基于合成孔径技术的内镜超声相控阵成像算法

利用孔径大小为2.32mm的16阵元换能器,搭建了一套16通道的内镜超声相控阵成像实验系统。在此基础上提出了一种适用于内镜成像的相控阵成像算法(PAI),该算法利用延时和叠加算法(DAS)取得扫描线数据,再利用合成孔径技术中的相干样点叠加,得到高分辨率图像。该相控阵成像算法实现了发射和接收的动态聚焦。经FieldII仿真和内镜探头超声成像实验验证,与延时和叠加算法以及动态接收聚焦算法(DRF)相比,图像的理论横向分辨率分别提高了93.68%和17.5%,实验获得的实际横向分辨率分别提高了92.78%和14.69%,验证了相控阵成像算法和实验系统的可行性。     

圆柱类构件超声相控阵聚焦模型

在利用平面相控阵超声换能器对圆柱类构件检测时，受曲界面结构引起的入射波和回波时延的影响，扫描声束的波阵面产生弯曲，在利用传统迭代遍历算法计算延迟时间时效率低，无法发挥相控阵换能器检测优势。针对上述问题，建立了一种基于圆柱类构件特征和耦合介质特性的超声相控阵扫描成像的聚焦模型。该模型基于换能器、耦合介质、圆柱类构件材料特性和几何关系以及声线模型和折射定律，建立了耦合介质及被检构件的声速、曲面曲率半径、阵列与曲面间的距离等关联的延迟时间聚焦控制模型。利用该模型计算出的延时时间，对各阵元发射时间进行控制，从而实现扫描声束的聚焦。该文以液体和有机玻璃制介质楔块为例，对圆柱钢曲面的相控阵声束聚焦进行了仿真实验，结果表明该文方法计算效率显著提升，同时声束可以在预设位置实现聚焦，验证了该模型在计算效率上的优势与有效性。     

渐进式频率-波数域全聚焦超声成像

为了提高全聚焦超声成像的质量和速度,提出了渐进式频率波数域全聚焦超声成像方法（GTFM-FW）。首先通过逐次激励超声相控阵各阵元并全孔径采集回波,得到全矩阵数据;然后通过傅里叶变换将全矩阵数据中的一组或多组对角线数据变换到频率波数域,对各组对角线数据的变换结果进行对齐并叠加;最后利用Stolt变换和二维逆傅里叶变换得到全聚焦成像结果。为了验证算法的有效性,对仿真点目标以及试块进行了详细成像实验。结果表明:本文方法可以通过改变全矩阵数据的使用量来实现成像分辨率与旁瓣干扰间的折中。并且由于采用频率波数域处理,在成像分辨率优于传统全聚焦成像算法的情况下,运算量大大降低。      

钢轨缺陷的超声相控阵波数成像算法*

该文应用超声相控阵全矩阵捕获的波数成像算法,检测带有通孔缺陷的钢轨和B型相控阵试块。以实验获取的全矩阵数据为基础,研究了自发自收模式和全矩阵模式的波数成像算法,理论上分析了全聚焦方法和波数算法的计算性能,取得波数成像的结果并与全聚焦方法的成像结果做了对比。实验结果表明:波数成像算法具有更快的计算速度和更高的横向分辨率,且能够更加精准地还原钢轨中缺陷大小和形状,而传统的全聚焦方法计算耗时长,聚焦点分布不均匀,重建较大的缺陷出现了纵向拉长的现象,不能够较好地反映钢轨中的大缺陷。波数成像算法在各向同性材料实时检测中有很大的应用潜能。     

相控阵高强度聚焦超声高阵元驱动效率相位独立控制方法

针对如何简化上百阵元高强度聚焦超声相控阵控制模块的问题,本文提出高阵元驱动效率的相位独立控制方法。利用该方法计算了一种256阵元中心开孔球面相控阵的聚焦声场,并与传统的幅度相位综合控制方法进行了分析和比较。计算和实验结果表明该方法在简化相控阵驱动控制模块、提高阵元驱动效率的同时,可以有效实现相控阵的空间三维单焦点聚焦。由于阵元驱动控制的简化而引起的焦域能量偏差,可以通过适当调整相控阵输入总声功率进行有效的补偿。     

