Scanning transmission proton microscopy tomography of reconstruction cells from simulated data

For scanning transmission proton microscopy tomography,to compare cell images of the proton stopping power and relative electron density,two cell phantoms are designed and simulated by code FLUKA.The cell images are reconstructed by the filtered back projection algorithm,and compared with their tomography imaging.The images of stopping power and relative electron density slightly vary with proton energies,but the internal images are of clear with high resolution.The organic glass image of relative electron density reveals the resolution power of proton tomography.Also,the simulation results reflect effects of the boundary enhancement,the weak artifacts,and the internal structure border extension by multiple scattering.So using proton tomography to analyze internal structure of a cell is a superior.     

同步辐射微束X射线荧光CT的计算机模拟

同步辐射微束X射线荧光CT是一种能无损、高空间分辨和高灵敏地探测样品内部元素含量和分布的新技术,是在建的上海光源(SSRF)硬X射线微聚焦及应用光束线站可开展的实验方法之一.本文简要介绍了同步辐射微束X射线荧光CT的基本原理和实验技术发展,对同步辐射微束X射线荧光CT实验进行了计算机模拟,用滤波反投影算法(FBP)、代数重构算法(ART)和加吸收修正的FBP算法重构了模拟样品的图像.对各种重构方法得到的图像质量进行了分析和比较,讨论了其适用性.     

A simulation study on the influence of scattered X-rays in energy-resolved computed tomography

In computed tomography (CT), scattered X-rays are known to cause image quality degradation including low contrast and poor uniformity. Energy-resolved CT (ERCT) is a specialized imaging method that utilizes the measured energy distribution and intensity of detected X-rays when creating images. The influence of scatter in ERCT is expected to differ from conventional CT, which only relies on energy (charge) integration during detection. Monte Carlo simulations were performed with different X-ray beam qualities and contrast agents to determine the influence of scatter on ERCT images. The simulation geometry included a 16 cm diameter cylindrical polymethylmethacrylate phantom containing a 1 cm diameter region filled with iodine or gold contrast agent solution at the center. A detector array collected the photon energy, position, and number of scattering. The image contrast and scatter artifact in the simulated ERCT images were compared as a function of photon energy range. Results show that the scatter artifact in ERCT is correlated to energy and is affected by the beam hardness. Care should be taken while obtaining ERCT images in the low-energy region, specifically near the K-edge of iodine.     

X射线背散射透射一体成像系统设计

介绍了X射线检测技术在安检领域的应用情况,讨论了背散射成像系统组成结构。提出2种可经过一次扫描获得背散射图像与透射图像的一体机模型,并且搭建了相应的实验平台,完成了透射和背散射成像获取实验。特别是在双源结构平台上对藏匿在箱包中的TNT、硝酸铵爆炸物与水作为检材的透射、背散射图像内容做了对比说明;分析了单源并联一体机透射图像分辨率低的问题,为进一步改进背散射透射一体机图像信号噪声比和图像分辨率指出解决方法。     

MV级EPID成像中靶材料与厚度的优化选择

MV级电子射野成像系统(EPID)产生的图像相对于kV级对比度差,其中靶的材料和尺寸是一重要因素。采用Monte-Carlo软件包Geant4程序对6MV医用直线加速器进行模拟,对MV级EPID成像中靶材料与厚度进行优化选择。计算结果表明,低原子序数的薄靶有利于改善成像质量,在无均整器的情况下,3mm厚的Cu靶或10mm厚的Al靶更适用于6MV的电子射野成像系统。     

Generalized flow pattern image reconstruction algorithm for electrical capacitance tomography

