Noninterferometric phase-contrast images obtained with incoherent x-ray sources

We report on what are believed to be the first full-scale images obtained with the coded aperture concept, which uses conventional x-ray sources without the need to collimate/aperture their output. We discuss the differences in the underpinning physical principles with respect to other methods, and explain why these might lead to a more efficient use of the source. In particular, we discuss how the evaluation of the first imaging system provided promising indications on the method's potential to detect details invisible to conventional absorption methods, use an increased average x-ray energy, and reduce exposure times-all important aspects with regards to real-world implementations. (C) 2011 Optical Society of America