硅基光学相控阵性能评估方法

针对典型光学相控阵,建立了一套硅基光学相控阵芯片性能评估方法,为光学相控阵优化设计提供可靠的数据支撑。通过设计傅里叶成像系统对光学相控阵进行动态成像,能够实现对近场远场成像的同步观察。在该基础上设计校准方案对相控阵初始相位进行校准优化,同时对扫描速度、角度和精度等特性参数进行了从理论推导和仿真到测试系统结构设计的整体分析。     

超声虚源成像中自适应双向空间逐点聚焦方法

针对传统超声成像中图像分辨率和对比度随深度下降的问题,提出了一种基于虚源的自适应双向空间逐点聚焦超声成像方法。首先,使用超声换能器线列阵分子孔径分别定焦点发射和接收超声波,采集扫描线数据;然后将焦点视为虚拟点声源,计算虚源到空间成像点的延时,利用合成孔径原理再次进行空间逐点聚焦;在合成过程中采用相干系数进行自适应加权。采用空间脉冲响应法对不同深度的点目标和囊目标仿真成像,从而量化分辨率和对比度。在F数为1.5、焦距为10 mm时(对应子孔径阵元数为17)可以获得与64通道定焦点发射、动态聚焦接收相当的图像质量且在所有深度上保持一致。实际硬件平台的体模成像实验进一步验证了方法的有效性。该方法可在整个成像深度范围内保持和常规成像一致的分辨率和对比度,从而获得更优的整体成像效果。     

经颅超声聚焦方法和声场特性研究

基于高分辨的CT数据建立了非均匀颅骨仿真模型,该模型引入了颅骨的声衰减系数,深入研究和分析了声波时间反转法和超声相控阵法在颅脑中的聚焦方法及效果。颅骨具有较强的声波衰减特性,使用时间反转聚焦时需要进行幅度补偿,对于0.7MHz的频率信号,幅度补偿后的时间反转聚焦声场主瓣宽度窄、旁瓣低,焦点处声场比无幅度补偿的时间反转法提高8.86dB,比超声相控阵聚焦法提高7.89dB,具有很好的空间聚焦精度和聚焦效率。研究了颅骨衰减系数、声场焦点位置、声波频率、换能器阵列位置和方位等参数对聚焦声场的影响,结果表明,幅度补偿时间反转法比相控阵法具有更低的旁瓣,且高频时的聚焦效果比相控阵好,相控阵聚焦对换能器阵列的位置和方位比较敏感,而时间反转经颅超声聚焦对声传播路径和入射角具有更高的鲁棒性。      

超声虚源成像中自适应双向空间逐点聚焦方法

针对传统超声成像中图像分辨率和对比度随深度下降的问题,提出了一种基于虚源的自适应双向空间逐点聚焦超声成像方法。首先,使用超声换能器线列阵分子孔径分别定焦点发射和接收超声波,采集扫描线数据;然后将焦点视为虚拟点声源,计算虚源到空间成像点的延时,利用合成孔径原理再次进行空间逐点聚焦;在合成过程中采用相干系数进行自适应加权。采用空间脉冲响应法对不同深度的点目标和囊目标仿真成像,从而量化分辨率和对比度。在F数为1.5、焦距为10 mm时(对应子孔径阵元数为17)可以获得与64通道定焦点发射、动态聚焦接收相当的图像质量且在所有深度上保持一致。实际硬件平台的体模成像实验进一步验证了方法的有效性。该方法可在整个成像深度范围内保持和常规成像一致的分辨率和对比度,从而获得更优的整体成像效果。     

奥氏体不锈钢焊缝中的声学仿真模型与全聚焦成像检测

声波在奥氏体不锈钢焊缝中传播时,由于声束弯曲,为超声成像带来了困难。我们基于Ogilvy焊缝模型,建立了奥氏体不锈钢焊缝非均匀各向异性声场仿真模型,采用Dijkstra路径搜索算法对各向异性条件下的声传播路径和声传播时间进行了数值模拟和分析。在此基础上,采用Verasonics超声相控阵成像系统,进行了奥氏体不锈钢焊缝的全聚焦成像实验。结合理论模型计算的声传播路径和相应的传播时间,对采集到的全矩阵回波数据进行了成像检测。结果表明,与均匀介质模型的全聚焦成像结果相比,基于本文模型的焊缝全聚焦成像检测结果具有更高的缺陷定位精度和分辨率,验证了本方法的可行性,为奥氏体不锈钢焊缝成像检测提供了新的思路。     

