Ideal Point Source Research Articles

Investigation of spatial resolution characteristics of an in vivo microcomputed tomography system

The spatial resolution characteristics of an in vivo microcomputed tomography (CT) system was investigated in the in-plane (x–y), cross plane (z) and projection imaging modes. The microCT system utilized in this study employs a flat panel detector with a 127µm pixel pitch, a microfocus x-ray tube with a focal spot size ranging from 5–30µm, and accommodates three geometric magnifications (M) of 1.72, 2.54 and 5.10. The in-plane modulation transfer function (MTF) curves were measured as a function of the number of projections, geometric magnification (M), detector binning and reconstruction magnification (MRecon). The in plane cutoff frequency (10% MTF) ranged from 2.31lp/mm (M=1.72, 2×2 binning) to 12.56lp/mm (M=5.10, 1×1 binning) and a bar pattern phantom validated those measurements. A slight degradation in the spatial resolution was observed when comparing the image reconstruction with 511 and 918 projections, whose effect was visible at the lower frequencies. Small value of MRecon has little or no impact on the in-plane spatial resolution owning to a stable system. Large value of MRecon has implications on the spatial resolution and it was evident when comparing the bar pattern images reconstructed with MRecon=1.25 and 2.5. The cross plane MTF curves showed that the spatial resolution increased as the slice thickness decreased. The cutoff frequencies in the projection imaging mode yielded slightly higher values as compared to the in-plane and cross plane modes at all the geometric magnifications (M). At M=5.10, the cutoff resolution of the projection and cross plane on an ultra-high contrast resolution bar chip phantom were 14.9lp/mm and 13–13.5lp/mm. Due to the finite focal spot size of the x-ray tube, the detector blur and the reconstruction kernel functions, the system׳s spatial resolution does not reach the limiting spatial resolution as defined by the Nyquist׳s detector criteria with an ideal point source. The geometric magnification employed in the microCTs provide a tradeoff between field of view and spatial resolution for a wide range of applications.

The mean photon energy ĒF at the point of measurement determines the detector-specific radiation quality correction factor kQ,M in 192Ir brachytherapy dosimetry

The application of various radiation detectors for brachytherapy dosimetry has motivated this study of the energy dependence of radiation quality correction factor kQ,M, the quotient of the detector responses under calibration conditions at a 60Co unit and under the given non-reference conditions at the point of measurement, M, occurring in photon brachytherapy. The investigated detectors comprise TLD, radiochromic film, ESR, Si diode, plastic scintillator and diamond crystal detectors as well as ionization chambers of various sizes, whose measured response-energy relationships, taken from the literature, served as input data. Brachytherapy photon fields were Monte-Carlo simulated for an ideal isotropic 192Ir point source, a model spherical 192Ir source with steel encapsulation and a commercial HDR GammaMed Plus source. The radial source distance was varied within cylindrical water phantoms with outer radii ranging from 10 to 30cm and heights from 20 to 60cm. By application of this semiempirical method - originally developed for teletherapy dosimetry - it has been shown that factor kQ,M is closely correlated with a single variable, the fluence-weighted mean photon energy ĒF at the point of measurement. The radial profiles of ĒF obtained with either the commercial 192Ir source or the two simplified source variants show little variation. The observed correlations between parameters kQ,M and ĒF are represented by fitting formulae for all investigated detectors, and further variation of the detector type is foreseen. The herewith established close correlation of radiation quality correction factor kQ,M with local mean photon energy ĒF can be regarded as a simple regularity, facilitating the practical application of correction factor kQ,M for in-phantom dosimetry around 192Ir brachytherapy sources. ĒF values can be assessed by Monte Carlo simulation or measurement. A technique describing the local measurement of ĒF will be published separately.

Improve spatial resolution by Modeling Finite Focal Spot (MFFS) for industrial CT reconstruction.

The finite focal spot is one of the major limitations of the high spatial resolution CT, especially to the high-energy industrial CT system with a macro-focus x-ray source. In this paper, we propose an efficient reconstruction framework through finite focal spot size based projection modeling to improve the spatial resolution of current industrial CT system, and demonstrate the superior performance of this method. First of all, the blurred projection produced by a finite size source is modeled as the integral ideal projection of a given point source over the finite focal spot support. Under the model discretization, the approximate linear equivalence relation between the actual finite focus model and the ideal point source model is established. Then a projection recovery method with this relationship is presented to recover the projection of the finer focal spot from the blurred projection. Finally, a high-spatial resolution image can be reconstructed from the recovered projections using the standard Filtered Back-Projection (FBP) algorithm. Furthermore the noise in the reconstructed image with different model parameters is studied and a difference image based fusion method is presented for the further suppression of the noise caused by the projection analysis processing. Both numerical simulations and real experiments have shown that the proposed reconstruction framework with the outstanding performance and efficiency characteristics can significantly enhance the spatial resolutions of current high-energy industrial CT systems.