Successful applications of electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) depend on the speed and precision of the image reconstruction algorithms. In this paper, based on the semiparametric model, a generalized objective functional that considers the outliers in the measured capacitance data and the model error is proposed. A regularized combination minimax estimation is developed. An efficient algorithm, which integrates the advantages of the homotopy method where the homotopy equation is designed by the fixed-point homotopy and solved using the fixed-point iteration algorithm based on the alternate iteration scheme, the quantum particle swarm optimization algorithm that is coupled with the crossover and mutation operators, and the simulated annealing algorithm, is proposed. This algorithm is tested by the noise-free capacitance data and the noise-contaminated capacitance data, and encouraging results are observed. Numerical simulation results reveal the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed algorithm. In the cases of the reconstructed objects considered in this paper, the reconstructed results by the proposed algorithm show great improvement in the spatial resolution and accuracy. The spatial resolution of the reconstructed images is enhanced, and the artifacts in the reconstructed images can be removed effectively. Furthermore, the reconstructed results by the proposed algorithm under the noise-contaminated capacitance data reveal that the proposed algorithm is very competent to deal with the inaccurate nature in the capacitance data. Consequently, a promising algorithm is introduced for ECT image reconstruction.     

Development of a low-energy high resolution X-ray camera for high-energy gamma photon background environments

Although a high-energy gamma camera can obtain images of ¹³⁷Cs distribution by detecting the 662-keV gamma photons, its spatial resolution is reduced because high-energy gamma photons penetrate the edge of the pinhole collimator. To solve this problem, we developed a low-energy X-ray camera that detects the characteristic X-ray photons (32–37 keV) that are emitted from ¹³⁷Cs to obtain high resolution images. We used a 45 × 45 × 1-mm-thick NaI(Tl) scintillator that was encapsulated in 0.1-mm-thick aluminum and optically coupled to a 2-inch square, position sensitive photomultiplier tube (Hamamatsu Photonics, PSPMT:H12700 MOD) as an imaging detector. The imaging detector was encased in a 2-cm-thick tungsten alloy container and a pinhole collimator was attached to its camera head. The spatial resolution and sensitivity were ～5 mm full-width at half-maximum and ～0.6 cps/MBq for the 1.5-mm pinhole collimator 10 cm from the collimator surface, respectively. We administered 5 MBq of ¹³⁷Cs to a soybean seedling, imaged the distribution of radionuclides for six hours, and successfully obtained a high resolution image of it with our developed X-ray camera. We believe our camera will be a powerful tool for such ¹³⁷Cs imaging in plants.     

中子三轴谱仪分辨函数的模拟计算

阐述了中子三轴谱仪的工作原理，利用MCSTAS程序模拟计算了分辨函数，分别计算了在弹性散射下能量分辨率、钒样品散射实验的转移能量的扫描和不同转移能量下的分辨函数形态。分析了实验中测量位置的选取与分辨椭圆状态的关系。结果表明，模拟计算能快速地计算出分辨函数形态。     

Incoherent-scatter computed tomography with monochromaticsynchrotron x ray: feasibility of multi-CT imaging system forsimultaneous measurement-of fluorescent and incoherent scatter x rays

We describe a new system of incoherent scatter computed tomography (ISCT) using monochromatic synchrotron X rays, and we discuss its potential to be used in in vivo imaging for medical use. The system operates on the basis of computed tomography (CT) of the first generation. The reconstruction method for ISCT uses the least squares method with singular value decomposition. The research was carried out at the BLNE-5A bending magnet beam line of the Tristan Accumulation Ring in KEK, Japan. An acrylic cylindrical phantom of 20-mm diameter containing a cross-shaped channel was imaged. The channel was filled with a diluted iodine solution with a concentration of 200 μgI/ml. Spectra obtained with the system's high purity germanium (HPGe) detector separated the incoherent X-ray line from the other notable peaks, i.e., the iK_α and K_β1 X-ray fluorescent lines and the coherent scattering peak. CT images were reconstructed from projections generated by integrating the counts In the energy window centering around the incoherent scattering peak and whose width was approximately 2 keV. The reconstruction routine employed an X-ray attenuation correction algorithm. The resulting image showed more homogeneity than one without the attenuation correction     

Monochromatic X-ray sources based on a mechanism of real and virtual photon diffraction in crystals

A source of monochromatic X-ray radiation is wanted in industry, science, medicine and so on. Many ways of making such a source are known. The present work describes two mechanisms for the creation of a monochromatic X-ray beam, which are parametric X-ray radiation (PXR) and bremsstrahlung diffraction (DBS). Both the experiments were carried out using an electron beam at a microtron. During the first experiment, the DBS process was investigated as a scattering of the Bremsstrahlung (BS) beam on the crystallographic surfaces of tungsten and pyrolytic graphite crystals. The second experiment consisted in the registration of the PXR and DBS yield during the passage of the electrons through the same crystals as in the first experiment. The spectral and orientation radiation characteristics and simulation results obtained for the DBS and PXR processes are presented. It is shown that the usage of mosaic crystalline targets is rather useful in order to obtain a monochromatic X-ray source based on bremsstrahlung diffraction from moderately relativistic electrons.     

