Optimizing highly noncoplanar VMAT trajectories: the NoVo method.

PubMed

Langhans, Marco; Unkelbach, Jan; Bortfeld, Thomas; Craft, David

2018-01-16

We introduce a new method called NoVo (Noncoplanar VMAT Optimization) to produce volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) treatment plans with noncoplanar trajectories. While the use of noncoplanar beam arrangements for intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), and in particular high fraction stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), is common, noncoplanar beam trajectories for VMAT are less common as the availability of treatment machines handling these is limited. For both IMRT and VMAT, the beam angle selection problem is highly nonconvex in nature, which is why automated beam angle selection procedures have not entered mainstream clinical usage. NoVo determines a noncoplanar VMAT solution (i.e. the simultaneous trajectories of the gantry and the couch) by first computing a [Formula: see text] solution (beams from every possible direction, suitably discretized) and then eliminating beams by examing fluence contributions. Also all beam angles are scored via geometrical considerations only to find out the usefulness of the whole beam space in a very short time. A custom path finding algorithm is applied to find an optimized, continuous trajectory through the most promising beam angles using the calculated score of the beam space. Finally, using this trajectory a VMAT plan is optimized. For three clinical cases, a lung, brain, and liver case, we compare NoVo to the ideal [Formula: see text] solution, nine beam noncoplanar IMRT, coplanar VMAT, and a recently published noncoplanar VMAT algorithm. NoVo comes closest to the [Formula: see text] solution considering the lung case (brain and liver case: second), as well as improving the solution time by using geometrical considerations, followed by a time effective iterative process reducing the [Formula: see text] solution. Compared to a recently published noncoplanar VMAT algorithm, using NoVo the computation time is reduced by a factor of 2-3 (depending on the case). Compared to coplanar VMAT, NoVo reduces the objective function value by 24%, 49% and 6% for the lung, brain and liver cases, respectively.

Optimizing highly noncoplanar VMAT trajectories: the NoVo method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Langhans, Marco; Unkelbach, Jan; Bortfeld, Thomas; Craft, David

2018-01-01

We introduce a new method called NoVo (Noncoplanar VMAT Optimization) to produce volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) treatment plans with noncoplanar trajectories. While the use of noncoplanar beam arrangements for intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), and in particular high fraction stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), is common, noncoplanar beam trajectories for VMAT are less common as the availability of treatment machines handling these is limited. For both IMRT and VMAT, the beam angle selection problem is highly nonconvex in nature, which is why automated beam angle selection procedures have not entered mainstream clinical usage. NoVo determines a noncoplanar VMAT solution (i.e. the simultaneous trajectories of the gantry and the couch) by first computing a 4π solution (beams from every possible direction, suitably discretized) and then eliminating beams by examing fluence contributions. Also all beam angles are scored via geometrical considerations only to find out the usefulness of the whole beam space in a very short time. A custom path finding algorithm is applied to find an optimized, continuous trajectory through the most promising beam angles using the calculated score of the beam space. Finally, using this trajectory a VMAT plan is optimized. For three clinical cases, a lung, brain, and liver case, we compare NoVo to the ideal 4π solution, nine beam noncoplanar IMRT, coplanar VMAT, and a recently published noncoplanar VMAT algorithm. NoVo comes closest to the 4π solution considering the lung case (brain and liver case: second), as well as improving the solution time by using geometrical considerations, followed by a time effective iterative process reducing the 4π solution. Compared to a recently published noncoplanar VMAT algorithm, using NoVo the computation time is reduced by a factor of 2-3 (depending on the case). Compared to coplanar VMAT, NoVo reduces the objective function value by 24%, 49% and 6% for the lung, brain and liver cases, respectively.

Process Performance of Optima XEx Single Wafer High Energy Implanter

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kim, J. H.; Yoon, Jongyoon; Kondratenko, S.

2011-01-07

To meet the process requirements for well formation in future CMOS memory production, high energy implanters require more robust angle, dose, and energy control while maintaining high productivity. The Optima XEx high energy implanter meets these requirements by integrating a traditional LINAC beamline with a robust single wafer handling system. To achieve beam angle control, Optima XEx can control both the horizontal and vertical beam angles to within 0.1 degrees using advanced beam angle measurement and correction. Accurate energy calibration and energy trim functions accelerate process matching by eliminating energy calibration errors. The large volume process chamber and UDC (upstreammore » dose control) using faraday cups outside of the process chamber precisely control implant dose regardless of any chamber pressure increase due to PR (photoresist) outgassing. An optimized RF LINAC accelerator improves reliability and enables singly charged phosphorus and boron energies up to 1200 keV and 1500 keV respectively with higher beam currents. A new single wafer endstation combined with increased beam performance leads to overall increased productivity. We report on the advanced performance of Optima XEx observed during tool installation and volume production at an advanced memory fab.« less

Maximal violation of Clauser-Horne-Shimony-Holt inequality for four-level systems

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fu Libin; Max-Planck-Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, Noethnitzer Strasse 38, 01187 Dresden; Chen Jingling

2004-03-01

Clauser-Horne-Shimony-Holt inequality for bipartite systems of four dimensions is studied in detail by employing the unbiased eight-port beam splitters measurements. The uniform formulas for the maximum and minimum values of this inequality for such measurements are obtained. Based on these formulas, we show that an optimal nonmaximally entangled state is about 6% more resistant to noise than the maximally entangled one. We also give the optimal state and the optimal angles which are important for experimental realization.

Beam wavefront and farfield control for ICF laser driver

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dai, Wanjun; Deng, Wu; Zhang, Xin; Jiang, Xuejun; Zhang, Kun; Zhou, Wei; Zhao, Junpu; Hu, Dongxia

2010-10-01

Five main problems of beam wavefront and farfield control in ICF laser driver are synthetically discussed, including control requirements, beam propagation principle, distortions source control, system design and adjustment optimization, active wavefront correction technology. We demonstrate that beam can be propagated well and the divergence angle of the TIL pulses can be improved to less than 60μrad with solving these problems, which meets the requirements of TIL. The results can provide theoretical and experimental support for wavefront and farfield control designing requirements of the next large scale ICF driver.

Research on the system performance evaluation of minimum-shift keying in uplink ground-to-satellite with gamma-gamma distribution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yi; Zhang, Ao; Ma, Jing

2017-07-01

Minimum-shift keying (MSK) has the advantages of constant envelope, continuous phase, and high spectral efficiency, and it is applied in radio communication and optical fiber communication. MSK modulation of coherent detection is proposed in the ground-to-satellite laser communication system; in addition, considering the inherent noise of uplink, such as intensity scintillation and beam wander, the communication performance of the MSK modulation system with coherent detection is studied in the uplink ground-to-satellite laser. Based on the gamma-gamma channel model, the closed form of bit error rate (BER) of MSK modulation with coherent detection is derived. In weak, medium, and strong turbulence, the BER performance of the MSK modulation system is simulated and analyzed. To meet the requirements of the ground-to-satellite coherent MSK system to optimize the parameters and configuration of the transmitter and receiver, the influence of the beam divergence angle, the zenith angle, the transmitter beam radius, and the receiver diameter are studied.

Multiple scattering theory for total skin electron beam design.

PubMed

Antolak, J A; Hogstrom, K R

1998-06-01

The purpose of this manuscript is to describe a method for designing a broad beam of electrons suitable for total skin electron irradiation (TSEI). A theoretical model of a TSEI beam from a linear accelerator with a dual scattering system has been developed. The model uses Fermi-Eyges theory to predict the planar fluence of the electron beam after it has passed through various materials between the source and the treatment plane, which includes scattering foils, monitor chamber, air, and a plastic diffusing plate. Unique to this model is its accounting for removal of the tails of the electron beam profile as it passes through the primary x-ray jaws. A method for calculating the planar fluence profile for an obliquely incident beam is also described. Off-axis beam profiles and percentage depth doses are measured with ion chambers, film, and thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD). The measured data show that the theoretical model can accurately predict beam energy and planar fluence of the electron beam at normal and oblique incidence. The agreement at oblique angles is not quite as good but is sufficiently accurate to be of predictive value when deciding on the optimal angles for the clinical TSEI beams. The advantage of our calculational approach for designing a TSEI beam is that many different beam configurations can be tested without having to perform time-consuming measurements. Suboptimal configurations can be quickly dismissed, and the predicted optimal solution should be very close to satisfying the clinical specifications.

