采用吸收修正Bronnikov算法的有机复合样品的X射线显微计算机层析研究

有机复合样品如大多数由低原子序数物质构成的多聚物组合材料、生物软组织等具有混合相位和振幅特性,采用传统吸收计算机层析(CT)或纯相位重构算法难以达到较高密度分辨的目的。采用基于吸收修正的Bronnikov相位恢复算法的X射线同轴相衬CT技术对高分子混合组份材料和药物医学样品进行了实验研究。结果表明该相位恢复算法可以实现多聚物组合材料的无损分辨和精确测量,能够清晰辨别各组份材料的电子密度分布;验证了药物样品多孔性结构三维测量的可行性,能够有效提供孔隙测量的阈值选择。该方法在材料科学尤其是聚合物组合材料、泡沫多孔材料都会发挥很好的作用;单距的低辐射优势,尤其适用于生物医学样品三维无损成像。     

同轴X射线相位衬度计算机X射线断层摄影术研究

基于北京同步辐射装置(BSRF)开展了同轴X射线相位衬度计算机X射线断层摄影术(CT)研究.利用北京同步辐射的14 keV单色X射线作为光源,以高分辨能力的X射线胶片作为探测器,分别开展吸收衬度和同轴相位衬度成像的比较研究以及相位衬度计算机X射线断层摄影术研究.相位衬度计算机X射线断层摄影术重建采用Bronnikov提出的算法.结果显示,与传统的吸收衬度图像相比,相位衬度图像具有更好的衬度和更高的空间分辨力;实验获得人工样品和蝗虫的相位衬度计算机X射线断层摄影术重建图像.重建图像中可见样品的一些结构细节.实验结果表明,相位衬度X射线成像更适合于研究弱吸收或吸收差异很小的材料;利用北京同步辐射开展同轴X射线相位衬度计算机X射线断层摄影术研究是可行的.     

Insight into 3D micro‐CT data: exploring segmentation algorithms through performance metrics

Three‐dimensional (3D) micro‐tomography (µ‐CT) has proven to be an important imaging modality in industry and scientific domains. Understanding the properties of material structure and behavior has produced many scientific advances. An important component of the 3D µ‐CT pipeline is image partitioning (or image segmentation), a step that is used to separate various phases or components in an image. Image partitioning schemes require specific rules for different scientific fields, but a common strategy consists of devising metrics to quantify performance and accuracy. The present article proposes a set of protocols to systematically analyze and compare the results of unsupervised classification methods used for segmentation of synchrotron‐based data. The proposed dataflow for Materials Segmentation and Metrics (MSM) provides 3D micro‐tomography image segmentation algorithms, such as statistical region merging (SRM), k‐means algorithm and parallel Markov random field (PMRF), while offering different metrics to evaluate segmentation quality, confidence and conformity with standards. Both experimental and synthetic data are assessed, illustrating quantitative results through the MSM dashboard, which can return sample information such as media porosity and permeability. The main contributions of this work are: (i) to deliver tools to improve material design and quality control; (ii) to provide datasets for benchmarking and reproducibility; (iii) to yield good practices in the absence of standards or ground‐truth for ceramic composite analysis.     

Optimization-based image reconstruction in x-ray computed tomography by sparsity exploitation of local continuity and nonlocal spatial self-similarity

The additional sparse prior of images has been the subject of much research in problems of sparse-view computed tomography(CT) reconstruction. A method employing the image gradient sparsity is often used to reduce the sampling rate and is shown to remove the unwanted artifacts while preserve sharp edges, but may cause blocky or patchy artifacts.To eliminate this drawback, we propose a novel sparsity exploitation-based model for CT image reconstruction. In the presented model, the sparse representation and sparsity exploitation of both gradient and nonlocal gradient are investigated.The new model is shown to offer the potential for better results by introducing a similarity prior information of the image structure. Then, an effective alternating direction minimization algorithm is developed to optimize the objective function with a robust convergence result. Qualitative and quantitative evaluations have been carried out both on the simulation and real data in terms of accuracy and resolution properties. The results indicate that the proposed method can be applied for achieving better image-quality potential with the theoretically expected detailed feature preservation.     

