Two Monte Carlo-based simulators for imaging-system modeling and projection simulation of flat-panel X-ray source

The advantages of a flat-panel X-ray source(FPXS)make it a promising candidate for imaging applications.Accurate imaging-system modeling and projection simulation are critical for analyzing imaging performance and resolving overlapping projection issues in FPXS.The conventional analytical ray-tracing approach is limited by the number of patterns and is not applicable to FPXS-projection calculations.However,the computation time of Monte Carlo(MC)simulation is independent of the size of the patterned arrays in FPXS.This study proposes two high-efficiency MC projection simulators for FPXS:a graphics processing unit(GPU)-based phase-space sampling MC(gPSMC)simulator and GPU-based fluence sampling MC(gFSMC)simulator.The two simulators comprise three components:imaging-system modeling,photon initialization,and physical-interaction simulations in the phantom.Imaging-system modeling was performed by modeling the FPXS,imaging geometry,and detector.The gPSMC simulator samples the initial photons from the phase space,whereas the gFSMC simulator performs photon initialization from the calculated energy spectrum and fluence map.The entire process of photon interaction with the geometry and arrival at the detector was simulated in parallel using multiple GPU kernels,and projections based on the two simulators were calculated.The accuracies of the two simulators were evaluated by comparing them with the conventional analytical ray-tracing approach and acquired projections,and the efficiencies were evaluated by comparing the computation time.The results of simulated and realistic experiments illustrate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed gPSMC and gFSMC simulators in the projection calculation of various phantoms.

Beam and image experiment of beam deflection electron gun for distributed X-ray sources

Distributed X-ray sources comprise a single vacuum chamber containing multiple X-ray sources that are triggered and emit X-rays at a specific time and location. This process facilitates an application for innovative system concepts in X-ray and computer tomography. This paper proposes a novel electron beam focusing, shaping,and deflection electron gun for distributed X-ray sources.The electron gun uses a dispenser cathode as an electron emitter, a mesh grid to control emission current, and two electrostatic lenses for beam shaping, focusing, and deflection. Novel focusing and deflecting electrodes were designed to increase the number of focal spots in the distributed source. Two identical half-rectangle opening electrodes are controlled by adjusting the potential of the two electrodes to control the electron beam trajectory, and then, multifocal spots are obtained on the anode target. The electron gun can increase the spatial density of the distributed X-ray sources, thereby improving the image quality. The beam experimental results show that the focal spot sizes of the deflected(deflected amplitude 10.5 mm)and non-deflected electron beams at full width at half maximum are 0.80 mm 90.50 mm and 0.55 mm 90.40 mm, respectively(anode voltage 160 kV; beam current 30 mA). The imaging experimental results demonstrate the excellent spatial resolution and time resolution of an imaging system built with the sources, which has an excellent imaging effect on a field-programmable gate array chip and a rotating metal disk.

Correlation between Low Tube Voltage in Dual Source CT Coronary Artery Imaging with Image Quality and Radiation Dose

The influence of low tube voltage in dual source CT（DSCT） coronary artery imaging on image quality and radiation dose and its application value in clinical practice were investigated. Totally, 300 cases of chest pain with low body mass index（BMI 〈18.5 kg/m2） subjected to DSCT coronary artery imaging were prospectively enrolled. The heart rate in all patients were greater than 65/min. The retrospective ECG gated scanning mode and simple random sampling method were used to assign the patients into groups A, B and C（n=100 each）. The patients in groups A, B and C experienced 120-, 100-, and 80-kV tube voltage imaging respectively, and the image quality was evaluated. The CT volume dose index（CTDIvol） and dose length product（DLP） were recorded, and the effective dose（ED） was calculated in each group. The image quality scores and radiation doses in groups were compared, and the influence of tube voltage on image quality and radiation dose was analyzed. The results showed that the excellent rate of image quality in groups A, B and C was 95.69%, 94.72% and 96.33% respectively with the difference being not statistically significant among the three groups（P〉0.05）. The CTDIvol values in groups A, B and C were 51.35±12.21, 21.28±7.13 and 6.34±3.34 mGy, respectively, with the difference being statistically significant（P〈0.05）. The ED values in groups A, B and C were 9.27±1.63, 4.56±2.29 and 2.29±1.69 mSv, respectively, with the difference being statistically significant（P〈0.05）. It was suggested that for the patients with low BMI, the application of DSCT coronary artery imaging with low tube voltage can obtain satisfactory image quality, and simultaneously, significantly reduce the radiation dose.