Noncoplanar Beam Angle Class Solutions to Replace Time-Consuming Patient-Specific Beam Angle Optimization in Robotic Prostate Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rossi, Linda, E-mail: l.rossi@erasmusmc.nl; Breedveld, Sebastiaan; Aluwini, Shafak

Purpose: To investigate development of a recipe for the creation of a beam angle class solution (CS) for noncoplanar prostate stereotactic body radiation therapy to replace time-consuming individualized beam angle selection (iBAS) without significant loss in plan quality, using the in-house “Erasmus-iCycle” optimizer for fully automated beam profile optimization and iBAS. Methods and Materials: For 30 patients, Erasmus-iCycle was first used to generate 15-, 20-, and 25-beam iBAS plans for a CyberKnife equipped with a multileaf collimator. With these plans, 6 recipes for creation of beam angle CSs were investigated. Plans of 10 patients were used to create CSs based on themore » recipes, and the other 20 to independently test them. For these tests, Erasmus-iCycle was also used to generate intensity modulated radiation therapy plans for the fixed CS beam setups. Results: Of the tested recipes for CS creation, only 1 resulted in 15-, 20-, and 25-beam noncoplanar CSs without plan deterioration compared with iBAS. For the patient group, mean differences in rectum D{sub 1cc}, V{sub 60GyEq}, V{sub 40GyEq}, and D{sub mean} between 25-beam CS plans and 25-beam plans generated with iBAS were 0.2 ± 0.4 Gy, 0.1% ± 0.2%, 0.2% ± 0.3%, and 0.1 ± 0.2 Gy, respectively. Differences between 15- and 20-beam CS and iBAS plans were also negligible. Plan quality for CS plans relative to iBAS plans was also preserved when narrower planning target volume margins were arranged and when planning target volume dose inhomogeneity was decreased. Using a CS instead of iBAS reduced the computation time by a factor of 14 to 25, mainly depending on beam number, without loss in plan quality. Conclusions: A recipe for creation of robust beam angle CSs for robotic prostate stereotactic body radiation therapy has been developed. Compared with iBAS, computation times decreased by a factor 14 to 25. The use of a CS may avoid long planning times without losses in plan quality.« less

Optimization of the beam crossing angle at the ILC for e+e‑ and γ γ collisions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Telnov, V. I.

2018-03-01

At this time, the design of the International Linear Collider (ILC) is optimized for e+e‑ collisions; the photon collider (γ γ and >=) is considered as an option. Unexpected discoveries, such as the diphoton excess digamma(750) seen at the LHC, could strongly motivate the construction of a photon collider. In order to enable the γ γ collision option, the ILC design should be compatible with it from the very beginning. In this paper, we discuss the problem of the beam crossing angle. In the ILC technical design [1], this angle is 14 mrad, which is just enough to provide enough space for the final quadrupoles and outgoing beams. For γ γ collisions, the crossing angle must be larger because the low-energy electrons that result from multiple Compton scattering get large disruption angles in collisions with the opposing electron beam and some deflection in the solenoidal detector field. For a 2E0=500 GeV collider, the required crossing angle is about 25 mrad. In this paper, we consider the factors that determine the crossing angle as well as its minimum permissible value that does not yet cause a considerable reduction of the γ γ luminosity. It is shown that the best solution is to increase the laser wavelength from the current 1 μm (which is optimal for 2E0=500 GeV) to 2 μm as this makes possible achieving high γ γ luminosities at a crossing angle of 20 mrad, which is also quite comfortable for e+e‑ collisions, does not cause any degradation of the e+e‑ luminosity and opens the possibility for a more energetic future collider in the same tunnel (e.g., CLIC). Moreover, the 2 μm wavelength is optimal for a 2E0 = 1 TeV collider, e.g., a possible ILC energy upgrade. Please consider this paper an appeal to increase the ILC crossing angle from 14 to 20 mrad.

Non-contact high resolution Bessel beam probe for diagnostic imaging of cornea and trabecular meshwork region in eye

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murukeshan, V. M.; Jesmond, Hong Xun J.; Shinoj, V. K.; Baskaran, M.; Tin, Aung

2015-07-01

Primary angle closure glaucoma is a major form of disease that causes blindness in Asia and worldwide. In glaucoma, irregularities in the ocular aqueous outflow system cause an elevation in intraocular pressure (IOP) with subsequent death of retinal ganglion cells, resulting in loss of vision. High resolution visualization of the iridocorneal angle region has great diagnostic value in understanding the disease condition which enables monitoring of surgical interventions that decrease IOP. None of the current diagnostic techniques such as goniophotography, ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM), anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) and RetCam™ can image with molecular specificity and required spatial resolution that can delineate the trabecular meshwork structures. This paper in this context proposes new concepts and methodology using Bessel beams based illumination and imaging for such diagnostic ocular imaging applications. The salient features using Bessel beams instead of the conventional Gaussian beam, and the optimization challenges in configuring the probe system will be illustrated with porcine eye samples.

A dose optimization method for electron radiotherapy using randomized aperture beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Engel, Konrad; Gauer, Tobias

2009-09-01

The present paper describes the entire optimization process of creating a radiotherapy treatment plan for advanced electron irradiation. Special emphasis is devoted to the selection of beam incidence angles and beam energies as well as to the choice of appropriate subfields generated by a refined version of intensity segmentation and a novel random aperture approach. The algorithms have been implemented in a stand-alone programme using dose calculations from a commercial treatment planning system. For this study, the treatment planning system Pinnacle from Philips has been used and connected to the optimization programme using an ASCII interface. Dose calculations in Pinnacle were performed by Monte Carlo simulations for a remote-controlled electron multileaf collimator (MLC) from Euromechanics. As a result, treatment plans for breast cancer patients could be significantly improved when using randomly generated aperture beams. The combination of beams generated through segmentation and randomization achieved the best results in terms of target coverage and sparing of critical organs. The treatment plans could be further improved by use of a field reduction algorithm. Without a relevant loss in dose distribution, the total number of MLC fields and monitor units could be reduced by up to 20%. In conclusion, using randomized aperture beams is a promising new approach in radiotherapy and exhibits potential for further improvements in dose optimization through a combination of randomized electron and photon aperture beams.

SU-F-T-352: Development of a Knowledge Based Automatic Lung IMRT Planning Algorithm with Non-Coplanar Beams

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhu, W; Wu, Q; Yuan, L

Purpose: To improve the robustness of a knowledge based automatic lung IMRT planning method and to further validate the reliability of this algorithm by utilizing for the planning of clinical cases with non-coplanar beams. Methods: A lung IMRT planning method which automatically determines both plan optimization objectives and beam configurations with non-coplanar beams has been reported previously. A beam efficiency index map is constructed to guide beam angle selection in this algorithm. This index takes into account both the dose contributions from individual beams and the combined effect of multiple beams which is represented by a beam separation score. Wemore » studied the effect of this beam separation score on plan quality and determined the optimal weight for this score.14 clinical plans were re-planned with the knowledge-based algorithm. Significant dosimetric metrics for the PTV and OARs in the automatic plans are compared with those in the clinical plans by the two-sample t-test. In addition, a composite dosimetric quality index was defined to obtain the relationship between the plan quality and the beam separation score. Results: On average, we observed more than 15% reduction on conformity index and homogeneity index for PTV and V{sub 40}, V{sub 60} for heart while an 8% and 3% increase on V{sub 5}, V{sub 20} for lungs, respectively. The variation curve of the composite index as a function of angle spread score shows that 0.6 is the best value for the weight of the beam separation score. Conclusion: Optimal value for beam angle spread score in automatic lung IMRT planning is obtained. With this value, model can result in statistically the “best” achievable plans. This method can potentially improve the quality and planning efficiency for IMRT plans with no-coplanar angles.« less

The dynamics and control of large flexible space structures - 13

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bainum, Peter M.; Li, Feiyue; Xu, Jianke

1990-01-01

The optimal control of three-dimensional large angle maneuvers and vibrations of a Shuttle-mast-reflector system is considered. The nonlinear equations of motion are formulated by using Lagrange's formula, with the mast modeled as a continuous beam subject to three-dimensional deformations. Pontryagin's Maximum Principle is applied to the slewing problem, to derive the necessary conditions for the optimal controls, which are bounded by given saturation levels. The resulting two point boundary value problem is then solved by using the quasilinearization algorithm and the method of particular solutions. The study of the large angle maneuvering of the Shuttle-beam-reflector spacecraft in the plane of a circular earth orbit is extended to consider the effects of the structural offset connection, the axial shortening, and the gravitational torque on the slewing motion. Finally the effect of additional design parameters (such as related to additional payload requirement) on the linear quadratic regulator based design of an orbiting control/structural system is examined.