Research of the Design and Simulation of Ultrasonic Focusing System with Phased Array

At present, the most common way of ultrasonic focusing is concave spherical self-focusing, ultrasonic focusing on lens and phased array ultrasonic focusing. Phased array ultrasonic focusing system is made up by multiple independent transducer unit array, according to the specific way and timing, real-time control of different arrays of ultrasonic signal phase. Established the ideal point source consisting of piezoelectric transducer phased array model 4 * 4 by the use of COMSOL, and results got the phased array focused in the simulation experiments.

Mu and epsilon near zero metamaterials for perfect coherence and new antenna designs.

Wave interference is a fundamental physical phenomenon. Traditionally, the coherent effect of two identical point sources only takes place when the optical path is an integer number of wavelengths. In this paper, we show that mu and epsilon near zero (MENZ) metamaterials can be used to realize a perfectly constructive and isotropic interference. No matter how many point sources are embedded in the MENZ region, the wavefronts overlap perfectly. This translates into a total relaxation of the conventional condition for coherence enabled by the apparent infinite wavelength of the fields within MENZ metamaterials. Furthermore, we investigate crucial parameters such as the shape and size of the MENZ region. We demonstrate that flat sided geometries give rise to constructive interference beams serving as a powerful design mean. We also reveal the importance of relying on deeply sub-wavelength MENZ volumes as larger sizes increase the impedance and therefore reduce the output power of the device. The proposed concepts bear significance for current trends in antenna design which are inspired by the recent developments of electromagnetic metamaterials. Moreover, the perfect coherence effect can be appealing for power combiners, especially in the terahertz where sources are dim, as the irradiation intensity scales with the square of the number of embedded sources.

Overlapped optics induced perfect coherent effects

For traditional coherent effects, two separated identical point sources can be interfered with each other only when the optical path difference is integer number of wavelengths, leading to alternate dark and bright fringes for different optical path difference. For hundreds of years, such a perfect coherent condition seems insurmountable. However, in this paper, based on transformation optics, two separated in-phase identical point sources can induce perfect interference with each other without satisfying the traditional coherent condition. This shifting illusion media is realized by inductor-capacitor transmission line network. Theoretical analysis, numerical simulations and experimental results are performed to confirm such a kind of perfect coherent effect and it is found that the total radiation power of multiple elements system can be greatly enhanced. Our investigation may be applicable to National Ignition Facility (NIF), Inertial Confined Fusion (ICF) of China, LED lighting technology, terahertz communication, and so on.

Ideal point source for modeling room acoustics

A tiny explosion from a laser pulse comes in handy when you need a broadband signal. A tiny explosion from a laser pulse comes in handy when you need a broadband signal.

Ideal point source for modeling room acoustics

Ideal point source for modeling room acoustics

EM 시뮬레이션 기반의 어레이 매니폴드를 이용한 방향 탐지 시스템 성능 분석

In this paper, by using a commercial EM simulator, we could obtain the array manifold which are phase responses of an array antenna for the incident plane wave and then verified the effectiveness of methodology after comparing with the measurement. The result shows that the array manifold can be calculated including not only the phase response of the ideal point sources but also the influences of the mutual coupling between antennas and the installed platform. Also it can exclude the interference of strong broadcasting signal and the disturbance of the multipath in the calibration process. Finally, to predict the performances of direction finding systems, a novel method using both the EM simulation-based receiving signal and the sparsely sampled array manifold with the parabolic estimation is proposed. This method can be utilized in the various fields of direction-finding since it shows the superior predictive performance even in low SNR conditions.

Reply to: MRI resolution enhancement: How useful are shifted images obtained by changing the demodulation frequency?

Super-resolution reconstruction is a process by which a set of different low resolution images of the same object are used to create an enhanced, higher resolution image of that object. Recently there has been debate amongst researchers whether it is possible to obtain in-plane image enhancement using a set of low resolution magnetic resonance images, acquired by making small, independent changes to the demodulation frequency. We show that shifted low-resolution images contain different information that can be used to obtain denser sampling, leading to image enhancement. We conclude this from specific phantom experiments, applying signal processing sampling theory and taking into consideration the relative sampling of the point spread function with respect to the location of signal sources. Furthermore, the maximum achievable resolution for Fourier encoded MRI data at a boundary or object feature is governed by the effective width of the point spread function or the Fourier pixel size determined by the extent of k-space; this is verified experimentally.