Soft X-ray ptychography method at SSRF

Ptychography is a diffraction-based X-ray microscopy technique in which an extended sample is scanned by a coherent beam with overlapped illuminated areas and complex transmission function of the sample is obtained by applying iterative phase retrieval algorithms to the diffraction patterns recorded at each scanned position.It permits quantitatively imaging of non-crystalline specimens at a resolution limited only by the X-ray wavelength and the maximal scattering angle detected.In this paper,the development of soft X-ray ptychography method at the BL08U1A beamline of Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility is presented.The experimental setup,experimental parameters selection criteria,and post-experimental data analyzing procedures are presented in detail with a prospect of high-resolution image reconstruction in real time.The performance of this newly implemented method is demonstrated through the measurements of a resolution test pattern and two real samples:Pt-Co alloy nanoparticles and a breast cancer cell.The results indicate that strong scattering specimens can be reconstructed to sub-20 nm resolution,while a sub-25 nm resolution for biological specimens can be achieved.     

MV级EPID成像系统中滤过板的应用

与kV级X射线成像相比,MV级电子射野影像系统(EPID)成像质量较差,图像模糊,影响患者图像定位和摆位验证的精确性。本文结合Monte Carlo模拟计算的方法,在不改变治疗靶的现有MV级EPID系统中,提出增加滤过板进行康普顿散射线的滤过,通过Monte Carlo模拟、Matlab作图、临床实验,得出在6 MV级EPID系统中,增加1层2 mm厚铜材料的滤过板,有助于成像质量的改善。     

X-ray detection based on complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor sensors

Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor(CMOS) sensors can convert X-rays into detectable signals; therefore, they are powerful tools in X-ray detection applications. Herein, we explore the physics behind X-ray detection performed using CMOS sensors. X-ray measurements were obtained using a simulated positioner based on a CMOS sensor, while the X-ray energy was modified by changing the voltage, current, and radiation time. A monitoring control unit collected video data of the detected X-rays. The video images were framed and filtered to detect the effective pixel points(radiation spots).The histograms of the images prove there is a linear relationship between the pixel points and X-ray energy. The relationships between the image pixel points, voltage, and current were quantified, and the resultant correlations were observed to obey some physical laws.     

凸度测量中的散射校正研究

本文分别从被测钢板的宽度、厚度和射线能量等3个方面对散射的影响进行了研究。首先建立凸度测量系统的蒙特卡罗模拟计算简化模型,分析了单能情况下钢板宽度和厚度对散射因子(SPR)的影响;然后建立X光机能谱计算仿真模型,模拟出给定管电压下X光机输出射线的连续能谱,并提出用多个单能分段等效的方法来代替连续能谱,模拟在实际连续能谱情况下钢板散射分布的规律,其模拟结果与实验测量结果能较好地吻合。     

SCANNING TUNNELING MICROSCOPY OF DNA

Uncoated DNA deposited on graphite surface was imaged in air with the scanning tunneling microscope (STM). The images revealed a helical pitch of 3.6 nm whereas the average width was 2.3nm. Periodic alternation of major and minor grooves were resolved with high resolution. Our STM images were in reasonable agreement with the B-form DNA structural model derived from X-ray diffraction studies. It was concluded that the STM could be useful for local structural studies of biomolecules.     

数字化线阵CCD扫描X射线成像系统

介绍了一种数字化线阵CCD扫描X射线成像系统的原理性样机,其主要特点是用窄束X射线成像,从系统结构上抑制了散射对成像的影响,在满足图像质量的情况下降低了成像所需的X射线剂量.介绍了系统设计的理论基础,讨论了系统的软、硬件组成,并测量了系统的成像性能.     

