Quantitative coherence analysis with an X-ray Talbot–Lau interferometer

Differential phase-contrast (DPC) X-ray imaging has been performed in the Talbot–Lau configuration, in which the X-ray source was a combination of an absorption grating and a laboratory X-ray generator. We report here quantitative analysis of partial coherence effects on the X-ray Talbot–Lau interferometer. Based on the visibility of the self-image, the well-known geometry condition is reproduced. It is shown that effects of partial coherence are determined by the opening ratio of the source grating, and that the effects are independent of the Talbot order and the type of the phase grating, a condition quite different from those in a Talbot interferometer. A possible explanation is discussed from the point of view of the effective spatial coherence length. Taking into account the available X-ray flux and experimental fluctuations, we present the optimum opening ratio. Furthermore, we mention that our results can also be successfully used to discuss the properties of a multiline X-ray source.