Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus comprising: a first radiation source configured to produce a first divergent radiation beam toward an object; a second radiation source configured to produce a second divergent radiation beam toward the object; and an image sensor; wherein the object is configured to rotate with respect to the image sensor, the first radiation source, and the second radiation source, and wherein relative positions among the image sensor, the first radiation source, and the second radiation source are fixed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus comprising: a first radiation source configured to produce a first divergent beam of radiation toward an object; a second radiation source configured to produce a second divergent beam of radiation toward the object; and an image sensor. The image sensor, the first radiation source and the second radiation source are configured to rotate around the object, and relative positions among the image sensor, the first radiation source and the second radiation source are fixed during rotation around the object. The method of using the apparatus is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for stationary CT imaging. In one embodiment, a method for an imaging system includes activating a plurality of emitters of a stationary distributed x-ray source unit to emit x-ray beams toward an object within an imaging volume, where the x-ray source unit does not rotate around the imaging volume, receiving attenuated x-ray beams with one or more detector arrays to form a sparse view projection dataset, where each attenuated x-ray beam generates a different view, and reconstructing an image from the sparse view projection dataset using a sparse view reconstruction method.

Abstract: An augmented reality system is provided for use with a medical imaging scanner. The AR system obtains a digital image from a camera, and identifies a pose of a gantry of the medical imaging scanner based on content of the digital image. The gantry includes a movable C-arm supporting an imaging signal transmitter and a detector panel that are movable along an arc relative to a station. A range of motion of the movable C-arm along the arc is determined based on the pose. A graphical object is generated based on the range of motion and the pose, and is provided to a display device for display as an overlay relative to the medical imaging scanner.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable medium stores instructions executable by a processor to perform an acquisition and reconstruction method for a first image acquisition device. The method includes determining a scheduled acquisition time based on an attenuation map derived from imaging data from a second image acquisition device and a sensitivity matrix of the first image acquisition device; acquiring emission imaging data using the first image acquisition device, where the acquiring is scheduled to be performed over the scheduled acquisition time; during an initial portion of the acquiring, measuring a count or count rate of the acquired emission imaging data; adjusting the scheduled acquisition time based on the measured count or count rate to generate an adjusted acquisition time while continuing the acquiring; stopping the acquiring at the adjusted acquisition time; and reconstructing the emission imaging data acquired over the adjusted acquisition time to generate one or more reconstructed images.

Abstract: A rock brittleness analysis method and system based on mineral content and distribution, and a device are provided.

Abstract: An X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes: an X-ray tube including a target configured to generate X-rays in response to emission of electrons thereto, a plurality of filaments configured to emit electrons into substantially the same position on the target, and a grid used in common among the plurality of filaments; intermediate potential setting circuitry configured to set intermediate potential in a position between the plurality of filaments and the target by using the grid; and filament potential controlling circuitry configured to change one or more filaments selected from among the plurality of filaments to emit the electrons to the target, by controlling potential levels of the plurality of filaments with respect to the intermediate potential for each filament, in conjunction with switching of X-ray tube voltage.

Abstract: A computed tomography (CT) imaging system is provided. The CT imaging system includes a gantry, rotatable about an axis of rotation. The CT imaging system also includes a table configured to move a subject to be imaged into and out of a bore of the gantry. The CT imaging system further includes a radiation source mounted on the gantry and configured to emit an X-ray beam. The CT imaging system even further includes one or more detectors configured to detect the emitted X-ray beam, wherein the one or more detectors comprises a flat panel detector disposed within the table, wherein the table is configured to move the flat panel detector into and out of the bore. The CT imaging system is configured to generate a two-dimensional image of the subject utilizing the radiation source and the flat panel detector.

Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus according to an embodiment includes: an X-ray generator configured to generate X-rays; an X-ray detector configured to detect X-rays that have passed through a patient and including first to n-th groups of detecting elements configured to store therein electric charges generated from the detection (where n is an integer of 2 or larger); a Data Acquisition System (DAS) configured to acquire detection data for each view, by repeatedly performing a process of sequentially reading the electric charges stored in the first to the n-th groups of detecting elements in units of groups, starting with the first group of detecting elements; and processing circuitry configured to periodically change energy of X-rays radiated onto the patient and to also control the X-ray generator so that, while the detection data related to one view or a plurality of consecutive views is acquired, an average energy level of the X-rays radiated onto the patient is substantially equal among the groups of detecting ele

Abstract: An augmented reality system is provided for use with a medical imaging scanner. The AR system obtains a digital image from a camera, and identifies a pose of a gantry of the medical imaging scanner based on content of the digital image. The gantry includes a movable C-arm supporting an imaging signal transmitter and a detector panel that are movable along an arc relative to a station. A range of motion of the movable C-arm along the arc is determined based on the pose. A graphical object is generated based on the range of motion and the pose, and is provided to a display device for display as an overlay relative to the medical imaging scanner.