Generalized Titarenko's algorithm for ring artefacts reduction

A fast algorithm for ring artefact reduction in high‐resolution micro‐tomography with synchrotron radiation is presented. The new method is a generalization of the one proposed by Titarenko and collaborators, with a complete sinogram restoration prior to reconstruction with classical algorithms. The generalized algorithm can be performed in linear time and is easy to implement. Compared with the original approach, with an explicit solution, this approach is fast through the use of the conjugate gradient method. Also, low/high‐resolution sinograms can be restored using higher/lower‐order derivatives of the projections. Using different order for the derivative is an advantage over the classical Titarenko's approach. Several numerical results using the proposed method are provided, supporting our claims.     

高分辨率快速数字化光声CT乳腺肿瘤成像

提出了一种基于聚焦线性阵列探测器的快速光声计算机断层成像技术（光声CT）.在光声二维图像重建中,根据阵列探测器机械扫描和电子扫描相结合的组合扫描模式,提出了改进的有限场滤波反投影重建算法.一方面该算法适合多元探测器旋转扫描模式,另一方面探测器的指向性函数作为反投影的权重因子提高了系统的横向分辨率.同时,该成像系统还利用柱面声透镜实现Z轴方向上的聚焦扫描以实现三维层析成像.实验中,这套成像系统空间分辨率达到0.2mm,Z轴方向分辨率为1.5mm,扫描一幅二维图像仅需150s,得到 关键词： 光声CT 有限场滤波反投影算法 声透镜聚焦 乳腺肿瘤检测     

Comparison of in vitro breast cancer visibility in analyser‐based computed tomography with histopathology,mammography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging

High‐resolution analyser‐based X‐ray imaging computed tomography (HR ABI‐CT) findings on in vitro human breast cancer are compared with histopathology, mammography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging. The HR ABI‐CT images provided significantly better low‐contrast visibility compared with the standard radiological images. Fine cancer structures indistinguishable and superimposed in mammograms were seen, and could be matched with the histopathological results. The mean glandular dose was less than 1 mGy in mammography and 12–13 mGy in CT and ABI‐CT. The excellent visibility of in vitro breast cancer suggests that HR ABI‐CT may have a valuable role in the future as an adjunct or even alternative to current breast diagnostics, when radiation dose is further decreased, and compact synchrotron radiation sources become available.     

中子相衬层析成像方法

介绍了中子相衬和中子层析的工作原理，提出了中子相衬层析成像方法.这种方法兼备了相衬和层析的各自优点，不采用干涉术，能高分辨率地重构待测样品的三维空间位相分布，能测试和分辨吸收系数非常相近样品的空间结构. 关键词： 相衬 层析 中子相衬 中子层析     

Transillumination Laser Computed Tomography System with Fiber-Optic-Based Coherent Detection Imaging Method - High Spatial-Resolution and Quantitative Tomographic Imaging of Highly Scattering Objects -

We recently proposed and developed a novel transillumination laser computed tomography (CT) imaging system using a fiber-optic method based on coherent detection imaging (CDI) for biomedical use. Use of optical fibers enables portability and robustness against environmental changes in a room, such as variable temperature, air-flow shifts, and unexpected vibrations. In addition, motion-artifact-free images can be obtained because measurements can be performed with the object fixed. In the present paper, we experimentally investigate in detail the fundamental imaging properties of the system, which has a spatial resolution of 500 μm, a dynamic range of approximately 120 dB, and a minimum-detectable-optical power of 10⁻¹⁴W as a result of the excellent properties of the heterodyne detection. Based on experimental observations, the proposed system can reconstruct tomographic images of highly scattering objects in the transillumination mode, similar to X-ray CT, at sub-millimeter spatial resolution and with quantitativeness. Finally, we demonstrate with experiments using a physical phantom that the imaging system possesses high resolution and quantitative imaging abilities for highly scattering objects.     

Beam hardening correction for a cone-beam CT system and its effect on spatial resolution

In this paper, we present a beam hardening correction (BHC) method in three-dimension space for a cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) system in a mono-material case and investigate its effect on the spatial resolution. Due to the polychromatic character of the X-ray spectrum used, cupping and streak artifacts called beam hardening artifacts arise in the reconstructed CT images, causing reduced image quality. In addition, enhanced edges are introduced in the reconstructed CT images because of the beam hardening effect. The spatial resolution of the CBCT system is calculated from the edge response function (ERF) on different planes in space. Thus, in the CT images with beam hardening artifacts, enhanced ERFs will be extracted to calculate the modulation transfer function (MTF), obtaining a better spatial resolution that deviates from the real value. Reasonable spatial resolution can be obtained after reducing the artifacts. The 10% MTF value and the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the point spread function with and without BHC are presented.     