Heat source analyses of dual laser-beam bilateral synchronous welding for T-joint

The DLBSW（ dual laser-beam bilateral synchronous welding） technology of T-type joint has been widely used for the connection of skins and stringers in airplane industry. To understand the thermodynamic and mechanical behavior of this process, it is necessary to establish a reasonable heat source model. Two different surface-body combination heat source models are adopted in this paper. Both models use the Gaussian surface heat source model and one is combined with the cone body heat source model and the other is combined with Gaussian rotator body heat source model. The simulation results of these two different models are investigated. And the temperature field results of DLBSW process for T-joint with two different heat sources are discussed. It is indicated that the combination heat source model is effective to simulate the DLBSW process and the current study is useful for more profound research in this field.

Laser-produced plasma helium-like titanium Kα x-ray source and its application to Rayleigh-Taylor instability study

Several experiments are performed on the ShenGuang-Ⅱ laser facility to investigate an x-ray source and test radiography concepts. X-ray lines emitted from laser-produced plasmas are the most practical means of generating these high intensity sources. By using a time-integrated space-resolved keV spectroscope and pinhole camera, potential helium-like titanium Kα x-ray backlighting （radiography） line source is studied as a function of laser wavelength, ratio of pre-pulse intensity to main pulse intensity, and laser intensity （from 7.25 to ～ 11.3 × 10^15 W/cm2）. One-dimensional radiography using a grid consisting of 5 #m Au wires on 16 μm period and the pinhole-assisted point projection is tested. The measurements show that the size of the helium-like titanium Ka source from a simple foil target is larger than 100 ~m, and relative x-ray line emission conversion efficiency ~x from the incident laser light energy to helium- like titanium K-shell spectrum increases significantly with pre-pulse intensity increasing, increases rapidly with laser wavelength decreasing, and increases moderately with main laser intensity increasing. It is also found that a gold gird foils can reach an imaging resolution better than 5-μm featured with high contrast. It is further demonstrated that the pinhole-assisted point projection at such a level will be a novel two-dimensional imaging diagnostic technique for inertial confinement fusion experiments.

Optimization of 4.7-keV X-ray titanium sources driven by 100-ps laser pulses

An experiment with thin titanium foils irradiated by two pulses delayed in time is conducted on the bnenguang-Il laser facility. A prepulse induces an underdense plasma, 2-ns later a main pulse （λL ≈ 0.35 μm, EL ≈120 J, τL ≈100 ps） is injected into the underdense plasma and produces strong line emission from the titanium K shell （i.e., Hea at 4.7 keV）. Data show that the intensity of 4.7-keV X-ray emission with the prepulse is approximately twice more than without the prepulse, and can be used as a backlighting source satisfying the diagnostic requirements for dense plasma probing. High- quality plasma images are obtained with the backlighfing 4.7-keV X-rays in a Rayleigh-Taylor hydrodynamic instability experiment.

Development of a seven-cell S-band standing-wave RF-deflecting cavity for Tsinghua Thomson scattering X-ray source

A 2856-MHz,π-mode,seven-cell standingwave deflecting cavity was designed and fabricated for bunch length measurement in Tsinghua Thomson scattering X-ray source(TTX)facility.This cavity was installed in the TTX and provided a deflecting voltage of 4.2 MV with an input power of 2.5 MW.Bunch length diagnoses of electron beams with energies up to 39 MeV have been performed.In this article,the RF design of the cavity using HFSS,fabrication,and RF test processes are reviewed.High-power operation with accelerated beams and calibration of the deflecting voltage are also presented.

