This thesis offers an accessible guide to biomedical phase-contrast imaging with over 20 radiographic illustrations. It focuses on research to improve radiography, and particularly mammography applications, by using a novel X-ray imaging modality that exploits the wave-nature of X-rays, rather than just their absorption in tissue. Further, it explores a broad range of potential applications – from the assessment of breast cancer and the evaluation of microcalcification clusters, to the examination of renal stones. X-ray imaging is an indispensable tool in modern medical diagnostics, and ranges from simple radiography applications to advanced CT imaging protocols. This novel phase-contrast approach has the potential to deliver significantly improved diagnostic information, also and especially in cases where mammography is used for screening purposes. The thesis is based on several studies conducted by the author – working in close interdisciplinary cooperation with medical doctors at two university clinics in Munich – and successfully demonstrates this diagnostic potential in pre-clinical experiments.

This open access book gives a complete and comprehensive introduction to the fields of medical imaging systems, as designed for a broad range of applications. The authors of the book first explain the foundations of system theory and image processing, before highlighting several modalities in a dedicated chapter. The initial focus is on modalities that are closely related to traditional camera systems such as endoscopy and microscopy. This is followed by more complex image formation processes: magnetic resonance imaging, X-ray projection imaging, computed tomography, X-ray phase-contrast imaging, nuclear imaging, ultrasound, and optical coherence tomography.

Eagerly awaited, this second edition of a best-selling text comprehensively describes from a modern perspective the basics of x-ray physics as well as the completely new opportunities offered by synchrotron radiation. Written by internationally acclaimed authors, the style of the book is to develop the basic physical principles without obscuring them with excessive mathematics. The second edition differs substantially from the first edition, with over 30% new material, including: A new chapter on non-crystalline diffraction - designed to appeal to the large community who study the structure of liquids, glasses, and most importantly polymers and bio-molecules A new chapter on x-ray imaging - developed in close cooperation with many of the leading experts in the field Two new chapters covering non-crystalline diffraction and imaging Many important changes to various sections in the book have been made with a view to improving the exposition Four-colour representation throughout the text to clarify key concepts Extensive problems after each chapter There is also supplementary book material for this title available online (http://booksupport.wiley.com). Praise for the previous edition: “The publication of Jens Als-Nielsen and Des McMorrow’s Elements of Modern X-ray Physics is a defining moment in the field of synchrotron radiation… a welcome addition to the bookshelves of synchrotron–radiation professionals and students alike.... The text is now my personal choice for teaching x-ray physics…” – Physics Today, 2002

X-ray imaging is a corner stone of breast cancer diagnosis. By exploiting the phase shift of X-rays rather than their attenuation, phase-contrast tomography has the potential to dramatically increase the visibility of small and low contrast features, thus leading to better diagnosis. This thesis presents research on the first synchrotron-based project developing a clinical phase-contrast breast computed tomography (CT) setup at Elettra, the Italian Syncrotron Radiation Facility. This book includes a comprehensive theoretical background on propagation-based phase-contrast imaging, exploring and extending the most recent image formation models. Along with theory, many practical implementation and optimization issues, ranging from detector-specific processing to setup geometry, are tackled on the basis of a large number of experimental evidences. Most of the modelling results and data analysis have general validity, being a valuable framework for optimization of phase-contrast setups. Results obtained at synchrotron are also compared with "real world" laboratory sources: both a first-of-its-kind comparison with one of the few hospital breast CT systems and a state-of-the-art implementation of monochromatic phase-contrast micro-tomography with a conventional rotating anode source are presented. On a more general level, this work sheds a light on the importance of synchrotron-based clinical programs, which are key to trigger the long-anticipated transition of phase-contrast imaging from synchrotrons to hospitals.

