Medipix 2 detector applied to low energy electron microscopy

Low energy electron microscopy (LEEM) and photo-emission electron microscopy (PEEM) traditionally use microchannel plates (MCPs), a phosphor screen and a CCD-camera to record images and diffraction patterns. In recent years, however, MCPs have become a limiting factor for these types of microscopy. Here, we report on a successful test series using a solid state hybrid pixel detector, Medipix 2, in LEEM and PEEM. Medipix 2 is a background-free detector with an infinite dynamic range, making it very promising for both real-space imaging and spectroscopy. We demonstrate a significant enhancement of both image contrast and resolution, as compared to MCPs. Since aging of the Medipix 2 detector is negligible for the electron energies used in LEEM/PEEM, we expect Medipix to become the detector of choice for a new generation of systems.     

Electron imaging with Medipix2 hybrid pixel detector

The electron imaging performance of Medipix2 is described. Medipix2 is a hybrid pixel detector composed of two layers. It has a sensor layer and a layer of readout electronics, in which each 55 microm x 55 microm pixel has upper and lower energy discrimination and MHz rate counting. The sensor layer consists of a 300 microm slab of pixellated monolithic silicon and this is bonded to the readout chip. Experimental measurement of the detective quantum efficiency, DQE(0) at 120 keV shows that it can reach approximately 85% independent of electron exposure, since the detector has zero noise, and the DQE(Nyquist) can reach approximately 35% of that expected for a perfect detector (4/pi(2)). Experimental measurement of the modulation transfer function (MTF) at Nyquist resolution for 120 keV electrons using a 60 keV lower energy threshold, yields a value that is 50% of that expected for a perfect detector (2/pi). Finally, Monte Carlo simulations of electron tracks and energy deposited in adjacent pixels have been performed and used to calculate expected values for the MTF and DQE as a function of the threshold energy. The good agreement between theory and experiment allows suggestions for further improvements to be made with confidence. The present detector is already very useful for experiments that require a high DQE at very low doses.     

基于压缩感知的快速纠缠光量子成像方法

纠缠光量子成像效率主要受数字微镜器件(DMD)采样时间开销的影响,现有的DMD采样方式是对所有像素点进行逐点扫描,从而导致成像效率较低。针对这一问题,利用纠缠光的时间和空间关联特性,通过压缩感知算法对参考光进行稀疏采样,同时利用正交匹配追踪算法(OMP)从符合计数结果中得到目标图像。此外,还分析了不同捆绑像素数、DMD采样分块大小和图像稀疏度对成像质量和效率的影响,并通过搭建实际的纠缠光量子成像系统验证了所提方法的有效性。     

Detective quantum efficiency of electron area detectors in electron microscopy

Recent progress in detector design has created the need for a careful side-by-side comparison of the modulation transfer function (MTF) and resolution-dependent detective quantum efficiency (DQE) of existing electron detectors with those of detectors based on new technology. We present MTF and DQE measurements for four types of detector: Kodak SO-163 film, TVIPS 224 charge coupled device (CCD) detector, the Medipix2 hybrid pixel detector, and an experimental direct electron monolithic active pixel sensor (MAPS) detector. Film and CCD performance was measured at 120 and 300 keV, while results are presented for the Medipix2 at 120 keV and for the MAPS detector at 300 keV. In the case of film, the effects of electron backscattering from both the holder and the plastic support have been investigated. We also show that part of the response of the emulsion in film comes from light generated in the plastic support. Computer simulations of film and the MAPS detector have been carried out and show good agreement with experiment. The agreement enables us to conclude that the DQE of a backthinned direct electron MAPS detector is likely to be equal to, or better than, that of film at 300 keV.     

