Phase contrast microtomography in a compact laboratory system with two-directional phase sensitivity

The system features high sensitivity to phase gradients and high resolution, requires a low-power sealed x-ray tube and a single optical element, fits in a small footprint, and is compatible with standard x-ray detector technologies. The simplicity and robustness of the proposed set-up can facilitate accessing quantitative x-ray phase-contrast microtomography as a research tool across disciplines, including tissue engineering, materials science, and nondestructive testing in general. 

Schematic of the laboratory set-up featuring a sealed microfocus x-ray tube,  modulator, sample stage, and x-ray detector (left). The system's capabilities for X-ray phase-contrast microtomography reveal internal structures in unstained ex-vivo small-animal organs, exemplified by a rat heart (right).