High resolution optical coherence tomography by ?1-optimization

An algebraic optical coherence tomography (OCT) method is presented in this paper for high resolution tomography imaging. The method achieves high resolution by formulating the frequency domain OCT (FD-OCT) into a ?₁-optimization based algebraic reconstruction problem. The performance of the proposed algebraic method is evaluated by simulation and experiment, and compared to the FD-OCT method. It is shown that the proposed method can deliver high resolution beyond the coherence length and imaging depth bigger than the ones of the FD-OCT method. The computational load is greatly reduced compared to the traditional algebraic reconstruction methods.     

A modified equally sloped algorithm based on the total variation algorithm in computed tomography for insufficient data

Computed tomography (CT) has become an important technique for analyzing the inner structures of material, biological and energy fields. However, there are often challenges in the practical application of CT due to insufficient data. For example, the maximum rotation angle of the sample stage is limited by sample space or image reconstruction from the limited number of views required to reduce the X‐ray dose delivered to the sample. Therefore, it is difficult to acquire CT images with complete data. In this work, an iterative reconstruction algorithm based on the minimization of the image total variation (TV) has been utilized to develop equally sloped tomography (EST), and the reconstruction was carried out from limited‐angle, few‐view and noisy data. A synchrotron CT experiment on hydroxyapatite was also carried out to demonstrate the ability of the TV‐EST algorithm. The results indicated that the new TV‐EST algorithm was capable of achieving high‐quality reconstructions from projections with insufficient data.     

基于反向传播神经网络的阻抗断层图像重建新方法

电阻抗成像是通过对物体表面电压、电流的测量来重建物体内部阻抗分布或变化图像的一种新颖计算机断层成像技术。阻抗断层图像重建是一种病态的、非线性的逆问题。提出了一种全新的阻抗断层图像重建方法，它利用反向传播神经网络来表征物体内部阻抗变化位置与物体表面电压变化大小的非线性映射关系，从而可以根据对物体表面测量电压的变化先准确定位阻抗变化区域，再用线性近似方法重建阻抗变化图像，这种方法不仅具有一定的抗噪能力，而且成像精度和空间分辨率都大大好于逆投影方法。     

工业CT图像轮廓提取与优化系统设计

为了有效地提高面向逆向工程的工业CT图像轮廓处理的精准性和计算效率,开发了工业CT图像轮廓提取与优化系统。该系统主要包括图像处理模块、轮廓识别与提取模块、轮廓拟合与优化模块、图像处理经典算法库和数据接口等功能模块,实现了从工业CT图像到轮廓数据的三维点云与轮廓线的标准格式输出,并与逆向工程软件对接。同时,在轮廓拟合与优化模块中,提出了基于全局约束模型的轮廓拟合策略,并采用有向图分解和数值代数相结合的计算方法,提高了轮廓拟合的计算精度和效率。最后通过实例验证了系统的有效性和正确性。     

A feasibility study of X‐ray phase‐contrast mammographic tomography at the Imaging and Medical beamline of the Australian Synchrotron

Results are presented of a recent experiment at the Imaging and Medical beamline of the Australian Synchrotron intended to contribute to the implementation of low‐dose high‐sensitivity three‐dimensional mammographic phase‐contrast imaging, initially at synchrotrons and subsequently in hospitals and medical imaging clinics. The effect of such imaging parameters as X‐ray energy, source size, detector resolution, sample‐to‐detector distance, scanning and data processing strategies in the case of propagation‐based phase‐contrast computed tomography (CT) have been tested, quantified, evaluated and optimized using a plastic phantom simulating relevant breast‐tissue characteristics. Analysis of the data collected using a Hamamatsu CMOS Flat Panel Sensor, with a pixel size of 100 µm, revealed the presence of propagation‐based phase contrast and demonstrated significant improvement of the quality of phase‐contrast CT imaging compared with conventional (absorption‐based) CT, at medically acceptable radiation doses.     