The simulation of finite ERT electrodes using the complete electrode model

Direct-current resistivity surveys usually are performed using steel rods of finite extent and grounding resistance. However, in modeling, electrodes are commonly treated as ideal point sources. We present an approach for numerical computation applying the complete electrode model (CEM), which is known from medical imaging. The electrode surface was discretized, and the partial-differential equations were extended by additional relations incorporating a contact impedance and a condition for the current flow through the electrode surface. We verified the modeling of the electrical potential using an analytical solution for a perfectly coupled half-ellipsoid current source. To quantify the influence of a finite electrode, we computed the electrode effect as the ratio between CEM and point-source solution and investigated its dependence on geometry and contact impedance. Surface measurements using rods of typical spatial extent showed electrode effects on the order of the measuring accuracy for an electrode length/spacing ratio lower than 0.2. However, the effects are more significant for closed geometries such as experimental tanks. A comparison with a point approximation for finite electrodes using point-source locations along the electrode axis showed the best agreement, with points at about 60% of the electrode extension. The contact impedance played a minor role for four-point measurements, contributing only a few percent to the electrode effect. In addition to penetrating electrodes, we investigated surface electrodes with galvanic or capacitive coupling, showing electrode effects on the same order as for penetrating electrodes. An inhomogeneous resistivity distribution clearly increased the size of the effects. We also investigate the use of CEM to simulate current injected through steel-cased boreholes. Finally, we applied the approach with buried ring electrodes to calculate effects caused mainly by geometric disturbances from the borehole.

Perfect drain for the Maxwell fish eye lens

Perfect imaging of electromagnetic waves using the Maxwell fish eye (MFE) requires a new concept: a point called the perfect drain that we shall call the perfect point drain. From the mathematical point of view, a perfect point drain is just like an ideal point source, except that it drains power from the electromagnetic field instead of generating it. We introduce here the perfect drain for the MFE as a dissipative region of non-zero size that completely drains the power from the point source. To accomplish this goal, the region must have a precise complex permittivity that depends on its size as well as on the frequency. The perfect point drain is obtained when the diameter of the perfect drain tends to zero. This interpretation of the perfect point drain is connected well with common concepts of electromagnetic theory, opening up both modeling in computer simulations and experimental verification of setups containing a perfect point drain.

Fabrication of three‐dimensional photonic crystals in quantum‐dot‐based materials

AbstractControlling spontaneous emission (SE) is of fundamental importance to a diverse range of photonic applications including but not limited to quantum optics, low power displays, solar energy harvesting and optical communications. Characterized by photonic bandgap (PBG) property, three‐dimensional (3D) photonic crystals (PCs) have emerged as a promising synthetic material, which can manipulate photons in much the same way as a semiconductor does to electrons. Emission tunable nanocrystal quantum dots (QDs) are ideal point sources to be embedded into 3D PCs towards active devices. The challenge however lies in the combination of QDs with 3D PCs without degradation of their emission properties. Polymer materials stand out for this purpose due to their flexibility of incorporating active materials. Combining the versatile multi‐photon 3D micro‐fabrication techniques, active 3D PCs have been fabricated in polymer‐QD composites with demonstrated control of SE from QDs. With this milestone novel miniaturized photonic devices can thus be envisaged.

Noble-Metal Covered W(111) Single-Atom Electron Sources

Single-atom tips can be used as ideal point sources of electron beams. Noble-metal covered W(111) single-atom tips can be reliably prepared and their lifetimes are long enough for real applications. These tips are both thermally and chemically stable and can be regenerated in vacuum when accidentally damaged or contaminated. The atomic stacking remains the same each time it is regenerated. The small opening angle, smallest emitting area, high brightness, high spatial coherence, and high stability of these single-atom electron sources make them highly desirable for many applications. Both the brightness and spatial coherency of these electron sources are orders of magnitude better than those of the state-of-the-art electron sources used in electron microscopes. Application of these sources may significantly improve the performance and expand the capabilities of current electron microscopes and would probably open up many new possibilities in electron-beam based techniques.

