The present invention relates systems and methods for phase-contrast x-ray
imaging of an object. In one embodiment, the system includes an x-ray
source, a detector, and an object-map generator. The x-ray source
transmits x-rays, and the detector is positioned so as to receive at
least a portion of the x-rays transmitted by the x-ray source and output
an image signal indicative of an intensity measurement of the x-rays
received. The object is positioned between the x-ray source and the
detector. The detector is then used to acquire intensity measurements at
two different positions and output the same to the object-map generator.
The object-map generator then utilizes the image signals of the detector,
along with algorithms, including phase-retrieval algorithms to generate
an attenuation-map and a phase-map for the object. The present invention
also include systems and methods utilizing a dual-detector arrangement, a
multi-source arrangement, and a mosaic source-detector arrangement.