Ultrafast treatment plan optimization for volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Men Chunhua; Romeijn, H. Edwin; Jia Xun

2010-11-15

Purpose: To develop a novel aperture-based algorithm for volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) treatment plan optimization with high quality and high efficiency. Methods: The VMAT optimization problem is formulated as a large-scale convex programming problem solved by a column generation approach. The authors consider a cost function consisting two terms, the first enforcing a desired dose distribution and the second guaranteeing a smooth dose rate variation between successive gantry angles. A gantry rotation is discretized into 180 beam angles and for each beam angle, only one MLC aperture is allowed. The apertures are generated one by one in a sequentialmore » way. At each iteration of the column generation method, a deliverable MLC aperture is generated for one of the unoccupied beam angles by solving a subproblem with the consideration of MLC mechanic constraints. A subsequent master problem is then solved to determine the dose rate at all currently generated apertures by minimizing the cost function. When all 180 beam angles are occupied, the optimization completes, yielding a set of deliverable apertures and associated dose rates that produce a high quality plan. Results: The algorithm was preliminarily tested on five prostate and five head-and-neck clinical cases, each with one full gantry rotation without any couch/collimator rotations. High quality VMAT plans have been generated for all ten cases with extremely high efficiency. It takes only 5-8 min on CPU (MATLAB code on an Intel Xeon 2.27 GHz CPU) and 18-31 s on GPU (CUDA code on an NVIDIA Tesla C1060 GPU card) to generate such plans. Conclusions: The authors have developed an aperture-based VMAT optimization algorithm which can generate clinically deliverable high quality treatment plans at very high efficiency.« less

Ultrafast treatment plan optimization for volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT).

PubMed

Men, Chunhua; Romeijn, H Edwin; Jia, Xun; Jiang, Steve B

2010-11-01

To develop a novel aperture-based algorithm for volumetric modulated are therapy (VMAT) treatment plan optimization with high quality and high efficiency. The VMAT optimization problem is formulated as a large-scale convex programming problem solved by a column generation approach. The authors consider a cost function consisting two terms, the first enforcing a desired dose distribution and the second guaranteeing a smooth dose rate variation between successive gantry angles. A gantry rotation is discretized into 180 beam angles and for each beam angle, only one MLC aperture is allowed. The apertures are generated one by one in a sequential way. At each iteration of the column generation method, a deliverable MLC aperture is generated for one of the unoccupied beam angles by solving a subproblem with the consideration of MLC mechanic constraints. A subsequent master problem is then solved to determine the dose rate at all currently generated apertures by minimizing the cost function. When all 180 beam angles are occupied, the optimization completes, yielding a set of deliverable apertures and associated dose rates that produce a high quality plan. The algorithm was preliminarily tested on five prostate and five head-and-neck clinical cases, each with one full gantry rotation without any couch/collimator rotations. High quality VMAT plans have been generated for all ten cases with extremely high efficiency. It takes only 5-8 min on CPU (MATLAB code on an Intel Xeon 2.27 GHz CPU) and 18-31 s on GPU (CUDA code on an NVIDIA Tesla C1060 GPU card) to generate such plans. The authors have developed an aperture-based VMAT optimization algorithm which can generate clinically deliverable high quality treatment plans at very high efficiency.

Method and apparatus for optimizing the efficiency and quality of laser material processing

DOEpatents

Susemihl, Ingo

1990-01-01

The efficiency of laser welding and other laser material processing is optimized according to this invention by rotating the plane of polarization of a linearly polarized laser beam in relation to a work piece of the material being processed simultaneously and in synchronization with steering the laser beam over the work piece so as to keep the plane of polarization parallel to either the plane of incidence or the direction of travel of the beam in relation to the work piece. Also, depending to some extent on the particular processing being accomplished, such as welding or fusing, the angle of incidence of the laser beam on the work piece is kept at or near the polarizing or Brewster's angle. The combination of maintaining the plane of polarization parallel to plane of incidence while also maintaining the angle of incidence at or near the polarizing or Brewster's angle results in only minimal, if any, reflection losses during laser welding. Also, coordinating rotation of the plane of polarization with the translation or steering of a work piece under a laser cutting beam maximizes efficiency and kerf geometry, regardless of the direction of cut.

Method and apparatus for optimizing the efficiency and quality of laser material processing

DOEpatents

Susemihl, I.

1990-03-13

The efficiency of laser welding and other laser material processing is optimized according to this invention by rotating the plane of polarization of a linearly polarized laser beam in relation to a work piece of the material being processed simultaneously and in synchronization with steering the laser beam over the work piece so as to keep the plane of polarization parallel to either the plane of incidence or the direction of travel of the beam in relation to the work piece. Also, depending to some extent on the particular processing being accomplished, such as welding or fusing, the angle of incidence of the laser beam on the work piece is kept at or near the polarizing or Brewster's angle. The combination of maintaining the plane of polarization parallel to plane of incidence while also maintaining the angle of incidence at or near the polarizing or Brewster's angle results in only minimal, if any, reflection losses during laser welding. Also, coordinating rotation of the plane of polarization with the translation or steering of a work piece under a laser cutting beam maximizes efficiency and kerf geometry, regardless of the direction of cut. 7 figs.

Investigating multi-objective fluence and beam orientation IMRT optimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Potrebko, Peter S.; Fiege, Jason; Biagioli, Matthew; Poleszczuk, Jan

2017-07-01

Radiation Oncology treatment planning requires compromises to be made between clinical objectives that are invariably in conflict. It would be beneficial to have a ‘bird’s-eye-view’ perspective of the full spectrum of treatment plans that represent the possible trade-offs between delivering the intended dose to the planning target volume (PTV) while optimally sparing the organs-at-risk (OARs). In this work, the authors demonstrate Pareto-aware radiotherapy evolutionary treatment optimization (PARETO), a multi-objective tool featuring such bird’s-eye-view functionality, which optimizes fluence patterns and beam angles for intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) treatment planning. The problem of IMRT treatment plan optimization is managed as a combined monolithic problem, where all beam fluence and angle parameters are treated equally during the optimization. To achieve this, PARETO is built around a powerful multi-objective evolutionary algorithm, called Ferret, which simultaneously optimizes multiple fitness functions that encode the attributes of the desired dose distribution for the PTV and OARs. The graphical interfaces within PARETO provide useful information such as: the convergence behavior during optimization, trade-off plots between the competing objectives, and a graphical representation of the optimal solution database allowing for the rapid exploration of treatment plan quality through the evaluation of dose-volume histograms and isodose distributions. PARETO was evaluated for two relatively complex clinical cases, a paranasal sinus and a pancreas case. The end result of each PARETO run was a database of optimal (non-dominated) treatment plans that demonstrated trade-offs between the OAR and PTV fitness functions, which were all equally good in the Pareto-optimal sense (where no one objective can be improved without worsening at least one other). Ferret was able to produce high quality solutions even though a large number of parameters, such as beam fluence and beam angles, were included in the optimization.

A finite element analysis of the optimal bending angles in a running loop for mesial translation of a mandibular molar using indirect skeletal anchorage.

