利用异形像元探测器的超分辨成像方法

随着光学成像全面进入光电数字成像时代,大多数成像系统的空间分辨率受限于探测器,所以提高探测器分辨率成为高分辨光电成像系统中的核心问题。而探测器的低分辨率主要是由于低采样频率和像元感光区的孔径效应而造成。最直接的解决方法就是减小像元尺寸,但会降低其他性能参数;针对最主要的限制因素——采样频率不足,目前多采用基于过采样原理的超分辨重建技术,通过提高探测器采样的频率来提高探测器的空间分辨率,但是其提升效果受到像元孔径效应的制约。为了进一步提高探测器受限的成像系统的空间分辨率,提出一种基于异形像元探测器的超分辨成像方法,将两列线阵异形像元探测器亚像元推扫实现像元细分,然后利用两列探测器所输出的灰度矩阵信息,重建出最终的高分辨图像。并分别通过理论评估和具体实验两方面验证该方法可以同时提高探测器的采样频率和截止频率,拓展带宽,从而实现高分辨率的目的。     

Spatial and spectral performance of a chromotomosynthetic hyperspectral imaging system

The spatial and spectral resolutions achievable by a prototype rotating prism chromotomosynthetic imaging (CTI) system operating in the visible spectrum are described. The instrument creates hyperspectral imagery by collecting a set of 2D images with each spectrally projected at a different rotation angle of the prism. Mathematical reconstruction techniques that have been well tested in the field of medical physics are used to reconstruct the data to produce the 3D hyperspectral image. The instrument operates with a 100 mm focusing lens in the spectral range of 400-900 nm with a field of view of 71.6 mrad and angular resolution of 0.8-1.6 μrad. The spectral resolution is 0.6 nm at the shortest wavelengths, degrading to over 10 nm at the longest wavelengths. Measurements using a point-like target show that performance is limited by chromatic aberration. The system model is slightly inaccurate due to poor estimation of detector spatial resolution, this is corrected based on results improving model performance. As with traditional dispersion technology, calibration of the transformed wavelength axis is required, though with this technology calibration improves both spectral and spatial resolution. While this prototype does not operate at high speeds, components exist which will allow for CTI systems to generate hyperspectral video imagery at rates greater than 100 Hz.     

使用感应电荷位敏阳极的极紫外单光子计数成像系统

研制了用于月基极紫外成像相机的二维极紫外位敏阳极光子计数成像探测器原型样机,该探测器系统主要由工作在脉冲计数模式下的微通道板堆、楔条形感应位敏阳极及相关的模拟和数据处理电路组成。设计和制备了周期为1.5mm,有效直径为47 mm的三电极楔条形位敏阳极,研制了最高计数率为200 kHz的前端模拟和数字电路。测量了探测器的暗计数率、脉冲高度分布、增益、线性及空间分辨率等工作特性。测量结果表明,探测器的空间分辨率为7.13 lp/mm(即0.14 mm),满足月基极紫外相机对空间分辨率的要求。     

基于图像反卷积的平板探测器信号串扰校正

平板探测器是锥束CT的关键组成部件，像元间的信号串扰是造成平板探测器投影图像空间分辨率低于极限值的主要因素，校正平板探测器信号串扰对提高锥束CT检测精度具有重要意义。本文基于点扩散函数矩阵反卷积投影图像去串扰校正思路，研究了点扩散函数矩阵的准确性对投影图像串扰校正的影响、点扩散函数和线扩散函数的关系及其与X射线成像的相似性，提出一种结合刀口法测量线扩散函数与平行束CT扫描重建的平板探测器点扩散函数矩阵测算方法。DR/CT扫描成像实验中，应用本文方法校正信号串扰后，DR成像空间分辨率由约10 lp/mm提升至优于25 lp/mm,高能CT成像空间分辨率由不到4 lp/mm提升至优于5 lp/mm,实验证明，应用本文方法能有效校正平板探测器信号串扰，提升锥束CT图像的空间分辨率和对比度。     

Monte Carlo electron-trajectory simulations in bright-field and dark-field STEM: Implications for tomography of thick biological sections

