Doppler standard deviation imaging for clinical monitoring of in vivo human skin blood flow

We used a novel phase-resolved optical Doppler tomographic (ODT) technique with very high flow-velocity sensitivity (10microm/s) and high spatial resolution (10microm) to image blood flow in port-wine stain (PWS) birthmarks in human skin. In addition to the regular ODT velocity and structural images, we use the variance of blood flow velocity to map the PWS vessels. Our device combines ODT and therapeutic systems such that PWS blood flow can be monitored in situ before and after laser treatment. To the authors' knowledge this is the first clinical application of ODT to provide a fast semiquantitative evaluation of the efficacy of PWS laser therapy in situ and in real time.     

二维圆周光综合孔径阵的优化排列及其成像特性研究

光综合孔径成像的原理是应用干涉原理在空间频率域中进行采样,并通过傅里叶反变换或其他数值变换方法得到空间分辨力远高于单个孔径成像系统的目标图像。由若干个相同的小孔径在二维圆周上优化排列组成的综合孔径成像系统可以在二维空间频率域中实现较为均匀分布的、具有无冗余度的采样点覆盖,为高质量实时成像提供了一个有效的途径。运用模拟退火算法对由7～16个子孔径组成的二维圆周综合孔径阵列进行优化排列。并依据光学衍射成像原理,从空域和频域两个方面详细分析了二维圆周上优化排列与均匀排列光综合孔径阵的成像特性。对7～16个子孔径组成的光综合孔径的仿真结果表明：无论是在空域还是频域上,子孔径直径增大、孔径数目增多以及综合孔径阵的优化排列都是有利于提高成像质量的。但综合后的子孔径的直径的增大,虽然能获得极高的角分辨力,却并不利于成像质量的提高。     

Scanning optical reconstruction of coded aperture images

A scanning optical technique is described and used to reconstruct coded aperture images obtained with four different kinds of arrays. The feasibility and advantages of the technique are demonstrated experimentally. The results are used to compare the imaging properties of these arrays, i.e.: lateral resolution, background noise and axial (tomographic) resolution.     

基于微波链路的降雨场反演方法研究

本文基于微波雨衰的幂律关系, 研究了使用微波链路反演降雨场的方法, 采用层析技术建立了降雨场反演模型. 并利用SIRT算法与正则化算法实现对降雨场层析反演模型的求解. 数值模拟结果表明, 该模型与反演算法能够较为准确地重建降雨场强度与空间分布特征, 能够提供高时空分辨率的二维降雨强度分布. 因此, 利用微波衰减数据进行降雨探测可以作为常规的雨量计与天气雷达观测手段的有效补充. 关键词： 微波雨衰 微波链路 降雨场重建 层析反演     

Characterization of a 3D MEMS fabricated micro-solenoid at 9.4 T

We present for the first time a complete characterization of a micro-solenoid for high resolution MR imaging of mass- and volume-limited samples based on three-dimensional B(0), B(1) per unit current (B(1)(unit)) and SNR maps. The micro-solenoids are fabricated using a fully micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) compatible process in conjunction with an automatic wire-bonder. We present 15 μm isotropic resolution 3D B(0) maps performed using the phase difference method. The resulting B(0) variation in the range of [-0.07 ppm to -0.157 ppm] around the coil center, compares favorably with the 0.5 ppm limit accepted for MR microscopy. 3D B(1)(unit) maps of 40 μm isotropic voxel size were acquired according to the extended multi flip angle (ExMFA) method. The results demonstrate that the characterized microcoil provides a high and uniform sensitivity distribution around its center (B(1)(unit) = 3.4 mT/A ± 3.86%) which is in agreement with the corresponding 1D theoretical data computed along the coil axis. The 3D SNR maps reveal a rather uniform signal distribution around the coil center with a mean value of 53.69 ± 19%, in good agreement with the analytical 1D data along coil axis in the axial slice. Finally, we prove the microcoil capabilities for MR microscopy by imaging Eremosphaera viridis cells with 18 μm isotropic resolution.     

Kinetic characterization of strongly coupled systems

We propose a simple method to determine the local coupling strength Gamma experimentally, by linking the individual particle dynamics with the local density and crystal structure of a 2D plasma crystal. By measuring particle trajectories with high spatial and temporal resolution we obtain the first maps of Gamma and temperature at individual particle resolution. We employ numerical simulations to test this new method, and discuss the implications to characterize strongly coupled systems.     