PubMed

Kim, M-J; Park, J H; Kojima, Y; Tai, K; Chae, J-M

2018-02-01

To estimate the optimal bending angles in the running loop for mesial translation of a mandibular second molar using indirect skeletal anchorage and to clarify the mechanics of tipping and rotating the molar. A three-dimensional finite element model was developed for predicting tooth movement, and a mechanical model based on the beam theory was constructed for clarifying the force systems. When using a running loop without bends, the molar tipped mesially 14.4° and lingually 0.6°, rotated counterclockwise 4.1°, and the incisors retracted 0.02 mm and intruded 0.05 mm. These angles were about the same as those estimated by the beam theory. When the amount of tip back and toe-in angles was 11.0°, mesial translation of the molar was achieved, and incisors retracted 0.10 mm and intruded 0.30 mm. Mesial translation of a mandibular second molar without any significant movement of anterior teeth was achieved during protraction by controlling the tip back and toe-in angles and enhancing anterior anchorage with the combined use of a running loop and indirect skeletal anchorage. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Treatment planning, optimization, and beam delivery technqiues for intensity modulated proton therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sengbusch, Evan R.

Physical properties of proton interactions in matter give them a theoretical advantage over photons in radiation therapy for cancer treatment, but they are seldom used relative to photons. The primary barriers to wider acceptance of proton therapy are the technical feasibility, size, and price of proton therapy systems. Several aspects of the proton therapy landscape are investigated, and new techniques for treatment planning, optimization, and beam delivery are presented. The results of these investigations suggest a means by which proton therapy can be delivered more efficiently, effectively, and to a much larger proportion of eligible patients. An analysis of the existing proton therapy market was performed. Personal interviews with over 30 radiation oncology leaders were conducted with regard to the current and future use of proton therapy. In addition, global proton therapy market projections are presented. The results of these investigations serve as motivation and guidance for the subsequent development of treatment system designs and treatment planning, optimization, and beam delivery methods. A major factor impacting the size and cost of proton treatment systems is the maximum energy of the accelerator. Historically, 250 MeV has been the accepted value, but there is minimal quantitative evidence in the literature that supports this standard. A retrospective study of 100 patients is presented that quantifies the maximum proton kinetic energy requirements for cancer treatment, and the impact of those results with regard to treatment system size, cost, and neutron production is discussed. This study is subsequently expanded to include 100 cranial stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) patients, and the results are discussed in the context of a proposed dedicated proton SRS treatment system. Finally, novel proton therapy optimization and delivery techniques are presented. Algorithms are developed that optimize treatment plans over beam angle, spot size, spot spacing, beamlet weight, the number of delivered beamlets, and the number of delivery angles. These methods are evaluated via treatment planning studies including left-sided whole breast irradiation, lung stereotactic body radiotherapy, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and whole brain radiotherapy with hippocampal avoidance. Improvements in efficiency and efficacy relative to traditional proton therapy and intensity modulated photon radiation therapy are discussed.

An integrated development facility for the calibration of low-energy charged particle flight instrumentation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Biddle, A. P.; Reynolds, J. M.

1985-01-01

A system was developed for the calibration and development of thermal ion instrumentation. The system provides an extended beam with usable current rates, approx. 1 pA/sq cm, at beam energies as low as 1 eV, with much higher values available with increasing energy. A tandem electrostatic and variable geometry magnetic mirror configuration within the ion source optimizes the use of the ionizing electrons. The system is integrated under microcomputer control to allow automatic control and monitoring of the beam energy and composition and the mass and angle-dependent response of the instrument under test. The system is pumped by a combination of carbon vane and cryogenic sorption roughing pumps and ion and liquid helium operating pumps.

Progress of beam diagnosis system for EAST neutral beam injector

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Xu, Y. J., E-mail: yjxu@ipp.ac.cn; Hu, C. D.; Yu, L.

Neutral beam injection has been recognized as one of the most effective means for plasma heating. According to the research plan of the EAST physics experiment, two sets of neutral beam injector (NBI) were built and operational in 2014. The paper presents the development of beam diagnosis system for EAST NBI and the latest experiment results obtained on the test-stand and EAST-NBI-1 and 2. The results show that the optimal divergence angle is (0.62°, 1.57°) and the full energy particle is up to 77%. They indicate that EAST NBI work properly and all targets reach or almost reach the designmore » targets. All these lay a solid foundation for the achievement of high quality plasma heating for EAST.« less

A slewing control experiment for flexible structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Juang, J.-N.; Horta, L. G.; Robertshaw, H. H.

1985-01-01

A hardware set-up has been developed to study slewing control for flexible structures including a steel beam and a solar panel. The linear optimal terminal control law is used to design active controllers which are implemented in an analog computer. The objective of this experiment is to demonstrate and verify the dynamics and optimal terminal control laws as applied to flexible structures for large angle maneuver. Actuation is provided by an electric motor while sensing is given by strain gages and angle potentiometer. Experimental measurements are compared with analytical predictions in terms of modal parameters of the system stability matrix and sufficient agreement is achieved to validate the theory.

High resolution quantitative phase imaging of live cells with constrained optimization approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pandiyan, Vimal Prabhu; Khare, Kedar; John, Renu

2016-03-01

Quantitative phase imaging (QPI) aims at studying weakly scattering and absorbing biological specimens with subwavelength accuracy without any external staining mechanisms. Use of a reference beam at an angle is one of the necessary criteria for recording of high resolution holograms in most of the interferometric methods used for quantitative phase imaging. The spatial separation of the dc and twin images is decided by the reference beam angle and Fourier-filtered reconstructed image will have a very poor resolution if hologram is recorded below a minimum reference angle condition. However, it is always inconvenient to have a large reference beam angle while performing high resolution microscopy of live cells and biological specimens with nanometric features. In this paper, we treat reconstruction of digital holographic microscopy images as a constrained optimization problem with smoothness constraint in order to recover only complex object field in hologram plane even with overlapping dc and twin image terms. We solve this optimization problem by gradient descent approach iteratively and the smoothness constraint is implemented by spatial averaging with appropriate size. This approach will give excellent high resolution image recovery compared to Fourier filtering while keeping a very small reference angle. We demonstrate this approach on digital holographic microscopy of live cells by recovering the quantitative phase of live cells from a hologram recorded with nearly zero reference angle.

Angular Spacing Control for Segmented Data Pages in Angle-Multiplexed Holographic Memory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kinoshita, Nobuhiro; Muroi, Tetsuhiko; Ishii, Norihiko; Kamijo, Koji; Kikuchi, Hiroshi; Shimidzu, Naoki; Ando, Toshio; Masaki, Kazuyoshi; Shimizu, Takehiro

2011-09-01

To improve the recording density of angle-multiplexed holographic memory, it is effective to increase the numerical aperture of the lens and to shorten the wavelength of the laser source as well as to increase the multiplexing number. The angular selectivity of a hologram, which determines the multiplexing number, is dependent on the incident angle of not only the reference beam but also the signal beam to the holographic recording medium. The actual signal beam, which is a convergent or divergent beam, is regarded as the sum of plane waves that have different propagation directions, angular selectivities, and optimal angular spacings. In this paper, focusing on the differences in the optimal angular spacing, we proposed a method to control the angular spacing for each segmented data page. We investigated the angular selectivity of a hologram and crosstalk for segmented data pages using numerical simulation. The experimental results showed a practical bit-error rate on the order of 10-3.

Influence of laser beam incidence angle on laser lap welding quality of galvanized steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mei, Lifang; Yan, Dongbing; Chen, Genyu; Wang, Zhenhui; Chen, Shuixuan

2017-11-01

Based on the characteristics of laser welded structural parts of auto bodies, the influence of variation in laser beam incidence angle on the lap welding performance of galvanized auto-body sheets was studied. Lap welding tests were carried out on the galvanized sheets for auto-body application at different laser beam incidence angles by using the optimal welding parameters obtained through orthogonal experiment. The effects of incidence angle variation on seam appearance, cross-sectional shape, joint mechanical properties and microstructure of weldments were analyzed. In addition, the main factors influencing the value of incidence angle were investigated. According to the results, the weld seams had a good appearance as well as a fine, and uniform microstructure when the laser beam incidence angle was smaller than the critical incidence angle, and thus they could withstand great tensile and shear loads. Moreover, all tensile-shear specimens were fractured in the base material zone. When the laser beam incidence angle was larger than the critical incidence angle, defects like shrinkage and collapse tended to emerge, thereby resulting in the deteriorated weldability of specimens. Meanwhile, factors like the type and thickness of sheet, weld width as well as inter-sheet gap all had a certain effect on the value of laser beam incidence angle. When the sheet thickness was small and the weld width was narrow, the laser beam incidence angle could be increased appropriately. At the same time, small changes in the inter-sheet gap could greatly impact the value of incidence angle. When the inter-sheet gap was small, the laser beam incidence angle should not be too large.