Abstract: A scanning system having a plurality of X-ray sources together with a single X-ray detector that uses sequentially emitted overlapping fan-shaped or cone-shaped beams to image a target such as the leg of a horse. The X-ray detector is rotated closer to the target and the X-ray emitter sources are rotated at a greater distance from the target. The positioning systems of the X-ray detector and the X-ray sources may be operated independently of one another, with each of the X-ray detector and the X-ray sources being also rotated about separate axes passing therethrough (while they are both being rotated around the target) as a way to keep the X-ray sources and the X-ray detector parallel to one another while working in very tight spaces.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for dual energy imaging. In one embodiment, a method comprises controlling an x-ray source with a first voltage to generate x-rays at a first energy, controlling the x-ray source with a second voltage to generate x-rays at a second energy lower than the first energy, and controlling a current of the x-ray source to peak above a target current when a voltage of the x-ray source is transitioning from the first voltage to the second voltage. In this way, the duration for transitioning from the first voltage to the second voltage is reduced, thereby enabling faster voltage switching of the x-ray source, improved energy separation in acquired projection data, and improved image quality.

Abstract: A method includes determining multiple X-ray tube current profiles of the X-ray tube, satisfying a loading limit of the X-ray tube; collecting first raw data of a patient according to the first X-ray tube current profile, with at least one X-ray tube current profile parameter of the first X-ray tube current profile being adapted according to a functional parameter; adapting the second X-ray tube current profile in the control unit such that, as a function of the at least one adapted X-ray tube current profile parameter, the second X-ray tube current profile satisfies the loading limit of the X-ray tube; collecting the second raw data of the patient according to the second X-ray tube current; reconstructing the medical image data set of the imaging measurement based upon the first raw data and the second raw data. Finally, the method includes provisioning the medical image data set.

Abstract: A tomography apparatus includes a data acquirer configured to acquire partial images of an object including a first image and a second image having imaged a surface of a portion of the object corresponding to a first time and a second time, respectively, by performing a tomography scan on the object that is moving, and acquire first information indicating motion of the object by using the first image and the second image; and an image reconstructor configured to reconstruct a target image by using the first information.

Abstract: A tomography scanner includes at least one first emission source (GX1), one first matrix detector (D1), and a computer (C) arranged to produce an initial tomography of an object (E) based on radiographs arising from the first matrix detector, taken from various angles. The tomography scanner further includes a second emission source (GX2) and a second matrix detector (D2) arranged so that, when the object is subjected to a loading that is known at a given instant in time, the computer determines the changes in the object subjected to said loading based only on the information from the first radiograph of the object under loading arising from the first matrix detector, from the second radiograph of the object under loading arising from the second matrix detector and the initial tomograph, the first radiograph and the second radiograph being taken simultaneously at the same given instant in time.

Abstract: A diagnostic imaging apparatus includes an image acquiring unit acquiring a first image obtained by imaging an object in a first section of a first cycle and a second image obtained by imaging the object in a second section, which corresponds to the first section, of a second cycle, and an image reconstruction unit reconstructing the first image and the second image based on a difference between the first image and the second image.

Abstract: An augmented reality system is provided for use with a medical imaging scanner. The AR system obtains a digital image from a camera, and identifies a pose of a gantry of the medical imaging scanner based on content of the digital image. The gantry includes a movable C-arm supporting an imaging signal transmitter and a detector panel that are movable along an arc relative to a station. A range of motion of the movable C-arm along the arc is determined based on the pose. A graphical object is generated based on the range of motion and the pose, and is provided to a display device for display as an overlay relative to the medical imaging scanner.