Use of X-ray computed tomography for the estimation of parameters relevant to the modeling of acoustic scattering from the seafloor

Underwater sonar systems are increasingly being used at frequencies greater than 100 kHz for bathymetry measurement, seabed characterization and object detection [Proceedings of the 5th European Conference on Underwater Acoustics, Vol. 2, p. 1283]. In general, there are two main contributions to the backscattered acoustic wave due to seafloor properties: scattering from interface roughness (interface scattering) and from volume heterogeneities (e.g. due to sediment layering or bioturbation) in the first few decimeters of the seabed (volume scattering) [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 95 (1994) 2441]. Until recently, modeling and validated measurements at these very high frequencies have been limited by the difficulty of accurately characterizing seabed properties at centimeter and sub-centimeter scales.This paper examines how X-ray computed tomography (CT) scans of seafloor cores have been used to obtain data sets that not only allow computation of both the statistical and the spatial distribution of density-related parameters relevant to volume scattering modeling, but also represent a valuable tool for selective, nondestructive visual analysis of inner features of cores. The main advantages of X-ray CT are the excellent spatial resolution and the ready availability of digital data sets that naturally lend themselves to computer processing. The methodology of the whole process, from core collection to data retrieval is described here, with special emphasis on image processing and density quantification issues.     

X-ray energy separation method using a CdTe semiconductor X-rayimaging sensor and photon counting method

A multichannel X-ray imaging sensor using a CdTe compound semiconductor radiation detector in photon counting mode was developed and tested for digital X-ray imaging and an X-ray energy separation capability. The X-ray imaging sensor was constructed of CdTe detector elements at a pitch of 0.25 mm. High band amplifiers, discriminators, and counters attached to each element formed the pulse counting circuit. Charge pulses generated by absorbed X-ray photons were directly counted and separated into two energy regions. Digitized X-ray images containing energy information were thus obtained. Using this sensor two separate X-ray images of different energy can be obtained simultaneously. A 256-channel X-ray imaging sensor was prepared and used to provide spatial resolution measurement for an X-ray charge. Low and high energy images of a hand phantom were thus obtained and both a soft tissue image and a bone image were produced using an energy subtraction method     

电子束与复合靶作用后辐射特性的数值模拟

建立了复合靶的蒙特卡罗粒子输运计算模型,以“闪光二号”加速器为电子束源,模拟了电子和光子在不同材料中的输运规律,研究了钽和聚乙烯组成的复合阳极靶对辐射X射线场的影响。模拟结果表明：随着钽厚度的增加,辐射X射线平均能量增大,能量转换效率先增大后减小;聚乙烯可明显减小辐射场中的电子份额。当钽和聚乙烯的厚度分别取20 μm、3 mm时,辐射场中平均光子能量为102.68 keV;光子总能量为88.62 J,远大于电子总能量0.02 J;X射线能量转换效率为0.57%。根据数值模拟结果和实验条件设计了复合靶,计算和测得的X射线平均能量分别为108和121 keV,二者符合得较好。     

A microfocus X-ray tube based on a microstructured X-ray target

We present a novel concept to develop a microfocus X-ray tube based on a microstructured X-ray target that is irradiated with a nonfocused electron beam. X-ray emissions from the microstructured targets with various morphologies were studied using Monte-Carlo simulation code MCNP5. The calculations revealed that the microstructured targets are quite capable of minimizing the effective X-ray spot size compared with those of conventional transmission-type X-ray targets. Based on the simulation results of X-ray brightness, optimum geometric parameters were derived for the microstructured targets with different morphologies. Moreover, the stability of the microstructured target against heat loads delivered by an electron beam was also investigated under both the continuous and pulsed operation modes. From the analysis, the limitations of the maximum allowable electron beam currents for the stable operation of the X-ray targets are presented. The combination of the microstructured targets and nonfocused electron beam allows the miniaturization of a microfocus X-ray tube by eliminating the needs for massive and complex focusing devices.