3D algebraic iterative reconstruction for cone-beam x-ray differential phase-contrast computed tomography.

PubMed

Fu, Jian; Hu, Xinhua; Velroyen, Astrid; Bech, Martin; Jiang, Ming; Pfeiffer, Franz

2015-01-01

Due to the potential of compact imaging systems with magnified spatial resolution and contrast, cone-beam x-ray differential phase-contrast computed tomography (DPC-CT) has attracted significant interest. The current proposed FDK reconstruction algorithm with the Hilbert imaginary filter will induce severe cone-beam artifacts when the cone-beam angle becomes large. In this paper, we propose an algebraic iterative reconstruction (AIR) method for cone-beam DPC-CT and report its experiment results. This approach considers the reconstruction process as the optimization of a discrete representation of the object function to satisfy a system of equations that describes the cone-beam DPC-CT imaging modality. Unlike the conventional iterative algorithms for absorption-based CT, it involves the derivative operation to the forward projections of the reconstructed intermediate image to take into account the differential nature of the DPC projections. This method is based on the algebraic reconstruction technique, reconstructs the image ray by ray, and is expected to provide better derivative estimates in iterations. This work comprises a numerical study of the algorithm and its experimental verification using a dataset measured with a three-grating interferometer and a mini-focus x-ray tube source. It is shown that the proposed method can reduce the cone-beam artifacts and performs better than FDK under large cone-beam angles. This algorithm is of interest for future cone-beam DPC-CT applications.

Beam pointing angle optimization and experiments for vehicle laser Doppler velocimetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fan, Zhe; Hu, Shuling; Zhang, Chunxi; Nie, Yanju; Li, Jun

2015-10-01

Beam pointing angle (BPA) is one of the key parameters that affects the operation performance of the laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV) system. By considering velocity sensitivity and echo power, for the first time, the optimized BPA of vehicle LDV is analyzed. Assuming mounting error is within ±1.0 deg, the reflectivity and roughness are variable for different scenarios, the optimized BPA is obtained in the range from 29 to 43 deg. Therefore, velocity sensitivity is in the range of 1.25 to 1.76 MHz/(m/s), and the percentage of normalized echo power at optimized BPA with respect to that at 0 deg is greater than 53.49%. Laboratory experiments with a rotating table are done with different BPAs of 10, 35, and 66 deg, and the results coincide with the theoretical analysis. Further, vehicle experiment with optimized BPA of 35 deg is conducted by comparison with microwave radar (accuracy of ±0.5% full scale output). The root-mean-square error of LDV's results is smaller than the Microstar II's, 0.0202 and 0.1495 m/s, corresponding to LDV and Microstar II, respectively, and the mean velocity discrepancy is 0.032 m/s. It is also proven that with the optimized BPA both high velocity sensitivity and acceptable echo power can simultaneously be guaranteed.

SU-E-T-446: Group-Sparsity Based Angle Generation Method for Beam Angle Optimization

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gao, H

2015-06-15

Purpose: This work is to develop the effective algorithm for beam angle optimization (BAO), with the emphasis on enabling further improvement from existing treatment-dependent templates based on clinical knowledge and experience. Methods: The proposed BAO algorithm utilizes a priori beam angle templates as the initial guess, and iteratively generates angular updates for this initial set, namely angle generation method, with improved dose conformality that is quantitatively measured by the objective function. That is, during each iteration, we select “the test angle” in the initial set, and use group-sparsity based fluence map optimization to identify “the candidate angle” for updating “themore » test angle”, for which all the angles in the initial set except “the test angle”, namely “the fixed set”, are set free, i.e., with no group-sparsity penalty, and the rest of angles including “the test angle” during this iteration are in “the working set”. And then “the candidate angle” is selected with the smallest objective function value from the angles in “the working set” with locally maximal group sparsity, and replaces “the test angle” if “the fixed set” with “the candidate angle” has a smaller objective function value by solving the standard fluence map optimization (with no group-sparsity regularization). Similarly other angles in the initial set are in turn selected as “the test angle” for angular updates and this chain of updates is iterated until no further new angular update is identified for a full loop. Results: The tests using the MGH public prostate dataset demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed BAO algorithm. For example, the optimized angular set from the proposed BAO algorithm was better the MGH template. Conclusion: A new BAO algorithm is proposed based on the angle generation method via group sparsity, with improved dose conformality from the given template. Hao Gao was partially supported by the NSFC (#11405105), the 973 Program (#2015CB856000) and the Shanghai Pujiang Talent Program (#14PJ1404500)« less

Cherenkov imaging method for rapid optimization of clinical treatment geometry in total skin electron beam therapy

PubMed Central

Zhang, Rongxiao; Gladstone, David J.; Williams, Benjamin B.; Glaser, Adam K.; Pogue, Brian W.; Jarvis, Lesley A.

2016-01-01

Purpose: A method was developed utilizing Cherenkov imaging for rapid and thorough determination of the two gantry angles that produce the most uniform treatment plane during dual-field total skin electron beam therapy (TSET). Methods: Cherenkov imaging was implemented to gather 2D measurements of relative surface dose from 6 MeV electron beams on a white polyethylene sheet. An intensified charge-coupled device camera time-gated to the Linac was used for Cherenkov emission imaging at sixty-two different gantry angles (1° increments, from 239.5° to 300.5°). Following a modified Stanford TSET technique, which uses two fields per patient position for full body coverage, composite images were created as the sum of two beam images on the sheet; each angle pair was evaluated for minimum variation across the patient region of interest. Cherenkov versus dose correlation was verified with ionization chamber measurements. The process was repeated at source to surface distance (SSD) = 441, 370.5, and 300 cm to determine optimal angle spread for varying room geometries. In addition, three patients receiving TSET using a modified Stanford six-dual field technique with 6 MeV electron beams at SSD = 441 cm were imaged during treatment. Results: As in previous studies, Cherenkov intensity was shown to directly correlate with dose for homogenous flat phantoms (R2 = 0.93), making Cherenkov imaging an appropriate candidate to assess and optimize TSET setup geometry. This method provided dense 2D images allowing 1891 possible treatment geometries to be comprehensively analyzed from one data set of 62 single images. Gantry angles historically used for TSET at their institution were 255.5° and 284.5° at SSD = 441 cm; however, the angles optimized for maximum homogeneity were found to be 252.5° and 287.5° (+6° increase in angle spread). Ionization chamber measurements confirmed improvement in dose homogeneity across the treatment field from a range of 24.4% at the initial angles, to only 9.8% with the angles optimized. A linear relationship between angle spread and SSD was observed, ranging from 35° at 441 cm, to 39° at 300 cm, with no significant variation in percent-depth dose at midline (R2 = 0.998). For patient studies, factors influencing in vivo correlation between Cherenkov intensity and measured surface dose are still being investigated. Conclusions: Cherenkov intensity correlates to relative dose measured at depth of maximum dose in a uniform, flat phantom. Imaging of phantoms can thus be used to analyze and optimize TSET treatment geometry more extensively and rapidly than thermoluminescent dosimeters or ionization chambers. This work suggests that there could be an expanded role for Cherenkov imaging as a tool to efficiently improve treatment protocols and as a potential verification tool for routine monitoring of unique patient treatments. PMID:26843259

Cherenkov imaging method for rapid optimization of clinical treatment geometry in total skin electron beam therapy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Andreozzi, Jacqueline M., E-mail: Jacqueline.M.Andreozzi.th@dartmouth.edu, E-mail: Lesley.A.Jarvis@hitchcock.org; Glaser, Adam K.; Zhang, Rongxiao