Digital Radiography has been ? rmly established in diagnostic radiology during the last decade. Because of the special requirements of high contrast and spatial resolution needed for roentgen mammography, it took some more time to develop digital m- mography as a routine radiological tool. Recent technological progress in detector and screen design as well as increased ex- rience with computer applications for image processing have now enabled Digital Mammography to become a mature modality that opens new perspectives for the diag- sis of breast diseases. The editors of this timely new volume Prof. Dr. U. Bick and Dr. F. Diekmann, both well-known international leaders in breast imaging, have for many years been very active in the frontiers of theoretical and translational clinical research, needed to bring digital mammography ? nally into the sphere of daily clinical radiology. I am very much indebted to the editors as well as to the other internationally rec- nized experts in the ? eld for their outstanding state of the art contributions to this v- ume. It is indeed an excellent handbook that covers in depth all aspects of Digital Mammography and thus further enriches our book series Medical Radiology. The highly informative text as well as the numerous well-chosen superb illustrations will enable certi? ed radiologists as well as radiologists in training to deepen their knowledge in modern breast imaging.

Dx-Direct is a series of eleven Thieme books covering the main subspecialties in radiology. It includes all the cases you are most likely to see in your typical working day as a radiologist. For each condition or disease you will find the information you need -- with just the right level of detail.Dx-Direct gets to the point:- Definitions, Epidemiology, Etiology, and Imaging Signs- Typical Presentation, Treatment Options, Course and Prognosis- Differential Diagnosis, Tips and Pitfalls, and Key References...all combined with high-quality diagnostic images. Whether you are a resident or a trainee, preparing for board examinations or just looking for a superbly organized reference: Dx-Direct is the high-yield choice for you!The series covers the full spectrum of radiology subspecialties including: Brain, Gastrointestinal, Cardiac, Breast, Urogenital, Spinal, Head and Neck, Musculoskeletal, Pediatric, Thoracic, Vascular

This book features reviews by leading experts on the methods and applications of modern forms of microscopy. The recent awards of Nobel Prizes awarded for super-resolution optical microscopy and cryo-electron microscopy have demonstrated the rich scientific opportunities for research in novel microscopies. Earlier Nobel Prizes for electron microscopy (the instrument itself and applications to biology), scanning probe microscopy and holography are a reminder of the central role of microscopy in modern science, from the study of nanostructures in materials science, physics and chemistry to structural biology. Separate chapters are devoted to confocal, fluorescent and related novel optical microscopies, coherent diffractive imaging, scanning probe microscopy, transmission electron microscopy in all its modes from aberration corrected and analytical to in-situ and time-resolved, low energy electron microscopy, photoelectron microscopy, cryo-electron microscopy in biology, and also ion microscopy. In addition to serving as an essential reference for researchers and teachers in the fields such as materials science, condensed matter physics, solid-state chemistry, structural biology and the molecular sciences generally, the Springer Handbook of Microscopy is a unified, coherent and pedagogically attractive text for advanced students who need an authoritative yet accessible guide to the science and practice of microscopy.

This handbook is a comprehensive source of information on all aspects of non-destructive testing (NDT), for use by professionals, educators, and most of all, by the practitioners of testing. The art of NDT consists of dozens of methods, some classical, and some emerging. As the pace of industrial work and discovery intensifies and materials are utilized to their physical limits, the role of NDT becomes ever more important. As a result, the methods of testing are themselves evolving, and it is the intent of this book to capture this evolution. Handbook of Modern Non-Destructive Testing broadens the scope from traditional books on the subject. In addition to classical, emerging and exotic methods of evaluation, the book will also cover the use of NDT techniques in other fields, such as archaeology or resource exploration. With contributions from experts in all areas of the field, the reader will find balanced coverage of a variety of testing methods, with no bias against or endorsements of any particular method. The book treats many areas in depth, covering all aspects of testing, and will include case studies where appropriate. Additional coverage of statistical methods and their use, as well as simulations‘ role in testing and test design, are included.

X-ray optics is undergoing a renaissance, which may be paralleled to that experienced by visible-light optics following the invention of the laser. The associated surge of activity in "coherent" x-ray optics has been documented in this monograph, the first of its type in the field.