Fabrication and performance of MMW and SMMW platelet horn arrays

Future spaceborne millimeter and sub-millimeter wave sensing systems will require the sensitivity and resolution only achievable with large focal plane array receiving systems. A technique has been developed for the low cost fabrication of large arrays of millimeter and sub-millimeter wave corrugated feed horns. These arrayed horns exhibit high efficiency and symmetrical receiving patterns and are compatible with integrated receivers. W-band test results of a 3×3 array are presented.     

Experimental study of mode selection in shallow-water sea

The possibilities of matching low-frequency underwater sound pulses to the parameters of an oceanic waveguide are considered. The objective is to optimize the system of few-mode tomographic observation in a shallow-water sea. Experimental data are analyzed for two methods of selecting the low-frequency fewmode pulses propagating in a shallow-water sea. The first method excites probe pulses by vertically elongated arrays, with spatial filtering after vertical or horizontal arrays receive the pulses. The second method is based on exciting broadband signals with linear frequency modulation by a single transmitter. The selection of the few-mode signal is performed by time strobing the signals at the output of the matched filter after a horizontal array receives the pulses. The distance between the sound sources and receiving systems varied from 10 to 300 km.     

应用分割矩阵全局优化算法设计用于编码孔径成像的二维阵列

二维编码阵列是编码孔径成像的关键部件,它直接决定着再现的层析图像的质量。目前仍没有一种理想的二维阵列既具有较高的量子收集率,又具有良好的层析成像特性。采用一种新的方法———分割矩阵(DIRECT)全局优化算法,设计二维阵列,该算法适用于多变量“黑盒”问题的求解,并且具有比其他优化算法更快的收敛速度。其目的是设计一类自相关函数旁瓣最大值为1,同时具有最大填充率的二维编码阵列。理论分析及实验结果表明:用该算法搜索得到的二维阵列既具有较高的量子收集率,又具有良好的层析成像特性。     

New directions in X-ray microscopy

The development of high brightness X-ray sources and high resolution X-ray optics has led to rapid advances in X-ray microscopy. Scanning microscopes and full-field instruments are in operation at synchrotron light sources worldwide, and provide spatial resolution routinely in the 25–50 nm range using zone plate focusing elements. X-ray microscopes can provide elemental maps and/or chemical sensitivity in samples that are too thick for electron microscopy. Lensless techniques, such as diffraction microscopy, holography and ptychography are also being developed. In high resolution imaging of radiation-sensitive material the effects of radiation damage needs to be carefully considered. This article is designed to provide an introduction to the current state and future prospects of X-ray microscopy for the non-expert.     

Parallel-plate RF resonator imaging of chemical shift resolved capillary flow

Magnetic resonance imaging has been introduced to study flow in microchannels using pure phase spatial encoding with a microfabricated parallel-plate nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) probe. The NMR probe and pure phase spatial encoding enhance the sensitivity and resolution of the measurement. In this paper, ¹H NMR spectra and images were acquired at 100 MHz. The B₁ magnetic field is homogeneous and the signal-to-noise ratio of 30 μl doped water for a single scan is 8×10⁴. The high sensitivity of the probe enables velocity mapping of the fluids in the micro-channel with a spatial resolution of 13×13 μm. The parallel-plate probe with pure phase encoding permits the acquisition of NMR spectra; therefore, chemical shift resolved velocity mapping was also undertaken. Results are presented which show separate velocity maps for water and methanol flowing through a straight circular micro-channel. Finally, future performance of these techniques for the study of microfluidics is extrapolated and discussed.     

Experimental estimation of the parameters of a sphere by high-frequency chirped underwater sound pulses

For a sphere moving under the sea’s surface in shallow water, the possibility of its tomographic observation by measuring the scattered high-frequency sound pulses is considered. To raise the spatial resolution and] sensitivity of the method, the received sound signals are subjected to filtering matched with the transfer characteristic of the waveguide. Ways of increasing the robustness of the solution to the inverse problem by using different decision criteria are discussed.     

用于高分辨率 PET探测器的LSO闪烁晶体的研究

LSO晶体具有密度大光输出量强和衰减时间短的特性使其成为在PET探测器领域的应用潜在的闪烁晶体材料.按照辐射成象系统应用的性能要求我们对LSO晶体的闪烁特性进行了评价.为了获取较高的光输出量,研究和验证了许许多多的晶体表面的状况对光输出量的影响.对于单个LSO晶体和R5900-00-C12位敏管相耦合的系统,钠伽马射线源的511keV的能量峰处的能量分辨率为15%,时间分辨率为0.65ns,最后对三个LSO阵列分别成象验证了其空间分辨本领.     

