Signal evaluation of a novel dual-energy multimedia imaging sensor

In this study, experimental results on the signal quality of a multimedia imaging detector, operating on gaseous solid state ionization principles, with specific emphasis on single X-ray exposure dual-energy radiography, are presented. The results of this study indicate that the multimedia detector technology exhibits excellent signal characteristics suitable for a large number of imaging applications.     

Exploitation of enhanced fluorescence via cross-coupling principles toward the design of an optical integrated thin-film sensor for nanotechnology and biomedical applications

A novel fluorescence thin-film integrated sensor has been proposed that retains the beneficial selectivity characteristics typical of optical and electronic sensors, while improving the signal-to-noise ratio in a miniature geometry. The sensor can be tuned to measure a wide variety of biological species by varying its thin-film corrugation period. The optical properties of the sensor are determined, in large part, by optical cross coupling through a corrugated metal film and enhanced fluorescence. The surface plasmon to surface plasmon cross coupling was theoretically modeled and experimentally tested. Finally, prospective applications of this sensor in the key areas of nanotechnology and bioengineering are discussed.     

Detected contrast and dynamic range measurements of CdZnTesemiconductors for flat-panel digital radiography

The detected contrast and dynamic ranges of Cd_1-xZn_xTe semiconductor detectors have been measured, within the X-ray diagnostic energy range, using a contrast sensitivity phantom. The aim of this study is to optimize the image quality parameters of these solid state ionization devices for flat panel digital radiographic applications. The experimental results of this study indicate that Cd_1-xZn_xTe detectors have excellent detected contrast response and large dynamic range     

A novel sensor for X-ray imaging applications

In this study, a novel direct X-ray conversion electronic sensor for X-ray imaging, aimed at the enhancement of the signal characteristics of a cadmium zinc telluride (CdZnTe) detector substrate, is proposed. CdZnTe substrates are promising candidates in detector technology since they have a high stopping power. The novelty of the sensor lies in the material of use as well as in the signal collector design, which exhibits “Frisch-grid” capabilities. As a result, the proposed technology provides an effective mode to shield the electron-collecting electrode from the charge induced on it from moving positive ions and trapped charge. Overall, this technology would allow for a decreased sensor thickness, accompanied with a high collector efficiency, and consequently improved signal characteristics. Therefore, the signal quality of an imaging sensor as applied to medical detector technology, radio astronomy, aviation security, surveillance and nondestructive inspection, and other industrial areas will be significantly improved     

Timing characteristics of a Cd1-xZnxTedetector-based X-ray imaging system

The timing characteristics of a planar Cd_1-xZn_x Te sample at each frequency of a scanning square-wave test pattern, has been measured. This study is aimed at evaluating the speed characteristics of a Cd_1-xZn_xTe detector for X-ray imaging and computed tomographic (CT) applications. The experimental results of this study indicate that the temporal response of a Cd_1-xZn_xTe detector based X-ray system, improves significantly by optimizing the X-ray tube and detector parameters     

Detective quantum efficiency [DQE(0)] of CZT semiconductor detectors for digital radiography

In this paper, the detective quantum efficiency (DQE) of cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) detector samples for digital radiography has been measured. Specifically, this study is aimed at investigating the zero-frequency DQE(0) under different X-ray tube and detector parameters. The experimental results of this study indicate that the DQE(0) of the CZT samples is strongly dependent upon the irradiation geometry. This is attributed to the incomplete charge collection process, which can be further improved by controlling the purity of the samples and the contact type.     

Key paradigms of emerging imaging sensor technologies

In this paper, key paradigms of emerging imaging technologies from different technological areas, are presented. Examples of transfer, utilization, and exchange of the imaging technology are offered and discussed. These phenomena, will create advanced solutions for potential development in different areas of science and technology. Overall, new imaging technologies will merge and are expected to play an ever-expanding role in the civilian and military applications of the next century     

Design of a field programmable gate array-based platform for real-time de-noising of optical imaging signals using wavelet transforms

In this study, the design of a low-cost, field programmable gate array (FPGA)-based digital hardware platform that implements wavelet transform algorithms for real-time signal de-noising of optical imaging signals is presented. The proposed digital hardware de-noising platform can achieve a throughput of 25 Msamples per second, with a latency from input to output of 1.5 μs. The system fits on a 10K20, one of the smaller field programmable gate arrays from the Altera Flex 10K family, and represents a low-cost approach to signal de-noising. Preliminary experimental results clearly indicate the potential of the presented FPGA-based digital platform for real-time de-noising of signals utilized for the detection and imaging of surface defects and discontinuities.     

Multifusion Multispectral Lightwave Polarimetric Detection Principles and Systems

The objective of this paper is to present novel detection principles based on all active multispectral polarimetric subtraction imaging principles of targets embedded in scattering media. The novelty of this contribution consists in the formation of multispectral Stokes' parameter image differences, degree of linear polarization image differences, and Mueller-matrix image differences. As a result, high-contrast high-specificity images can be obtained by removing the background from the target. Further contrast enhancement of the target with light beam steering capabilities can be obtained by doping the background surrounding the target or the target itself with high-index-of-refraction polar molecules/nanoparticles. The presented optical principles can be successfully applied to a variety of applications, such as cancer detection and treatment, molecular imaging, and development of photonics and nanophotonic devices, for a widespread group of applications, such as defense and advanced medical diagnostic and analytical devices