Experimental Study of the X-Ray Radiation Source at Approximately Constant Radiation Temperature

An X-ray radiation source with approximately constant radiation temperature is realized by irradiating golden hohlraum with a shaped laser pulse. A simple theoretical model based on power balance is used to design the shape of the drive laser pulse. Experiments are carried out on the Shenguang III prototype laser facility, and the experimentM results are presented for radiation sources with the flat-top lasting about 2.5 ns at two different peak temperatures of about 150 eV and 170 eV, respectively, including the the drive laser pulses and the time integrated possible improvements are discussed. time histories of the temperatures, the shapes of radiation spectra. The validity of the model and

Non-enhanced Low-tube-voltage High-pitch Dual-source Computed Tomography with Sinogram Affirmed Iterative Reconstruction Algorithm of the Abdomen and Pelvis

Objective To investigate the image quality, radiation dose and diagnostic value of the low-tube-voltage high-pitch dual-source computed tomography(DSCT) with sinogram affirmed iterative reconstruction(SAFIRE) for non-enhanced abdominal and pelvic scans. Methods This institutional review board-approved prospective study included 64 patients who gave written informed consent for additional abdominal and pelvic scan with DSCT in the period from November to December 2012. The patients underwent standard non-enhanced CT scans(protocol 1) [tube voltage of 120 k Vp/pitch of 0.9/filtered back-projection(FBP) reconstruction] followed by high-pitch non-enhanced CT scans(protocol 2)(100 k Vp/3.0/SAFIRE). The total scan time, mean CT number, signal-to-noise ratio(SNR), image quality, lesion detectability and radiation dose were compared between the two protocols. Results The total scan time of protocol 2 was significantly shorter than that of protocol 1(1.4±0.1 seconds vs. 7.6±0.6 seconds, P<0.001). There was no significant difference between protocol 1 and protocol 2 in mean CT number of all organs(liver, 55.4±6.3 HU vs. 56.1±6.8 HU, P=0.214; pancreas, 43.6±5.9 HU vs. 43.7±5.8 HU, P=0.785; spleen, 47.9±3.9 HU vs. 49.4±4.3 HU, P=0.128; kidney, 32.2±2.3 HU vs. 33.1±2.3 HU, P=0.367; abdominal aorta, 44.8±5.6 HU vs. 45.0±5.5 HU, P=0.499; psoas muscle, 50.7±4.1 HU vs. 50.3±4.5 HU, P=0.279). SNR on images of protocol 2 was higher than that of protocol 1(liver, 5.0±1.2 vs. 4.5±1.1, P<0.001; pancreas, 4.0±1.0 vs. 3.6±0.8, P<0.001; spleen, 4.7±1.0 vs. 4.1±0.9, P<0.001; kidney, 3.1±0.6 vs. 2.8±0.6, P<0.001; abdominal aorta, 4.1±1.0 vs. 3.8±1.0, P<0.001; psoas muscle, 4.5±1.1 vs. 4.3±1.2, P=0.012). The overall image noise of protocol 2 was lower than that of protocol1(9.8±3.1 HU vs. 11.1±3.0 HU, P<0.001). Image quality of protocol 2 was good but lower than that of protocol 1(4.1±0.7 vs. 4.6±0.5, P<0.001). Protocol 2 perceived 229 of 234 lesions(97.9%) that were detected in protocol 1 in the abdomen and pelvis. Radiation dose of protocol 2 was lower than that of protocol 1(4.4±0.4 m Sv vs. 7.3±2.4 m Sv, P<0.001) and the mean dose reduction was 41.4%. Conclusion The high-pitch DSCT with SAFIRE can shorten scan time and reduce radiation dose while preserving image quality in non-enhanced abdominal and pelvic scans.

Numerical simulation for all-optical Thomson scattering X-ray source

Energy spectra, angular distributions, and temporal profiles of the photons produced by an all-optical Thomson scat- tering X-ray source are explored through numerical simulations based on the parameters of the SILEX-I laser system （800 nm, 30 fs, 300 TW） and the previous wakefield acceleration experimental results. The simulation results show that X-ray pulses with a duration of 30 fs and an emission angle of 50 mrad can be produced from such a source. Using the optimized electron parameters, X-ray pulses with better directivity and narrower energy spectra can be obtained. Besides the electron parameters, the laser parameters such as the wavelength, pulse duration, and spot size also affect the X-ray yield, the angular distribution, and the maximum photon energy, except the X-ray pulse duration which is slightly changed for the case of ultrafast laser-electron interaction.

Biomedical X-ray Imaging Enabled by Carbon Nanotube X-ray Sources

Although discovered more than 100 years ago, X-ray source technology has evolved rather slowly. The recent invention of the carbon nanotube （CNT） X-ray source technology holds great promise to revolutionize the field of biomedical X-ray imaging. CNT X-ray sources have been successfully adapted to several biomedical imaging applications including dynamic rnicro-CT of small animals and stationary breast tomosynthesis of breast cancers. Yet their more irnportant biomedical imaging applications still lie ahead in the future, with the devel- oprnent of stationary rnulti-source CT as a noteworthy exarnple.

