ZEMAX模拟中子相衬成像研究

Simulation study of neutron phase-contrast imaging by ZEMAX

相衬成像是中子成像领域内的前沿技术,它的成像机理基于中子束的波动性。进行中子相衬成像研究,有必要对这一过程进行仿真计算,但目前尚无模拟中子波动行为的程序出现,本文探讨了利用光学仿真软件ZEMAX对热中子相衬成像过程进行模拟的可行性,介绍了具体的模拟过程和结果,研究了不同的物源距离、物屏距离、点中子源尺寸以及样品尺寸对最终成像结果的影响。仿真结果和理论较为接近,这表明使用该软件模拟中子相衬成像是具有一定的可行性的。

Phase contrast imaging which is based on the wave character of neutron beam, is an advanced technique in neutron imaging field. When we investigate the neutron phase contrast, a simulation is necessary. But so far no software can provide the function to simulate neutron wave. In the paper, we discuss the feasibility of simulating neutron phase contrast imaging process by ZEMAX, a sophisticated optics simulation software. The influences of sample-source distance, sample-detector distance, point neutron source size and sample size on imaging are investigated. The result of the simulation accords with the phase contrast theory, which indicates that ZEMAX is feasible to simulate neutron phase contrast imaging.