2016-02-15

Purpose: A method was developed utilizing Cherenkov imaging for rapid and thorough determination of the two gantry angles that produce the most uniform treatment plane during dual-field total skin electron beam therapy (TSET). Methods: Cherenkov imaging was implemented to gather 2D measurements of relative surface dose from 6 MeV electron beams on a white polyethylene sheet. An intensified charge-coupled device camera time-gated to the Linac was used for Cherenkov emission imaging at sixty-two different gantry angles (1° increments, from 239.5° to 300.5°). Following a modified Stanford TSET technique, which uses two fields per patient position for full body coverage, compositemore » images were created as the sum of two beam images on the sheet; each angle pair was evaluated for minimum variation across the patient region of interest. Cherenkov versus dose correlation was verified with ionization chamber measurements. The process was repeated at source to surface distance (SSD) = 441, 370.5, and 300 cm to determine optimal angle spread for varying room geometries. In addition, three patients receiving TSET using a modified Stanford six-dual field technique with 6 MeV electron beams at SSD = 441 cm were imaged during treatment. Results: As in previous studies, Cherenkov intensity was shown to directly correlate with dose for homogenous flat phantoms (R{sup 2} = 0.93), making Cherenkov imaging an appropriate candidate to assess and optimize TSET setup geometry. This method provided dense 2D images allowing 1891 possible treatment geometries to be comprehensively analyzed from one data set of 62 single images. Gantry angles historically used for TSET at their institution were 255.5° and 284.5° at SSD = 441 cm; however, the angles optimized for maximum homogeneity were found to be 252.5° and 287.5° (+6° increase in angle spread). Ionization chamber measurements confirmed improvement in dose homogeneity across the treatment field from a range of 24.4% at the initial angles, to only 9.8% with the angles optimized. A linear relationship between angle spread and SSD was observed, ranging from 35° at 441 cm, to 39° at 300 cm, with no significant variation in percent-depth dose at midline (R{sup 2} = 0.998). For patient studies, factors influencing in vivo correlation between Cherenkov intensity and measured surface dose are still being investigated. Conclusions: Cherenkov intensity correlates to relative dose measured at depth of maximum dose in a uniform, flat phantom. Imaging of phantoms can thus be used to analyze and optimize TSET treatment geometry more extensively and rapidly than thermoluminescent dosimeters or ionization chambers. This work suggests that there could be an expanded role for Cherenkov imaging as a tool to efficiently improve treatment protocols and as a potential verification tool for routine monitoring of unique patient treatments.« less

High-speed reference-beam-angle control technique for holographic memory drive

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamada, Ken-ichiro; Ogata, Takeshi; Hosaka, Makoto; Fujita, Koji; Okuyama, Atsushi

2016-09-01

We developed a holographic memory drive for next-generation optical memory. In this study, we present the key technology for achieving a high-speed transfer rate for reproduction, that is, a high-speed control technique for the reference beam angle. In reproduction in a holographic memory drive, there is the issue that the optimum reference beam angle during reproduction varies owing to distortion of the medium. The distortion is caused by, for example, temperature variation, beam irradiation, and moisture absorption. Therefore, a reference-beam-angle control technique to position the reference beam at the optimum angle is crucial. We developed a new optical system that generates an angle-error-signal to detect the optimum reference beam angle. To achieve the high-speed control technique using the new optical system, we developed a new control technique called adaptive final-state control (AFSC) that adds a second control input to the first one derived from conventional final-state control (FSC) at the time of angle-error-signal detection. We established an actual experimental system employing AFSC to achieve moving control between each page (Page Seek) within 300 µs. In sequential multiple Page Seeks, we were able to realize positioning to the optimum angles of the reference beam that maximize the diffracted beam intensity. We expect that applying the new control technique to the holographic memory drive will enable a giga-bit/s-class transfer rate.

Direct aperture optimization: a turnkey solution for step-and-shoot IMRT.

PubMed

Shepard, D M; Earl, M A; Li, X A; Naqvi, S; Yu, C

2002-06-01

IMRT treatment plans for step-and-shoot delivery have traditionally been produced through the optimization of intensity distributions (or maps) for each beam angle. The optimization step is followed by the application of a leaf-sequencing algorithm that translates each intensity map into a set of deliverable aperture shapes. In this article, we introduce an automated planning system in which we bypass the traditional intensity optimization, and instead directly optimize the shapes and the weights of the apertures. We call this approach "direct aperture optimization." This technique allows the user to specify the maximum number of apertures per beam direction, and hence provides significant control over the complexity of the treatment delivery. This is possible because the machine dependent delivery constraints imposed by the MLC are enforced within the aperture optimization algorithm rather than in a separate leaf-sequencing step. The leaf settings and the aperture intensities are optimized simultaneously using a simulated annealing algorithm. We have tested direct aperture optimization on a variety of patient cases using the EGS4/BEAM Monte Carlo package for our dose calculation engine. The results demonstrate that direct aperture optimization can produce highly conformal step-and-shoot treatment plans using only three to five apertures per beam direction. As compared with traditional optimization strategies, our studies demonstrate that direct aperture optimization can result in a significant reduction in both the number of beam segments and the number of monitor units. Direct aperture optimization therefore produces highly efficient treatment deliveries that maintain the full dosimetric benefits of IMRT.

Optimization of Treatment Geometry to Reduce Normal Brain Dose in Radiosurgery of Multiple Brain Metastases with Single-Isocenter Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy.

PubMed

Wu, Qixue; Snyder, Karen Chin; Liu, Chang; Huang, Yimei; Zhao, Bo; Chetty, Indrin J; Wen, Ning

2016-09-30

Treatment of patients with multiple brain metastases using a single-isocenter volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) has been shown to decrease treatment time with the tradeoff of larger low dose to the normal brain tissue. We have developed an efficient Projection Summing Optimization Algorithm to optimize the treatment geometry in order to reduce dose to normal brain tissue for radiosurgery of multiple metastases with single-isocenter VMAT. The algorithm: (a) measures coordinates of outer boundary points of each lesion to be treated using the Eclipse Scripting Application Programming Interface, (b) determines the rotations of couch, collimator, and gantry using three matrices about the cardinal axes, (c) projects the outer boundary points of the lesion on to Beam Eye View projection plane, (d) optimizes couch and collimator angles by selecting the least total unblocked area for each specific treatment arc, and (e) generates a treatment plan with the optimized angles. The results showed significant reduction in the mean dose and low dose volume to normal brain, while maintaining the similar treatment plan qualities on the thirteen patients treated previously. The algorithm has the flexibility with regard to the beam arrangements and can be integrated in the treatment planning system for clinical application directly.

Amplitude and phase beam shaping for highest sensitivity in sidewall angle detection.

PubMed

Cisotto, Luca; Paul Urbach, H

2017-01-01

In integrated circuits manufacturing, specific structures are used as tools to evaluate the quality of the lithographic process, and the shape of these structures is often described by a few parameters, of which in particular the sidewall angle suffers from considerable inaccuracies. Using scalar diffraction theory, we investigate whether a properly shaped cylindrically focused probing beam could increase the ability to detect tiny changes in this angle in the case of a cliff-like structure, modeled as a phase object. This paper describes the theoretical formulation used to calculate the optimized beam and compares its performance with the case of a focused plane wave.

Optimized mirror shape tuning using beam weightings based on distance, angle of incidence, reflectivity, and power.

PubMed

Goldberg, Kenneth A; Yashchuk, Valeriy V

2016-05-01

For glancing-incidence optical systems, such as short-wavelength optics used for nano-focusing, incorporating physical factors in the calculations used for shape optimization can improve performance. Wavefront metrology, including the measurement of a mirror's shape or slope, is routinely used as input for mirror figure optimization on mirrors that can be bent, actuated, positioned, or aligned. Modeling shows that when the incident power distribution, distance from focus, angle of incidence, and the spatially varying reflectivity are included in the optimization, higher Strehl ratios can be achieved. Following the works of Maréchal and Mahajan, optimization of the Strehl ratio (for peak intensity with a coherently illuminated system) occurs when the expectation value of the phase error's variance is minimized. We describe an optimization procedure based on regression analysis that incorporates these physical parameters. This approach is suitable for coherently illuminated systems of nearly diffraction-limited quality. Mathematically, this work is an enhancement of the methods commonly applied for ex situ alignment based on uniform weighting of all points on the surface (or a sub-region of the surface). It follows a similar approach to the optimization of apodized and non-uniformly illuminated optical systems. Significantly, it reaches a different conclusion than a more recent approach based on minimization of focal plane ray errors.

