calibration results using a synchrotron radiation source,as well as simulation results. Our method is not only highly reliable but also rapid and convenient.

Ray tracing method for the grazing incidence flat-field imaging soft X-ray spectrometer

A ray tracing method is introduced for helping adjustment and spectra analysis of the grazing incidence flat-field imaging soft X-ray spectrometer. For a single point source, the spectra images obtained by separate components, the toroidal mirror, and the grazing incidence flat-field concave grating with varied line spaces are given respectively. The calculated spectral images of the single point source by the spectrometer are also given for comparison with measurements with different experimental alignments.

Single-order soft x-ray spectra with spectroscopic photon sieve

A single-order diffraction transmission grating named spectroscopic photon sieve(SPS)for soft x-ray region is proposed and demonstrated in this paper.The SPS consists of many circular pinholes located randomly,and can realize both free-standing diffractions and the suppression of higher-order differations.In this paper,the basic concept,numerical simulations,and calibration results of a 1000-lines/mm SPS for soft x-ray synchrotron radiation are presented.As predicted by theoretical calculations,the calibration results of a 1000-lines/mm SPS verify that the higher-order diffractions can be significantly suppressed along the symmetry axis.With the current nanofabrication technique,the SPS can potentially have a higher line density,and can be widely used in synchrotron radiation,laser-induced plasma diagnostics,and astrophysics.

Higher order harmonics suppression in extreme ultraviolet and soft x-ray

The extreme ultraviolet and soft x-ray sources are widely used in various domains. Suppressing higher order harmonics and improving spectral purity are significant. This paper describes a novel method of higher order harmonics suppression with single order diffraction gratings in extreme ultraviolet and soft x-ray. The principle of harmonic suppression with single order diffraction grating is described, and an extreme ultraviolet and soft x-ray non-harmonics grating monochromator is designed based on the single order diffraction grating. The performance is simulated by an optical design software. The emergent beams of a monochromator with different gratings are measured by a transmission grating spectrometer. The results show that the single order diffraction grating can suppress higher order harmonics effectively, and it is expected to be widely used in synchrotron radiation, diagnostics of laser induced plasma, and astrophysics.