Noble-Metal Covered W(111) Single-Atom Electron Sources

Single-atom tips can be used as ideal point sources of electron beams. It has been shown that noble-metal covered W(111) single-atom tips can be reliably prepared and their lifetimes are long enough for real applications. These tips are both thermally and chemically stable, and can be regenerated in vacuum when accidentally damaged or contaminated. The atomic stacking remains the same each time it is regenerated. The small opening angle, smallest emitting area, high brightness, high spatial coherence, and high stability of these single-atom electron sources make them highly desirable for many applications. Both the brightness and spatial coherency of these electron sources are orders of magnitude better than those of the state-of-the-art electron sources used in electron microscopes. Application of these sources may significantly improve the performance and expand the capabilities of current electron microscopes, and open up many new possibilities in electron-beam based techniques.

Development and characterization of an omni-directional photoacoustic point source for calibration of a staring 3D photoacoustic imaging system

Photoacoustic imaging is a modality which makes use of the contrast provided by optical imaging techniques and the spatial resolution and penetration depth similar to acoustic imaging modalities. We have developed a method for fast 3D photoacoustic imaging using a sparse hemispherical array of transducers. Such a system requires characterization of the transducer's response to an ideal point source in order to accurately reconstruct objects in the imaging volume. First, an attempt was made to design an ideal photoacoustic point source via a combination of liquids which would appropriately scatter and absorb the light such that a spherical distribution was achieved. Methylene blue (MB(+)) was used as the primary optical absorber while Intralipid (IL) was used as the liquid responsible for the optical scatter. A multitude of combinations were tested and the signal uniformity was characterized. The combination of 200 microM MB(+) and 0.09% IL was found to produce the most uniform signal over the range of transducers in the hemispherical array. The liquid source was then characterized over a broader range of azimuthal and zenith angles where it was shown the azimuthal consistency was much greater than the stability seen in different zenith elevations. The source was then used in a calibration scan for an imaging volume of 40 x 40 x 40 mm(3). At 216 points evenly spaced in the imaging volume, parameters were recorded for signal amplitude, width, and time-of-flight. These calibration parameters could then be applied to an iterative reconstruction algorithm in an attempt to more accurately produce images.

A general formula for the prediction of vent flows

A new formula for fire-induced wall vent flow rate is developed based upon a theoretical derivation and mathematical fit to data. Previous research had developed a formula of mass flow rate for fire-induced doorway flows only. Here it is extended to include window flows. A theoretical model based on an ideal point source fire plume is used to guide the form of the empirical correlation. A thorough examination concerning the difference between the window and doorway flow modes is conducted. Both sill height and width of the windows pose key influence on the formula. The two vent configurations are merged into one equation. The results were compared to available flow data and shown to be within 15% accuracy for a wide range of fire conditions.

Flexible microfluidic devices supported by biodegradable insertion scaffolds for convection-enhanced neural drug delivery

Convection enhanced delivery (CED) can improve the spatial distribution of drugs delivered directly to the brain. In CED, drugs are infused locally into tissue through a needle or catheter inserted into brain parenchyma. Transport of the infused material is dominated by convection, which enhances drug penetration into tissue compared with diffusion mediated delivery. We have fabricated and characterized an implantable microfluidic device for chronic convection enhanced delivery protocols. The device consists of a flexible parylene-C microfluidic channel that is supported during its insertion into tissue by a biodegradable poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) scaffold. The scaffold is designed to enable tissue penetration and then erode over time, leaving only the flexible channel implanted in the tissue. The device was able to reproducibly inject fluid into neural tissue in acute experiments with final infusate distributions that closely approximate delivery from an ideal point source. This system shows promise as a tool for chronic CED protocols.

An analysis of compartment fire doorway flows

A mathematical study is made to compute the doorway flow behavior due to fire in a room. Two approaches were taken, first a model attempting to include the effect of fire entrainment and vent mixing; second was a model based on an ideal point source plume fire—both in the zone model concept. Limiting analytic results were found for the latter to give insight into the physics. The results were compared to available flow data, and an approximate formula was developed to predict the doorway mass flow rate to within 20% for a wide range of fire conditions. CFD computations were also explored using FDS. Results are compared from FDS and the zone model with experimental data for a wide range of variables.

Directional sources and beamforming.

Beamforming is done with an array of sensors to achieve a directional or spatially specific response. It relies on a model of the wave front (source model) arriving at the array to calculate the time delay, or frequency domain phase shift, that must be applied to the signal of each sensor so that they may be summed coherently. Beamforming may be used to improve signal to noise ratio, reduce reverberation, cancel interference, or estimate source location. In this talk the directionality of some real world sources that deviate from an ideal point source is discussed. Performance measures used to evaluate the directivity properties of a beamformer are reviewed. The validity of assuming a point source is examined and challenges for beamforming with nonpoint sources are discussed.