1. Optimization of Phase Contrast Imaging
Luke Powers
Chris Weaver
Jonathan Fermo
Alfred Luk

2. Phase-Contrast Radiography
Traditional radiography uses differences in absorption to develop images
Phase-contrast Radiography (PC-R) uses differences in refraction and diffraction in the tissue
Enhanced Edge Effects

3. Potential
Has potential to detect objects that are invisible on conventional radiography
Edge enhancements and early detection of breast cancer
Monochromatic beam reduces excess radiation dosage to patient

4. Advisors Advisors: Principal Investigator: Frank E. Carroll, M.D.
Gary Shearer
Robert Traeger
Principal Investigator:
Edwin Donnelly, M.D., Ph.D.

5. Facilities W.M. Keck Free Electron Laser Center at Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt BME Department

6. Resources Monochromatic X-ray source at FEL
LabVIEW and Virtual Instruments
Stages, controllers, etc… for design construction provided by FEL & outside contractors

7. Objectives To build a device that aids in testing PC-R parameters
Requires controlled movement of the object and detector
Modified Design due to cost constraint

8. Current Design Schematic
-Smaller ranges for x and y
-No z-movement for object

9. Components

10. Linear Translation Stage (z)
Selected Components
Microcontroller
Linear Translation Stage (z)

11. Selected Components
Detector and Rotational Stage

12. Importance of Position
A: Radiograph of plastic vial taken with .01mm focal spot
B: Radiograph of plastic vial taken with .045mm focal spot
C: Phase-extracted image created from the first two images

13. Our Device
Main Uses:
Optimizing distances/spaces for PC imaging of specific objects
Being able to reproduce images
No false edge effects
Additional Uses:
Rotational movement for CT images
Images using scattering