先进焦平面与光谱成像技术现状

深入分析先进的焦平面技术和光谱成像技术的发展趋势,为探测器及光谱成像仪的研究提供参考。对光谱成像技术的现状和发展趋势、焦平面技术、先进焦平面技术对光谱成像系统技术的推动作用三个方面进行详细的分析总结,认为焦平面技术向着高性能、大规模面阵规格、高灵敏度、宽谱响应的方向发展;并推动光谱成像系统向着高分辨率、宽幅、多波段、更短重访周期和简化系统方向发展。成像光谱仪的发展趋势和需求指明焦平面技术的发展方向,同时焦平面技术的发展也会引领成像光谱仪系统进步和革新。     

Three-dimensional H spectroscopic imaging of cerebral metabolites in the rat using surface coils

Three dimensional metabolite maps of protonated metabolites were obtained using ¹H magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging at 7 T. Surface coils were used to increase sensitivity and spatial resolution significantly over a volume coil two-dimensional acquisition. Adiabatic pulses were employed to provide homogeneous B₁ excitation and frequency selective refocusing over the volume of the rat brain. These techniques were employed to obtain three-dimensional spectroscopic imaging spectra from nominal voxel volumes of 9–30 μl from rat brain. The improved spatial resolution and sensitivity are also demonstrated with studies of focal ischemia in the rat.     

Imaging Simulation for MMW Synthetic Aperture Radiometer

A synthetic aperture radiometer is a new type of passive remote sensing instrument that can reach high spatial resolution. Restricted by antenna element size and operating wavelength, however, the system design is difficult at MMW band. In this paper, main technical parameters optimization of a synthetic aperture radiometer is discussed. Based on low-redundancy linear arrays, a millimeter wave synthetic aperture radiometric imaging scheme is presented. The simulation experimental results show that the system imaging effect depends on the synthetic aperture antenna pattern.     

Exploring spatial resolution in high-sensitivity nanogap quantum dot photodetectors

We propose a new approach to experimentally determine the spatial resolution of nanogap quantum dot (QD) photodetectors consist of solution-processed QDs. Cross talk between a pair of closely positioned QD photodetectors was measured. Devices with 200?nm spacing exhibit low crosstalk of 8.4%. A single QD photodetector also shows high sensitivity, with a lowest detectable optical intensity of 95.3 fW/μm² achieved. The results show the potential of nanogap QD photodetectors for applications in high-density imaging/sensing arrays.     

Photon emission from adsorbed C60 molecules with sub-nanometer lateral resolution

We present the first experimental demonstration of spatially resolved photon emission of individual molecules on a surface. A scanning tunneling microscope (STM) was used as a local electron source to excite photon emission from hexagonal arrays of C₆₀ molecules on Au(110) surfaces. Specifically, we show that in maps of photon emission intensities, C₆₀ fullerenes appear as arrays of individual light emitters 4 Å in diameter and separated by 10 Å. Comparison with simultaneously recorded STM images reveals, that most intense emission is detected when the STM tip is centered above a molecule. The results demonstrate the highest spatial resolution of light emission to date using a scanning probe technique.     

Optimization of optode arrangements for diffuse optical tomography: A singular-value analysis

We develope a method to optimize the resolution of diffuse optical tomographic instruments. Singular-value analysis of the tomographic weight matrix associated with specific data types, geometries, and optode arrangements is shown to provide a measure of image resolution. We achieve optimization of device configuration by monitoring the resolution measure described. We introduce this idea and demonstrate its utility by optimizing the spatial sampling interval and field-of-view parameters in the parallel-plane transmission geometry employed for diffuse optical breast imaging. We also compare resolution in transmission and remission geometries.     

DENSE: displacement encoding with stimulated echoes in cardiac functional MRI

Displacement encoding with stimulated echoes (DENSE) was developed for high-resolution myocardial displacement mapping. Pixel phase is modulated by myocardial displacement and data spatial resolution is limited only by pixel size. 2D displacement vector maps were generated for the systolic action in canines with 0.94 x 1.9 mm nominal in-plane resolution and 2.3 mm/pi displacement encoding. A radial strain of 0.208 was measured across the free left ventricular wall over 105 ms during systole. DENSE displacement maps require small first-order gradient moments for encoding. DENSE magnitude images exhibit black-blood contrast which allows for better myocardial definition and reduced motion-related artifacts.