Single-shot dark-field and phase contrast micro-CT with single-mask phase contrast imaging

X-ray phase contrast and dark field imaging offer significant potential to overcome the limitations of traditional absorption-based imaging by enhancing contrast for soft tissues and reducing radiation doses. These advanced imaging techniques respectively leverage phase and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) information to provide superior visualization of soft materials and unresolved micro-structures. In this study, we introduce an innovative benchtop multi-contrast imaging and computed tomography (CT) system capable of simultaneously capturing absorption, differential phase, phase, and dark-field images in a single shot per projection angle. Our innovative imaging setup addresses common challenges in the field by eliminating the need for a highly coherent X-ray source and/or an ultra-high-resolution detector, or X-ray gratings with very small periods or high aspect ratios, thereby simplifying the implementation and reducing associated costs. The proposed system's versatility and efficiency make it a promising tool for various biomedical applications, offering a significant advancement in X-ray imaging technology.