Abstract: Herein methods and systems for determining matrix or grain density of a subsurface formation are described. This includes measuring in-air mass of a fluid-saturated sample of the subsurface formation, wherein the in-air mass comprises mass of matrix or grains of the sample, mass of a fluid surrounding the sample, and mass of the fluid inside the sample. The volume of the fluid inside the sample, V?, and volume of the fluid surrounding the sample, Vsur, are determined using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The fluid-saturated sample can then be submerged in a predetermined volume of a weighing fluid and mass of the fluid-saturated sample without the surrounding fluid in the weighing fluid, mf is measured. Using the measured and determined values one can determine the volume of the sample without the surrounding fluid, Vc, the bulk density of the fluid-saturated sample without the surrounding fluid, ?b, the volume of the matrix, Vm, and the matrix or grain density of the subsurface formation, ?m.

Abstract: A method for determining porosity associated with organic matter (PAOM) in a well or formation is provided. A system for performing the method is also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for liquid detection are disclosed. An illustrative method for liquid detection herein may include implementing CT imaging and XRD imaging on one or more liquid planes of liquid contained in a container at once by rotating the container so that X-rays from a same radiation source scan a whole area of each of the one or more liquid planes, and generating a substance identification result for the liquid contained in the container based on a CT image and a XRD image, wherein the CT imaging and the XRD imaging are implemented on a same liquid plane or different liquid planes. Consistent with various aspects and features, implementations may identify substances contained in the liquid more quickly and accurately.

Abstract: A communication system operative for transmitting over a communication channel. The communication channel being susceptible to crosstalk from at least a second communication system different from the communication system. The communication system includes at least one transceiver pair. At least the a first transceiver of the transceiver pair includes a first analog from end and a first shaping filter coupled with the analog front end. The first analog front end at least includes a programmable gain amplifier. The attenuation of the first shaping filter in the overlapping frequency range is higher than the attenuation in the non-overlapping frequency range.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray computed tomography imaging apparatus includes an X-ray source, an X-ray detector, a gantry, a column, and a display. The display configured to display, on the floor surface, a graphic corresponding to one of a range in which a field of view formed by the X-ray source and the X-ray detector is projected onto the floor surface from a vertical direction of the gantry and a range in which an outer edge of the bore is projected onto the floor surface from the vertical direction of the gantry.

Abstract: This disclosure presents systems for x-ray microscopy using an array of micro-beams having a micro- or nano-scale beam intensity profile to provide selective illumination of micro- or nano-scale regions of an object. An array detector is positioned such that each pixel of the detector only detects x-rays corresponding to a single micro- or nano-beam. This allows the signal arising from each x-ray detector pixel to be identified with the specific, limited micro- or nano-scale region illuminated, allowing sampled transmission image of the object at a micro- or nano-scale to be generated while using a detector with pixels having a larger size and scale. Detectors with higher quantum efficiency may therefore be used, since the lateral resolution is provided solely by the dimensions of the micro- or nano-beams. The micro- or nano-scale beams may be generated using an arrayed x-ray source or a set of Talbot interference fringes.

Abstract: Systems for x-ray microscopy using an array of micro-beams having a micro- or nano-scale beam intensity profile to provide selective illumination of micro- or nano-scale regions of an object. An array detector is positioned such that each pixel of the detector only detects x-rays corresponding to a single micro-or nano-beam. This allows the signal arising from each x-ray detector pixel to be identified with the specific, limited micro- or nano-scale region illuminated, allowing sampled transmission image of the object at a micro- or nano-scale to be generated while using a detector with pixels having a larger size and scale. Detectors with higher quantum efficiency may therefore be used, since the lateral resolution is provided solely by the dimensions of the micro- or nano-beams. The micro- or nano-scale beams may be generated using a arrayed x-ray source and a set of Talbot interference fringes.

Abstract: A method according to some embodiments comprises obtaining a formation sample from a borehole, identifying minerals present in a first portion of the formation sample and determining densities of the minerals. The method also comprises determining, using a second portion of the formation sample, material properties associated with the mineral densities. The method further comprises associating the material properties with the identified minerals using the mineral densities, and generating a log comprising the associations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a CT imaging apparatus and a method for generating sectional images of an object such as a patient on a patient table. According to one embodiment, first projections (P) are generated along a first helical scanning path (Tr1) of a first X-ray source according to a sparse angular sampling scheme. Additional projections (Q1, Q2, R1) may dynamically be introduced along said first helical scanning path (Tr1) and/or along a second helical scanning path (Tr2) of an additional X-ray source based on the evaluation of previous projections (P1).

