Low-dose differential x-ray phase contrast imaging with single mask geometry and photon counting detectors*

X-ray phase contrast imaging (PCI) is being investigated for the potential to image weakly absorbing objects such as soft tissues. Single-mask edge-illumination (EI) is a promising method of x-ray phase contrast imaging with the ability to obtain both absorption image and differential phase contrast image in a single shot with simpler experimental setup and lower x-ray dose compared with traditional double-mask edge-illumination method. In this work, we will propose new model based on TIE for double-mask and single-mask edge illumination method and discuss the design considerations for the single-mask imaging system, such as mask design, X-ray focal spot size and system geometry, to maximize the contrast, SNR, and dose efficiency, etc. We will show the benefits of these approaches when also incorporating cutting edge photon counting detectors where spectral information of detected photons can be readily obtained.