A post-processing technique for extending depth of focus in conventional optical microscopy

In this paper, we propose a post-processing technique to obtain optical microscope images with extended depth of focus using a conventional microscope. With the proposed technique, we collect a sequence of images focused at different depths. We then combine the in-focus regions of each acquired frame to compose a single all-in-focus image. That is, a new image with extended depth of focus is obtained. The key to such an algorithm is in selecting the “in-focus” regions from each frame. In this paper, we describe the technique used to identify the in-focus region on every depth slice. Quantitative simulation results are presented where mean absolute error is used as a metric to assess the algorithm performance. Results using real imagery are also presented for subjective evaluation. Based on subjective evaluation and the quantitative simulation results, we believe that the proposed algorithm provides useful depth of focus extension.     

Parameter study of 3D synthetic aperture post-beamforming procedure

A method to increase the image resolution and dynamic range is to use the acquired data from several emissions (lines) and to beamform the collected RF signals treating the focal point in transmit as a virtual source of a spherical wave. The transducer is swept mechanically over the region of interest to scan a full volume. The same beamformation procedure is applied both in the azimuth and the elevation planes. This paper presents a study of the influence of the position of the transmit focus on the image resolution, the signal-to-noise ratio and penetration depth. The investigation is based on simulations and measurements. The system used in this work is a research scanner developed at the department. The transducer is a 7.5 MHz linear array with a pitch of 208 microm and a fixed focus in the elevation direction at 25 mm. The field is simulated for points placed at every 5 mm between 10 and 150 mm depths. Different positions (100) of the transmit focus are investigated. For every transmit focus the image is beamformed and evaluated. Finally the gain in signal-to-noise ratio and penetration depth are investigated experimentally for the setup, with which the best resolution is achieved. Simulations indicate that the size of the point spread function at a depth of 60 mm is decreased from 3 mm to 0.66 mm and from 4 mm to 2.5 mm in the azimuth and elevation planes, respectively. The gain in signal-to-noise ratio measured in a tissue mimicking phantom is 10 dB. The penetration depth increases from 70 to 100 mm. The method can be applied in applications, where the image quality is of prime importance, such as in the classification of atherosclerotic lesions in the carotid artery.     

A post-compression based ultrasound imaging technique for simultaneous transmit multi-zone focusing

The compression error of post-compression based coded excitation techniques increases with decreasing f-number, which causes the elevation of side-lobe levels. In this paper, a post-compression based coded excitation technique with reduced compression errors through dynamic aperture control is proposed. To improve the near-field resolution with no frame rate reduction, the proposed method performs simultaneous transmit multi-zone focusing using two mutually orthogonal complementary Golay codes. In the proposed method, the two mutually orthogonal sequences of length 16 are simultaneously transmitted toward two different focal depths, which are separately compressed into two short pulses on receive after dynamic focusing is performed. After carrying out the same transmit-receive operation for the same scan line with the complementary set of the orthogonal Golay codes, a single scan line with two transmit foci is obtained.The computer simulation results using a linear array with a center frequency of 7.5 MHz and 60% 6 dB bandwidth show that the range side-lobe level can be suppressed below −50 dB, when f-number is maintained not smaller than 3. The performance of the proposed scheme for a smaller f-number of 2 was also verified through actual experiments using a 3.85 MHz curved linear array with 60% 6 dB bandwidth. Both the simulation and experimental results show that the proposed method provides improved lateral resolution compared to the conventional pre-compressed and post-compression based coded excitation imaging using Golay codes.     

Depth of focus extended microscope configuration for imaging of incorporated groups of molecules, DNA constructs and clusters inside bacterial cells

Imaging of small objects such as single molecules, DNA clusters and single bacterial cells is problematic not only due to the lateral resolution that is obtainable in currently existing microscopy but also, and as much fundamentally limiting, due to the lack of sufficient axial depth of focus to have the full object focused simultaneously. Extension in depth of focus is helpful also for single molecule steady state FRET measurements. In this technique it is crucial to obtain data from many well focused molecules, which are often located in different axial depths.In this paper we present the implementation of an all-optical and a real time technique of extension in the depth of focus that may be incorporated in any high NA microscope system and to be used for the above mentioned applications. We demonstrate experimentally how after the integration of special optical element in high NA 100× objective lens of a single molecule imaging microscope system, the depth of focus is significantly improved while maintaining the same lateral resolution in imaging applications of incorporated groups of molecules, DNA constructs and clusters inside bacterial cells.     