Abstract: A radiographic imaging apparatus having a detector, a radiation source array, and a control processor is configurable to individually energize the radiation sources. A collimator having a number of apertures is movable to either a first or second position in a path of the radiation source array. In one position, the apertures are aligned with a first subset of the radiation sources. In another position, the apertures are aligned with a second subset of the radiation sources. The second subset of the radiation sources define substantially the same radiation field that is defined by the first subset of the radiation sources. A transport apparatus translates the collimator member between at least the first and second positions according to an electronic instruction.

Abstract: A computed tomography scanner has multiple radiation sources or source arrays, in specific geometric dimensions for optimized imaging speed. A CT system with maximum fan-angle ? and K simultaneously active x-ray sources distributed over an angle of ??2? radians, the sources partially overlapping on a detector array, measures summed projection data corresponding to K or less line-integrals at each detector element. When the CT machine's dimensions RM, Rd, and RS, corresponding respectively to the measurement field-of-view, detector distance from iso-center, and source distance from iso-center, are such that projections of the two extreme radiation sources do not overlap on the detector, the individual line-integrals can be recovered by inversion of linear systems comprising K or less rows in fewer unknown than rows; the unknowns given by the exponential of the negative of the line integrals to be recovered. The CT scanner then reconstructs an image from the line-integral estimates.

Abstract: An X-ray emission device for emitting an integrated X-ray beam toward an object is disclosed. The X-ray emission device includes multiple X-ray emission tubes for respectively generating multiple X-rays, and a lens module for guiding the multiple X-rays toward the object to form the integrated X-ray beam.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided to reconstruct a collective image of a multiple method/geometry imaging system (e.g., a hybrid computed tomography system having energy-integrating detectors arranged in a third-generation geometry and photon-counting detectors arranged in a fourth generation geometry), wherein a splitting-based iterative algorithm using modified dual variables is used in the image reconstruction. Whereas a separate image for each method/geometry of the multiple method/geometry imaging system can be obtained by solving the distinct system-matrix equation corresponding to each respective method/geometry, the collective image is obtained by simultaneously solving a collective optimization problem including all respective system-matrix. The collective image is obtained more efficiently using variable splitting to subdivide the optimization into subproblems that are solved in an iterative fashion.

Abstract: The present application discloses a computed tomography system having non-rotating X-ray sources that are programmed to optimize the source firing pattern. In one embodiment, the CT system is a fast cone-beam CT scanner which uses a fixed ring of multiple sources and fixed rings of detectors in an offset geometry. It should be appreciated that the source firing pattern is effectuated by a controller, which implements methods to determine a source firing pattern that are adapted to geometries where the X-ray sources and detector geometry are offset.

Abstract: X-ray CT apparatus is provided in which the photon energy distribution of X-rays to be radiated is flattened. X-ray CT apparatus includes an X-ray tube, a detector, a data acquisition system, a tube voltage generator, and a grid controller. The X-ray tube radiates X-rays onto a subject. The detector includes multiple detection elements for detecting photons forming the X-rays. The data acquisition system counts the number of the detected photons to acquire projection data based on the counted photons. The tube voltage generator applies the tube voltage to the X-ray tube while changing the tube voltage of the X-ray tube in a predetermined cycle. A tube current controller decreases the tube current upon an increase in the tube voltage, and increases the tube current upon a decrease in the tube voltage. Thus, the photon energy distribution of the X-rays radiated from the X-ray tube is flattened.

Abstract: A computed tomography (CT) detector apparatus includes a plurality of detectors arranged in a ring, each detector being arranged inside a Faraday cage having a plurality of voltage-biased side-electrodes arranged on a side surface of the Faraday cage. The detectors include photon-counting detectors (PCDs). A voltage applied to the voltage-biased side-electrodes decreases from the anode side of the PCD to the cathode side of the PCD.

Abstract: The left ventricle epicardium is estimated in medical diagnostic imaging. C-arm x-ray data is used to detect an endocardium at different phases. The detected endocardium at the different phases is compared to sample endocardiums at different phases. The sample endocardiums have corresponding sample epicardiums. The transformation between the most similar sample endocardium or endocardiums over time and the detected endocardium over time is applied to the corresponding sample epicardium or epicardiums. The transformed sample epicardium over time is the estimated epicardium over time for the C-arm x-ray data.