A Monte Carlo electron-trajectory calculation has been implemented to assess the optimal detector configuration for scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) tomography of thick biological sections. By modeling specimens containing 2 and 3 at% osmium in a carbon matrix, it was found that for 1-μm-thick samples the bright-field (BF) and annular dark-field (ADF) signals give similar contrast and signal-to-noise ratio provided the ADF inner angle and BF outer angle are chosen optimally. Spatial resolution in STEM imaging of thick sections is compromised by multiple elastic scattering which results in a spread of scattering angles and thus a spread in lateral distances of the electrons leaving the bottom surface. However, the simulations reveal that a large fraction of these multiply scattered electrons are excluded from the BF detector, which results in higher spatial resolution in BF than in high-angle ADF images for objects situated towards the bottom of the sample. The calculations imply that STEM electron tomography of thick sections should be performed using a BF rather than an ADF detector. This advantage was verified by recording simultaneous BF and high-angle ADF STEM tomographic tilt series from a stained 600-nm-thick section of C. elegans. It was found that loss of spatial resolution occurred markedly at the bottom surface of the specimen in the ADF STEM but significantly less in the BF STEM tomographic reconstruction. Our results indicate that it might be feasible to use BF STEM tomography to determine the 3D structure of whole eukaryotic microorganisms prepared by freeze-substitution, embedding, and sectioning.     

Experimental ultra fast X-ray computed tomography with a linearly scanned electron beam source

We devised and tested a computed tomography approach that utilises a scanned electron beam X-ray source to produce fast tomographic image sequences of transient density distributions. Potential application areas for this technique are the visualisation and measurement of two-phase and particle flows in thermofluid dynamics research, chemical processes, or transport systems for fluids and bulk solids. In our setup we used a linear deflection pattern for the electron beam and a non-annular detector arc to record transmission data of an object from different projection angles. This approach gives the highest achievable axial resolution and is comparatively moderate in effort and costs. For the inverse problem we applied iterative image reconstruction techniques to reconstruct the density distribution from a limited data set. The method has been experimentally tested on static and dynamic phantoms with a frame rate of 1000 images per second and a spatial resolution of approximately 1 mm in plane and axial.     

High resolution gamma ray tomography scanner for flow measurement and non-destructive testing applications

We report on the development of a high resolution gamma ray tomography scanner that is operated with a Cs-137 isotopic source at 662 keV gamma photon energy and achieves a spatial image resolution of 0.2 line pairs/ mm at 10% modulation transfer function for noncollimated detectors. It is primarily intended for the scientific study of flow regimes and phase fraction distributions in fuel element assemblies, chemical reactors, pipelines, and hydrodynamic machines. Furthermore, it is applicable to nondestructive testing of larger radiologically dense objects. The radiation detector is based on advanced avalanche photodiode technology in conjunction with lutetium yttrium orthosilicate scintillation crystals. The detector arc comprises 320 single detector elements which are operated in pulse counting mode. For measurements at fixed vessels or plant components, we built a computed tomography scanner gantry that comprises rotational and translational stages, power supply via slip rings, and data communication to the measurement personal computer via wireless local area network.     

High energy resolution bandpass photon detector for inverse photoemission spectroscopy

We report a bandpass ultraviolet photon detector for inverse photoemission spectroscopy with energy resolution of 82 ± 2 meV. The detector (Sr(0.7)Ca(0.3)F(2)/acetone) consists of Sr(0.7)Ca(0.3)F(2) entrance window with energy transmission cutoff of 9.85 eV and acetone as detection gas with 9.7 eV photoionization threshold. The response function of the detector, measured using synchrotron radiation, has a nearly Gaussian shape. The n = 1 image potential state of Cu(100) and the Fermi edge of silver have been measured to demonstrate the improvement in resolution compared to the CaF(2)/acetone detector. To show the advantage of improved resolution of the Sr(0.7)Ca(0.3)F(2)/acetone detector, the metal to semiconductor transition in Sn has been studied. The pseudogap in the semiconducting phase of Sn could be identified, which is not possible with the CaF(2)/acetone detector because of its worse resolution.     