THz optical design considerations and optimization for medical imaging applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sung, Shijun; Garritano, James; Bajwa, Neha; Nowroozi, Bryan; Llombart, Nuria; Grundfest, Warren; Taylor, Zachary D.

2014-09-01

THz imaging system design will play an important role making possible imaging of targets with arbitrary properties and geometries. This study discusses design consideration and imaging performance optimization techniques in THz quasioptical imaging system optics. Analysis of field and polarization distortion by off-axis parabolic (OAP) mirrors in THz imaging optics shows how distortions are carried in a series of mirrors while guiding the THz beam. While distortions of the beam profile by individual mirrors are not significant, these effects are compounded by a series of mirrors in antisymmetric orientation. It is shown that symmetric orientation of the OAP mirror effectively cancels this distortion to recover the original beam profile. Additionally, symmetric orientation can correct for some geometrical off-focusing due to misalignment. We also demonstrate an alternative method to test for overall system optics alignment by investigating the imaging performance of the tilted target plane. Asymmetric signal profile as a function of the target plane's tilt angle indicates when one or more imaging components are misaligned, giving a preferred tilt direction. Such analysis can offer additional insight into often elusive source device misalignment at an integrated system. Imaging plane tilting characteristics are representative of a 3-D modulation transfer function of the imaging system. A symmetric tilted plane is preferred to optimize imaging performance.

Deformation analysis of tilted primary mirror for an off-axis beam compressor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clark, James H., III; Penado, F. Ernesto; Dugdale, Joel

2011-09-01

The Navy Prototype Optical Interferometer (NPOI), located near Flagstaff, Arizona, is a ground-based interferometer that collects and transports stellar radiation from six primary flat collectors, known as siderostats, through a common vacuum relay system to a beam combiner where the beams are combined, fringes are obtained and modulated, and data are recorded for further analysis. The current number of observable stellar objects can increase from 6,000 to approximately 47,000 with the addition of down-tilting beam compressors in the optical train. The increase in photon collection area from the beam compressors opens the sky to many additional and fainter stars. The siderostats are capable of redirecting 35 cm stellar beams into the vacuum relay system. Sans beam compressors, any portion of the beam greater than the capacity of the vacuum transport system, 12.5 cm, is wasted. Engineering analysis of previously procured as-built beam compressor optics show the maximum allowable primary mirror surface sag, resulting in λ/10 peak-to-valley wavefront aberration, occurs at 2.8° down-tilt angle. At the NPOI operational down-tilt angle of 20° the wavefront aberration reduces to an unacceptable λ/4. A design modification concept that reduces tilt-induced sag was investigated. Four outwardly applied 4-lb forces on the rear surface of the mirror reduce the sag from 155 nm to 32 nm at 20° down-tilt and reduce peak-to-valley wavefront deviation to λ/8.6. This preliminary effort indicates that this solution path is a viable and economic way to repair an expensive set of optical components. However, it requires further work to optimize the locations, magnitudes, and quantity of the forces within this system and their influence on the mirror surface.

A beam splitter of natural light guiding system based on dichroic prism for ecological illumination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yu-Chi; Chen, Yi-Yung; Whang, Allen Jong-Woei

2009-08-01

In thremmatology, many researches focus on ecological illumination for improving the growing speed of animal or plant. According to the Trichromatic theory, any specific color can be made up of red, green, and blue light. Sunlight has full spectrum so it is the most applicable source. A Natural Light Guiding System includes collecting, transmitting, and lighting parts. In our research, we would like to design a beam splitter in the transmitting part to separate the sunlight into red, green, and blue light for ecological illumination. We use high pass and low pass dichroic coatings in a prism, called dichroic prism, to be the beam splitter to separate the wavelength. For measuring the spectra of the exit beams, we build a space with the Natural Light Guiding System. In the space, the spectra of sunlight outside and inside the space and the exit beams of the beam splitter are measured. Finally, we use prismatic structure to design the beam splitter, and optimize the surface of the element with aspheric surface and Fresnel surface to reduce the beam angle of exit light.

The optimal balance between quality and efficiency in proton radiography imaging technique at various proton beam energies: A Monte Carlo study.

PubMed

Biegun, A K; van Goethem, M-J; van der Graaf, E R; van Beuzekom, M; Koffeman, E N; Nakaji, T; Takatsu, J; Visser, J; Brandenburg, S

2017-09-01

Proton radiography is a novel imaging modality that allows direct measurement of the proton energy loss in various tissues. Currently, due to the conversion of so-called Hounsfield units from X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) into relative proton stopping powers (RPSP), the uncertainties of RPSP are 3-5% or higher, which need to be minimized down to 1% to make the proton treatment plans more accurate. In this work, we simulated a proton radiography system, with position-sensitive detectors (PSDs) and a residual energy detector (RED). The simulations were built using Geant4, a Monte Carlo simulation toolkit. A phantom, consisting of several materials was placed between the PSDs of various Water Equivalent Thicknesses (WET), corresponding to an ideal detector, a gaseous detector, silicon and plastic scintillator detectors. The energy loss radiograph and the scattering angle distributions of the protons were studied for proton beam energies of 150MeV, 190MeV and 230MeV. To improve the image quality deteriorated by the multiple Coulomb scattering (MCS), protons with small angles were selected. Two ways of calculating a scattering angle were considered using the proton's direction and position. A scattering angle cut of 8.7mrad was applied giving an optimal balance between quality and efficiency of the radiographic image. For the three proton beam energies, the number of protons used in image reconstruction with the direction method was half the number of protons kept using the position method. Copyright © 2017 Associazione Italiana di Fisica Medica. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Particle beam injector system and method

DOEpatents

Guethlein, Gary

2013-06-18

Methods and devices enable coupling of a charged particle beam to a radio frequency quadrupole accelerator. Coupling of the charged particle beam is accomplished, at least in-part, by relying on of sensitivity of the input phase space acceptance of the radio frequency quadrupole to the angle of the input charged particle beam. A first electric field across a beam deflector deflects the particle beam at an angle that is beyond the acceptance angle of the radio frequency quadrupole. By momentarily reversing or reducing the established electric field, a narrow portion of the charged particle beam is deflected at an angle within the acceptance angle of the radio frequency quadrupole. In another configuration, beam is directed at an angle within the acceptance angle of the radio frequency quadrupole by the first electric field and is deflected beyond the acceptance angle of the radio frequency quadrupole due to the second electric field.

SU-F-T-382: Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) Beam Angle Optimization in Pulsed Partial Brain Irradiation (PPBI) for Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhou, J; Wang, Y; Ding, X

Purpose: To optimize VMAT beam parameters in PPBI to minimize treatment time. We investigate the coverage and organs at risk (OR) avoidance capability of shorter arcs with shorter treatment times. Methods: We evaluated the treatment plans for eleven previously treated PPBI patients. Each patient received 46Gy (2Gy×23) to the initial target and an additional 14Gy (2Gy×7) as a sequential boost. Each daily 2-Gy fraction was delivered as ten 0.2-Gy pulses separated by 3-minute intervals using VMAT. Each pulse was delivered using the same arc and covered at least 95% of the PTV with at least 95% of the prescription dose.more » To optimize the VMAT beam angle, an initial 360° full-arc VMAT plan was implemented. Beam control points and their corresponding dose rates were exported. A curve of the product of control point and dose rate was plotted against treatment beam angle. The optimum angle range was determined from this relationship. We chose the minimum continuous angle range that covered 85% of the area under the curve. Planning parameters, including treatment time for each pulse (T-pulse), PTV coverage, maximum dose (Dmax), homogeneity index (HI=D5/D95), R50 (50%IDL/PTV), and Dmax to ORs, were compared. Results: Mean PTV volume was 364.1±181.5cc. Mean T-pulse of partial-arc beams was 34.3±10.6s, vs. 63.0±1.7s (p<0.001) for that of full-arc beams. No significant differences were found for PTV V95, Dmax and R50, 99.4%±1.2% vs. 99.7%±0.5% (p=0.066), 108.0%±1.2% vs. 107.5%±1.1% (p=0.107), 2.95±0.38 vs. 2.87±0.35 (p=0.165), for the plans with partial-arc and full-arc beams, respectively. However, plans using full-arc do provide better PTV V100 and HI, 96.0%±3.0% vs. 97.2%±2.0% (p=0.025) and 1.06±0.03 vs. 1.04±0.01 (p=0.009). No significant difference was found on Dmax to ORs. Conclusion: PPBI with optimized partial-arc plans are clinically comparable to full-arc plans, while treatment time be significantly reduced, average saving of 287s for a 10-pulse treatment.« less

Active retroreflector with in situ beam analysis to measure the rotational orientation in conjunction with a laser tracker

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hofherr, O.; Wachten, C.; Müller, C.; Reinecke, H.