Abstract: A method for performing reconstruction for a region of interest (ROI) of an object is provided. The method includes designating the ROI within the object, the ROI being located within a scan field of view (FOV) of a combined third- and fourth-generation CT scanner, the CT scanner including fixed photon-counting detectors (PCDs), and an X-ray source that rotates about the object in synchronization with a rotating detector. Further, the method includes determining, for each PCD, as a function of view angle, an on/off timing schedule, based on a size and location of the designated ROI, and performing a scan to obtain a first data set from the rotating detector and a second data set from the plurality of PCDs, while turning each PCD on and off according to the determined schedule. Finally, the method includes performing reconstruction using the first and second data sets to obtain ROI spectral images.

Abstract: A method includes, in a bi-plane interventional imaging system, moving a first C-arm supporting a first X-ray source and a first X-ray detector about first and second axes while obtaining a plurality of first X-ray attenuation data sets relating to a subject of interest; moving a second C-arm, positioned crosswise with respect to the first C-arm and supporting a second X-ray source and a second X-ray detector, about the first axis while obtaining a plurality of second X-ray attenuation data sets relating to the subject of interest; and synchronizing the movement of the first and second C-arms to avoid collision therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention is an X-ray system having a source-detector module, which includes X-ray sources and detectors, for scanning an object being inspected, a scan engine coupled to the source-detector module for collecting scan data from the source detector module, an image reconstruction engine coupled to the scan engine for converting the collected scan data into one or more X-ray images, and a scan controller coupled with at least one of the source detector module, the scan engine, and the image reconstruction engine optimize operations of the X-ray system.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling movement of detectors having multiple detector heads are provided. One system includes a gantry, a patient support structure supporting a patient table thereon, and a plurality of detector units. At least some of the detector units are rotatable to position the detector units at different angles relative to the patient table. The imaging system further includes a detector position controller configured to control the position of the rotatable detector units, wherein at least some of the rotatable detector units positioned adjacent to each other have an angle of rotation to allow movement of the rotatable detector units a distance greater than a gap between adjacent rotatable detector units The detector position controller is configured to calculate at least one of field of view avoidance information or collision avoidance information to determine an amount of movement for one or more of the rotatable detector units.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for inverse geometry volume computed tomography medical imaging of a human patient. A plurality of stationary x-ray sources for producing x-ray radiation are used. A rotating collimator located between the plurality of x-ray sources and the human patient is also used. A rotating detector can also be used.

Abstract: A system and a method for acquiring image data of a subject with an imaging system is provided. The system can include a gantry that completely annularly encompasses at least a portion of the subject, which can be positioned along at an isocenter of the imaging system. The system can include a source and a detector positioned within and movable relative to the gantry on a rotor. The system can include a move control module that sets move data for each of the source, detector and rotor that causes the source, detector and rotor to move in a desired motion profile to acquire image data of a portion of the subject off the isocenter of the imaging system.

Abstract: A method, a circuit arrangement and an X-ray system, in particular a CT system, are disclosed wherein, in order to correct the count rate drift of a detector for ionizing radiation having quantum-counting detector elements which include a combination of at least two counters with significantly different energy thresholds, and on the basis of previously determined functional dependencies of count rates on one another and using at least one of the counters per detector element as the reference, the count rates of the respective other counters with different energy thresholds are corrected.

Abstract: A system and method for imaging objects with a sparse detector array that includes fewer detectors than conventional x-ray scanning systems. The sparse detector array is positioned to receive x-ray radiation from the at least one x-ray source after passing through an inspection area. The sparse detector array includes a plurality of rows of detector elements, wherein at least some of the plurality of rows are separated by gaps such that the at least some of the plurality of rows are non-contiguous. An iterative reconstruction process is used to determine a volumetric image of the object from the radiation measurements recorded by the detectors in the sparse detector array.

