A simple, pixel-wise response correction for ring artifact removal in both absorption and phase contrast X-ray computed tomography

Abstract: We present a pixel-specific, measurement-driven correction that effectively minimizes errors in detector response that give rise to the ring artifacts commonly seen in X-ray computed tomography (CT) scans. This correction is easy to implement, suppresses CT artifacts significantly, and is effective enough for use with both absorption and phase contrast imaging. It can be used as a standalone correction or in conjunction with existing ring artifact removal algorithms to further improve image quality. We validate this method using two X-ray CT data sets, showing post-correction signal-to-noise increases of up to 55%, and we define an image quality metric to use specifically for the assessment of ring artifact suppression.