Abstract: A brief review of X-ray phase contrast imaging theory for spherical objects is given. Using Tracepro, simulated X-ray phase-contrast images of SiO2/DD cryogenic capsules are produced. The ability of phase contrast enhanced X-ray imaging for characterization of cryogenic fuel layers inside ablator shells has been proven with the simulation result. X-ray phase contrast imaging equipment has been established for characterization of cryogenic targets, with which imaging experiments for low density divinyl benzene foam shells and SiO2/DD cryogenic capsules have been carried out, and phase contrast images of cryogenic DD fuel layers in SiO2 capsules are obtained, with a resolution up to 1.5 m. Ablator and cryogenic fuel layers can be simultaneously characterized by X-ray phase contrast imaging.