Assessment of image reconstruction algorithm coupled with fine-resolution array of Cherenkov detectors

Luke Maloney,Anna Erickson,Mackenzie Duce

doi:10.1038/s41598-022-08158-4

Luke Maloney, Anna Erickson + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-08158-4

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Abstract

The ability to reconstruct fine-resolution images in a high-count-rate environment is an ongoing challenge to the fields of nuclear security, medicine, and high energy physics. This study presents the characterization and performance of an image reconstruction algorithm and detector array in such an environment. The detector array is composed of quartz Cherenkov radiators and lutetium–yttrium oxyorthosilicate inorganic scintillators detector elements with light collection via silicon photomultipliers (SiPM). The reconstruction algorithm was evaluated using ANSI testing standard N42.46-2008 for imaging performance of active interrogation systems for national security applications; this included spatial resolution, wire detection, and penetration studies. The array was tested using a 6-MVp pulsed photon beam where test objects were translated through the detector field of view demonstrating a capability to resolve a 2.05-mm wire at a source standoff of 2.2 m, a horizontal spatial resolution of 3 mm, and a contrast sensitivity of 1.5%.

Highlights

The ability to reconstruct fine-resolution images in a high-count-rate environment is an ongoing challenge to the fields of nuclear security, medicine, and high energy physics
We evaluate the performance of an novel image reconstruction algorithm with a hybrid Cherenkov-scintillator imaging array system with light collection via silicon photomultipliers (SiPM)
The system described here consists of an array of both Cherenkov radiator and scintillator detector elements with light collection via silicon photomultipliers (SiPM) on a custom printed circuit board (PCB)

Summary

Introduction

The ability to reconstruct fine-resolution images in a high-count-rate environment is an ongoing challenge to the fields of nuclear security, medicine, and high energy physics. This study presents the characterization and performance of an image reconstruction algorithm and detector array in such an environment. The reconstruction algorithm was evaluated using ANSI testing standard N42.46-2008 for imaging performance of active interrogation systems for national security applications; this included spatial resolution, wire detection, and penetration studies. Demand for fine-resolution imaging in high-dose applications, including high-energy physics, medical physics, and nuclear security place a number of requirements on detection systems: withstand potential radiation damage, operate with short decay time, and function with high background present[1,2]. We evaluate the performance of an novel image reconstruction algorithm with a hybrid Cherenkov-scintillator imaging array system with light collection via silicon photomultipliers (SiPM). The imaging performance of the array and novel algorithm were evaluated using the ANSI standard for imaging performance of X-ray and gamma-ray systems for cargo and vehicle security screening, ANSI N42.46-200811

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