Holoscopy--holographic optical coherence tomography

Scanning optical coherence tomography (OCT) is limited in sensitivity and resolution by the restricted focal depth of the confocal detection scheme. Holoscopy, a combination of holography and Fourier-domain full-field OCT, is proposed as a way to detect photons from all depths of a sample volume simultaneously with uniform sensitivity and lateral resolution, even at high NAs. By using the scalar diffraction theory, as frequently applied in digital holographic imaging, we fully reconstruct the object field with depth-invariant imaging quality. In vivo imaging of human skin is demonstrated with an image quality comparable to conventionally scanned OCT.     

Study on effective probe depth of optical coherence tomography system by Monte Carlo simulation

The intensities of Class I and Class II signals at several different probing depths and different coherence lengths are analyzed using a Monte Carlo model with a pencil beam, and the result shows that the longitudinal resolution has influence on the effective probe depth. A Monte Carlo model for optical coherence tomography system with a focused Gaussian beam is proposed. The intensities of Class I and Class II signals at different probing depth for different radius and depth of focus of the beam are simulated using this model. We found that increasing of the depth of focus and decreasing of the beam radius can finitely increase effective probing depth. When the effective probing depth is fixed, optimal signal intensity can be achieved by altering the beam radius or the depth of focus.     

Extended depth of focus in tomographic phase microscopy using a propagation algorithm

Tomographic phase microscopy is a laser interferometry technique in which a 3D refractive index map of a biological sample is constructed from quantitative phase images collected at a set of illumination angles. Although the resulting tomographic images provide valuable information, their resolution declines at axial distances beyond about 1 microm from the focal plane. We describe an improved 3D reconstruction algorithm in which the field at the focal plane is numerically propagated to depths throughout the sample. Diffraction is thus incorporated, extending the depth of focus to more than 10 mum. Tomograms with improved focal depth are demonstrated for single HT29 cells.     

一种基于模态域波束形成的水平阵被动目标深度估计

水面水下目标分辨与识别一直是被动声呐探测领域的难题.利用一种水平阵模态域波束形成算法获得己知方位目标声源的各阶模态强度,将其与不同深度的各阶参考模态强度进行匹配,最终实现了对声源的深度估计.仿真结果表明,该算法可以在信噪比为-10 dB的情况下,用300Hz带宽的信号样本,实现对声源深度的有效估计.系统分析了不同参数和不同波导条件对该方法目标深度估计性能的影响.其中,阵元数越多,模态样本数越多,计算频段越宽,方位估计精度越高,有效阵长越长,深度估计的性能越好.阵元间距和波导深度的变化不会影响该方法的深度估计性能,并且该方法的深度估计性能在声速剖面、海底参数等波导条件存在扰动时具有鲁棒性.     

Performance analysis of an integrated scheme in optical burst switching high-speed networks

A new integrated scheme based on resource-reservation and adaptive network flow routing to alleviate contention in optical burst switching networks is proposed. The objective of the proposed scheme is to reduce the overall burst loss in the network and at the same time to avoid the packet out-of-sequence arrival problem. Simulations are carried out to assess the feasibility of the proposed scheme. Its performance is compared with that of contention resolution schemes based on conventional routing. Through extensive simulations, it is shown that the proposed scheme not only provides significantly better burst loss performance than the basic equal proportion and hop-length based traffic routing algorithms, but also is void of any packet re-orderings.     

3D image reconstruction with controllable spatial filtering based on correlation of multiple periodic functions in computational integral imaging

We propose a novel method of slice image reconstruction with controllable spatial filtering by using the correlation of periodic delta-function arrays(PDFAs) with elemental images in computational integral imaging. The multiple PDFAs, whose spatial periods correspond to object's depths with the elemental image array(EIA), can generate a set of spatially filtered EIAs for multiple object depths compared with the conventional method for the depth of a single object. We analyze a controllable spatial filtering effect by the proposed method.To show the feasibility of the proposed method, we carry out preliminary experiments for multiple objects and present the results.