Low Energy Plasma Focus as an Intense X-ray Source for Radiography

Study on X-ray emission from a low energy (1.8 kJ) plasma focus devicepowered by a 9 μF capacitor bank, charged at 20 kV and giving peak discharge current of about 175kA by using a lead-inserted copper-tapered anode is reported. The X-ray yield in different energywindows is measured as a function of hydrogen filling pressure. The maximum yield in 4π-geometry isfound to be (27.3+-1.1) J and corresponding wall plug efficiency for X-ray generation is 1.52+-0.06%. X-ray emission, presumably due to bombarding activity of electrons in current sheath at theanode tip was dominant, which is confirmed by the pinhole images. The feasibility of the device asan intense X-ray source for radiography is demonstrated.

Studying a kind of portable ultra-bright microfocus x-ray source

This paper studies the properties of a kind of portable ultra-bright microfocus x-ray source with the Monte-Carlo method in detail. The new x-ray source consists of an electron-emission system, an electrostatic focusing system and a metal target. A crystal Lanthanum Hexaboride cathode, a Wehnelt grid and an extracted electrode compose the triode electrode electron-gun system. Two equal radius cylinder electrodes form the focusing system. The key factors determining the focus properties of the electron beam such as the ratio Dw/H, grid bias Vg, and the properties of the extracted electrode arc numerically studied. The calculated results reveal that when Dw/H, Vg, the length of the extracted electrode, and the distance between the grid and the extracted electrode equals 5, q）.6 kV, 10 mm, and 8 mm respectively, the electron beam focal spot can be concentrated down to 9 μm in radius and a reasonable focal length about 72.5 mm can be achieved, at the same time, the cathode emission currents can be as high as 30 mA.

Phase Imaging Using Laser-produced X-ray Sources

A possible novel application of hard x-ray emitted during laser-plasma interaction was discussed. We established an Optical Transform Function to study the joint effect of the spectral distribution and temporal profile of the laser-produced x-ray on x-ray phase imaging. Though the laser-produced x-ray pulse duration is short and incoherent, the analysis confirms that the current x-ray phase imaging theory still holds for laser-produced x-ray phase imaging.

Self Consistent Calibration of Detectors and Sources for Hard and Soft X-Ray Diagnostics

X-Ray sources, detectors and optical components are now used in a wide range of applications. What is crucial is the absolute calibration of such devices to permit a quantitative assessment of the system under study. A new X-ray laboratory has been built in Frascati (ENEA) to develop diagnostics for nuclear fusion experiments and study applications of these X-ray techniques in other domains, like new material science, non destructive tests and so on. An in-house developed selfconsistent calibration procedure is described that permits the absolute calibration of sources (X-ray emitted fluxes) and detectors (detection efficiencies) as function of the X-ray photon energy, in the range 2 - 120 keV. The calibration procedure involves the use of an in-house developed code that also predicts the spectral response of any detector in any experimental condition that can be setup in the laboratory. The procedure has been then applied for the calibration and characterisation of gas and solid state imaging detectors, such as Medipix-2, GEM gas detector, CCD camera, Cd-Te C-MOS imager, demonstrating the versatility of the method developed here.

Three Phase Dual Input Direct Matrix Converter for Integration of Two AC Sources from Wind Turbines

This project proposes a novel dual-input matrix converter (DIMC) which is used to integrate the output of the wind energy to a power grid. The proposed matrix converter is developed based on the traditional indirect matrix converter under reverse power flow operation mode, but with its six-switch voltage source converter replaced by a nine-switch configuration followed by the current source inverter (CSI). Matrix electric power conversion topologies and their switch functions are flexible and are used for specific applications. With the additional three switches, the proposed DIMC can provide six input terminals, which make it possible to integrate two independent AC sources from two independent wind turbines into a single grid tied power electronics interface. Commanded currents can be extracted from the two input sources to the grid. The proposed PI control and modulation schemes guaranteed sinusoidal input and output waveforms as well as reduced THD. The simulation results are provided to validate the effectiveness of the proposed control and modulation schemes for the proposed converter.