基于盖格-雪崩光电二极管的光子计数成像

考虑用传统的成像技术检测光生电荷信号时易受模数转换噪声干扰,本文提出了一种基于单光子灵敏雪崩光电二极管(GM-APD)的光子计数成像方法。该方法以单光子灵敏GM-APD作为探测单元,以全数字化方式实现微弱光学信号的有效检测。建立了GM-APD光子流响应模型,利用马尔科夫更新过程分析了光子探测盲区对GM-APD瞬态响应的影响,得到了GM-APD输出的数字脉冲频率与光子流密度之间的关联表达式。搭建了二维扫描成像实验验证装置,通过实验得到了不同密度光子流条件下的光子计数图像。采用标准化互信息量分析得到,在光子流密度为3.0×104count/s的条件下,该实验装置仍然可以实现可视成像;当光子流密度达到2.7×105 count/s时,标准化互信息量大于0.5;实现了在低光子流密度时采用光子计数方式对目标物体的有效成像。     

基于激光诱导荧光成像技术的截面含气率检测研究

截面含气率作为气液两相流动过程中的基本参数之一,对石油管道的开采、输运,核反应堆冷却塔的设计等过程具有重要意义。本文提出了基于激光诱导成像技术和高速摄录系统的截面含气率直接检测方法,有效的避免管道曲率和介质折射率导致的光学畸变。在河北大学多相流循环装置进行实验,测量了18个流量点,液相流量测量范围10～35 L/min,气相流量测量范围2.0～3.0 L/min。运用计量比对的思想,对两种检测技术获得的截面含气率值求取偏差并进行修正,最大偏差仅为0.014 59。结果表明两种方法得到的截面含气率值具有较好的一致性,证明本文提出的荧光成像技术对气液两相分层流截面含气率的检测是有效的。     

A dual-band adaptor for infrared imaging

A novel imaging adaptor providing the capability to extend a standard single-band infrared (IR) camera into a two-color or dual-band device has been developed for application to high-speed IR thermography on the National Spherical Tokamak Experiment (NSTX). Temperature measurement with two-band infrared imaging has the advantage of being mostly independent of surface emissivity, which may vary significantly in the liquid lithium divertor installed on NSTX as compared to that of an all-carbon first wall. In order to take advantage of the high-speed capability of the existing IR camera at NSTX (1.6-6.2 kHz frame rate), a commercial visible-range optical splitter was extensively modified to operate in the medium wavelength and long wavelength IR. This two-band IR adapter utilizes a dichroic beamsplitter, which reflects 4-6 μm wavelengths and transmits 7-10 μm wavelength radiation, each with >95% efficiency and projects each IR channel image side-by-side on the camera's detector. Cutoff filters are used in each IR channel, and ZnSe imaging optics and mirrors optimized for broadband IR use are incorporated into the design. In-situ and ex-situ temperature calibration and preliminary data of the NSTX divertor during plasma discharges are presented, with contrasting results for dual-band vs. single-band IR operation.     

眼底OCT成像系统的研制

光学相干层析（OCT）成像技术是一种高分辨率生物成像手段,能非侵入、无接触地对活体内部的结构与生理功能进行检测。在生物医学领域,OCT主要还是应用在眼科学,主要是因为近红外光很容易穿透人体眼睛介质。本文利用中心波长为854nm的宽带弱相干光源SLD实现了光学相干层析成像系统在眼科中的应用。系统采用傅里叶域光学快扫描延迟线实现了快速扫描成像,成像深度为3mm。我们自行设计了一种用于眼底信号探测的眼科探头,包括：眼底OCT成像光路;眼底照明光路;眼底照相光路,获得了眼底黄斑和眼底视神经乳头的眼底照片以及OCT图像。     

Near-field optical microscopy with video signal processor to apply a CCD imaging device as a variable area photo-sensor for improving operability and spectrum mode imaging

We have developed a video signal processor for improving the operability and function of scanning near-field optical microscopy (SNOM). The video signal processor applies a CCD imaging device as a variable area photo-sensor in the SNOM unit instead of conventional photo-detectors. The signal processor converts the intensity of a selected area in video frames to a numerical value with a rate of 30 Hz. Consequently, the CCD imaging device can be used as a photo-detector of variable areas and positions for detecting a small area of a optical probe position. The need for a precise optical axis alignment is relaxed due to the large sensing area of the CCD device. Using the video signal processor, near-field optical and topographic images have been obtained by SNOM/AFM system simultaneously. By adding a spectrometer between the SNOM unit and the CCD device, the spectrum signal of selected wavelength ranges has been monitored by the video signal processor to provide an optical image.     

