Dark Field Sensitivity In Single Mask Edge Illumination Lung Imaging

X-ray phase contrast imaging is a rapidly evolving field, covering a range of different imaging methods. Its integration in the daily medical imaging routines, however, has proven to be difficult, despite encouraging results. In addition to the phase information, small angle X-ray scattering information is accessible through the so called dark field signal. The dark field signal holds great potential for lung imaging applications due to its ability to detect sub-pixel structures. Edge illumination, an incoherent form of phase contrast imaging, is particularly promising due to its low coherence requirements. A remaining issue in conventional edge illumination phase contrast imaging, however, is the absorption of photons by the detector mask, as these photons contribute to the dose but not to the image. In this work, we explore the dark field potential of a setup without detector mask for lung imaging through Monte Carlo simulations. In order to approximate the irregular shape of alveoli, surface roughness is taken into account.