基于滤光轮双相机系统的高光谱分辨率成像

滤光轮光谱成像系统在光谱成像领域应用广泛,空间分辨率高,但是光谱分辨率较低。针对这一问题,提出了基于滤光轮双相机系统的高光谱分辨率成像,设计了一种基于插分补偿的多光谱计算重构方法,实现系统的高光谱分辨率、高空间分辨率成像。首先利用滤光轮双相机成像系统采集多光谱图像以及RGB图像,然后从多光谱图像获取离散的光谱响应曲线,最后根据RGB三通道数据与光谱高维数据之间的映射关系以及能量守恒定理,进行光谱响应曲线的插分补偿并实现高光谱分辨率成像。实验结果表明,本文方法能够在保持空间分辨率的情况下,高效地实现光谱分辨率为5 nm甚至更高光谱分辨率的成像,重建结果与真实值的均方根误差为0.017 1,具有较好的准确性和鲁棒性。     

A photoelectron velocity map imaging spectrometer for experiments combining synchrotron and laser radiations

A velocity map imaging/ion time-of-flight spectrometer designed specifically for pump-probe experiments combining synchrotron and laser radiations is described. The in-house built delay line detector can be used in two modes: the high spatial resolution mode and the coincidence mode. In the high spatial resolution mode a kinetic energy resolution of 6% has been achieved. The coincidence mode can be used to improve signal-to-noise ratio for the pump-probe experiments either by using a gate to count electrons only when the laser is present or by recording coincidences with the ion formed in the ionization process.     

Determination of conditions for optimum resolution of a high angle thin window energy dispersive spectrometer.

The energy resolution of an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) equipped with an ultrathin window (UTW) and mounted at a high take-off angle (72 degrees) on a transmission electron microscope has been studied under a variety of operating conditions. The spectrometer resolution is close to that specified by the manufacturer, up to count rates of 400 cps. Above 400 cps the resolution deteriorates rapidly, and the MCA dead time and zero width increase. Above 10 keV, the height of the background is much greater than expected for bremsstrahlung and shows the shape which has previously been attributed to backscattered electron flux into the detector. It is postulated that the deterioration in resolution with count rate is caused by backscattered electrons reaching the detector through the UTW.     

A new imaging method for understanding chemical dynamics: efficient slice imaging using an in-vacuum pixel detector

The implementation of the Timepix complementary metal oxide semiconductor pixel detector in velocity map slice imaging is presented. This new detector approach eliminates the need for gating the imaging detector. In time-of-flight mode, the detector returns the impact position and the time-of-flight of charged particles with 12.5 ns resolution and a dynamic range of about 100?μs. The implementation of the Timepix detector in combination with a microchannel plate additionally allows for high spatial resolution information via center-of-mass centroiding. Here, the detector was applied to study the photodissociation of NO(2) at 452 nm. The energy resolution observed in the experiment was ΔE/E=0.05 and is limited by the experimental setup rather than by the detector assembly. All together, this new compact detector assembly is well-suited for slice imaging and is a promising tool for imaging studies in atomic and molecular physics research.     

Ultrahigh resolution soft x-ray emission spectrometer at BL07LSU in SPring-8

An extremely high resolution flat field type slit less soft x-ray emission spectrometer has been designed and constructed for the long undulator beamline BL07LSU in SPring-8. By optimizing the ruling parameters of two cylindrical gratings, a high energy resolution ΔE < 100 meV and/or an E∕ΔE ~ 10 000 are expected for the energy range of 350 eV - 750 eV taking into account the broadening by the spatial resolution (25 μm) of a CCD detector. A coma-free operation mode proposed by Strocov et al., is also applied to eliminate both defocus and coma aberrations. The spectrometer demonstrated experimentally that E/ΔE = 10 050 and 8046 for N 1s (402.1 eV) and Mn 2p (641.8 eV) edges, respectively.     

Note: characterization of CaF2/acetone bandpass photon detector with Kr filter gas

A modified design of a CaF(2)/acetone bandpass photon detector that uses Kr as a filter gas to tune the energy resolution is presented. Our design combines two standard single window detector tubes to build the Kr filter gas chamber. Synchrotron radiation has been used to determine the energy resolution of the detector, as a function of Kr pressure. The improvement in the detector energy resolution by 250 meV compared to the CaF(2)/acetone detector is better than that reported earlier. Substantial variation in the shape of the CaF(2)/acetone detector response functions is observed for different acetone pressure (≤3 mbar), and anode voltage (≤800 V). Our analysis reveals that the changes in the shape of the detector response function are associated to different regions of the detector operation.     

