Biplane X-ray imaging system
A biplane X-ray imaging system is provided. The biplane X-ray imaging system has two recording units disposed in different planes. Each of the recording units has an X-ray detector and an X-ray source. The first recording unit is a phase-contrast recording unit for phase-contrast X-ray imaging. The second recording unit is a conventional recording unit for conventional x-ray imaging.
1. A biplane X-ray imaging system, comprising:
a first recording unit disposed in a first plane having a first X-ray detector and a first X-ray source that is a phase-contrast recording unit for phase-contrast X-ray imaging; and
a second recording unit disposed in a second plane having a second X-ray detector and a second X-ray source that is a conventional recording unit for conventional X-ray imaging,
wherein the first X-ray source is an X-ray tube assembly comprising a plurality of field-emission X-ray sources, and
wherein the plurality of field-emission X-ray sources are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix-type arrangement.
2. The biplane X-ray imaging system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the plurality of field-emission X-ray sources transmit quasi-coherent X-ray radiation.
3. The biplane X-ray imaging system as claimed in claim 2 , wherein each of the field-emission X-ray sources comprises field-emission cathodes having a nanostructured material and carbon nano tubes.
4. The biplane X-ray imaging system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first recording unit further comprises a grating disposed behind the first X-ray source for generating coherent X-ray radiation.
5. The biplane X-ray imaging system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first recording unit further comprises:
a phase grating disposed between an examination subject and the X-ray detector, and
an amplitude grating disposed between the phase grating and the X-ray detector.
6. The biplane X-ray imaging system as claimed in claim 5 , wherein the first recording unit comprises a device for moving the amplitude grating vertically with respect to a radiation direction of an X-ray radiation emitted by the first X-ray source.
7. The biplane X-ray imaging system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first recording unit comprises a solid-state-based flat-panel detector and a C-arm.
8. The biplane X-ray imaging system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the second recording unit comprises a solid-state-based flat-panel detector and a C-arm.
9. The biplane X-ray imaging system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first and the second recording units are disposed on a robotic arm.
10. The biplane X-ray imaging system as claimed in claim 9 , wherein the robotic arm is a 6-axis articulated-arm robot.
11. The biplane X-ray imaging system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the field-emission X-ray sources are homogeneous and are uniformly arranged for transmitting coherent X-ray radiation upon being activated.