Large-area phase-contrast X-ray imaging using a two-crystal X-ray interfero­meter

Large‐area (25 × 20 mm) phase‐contrast X‐ray imaging was attained by using a skew‐symmetric two‐crystal X‐ray interferometer. The sub‐nrad angular control required to operate the X‐ray interferometer was achieved with a sleeve bearing and a feedback‐positioning system. As a demonstration, measurements of a phase map of a rat's liver and a phase‐contrast tomographic three‐dimensional image of a piece of a rabbit's liver were performed at the Photon Factory using 0.07 nm synchrotron radiation X‐rays.