Three dimensional computerized microtomography in the analysis of sculpture

The Alte Nationalgalerie, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin (SMB) and the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) tested the accomplishment of the three dimensional computerized microtomography (3D-microCT)-a new flat panel detector computerized tomography (CT) system at the BAM with extended energy range, with high voltage X-ray tubes (330 and 225 kV), with micrometer focal spot size and micrometer resolution and enlarged object size (up to 70 cm diameter)-for examining plaster statues.The high spatial and density resolution of the tomograph enable detailed insights into the individual work processes of the investigated cast plaster statues. While initiated in support of the conservation process, computed tomography (CT) analysis has assisted in revealing relative chronologies within the series of the cast works of art, thus serving as a valuable tool in the art-historical appraisal of the oeuvres.The image-processing systems visualize the voids and cracks within and the cuts through the original cast works. Internal structures, armoring, sculptural reworking as well as restorative interventions are virtually reconstructed.The authors are currently employing the 3D-microCT systems at the BAM into the detection of defects in Carrara marble sculpture. Microcracks, fractures, and material flaws are visualized at spatial resolution down to 10 microm. Computerized reconstruction of ultrasound tomography is verified by analyzing correlations in the results obtained from the complementary application of these two non-destructive testing (NDT) methods of diagnosis.     

Position-sensitive detector of neutrons and nuclear fragments in the kinetic energy range of 10–200 MeV

The design of the position-sensitive neutron detector being developed by the Alikhanov Institute for Theoretical and Experimental Physics is described, and results of the simulation of its properties are presented. Based on the test results of the first prototype, the spatial resolution has been improved, and the detector shape has been optimized. The principal limitation on the positioning accuracy for neutrons is obtained from results of computer simulation in the GEANT4 environment. The expected spatial resolution of the designed detector is <1.5 cm.     

Heuristic optimization in penumbral image for high resolution reconstructed image

Penumbral imaging is a technique which uses the fact that spatial information can be recovered from the shadow or penumbra that an unknown source casts through a simple large circular aperture. The size of the penumbral image on the detector can be mathematically determined as its aperture size, object size, and magnification. Conventional reconstruction methods are very sensitive to noise. On the other hand, the heuristic reconstruction method is very tolerant of noise. However, the aperture size influences the accuracy and resolution of the reconstructed image. In this article, we propose the optimization of the aperture size for the neutron penumbral imaging.     

A new step towards the lattice reconstruction in 3DAP

The spatial resolution of images produced by 3DAP is known not to be limited by the detector performance but by the physics of field ionisation and field evaporation. This resolution can be expressed by two parameters: the depth resolution and the lateral resolution, which have been shown to achieve, respectively, 0.06 and 0.2nm in an ideal case of a pure metal. By using this model and these values, the resolution along any crystallographic direction can be predicted. In addition, it is possible to predict the suitable sites of analysis where a given type of atomic planes can be resolved. Furthermore, it is shown that three types of planes with non-coplanar directions can be imaged in 3D reconstructed volumes. Thus, the reconstruction of the original tungsten lattice can be achieved with the use of Fourier Transform image analysis techniques. It is shown that the reliability of the method can be achieve the value of 90%.     

Studying the spectrometric characteristics of an ionizing-radiation detector based on a LaBr<Subscript>3</Subscript>(Ce) scintillator and a silicon photomultiplier

The intrinsic background of a LaBr₃(Ce) scintillator with a diameter of 5 mm and a height of 10 mm has been studied in comparison with LYSO and CeBr₃ scintillators. It is shown that due to its high energy resolution the detector based on a LaBr₃(Ce) crystal exhibits the lowest background count rate in a specified amplitude range. The measured energy resolution of the detector based on a LaBr₃(Ce) crystal with dimensions of Ø5 mm × 10 mm in combination with a silicon photomultiplier with an active area of 3 × 3 mm² are presented. It is demonstrated that a detector array with the proposed configuration (a scintillator + a silicon photomultiplier enclosed in a common container) exhibits an energy resolution of 4% for 661.7-keV γ rays and a background count rate of ~0.39 cps in the energy range of (140 ± 3σ) keV.