About X-ray imaging techniques

There are two predominant full field X-ray imaging techniques, Absorption Contrast and Phase Contrast imaging.

1. Absorption contrast imaging is the more common method of X-ray imaging, as it is used extensively in the healthcare industry and uses the different attenuating powers of differing density materials to develop contrast in the image.
2. Phase contrast imaging. In cases where absorption contrast imaging is limited, the refractive index between materials can be used to create contrast. As the X-rays pass through the material a shift in the phase of a wave develops and can be used to enhance edges or boundaries. The effect can be enhanced by tuning the sample to detector distance creating enhanced edges. This method of imaging is particularly useful for imaging boundaries or internal surfaces in materials with similar densities and structures such as foams.