Phase and Absorption Imaging
Absorption Imaging
When X-rays penetrate a sample or structure they undergo absorption, the amount of absorption depends on the thickness and density of the sample through which the X-rays are passing. Variations in thickness and density may be related to features and structure within the sample which are readily imaged by collecting the transmitted X-rays on film, panel or CCD.
Phase Imaging
X-rays, in common with all other electromagnetic waves also undergo refraction and diffraction in their interaction with the sample. These interactions create very small variations in the speed and direction of X-rays (the X-rays bend) which can be detected as an evolving pattern of light and dark fringes particularly around the edges of features.
Take a look at a paper on X-ray phase contrast microscopy from our technical partners at CSIRO here.
