Phase-contrast X-ray imaging with a large monolithic X-ray interferometer

To increase the field of view for large objects in phase-contrast X-ray imaging, a large monolithic X-ray interferometer has been fabricated using an available silicon ingot of diameter 10 cm. A performance study of this interferometer has been carried out using a synchrotron X-ray source. The view size of the interference pattern obtained with this interferometer was 25 mm wide and 15 mm high and its visibility was 79%. Various structures of a sliced human hepatocellular carcinoma were identified as necrosis, hemorrhagic necrosis, normal liver tissue and blood vessel. The performance of this interferometer was sufficient for phase-contrast X-ray imaging.