Near-field scanning optical microscopy and near-field induced photocurrent investigations of buried heterostructure multiquantum well lasers

Buried heterostructure multiquantum well laser devices are investigated utilizing a near-field scanning optical microscope to characterize and correlate the surface topography, optical output and electronic properties of the device. Near-field photocurrent imaging has been used to accurately measure the unbiased buried heterostructure multiquantum well device in cross-section, successfully revealing the distribution of pn-junctions and their associated fields. Moreover, this has been accurately correlated with the physical structure of the device determined by simultaneous shear-force imaging of the surface. Topographic structure is manifested as a result of strain relaxation (∼10⁻¹⁰ m) of the cleaved cross-section. These imaging modes are similarly correlated with the optical output of the operational device mapped with 50 nm lateral resolution. The collection-mode measurements detected electroluminescence external to the active region, highlighting the existence of carrier recombination away from the multiquantum well device region. The combination and correlation of different near-field scanning optical microscope imaging modes proved powerful in the analysis of the buried heterostructure multiquantum well device, and was shown to assist in the identification of current leakage pathways within the structure.     

光波导生化分析仪中基于CCD器件的高速数据采集系统的设计

介绍了在SPR光波导生化分析仪的研制开发过程中设计的一种基于CCD器件的高速数据采集系统。系统用线阵CCD作为光信号的探测器，用专用采集块MAX1101对CCD输出的高速视频信号进行快速采集（A/D转换），用直接存储器控制的方式实现了微机系统的实时数据采集与控制，解决了高速A/D转换与慢速CPU之间的矛盾冲突。     

基于DSP的宽动态范围莫尔条纹计数与精密细分技术

为莫尔条纹的计数与细分提供了一种基于DSP(数字信号处理器)的高速软件解决方案。它能有效的解决传统系统中计数电路与细分功能不能无缝匹配的问题,提高测量的准确性。由于采用了高速信号处理和闪烁采样技术,采用该方案的系统能处理宽动态范围的莫尔条纹信号。提供的实例能对从直流到1MHz的莫尔条纹信号进行计数与细分,对于1μm光学分辨率的光栅测长系统来说,其相应的最高测量速度为1000mm/s,细分步长可以达到nm级。     

多通道高速电子数粒装瓶控制系统设计

介绍了多通道高速电子数粒装瓶控制系统的硬件和软件控制技术。系统主控采用高速PLC,实现振动送料、数粒、料门控制、正瓶放瓶、剔除和远程故障诊断等功能;数粒检测单元采用多MCU分布式结构,能消除粉尘干扰,检测颗粒碎片、颗粒粘连、提高数粒速度和精度。该系统可广泛应用于制药、食品、保健品、化妆品行业。     

Note: Optical trigger device with sub-picosecond timing jitter and stability

We are presenting the design, construction, and overall performance of the optical trigger device. This device generates an electrical signal synchronously to the detected ultra-short optical pulse. The device was designed for application in satellite laser ranging and laser time transfer experiments, time correlated photon counting and similar experiments, where picosecond timing resolution and detection delay stability are required. It consists of the ultrafast optical detector, signal discriminator, output pulse forming circuit, and output driver circuits. It was constructed as a single compact device to optimize their matching and maintain stability. The detector consists of an avalanche photodiode--both silicon and germanium types may be used to cover the wavelength range of 350-1550 nm. The analogue signal of this photodiode is sensed by the ultrafast comparator with 8 GHz bandwidth. The ps clock distribution circuit is used to generate the fast rise/fall time output pulses of pre-set length. The trigger device timing performance is excellent: the random component of the timing jitter is typically 880 fs, the temperature dependence of the detection delay was measured to be 370 fs/K. The systematic error contribution depends on the laser used and its stability. The sub-ps values have been obtained for various laser sources.     

