Advances in X-Ray Imaging Technology

A special issue of Photonics (ISSN 2304-6732).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 October 2026 | Viewed by 1605

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Center for Transformative Science, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
Interests: X-ray imaging; coherent diffraction imaging; DL-based methods

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

X-ray imaging technology stands as a cornerstone of modern science, underpinning fields ranging from materials science and biology to medical diagnostics and non-destructive evaluation. Recently, propelled by advancements in sources (synchrotrons, X-ray free-electron lasers, and laboratory systems), the evolution of novel detectors and optics, and the deep integration of artificial intelligence (AI), the field is undergoing a paradigm shift. We are witnessing a transition from static structural observation to multi-dimensional, dynamic, and quantitative characterization. This Special Issue delves into the latest breakthroughs in X-ray imaging, highlighting pioneering methodologies, technological innovations, and practical applications that are reshaping the landscape. It serves as a vital platform for researchers and experts to share cutting-edge insights and discoveries.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Novel Imaging Modalities: Breakthroughs in X-ray coherent diffraction imaging (CDI), ptychography, and phase-contrast and dark-field imaging, that push the boundaries of spatial and temporal resolution.
  • Hardware Innovations: Next-generation instrumentation, including photon-counting detectors, advanced X-ray optics, and the development of compact, high-brightness laboratory X-ray sources and accelerators.
  • AI and Computational Imaging: The integration of artificial intelligence and deep learning for low-dose reconstruction, sparse-view sampling, artifact reduction, and automated quantitative analysis or diagnostic support.
  • Diverse Applications: Translational research spanning chemical and materials science, biological and medical imaging, industrial non-destructive testing (NDT), and cultural heritage preservation.

Dr. Yudong Yao
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • advanced X-ray imaging
  • synchrotron & XFEL
  • X-ray coherent diffraction imaging and ptychography
  • phase-contrast and dark-field imaging
  • X-ray detectors and optics
  • deep learning
  • multi-modal characterization

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 2191 KB  
Article
Optimization of Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring Accuracy in Low-Dose Chest Computed Tomography Using Fast Non-Local Means Denoising with High-Pitch Acquisition and Tin Filtration
by Jina Shim, Ji-Youn Kim and Kyuseok Kim
Photonics 2026, 13(5), 486; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics13050486 - 14 May 2026
Viewed by 274
Abstract
This study evaluated quantitative accuracy of the coronary artery calcium score (CACS) and the associated radiation dose reduction achieved by applying the fast non-local means (FNLM) algorithm to non-electrocardiography (ECG)-gated, low-dose chest computed tomography (CT) images acquired with a high-pitch scan and tin [...] Read more.
This study evaluated quantitative accuracy of the coronary artery calcium score (CACS) and the associated radiation dose reduction achieved by applying the fast non-local means (FNLM) algorithm to non-electrocardiography (ECG)-gated, low-dose chest computed tomography (CT) images acquired with a high-pitch scan and tin filter. Thirty patients underwent standard-dose CACS and low-dose chest CT were retrospectively analyzed. The processed low-dose images using the FNLM algorithm demonstrated a 4.2–5.0% mean CACS decrease and ≤16.4% median value increase relative to the standard-dose CACS CT but without statistical significance (p > 0.05). Notably, the quantitative error progressively decreased with increasing algorithm strength. The Pearson correlation coefficient reached 0.949 at Stage 3, indicating robust agreement with the standard-dose CACS CT. When stratified by patient heart rate, the high heart rate cohort exhibited the largest scoring errors but without statistical significance (p > 0.05). Importantly, the FNLM-processed protocol substantially reduced radiation dose, decreasing the mean volume CT dose index by 71.2% and dose-length product by 56.5% (p < 0.05). FNLM proves to be an effective post-processing technique that preserves CACS accuracy in non-ECG-gated, low-dose chest CT, thereby offering a clinically viable alternative imaging protocol for patients requiring routine screening. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in X-Ray Imaging Technology)
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9 pages, 9003 KB  
Article
Designs of Time-Resolved Resonant Inelastic X-Ray Scattering Branchline at S3FEL
by Weihong Sun, Chuan Yang, Kai Hu, Ye Zhu, Chen Wu, Yuhang Wang, Yinpeng Zhong, Zhongmin Xu and Weiqing Zhang
Photonics 2025, 12(10), 1009; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12101009 - 13 Oct 2025
Viewed by 864
Abstract
With the rapid development of X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs), time-resolved resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (tr-RIXS) has attracted more attention. The preliminary designs of the tr-RIXS branchline and expected performance characteristics at the Shenzhen Superconducting Soft X-ray Free Electron Laser (S3FEL [...] Read more.
With the rapid development of X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs), time-resolved resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (tr-RIXS) has attracted more attention. The preliminary designs of the tr-RIXS branchline and expected performance characteristics at the Shenzhen Superconducting Soft X-ray Free Electron Laser (S3FEL) are presented. A start-to-end simulation of the tr-RIXS branchline based on the 6-D phase space ray-tracing method of beamline simulation software package FURION was performed. The simulation design satisfies the key requirements of the tr-RIXS branchline, including spatial dispersion in the vertical dimension, temporal resolution, energy resolution, efficient utilization of SASE spectral photons, and spatial uniformity of the beam spot sizes across different wavelengths. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in X-Ray Imaging Technology)
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