Generalized diffraction enhanced imaging to retrieve absorption, refraction and scattering effects

A simple algorithm that generalizes the diffraction enhanced imaging (DEI) technique is introduced and discussed by means of simulated and experimental data. While the original DEI algorithm by Chapman et al (1997 Phys. Med. Biol. 42 2015) is limited to objects featuring absorption and refraction only, also ultra-small-angle scattering is considered here. Utilizing only three images in input three parametric images are produced conveying information relative to the three effects. The quality of the parametric images depends on the choice of the input images, as is demonstrated by means of a Monte Carlo simulation. With an appropriate choice, the algorithm gives accurate results on simulated and experimental datasets, as long as the refraction and scattering angles introduced by the object are small compared with the width of the rocking curve. The proposed algorithm can be implemented in several applications, as a valid alternative to multiple-image methods, particularly when time and dose constraints are relevant.