Enhancing the selectivity of digital gamma-activation autoradiography by computer processing of a series of autoradiography images

Abstract

Computer processing of a series of autoradiography images obtained during sample storage (cooling) is first proposed to enhance the selectivity of gamma-activation autoradiography. To retain the spatial resolution of the method, the mathematical processing of the decay data is done for the selection of coaxially arranges pixels of a set of images. To visualize the results obtained, a method is proposed for generating a series of metaimages characterizing the spatial localization of pixels in the given range of half-lives. It was found that, for sample zones characterized by stable results in determining half-lives, the sample obeys the normal distribution, which provides a criterion for the differentiation of such zones from artifacts or background. Based on this discovery a new method is proposed for generating contrast metaimages, ensuring the separation of zones with half-lives differing by 1 h and more.