Phase Contrast X-ray Imaging in the Lungs: A Technique to Study Dynamic Alveolar Function

This thesis develops techniques for studying the lungs, and in particular the dynamic behaviour of the smallest air sacs, known as alveoli, during breathing. This is possible using an X-ray imaging technique known as phase contrast X-ray imaging, in which images of the lungs have a strongly speckled appearance. By decoding this speckle pattern, it is possible to extract information about the size of the alveoli from a single X-ray image. The potential applications of this research include detecting lung diseases like emphysema earlier and as a tool to monitor the progress of disease and the response to treatment.