Abstract: The present application discloses a computed tomography system having non-rotating X-ray sources that are programmed to optimize the source firing pattern. In one embodiment, the CT system is a fast cone-beam CT scanner which uses a fixed ring of multiple sources and fixed rings of detectors in an offset geometry. It should be appreciated that the source firing pattern is effectuated by a controller, which implements methods to determine a source firing pattern that are adapted to geometries where the X-ray sources and detector geometry are offset.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus having a ring-shaped gantry is provided. The gantry has a rotor arrangement rotating therein and a radiation source as well as at least one radiation detector. The gantry has at least one gantry segment which can be detached from the ring shape to allow the gantry to be opened laterally. The gantry is arranged on a supporting structure so as to be movable in space. The supporting structure is a ceiling-mounted stand having at least two degrees of freedom of movement. The gantry has at least two radiation sources disposed offset by an angle on the rotor arrangement and associated with each of which is at least one radiation detector.

Abstract: This specification is directed towards finding, locating, and confirming threat items and substances. The inspection system is designed to detect objects that are made from, but not limited to, special nuclear materials (“SNM”) and/or high atomic number materials. The system employs a dual energy CT scanning first stage inspection system and advanced image processing techniques to analyze images of an object under inspection (“OUI”), which includes, but is not limited to baggage, parcels, vehicles and cargo.

Abstract: A system and a method for acquiring image data of a subject with an imaging system are provided. The system can include a gantry that completely annularly encompasses at least a portion of the subject, and a source positioned within the gantry. The source can be responsive to a signal to output at least one pulse. The system can include a multi-row detector positioned within the gantry. The multi-row detector can be in alignment with the source and sets multi-row detector data based on the detected at least one signal. The system can include a flat panel detector positioned within the gantry. The flat panel detector can in alignment with the source and sets flat panel detector data based on the detected at least one signal. The system can include an image acquisition control module that determines which of the multi-row detector and the flat panel detector to use.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for energy calibrating quantum-counting x-ray detectors in an x-ray installation including at least two x-ray systems turnable around a center of rotation. A target, for producing x-ray fluorescence radiation, is positioned between the first x-ray source and first x-ray detector and irradiated with x-radiation of the first x-ray source in such a way that x-ray fluorescence radiation which strikes the second x-ray detector from the target is produced by the x-radiation of the first x-ray source. The second x-ray detector is then energy calibrated by way of the x-ray fluorescence radiation of the target. The first x-ray detector can be energy calibrated in the same way with the aid of the x-radiation of the second x-ray source. With the proposed method, the x-ray detectors of a dual-source CT x-ray installation can be calibrated with little expenditure under conditions close to those of the system.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and related computer program products for image-guided radiation treatment (IGRT) are described. Provided according to one preferred embodiment is an IGRT apparatus including a barrel-style rotatable gantry structure that provides high mechanical stability, versatility in radiation delivery, and versatility in target tracking. Methods for treatment radiation delivery using the IGRT apparatus include conical non-coplanar rotational arc therapy and cono-helical non-coplanar rotational arc therapy. A radiation treatment head (MV source) and a treatment guidance imaging system including a kV imaging source are mounted to and rotatable with a common barrel-style rotatable gantry structure, or alternatively the MV and kV sources are mounted to separate barrel-style rotatable gantry structures independently rotatable around a common axis of rotation.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes: an X-ray source including an electron source and a target, the target having a plurality of projections, each having an emitting surface; a diffraction grating configured to diffract X rays emitted from the X-ray source; and a detector configured to detect the X rays diffracted by the diffraction grating. Electron beams output from the electron source are incident on the emitting surfaces so that X rays are emitted from the emitting surfaces and are output to the diffraction grating. The X rays emitted from the emitting surfaces are diffracted by the diffraction grating so as to form a plurality of interference patterns. The projections are arranged such that bright portions of the interference patterns overlap each other and such that dark portions thereof overlap each other. Distances from the emitting surfaces to the diffraction grating are equal to each other.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for X-ray imaging a human patient. A vacuum bell bonded to an X-ray radiation-permeable window that can emit X-ray radiation from a plurality of spots located 1 cm from its edge, a collimator, and a detector are used. A ring of stationary X-ray sources can also be used with a stationary collimator and a rotating slot collimator and detector. An X-ray beam can be aligned in an X-ray system by establishing a position of the beam with respect to a moving collimator at a number of points in time, monitoring the velocity of the collimator, navigating the beam to a calculated position of a hole in the collimator, and correcting the alignment of the beam based on the location of the beam on the detector.