A wireless handheld probe with spectrally constrained evolution strategies for diffuse optical imaging of tissue

We present a low-cost, portable, wireless diffuse optical imaging device. The handheld device is fast, portable, and can be applied to a wide range of both static and dynamic imaging applications including breast cancer, functional brain imaging, and peripheral artery disease. The continuous-wave probe has four near-infrared wavelengths and uses digital detection techniques to perform measurements at 2.3 Hz. Using a multispectral evolution algorithm for chromophore reconstruction, we can measure absolute oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin concentration as well as scattering in tissue. Performance of the device is demonstrated using a series of liquid phantoms comprised of Intralipid(?), ink, and dye.     

基于SSPA器件的尺寸检测系统

研究了一种线阵MOS图像传感器即SSPA器件的原理和特性.分析和讨论了将其应用于物体尺寸检测的可行性,即根据SSPA器件的成像原理,其表面受光线照射的情况的差异,会引起内部各像元输出的视频信号幅值大小的不同,将其信号序列放大后做简单的二值化,利用脉冲计数的方法测量实现遮光物体的宽度、尺寸.基于以上分析和考虑,设计了一种基于8051单片机的快速尺寸检测系统:首先将前端信号采集、放大、二值化处理后作为异步计数器的脉冲输入,再由单片机在中断处理中读取异步计数器的计数值,并将数据处理、判断、显示与上传.最后提出了系统和SSPA器件在生产检测中的几种应用举例.     

基于PLC的高速计数器设计

针对当前工业控制中高速脉冲计数的需求,设计了一种PLC控制系统中的高速计数器。首先介绍了高速计数器常用的3种模式,之后设计了系统的整体结构,并对高速计数模块和中断控制进行了实现。经过实践证明,本系统脉冲计数的准确性好,具有较高的实用价值。     

基于磁杆直线电机的光学延迟线研究

在太赫兹时域波谱系统中,通过光学延迟线的时间延迟实现对太赫兹时域信号的采集,而传统的光学延迟线存在扫描速度慢、光学延迟分辨率低等问题。为此,提出了一种采用磁杆直线电机作为驱动和传动一体装置,并加入光栅测量系统的光学延迟线改进方案。测试结果表明,该方案可实现长距离内高速、精准往复运动,同时提供高达512 ps的延时范围和0.033 fs(位置定位精度0.01μm)的光学延迟分辨率,显著提高了太赫兹时域波形振幅的稳定性。     

激光共焦显微光束的偏转扫描

为了提高激光共聚焦系统的扫描速度,本文提出一种逐场扫描的场同步扫描方法。构建了激光共焦显微系统,将美国THORLABS公司的GVS002型二维检流计振镜应用于该系统,根据光学系统参数以及扫描范围要求计算振镜的整场扫描波形。借助NI公司的PCIe6353多功能数据采集卡,输出行同步的扫描波形,同时,对共焦显微系统共焦位置上针孔处的光强信号进行采集,先后扫描一幅256×256和512×512的图像,记录扫描图像和成像时间;然后,在相同的硬件结构下,以场同步的方式输出扫描波形,记录扫描图像和成像时间。实验结果表明:场同步方式扫描256×256图像的速度可提高10倍,扫描512×512图像的速度可提高5倍,且满足共焦显微成像的清晰、抗干扰能力强等要求。与行同步扫描方法相比,场同步扫描方法可以消除行与行之间转换的停留时间,在不改变硬件的情况下大幅提高扫描速度。     

High-linearity analog-to-digital acquisition board for photon-timing applications

Nowadays a wide range of scientific applications require the detection of very weak and fast luminescence signals in the time domain. Single molecule spectroscopy, diffuse optical tomography, time-resolved emission spectra are only a few examples among them. Advanced time-correlated single photon counting, that relies on multidetector and multidimensional acquisition, reveals itself as a powerful technique to gather deeper insight into various photochemical and biological processes. In this paper we present a high-speed, high-linearity A/D acquisition board that is designed as a building block for a compact, low-cost, multidetector acquisition system for photon-timing experiments. The prototype has been experimentally tested and the results fully comply the goal design specifications.