Single‐cell resolution in high‐resolution synchrotron X‐ray CT imaging with gold nanoparticles

Gold nanoparticles are excellent intracellular markers in X‐ray imaging. Having shown previously the suitability of gold nanoparticles to detect small groups of cells with the synchrotron‐based computed tomography (CT) technique both ex vivo and in vivo, it is now demonstrated that even single‐cell resolution can be obtained in the brain at least ex vivo. Working in a small animal model of malignant brain tumour, the image quality obtained with different imaging modalities was compared. To generate the brain tumour, 1 × 10⁵ C6 glioma cells were loaded with gold nanoparticles and implanted in the right cerebral hemisphere of an adult rat. Raw data were acquired with absorption X‐ray CT followed by a local tomography technique based on synchrotron X‐ray absorption yielding single‐cell resolution. The reconstructed synchrotron X‐ray images were compared with images obtained by small animal magnetic resonance imaging. The presence of gold nanoparticles in the tumour tissue was verified in histological sections.     

Full-field time-resolved fluorescence tomography of small animals

In this experimental investigation, we explore the feasibility of using wide-field illumination for time-resolved fluorescence molecular tomography. The performance of wide-field patterns with a time-resolved imaging platform is investigated in vitro and in a small animal model. A Monte Carlo-based forward model is employed to reconstruct fluorescence yield based on time-gated datasets. An improvement in resolution and quantification when using the time-gate data type compared to the commonly used cw data type is demonstrated in vitro. Furthermore, the feasibility of wide-field strategies for fluorescence preclinical applications is established by an accurate localization of a fluorescent inclusion implanted in the chest cavity of a murine model.     

Analysis and interpretation of the first monochromatic X‐ray tomography data collected at the Australian Synchrotron Imaging and Medical beamline

The first monochromatic X‐ray tomography experiments conducted at the Imaging and Medical beamline of the Australian Synchrotron are reported. The sample was a phantom comprising nylon line, Al wire and finer Cu wire twisted together. Data sets were collected at four different X‐ray energies. In order to quantitatively account for the experimental values obtained for the Hounsfield (or CT) number, it was necessary to consider various issues including the point‐spread function for the X‐ray imaging system and harmonic contamination of the X‐ray beam. The analysis and interpretation of the data includes detailed considerations of the resolution and efficiency of the CCD detector, calculations of the X‐ray spectrum prior to monochromatization, allowance for the response of the double‐crystal Si monochromator used (via X‐ray dynamical theory), as well as a thorough assessment of the role of X‐ray phase‐contrast effects. Computer simulations relating to the tomography experiments also provide valuable insights into these important issues. It was found that a significant discrepancy between theory and experiment for the Cu wire could be largely resolved in terms of the effect of the point‐spread function. The findings of this study are important in respect of any attempts to extract quantitative information from X‐ray tomography data, across a wide range of disciplines, including materials and life sciences.     

用于频域光学相干层析成像的深度分辨色散补偿方法

提出一种深度分辨的色散补偿方法,用于增强频域光学相干层析成像的纵向分辨率。将频域光学相干层析成像采集的干涉谱信号傅里叶变换到空域,获取对应不同深度的干涉谱条纹相位,通过对其进行调整实现对被测样品不同深度处的色散的精确补偿。避免传统方法中采用统一色散系数进行色散补偿所带来的过补偿与欠补偿误差,可以有效消除色散引起的频域光学相干层析成像系统点扩展函数的展宽和扭曲。模拟和实验结果表明,基于深度分辨的色散补偿方法在样品的全深度探测范围内可以达到较佳的补偿效果,可有效提高光学相干层析成像系统的纵向分辨率。     

In Vivo Laser Tomographic Imaging of Mouse Leg by Coherent Detection Imaging Method

The coherent detection imaging (CDI) technique based on the optical heterodyne detection method enables selective filtering of the directional coherent retaining emergent photons from biological tissues with a highly scattering nature. Therefore, the CDI can acquire on-axis information in the transillumination mode and use the same data-acquisition protocol and reconstruction algorithm as those in X-ray computed tomography (CT). Although the CDI-based laser CT cannot image thick subjects such as the head and chest, it can delineate subjects with a thickness up to several cm at a spatial resolution of sub-millimeters. We are planning to apply the technique to early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Here, we performed an experiment using mice to confirm the feasibility. We compared in vivo CT images at the level of ankle joints of two mice, one normal and the other with collagen induced arthritis (CIA) as an RA model, and demonstrated that there occur significant discrepancies between the two distributions of image intensities, i.e., reconstructed scattering coefficients in each region of interest (ROI) prepared. We suggest that combining the morphological information with the quantitative information can be effective for early diagnosis of bone diseases and disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis.