Abstract: An X-ray imaging method includes acquiring a differential phase contrast imaging X-ray scan with an X-ray imaging system having an X-ray source, an X-ray detector, and a grating arrangement having a source grating, a phase grating and an analyzer grating. The source grating is misaligned in respect to an interferometer such that moiré fringes are detectable in the plane of the detector. A translation signal is computed for translating the source grating for achieving a predetermined moiré pattern. The positioning of the source grating is adjusted in an X-ray projection direction based on the translation signal such that at least 2 pi of phase changes are covered with the Moiré fringes over the width of the detector. And a further differential phase contrast imaging X-ray scan is acquired.

Abstract: The present invention relates handling misalignment in an X-ray imaging system for differential phase contrast imaging. In order to provide a reduction for the pretuning and adjustment requirements for manufacture and maintenance in a differential phase contrast imaging system, an X-ray imaging system (10) for differential phase contrast imaging, is provided that comprises a differential phase contrast setup (12) with an X-ray source (14) and an X-ray detector (16), a grating arrangement (18) comprising a source grating (20), a phase grating (22) and an analyser grating (24), wherein the source grating is arranged between the X-ray source and the phase grating, and the analyser grating is arranged between the phase grating and the detector. Further, a moving arrangement for a relative movement between an object under examination and at least one of the gratings is provided, as well as a processing unit (32), and a translation arrangement (34) for translating the source grating.