Exploration the Method of Low Dose Coronary Artery Imaging with Dual-Source CT

Objective: On the premise that the image quality meets the requirements of clinical diagnosis, we explored the methods to reduce the radiation dose of coronary artery imaging with Dual-Source CT (DSCT). Methods: We randomly selected 200 patients with coronary heat disease (BIM 0.05). The average image noise in group A is (41.76 ± 7.98) HU, in group B the average image noise is (43.97 ± 3.88) HU, the dif- ference between the two groups was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The average CTDIvol of group A and B were (20.63 ± 2.24) mGy, (38.11 ± 10.69) mGy, respectively, then P <0.01. The average DLP of group A and B are (235.75 ± 28.64) mGycm and (492.59 ± 125.49) mGycm respectively, then P <0.01, the dif- ference of radiation dose had statistical significance (P<0.05). Conclusions: For coronary artery imaging with DSCT the heart electric pulse (AUTO) regulation technology can meet the diagnostic requirements and effectively reduce the radiation dose.

Research on the Influence of X-ray Phase Contrast Imaging Parameters with Micro-focus Source

X-ray in-line phase contrast imaging enables weakly to absorb specimens to be imaged successfully with high resolution and definition. In this paper we use computer simulation method to analyze how each parameter influences the quality of the image. It can avoid wasting unnecessary time and materials in the course of experiment to get ideal images.

Application of an Advanced Image-Based Virtual Monoenergetic Reconstruction of Dual Source Dual-Energy CT Data at Low keV Increases Image Quality for Esophageal Cancer Patients Imaging

Purpose: To explore the significance of dual-source computed tomography (DECT) virtual monoenergetic reconstructions technology in improving the imaging quality of esophageal cancer patients. Materials and methods: 68 patients with clinically suspected esophageal cancer (all confirmed by pathology) were collected. Routine plain scan was performed with SIEMENS Force dual-energy CT and then dual-phase scans were performed. The venous phase images were respectively subjected to traditional virtual monoenergetic reconstructions (Mono_E) and new generation virtual monoenergetic reconstructions (Mono+). Mono_E 55 keV and Mono+ 55 keV virtual single-energy images were obtained respectively. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of normal esophageal tissue and esophageal cancer lesions, noise and contrast noise ratio (CNR tumor) of normal esophageal tissue and esophageal cancer lesions were compared among 100 kV images, Mono_E images and Mono+ images. At the same time, two imaging physicians read the films and scored the images of each group by using a 5-point scoring method. Results: Mono+ 55 keV images, SNR, SNRtumor, noise and CNRtumor were statistically different from those of 100 kV images and Mono_E images (P < 0.05). And Mono+ 55 keV images also had the highest subjective score, with statistical significance (P 55 keV images had the best quality. Conclusion: The new generation of virtual monoenergetic reconstructions post-processing (Mono+) could reduce image noise and improve the contrast between esophageal cancer lesions and normal esophageal tissues, which was of great significance to improve the imaging quality of esophageal cancer patients and improve the early detection rate of esophageal cancer.

Dose Efficiency in Dual Source High-Pitch Computed Tomography of the Chest

Objectives: Evaluation of radiation efficiency of dual source high-pitch (DSHP) chest CT in comparison to single source technique with special regards to individual patient anatomy. Methods: 150 consecutive patients who underwent chest CT with automated tube current modulation were evaluated retrospectively and divided into three study groups, each with an equal quantity of 50 patients (DSHP vs. single source 128 slices vs. single source 16 slices). By using a dedicated workstation, volumetric analyses of each of the scanned anatomic area were performed and correlated to the individual dose length product (DLP). The calculated result was defined as dose efficiency. Results: DLP was 203 mGycm (DSHP), vs. 269 mGycm (single source) vs. 273 mGycm (16 slice CT). The total patient volume was lowest in the dual source group with 18956.3 cm3 (vs. 22481.2 cm3 vs. 22133.8 cm3). With regards to the DLP, the calculated dose efficiency of dual source CT was better than the 128 slice CT (p = 0.045) and the 16 slice CT (p < 0.01). Conclusions: DSHP CT has considerably better dose efficiency compared to 16 slice CT. Compared to 128 slice single source technique, the high-pitch mode does not cause any dose penalty when performing chest CT.