2013-04-01

High precision optical non-contact position measurement is a key technology in modern engineering. Laser trackers (LT) can determine accurately x-y-z coordinates of passive retroreflectors. Next-generation systems answer the additional need to measure an object`s rotational orientation (pitch, yaw, roll). These devices are based either on photogrammetry or on enhanced retroreflectors. However, photogrammetry relies on costly camera systems and time-consuming image processing. Enhanced retroreflectors analyze the LT`s beam but are restricted in roll angle measurements. In the past we have presented a new method [1][2] to measure all six degrees of freedom in conjunction with a LT. Now we dramatically optimized the method and designed a new prototype, e.g. taking into consideration optical alignment, reduced power loss, highly optimized measuring signals and higher resolution. A method is described that allows compensating the influence of the LT's beam offset during tracking the active retroreflector. We prove the functionality of the active retroreflector with the LT and, furthermore, demonstrate the capability of the system to characterize the tracking behavior of a LT. The measurement range for the incident laser beam is +/-12° with a resolution of 0.6".

A microbeam slit system for high beam currents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vallentin, T.; Moser, M.; Eschbaumer, S.; Greubel, C.; Haase, T.; Reichart, P.; Rösch, T.; Dollinger, G.

2015-04-01

A new microbeam slit system for high beam currents of 10 μA was built up to improve the brightness transport of a proton beam with a kinetic energy of up to 25 MeV into the microprobe SNAKE. The new slit system features a position accuracy of less than 1 μm under normal operating conditions and less than 2 μm if the beam is switched on and off. The thermal management with a powerful watercooling and potential-free thermocouple feedback controlled heating cables is optimized for constant slit aperture at thermal power input of up to 250 W. The transparent zone is optimized to 0.7 μm due to the use of tungsten formed to a cylindrical surface with a radius r = 100 mm and mechanically lapped surface to minimize small angle scattering effects and to minimize the number of ions passing the slits with low energy loss. Electrical isolation of the slit tip enables slit current monitoring, e.g. for tandem accelerator feedback control. With the ability to transport up to 10 μA of protons with the new microslit system, the brightness Bexp transported into the microprobe was increased by a factor of 2 compared to low current injection using the old slit system.

Efficient tight focusing of laser beams optimally matched to their thin-film linear-to-radial polarization conversion: Method, implementation, and field near focus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sedukhin, Andrey G.; Poleshchuk, Alexander G.

2018-01-01

A method is proposed for efficient, rotationally symmetric, tight mirror focusing of laser beams that is optimally matched to their thin-film linear-to-radial polarization conversion by a constant near-Brewster angle of incidence of the beams onto a polarizing element. Two optical systems and their modifications are considered that are based on this method and on the use of Toraldo filters. If focusing components of these systems operate in media with refractive indices equal to that of the focal region, they take the form of an axicon and an annular reflector generated by the revolution of an inclined parabola around the optical axis. Vectorial formulas for calculating the diffracted field near the focus of these systems are derived. Also presented are the results of designing a thin-film obliquely illuminated polarizer and a numerical simulation of deep UV laser beams generated by one of the systems and focused in an immersion liquid. The transverse and axial sizes of a needle longitudinally polarized field generated by the system with a simplest phase Toraldo filter were found to be 0.39 λ and 10.5 λ, with λ being the wavelength in the immersion liquid.

Simultaneous beam sampling and aperture shape optimization for SPORT.

PubMed

Zarepisheh, Masoud; Li, Ruijiang; Ye, Yinyu; Xing, Lei

2015-02-01

Station parameter optimized radiation therapy (SPORT) was recently proposed to fully utilize the technical capability of emerging digital linear accelerators, in which the station parameters of a delivery system, such as aperture shape and weight, couch position/angle, gantry/collimator angle, can be optimized simultaneously. SPORT promises to deliver remarkable radiation dose distributions in an efficient manner, yet there exists no optimization algorithm for its implementation. The purpose of this work is to develop an algorithm to simultaneously optimize the beam sampling and aperture shapes. The authors build a mathematical model with the fundamental station point parameters as the decision variables. To solve the resulting large-scale optimization problem, the authors devise an effective algorithm by integrating three advanced optimization techniques: column generation, subgradient method, and pattern search. Column generation adds the most beneficial stations sequentially until the plan quality improvement saturates and provides a good starting point for the subsequent optimization. It also adds the new stations during the algorithm if beneficial. For each update resulted from column generation, the subgradient method improves the selected stations locally by reshaping the apertures and updating the beam angles toward a descent subgradient direction. The algorithm continues to improve the selected stations locally and globally by a pattern search algorithm to explore the part of search space not reachable by the subgradient method. By combining these three techniques together, all plausible combinations of station parameters are searched efficiently to yield the optimal solution. A SPORT optimization framework with seamlessly integration of three complementary algorithms, column generation, subgradient method, and pattern search, was established. The proposed technique was applied to two previously treated clinical cases: a head and neck and a prostate case. It significantly improved the target conformality and at the same time critical structure sparing compared with conventional intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). In the head and neck case, for example, the average PTV coverage D99% for two PTVs, cord and brainstem max doses, and right parotid gland mean dose were improved, respectively, by about 7%, 37%, 12%, and 16%. The proposed method automatically determines the number of the stations required to generate a satisfactory plan and optimizes simultaneously the involved station parameters, leading to improved quality of the resultant treatment plans as compared with the conventional IMRT plans.

Simultaneous beam sampling and aperture shape optimization for SPORT

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zarepisheh, Masoud; Li, Ruijiang; Xing, Lei, E-mail: Lei@stanford.edu

Purpose: Station parameter optimized radiation therapy (SPORT) was recently proposed to fully utilize the technical capability of emerging digital linear accelerators, in which the station parameters of a delivery system, such as aperture shape and weight, couch position/angle, gantry/collimator angle, can be optimized simultaneously. SPORT promises to deliver remarkable radiation dose distributions in an efficient manner, yet there exists no optimization algorithm for its implementation. The purpose of this work is to develop an algorithm to simultaneously optimize the beam sampling and aperture shapes. Methods: The authors build a mathematical model with the fundamental station point parameters as the decisionmore » variables. To solve the resulting large-scale optimization problem, the authors devise an effective algorithm by integrating three advanced optimization techniques: column generation, subgradient method, and pattern search. Column generation adds the most beneficial stations sequentially until the plan quality improvement saturates and provides a good starting point for the subsequent optimization. It also adds the new stations during the algorithm if beneficial. For each update resulted from column generation, the subgradient method improves the selected stations locally by reshaping the apertures and updating the beam angles toward a descent subgradient direction. The algorithm continues to improve the selected stations locally and globally by a pattern search algorithm to explore the part of search space not reachable by the subgradient method. By combining these three techniques together, all plausible combinations of station parameters are searched efficiently to yield the optimal solution. Results: A SPORT optimization framework with seamlessly integration of three complementary algorithms, column generation, subgradient method, and pattern search, was established. The proposed technique was applied to two previously treated clinical cases: a head and neck and a prostate case. It significantly improved the target conformality and at the same time critical structure sparing compared with conventional intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). In the head and neck case, for example, the average PTV coverage D99% for two PTVs, cord and brainstem max doses, and right parotid gland mean dose were improved, respectively, by about 7%, 37%, 12%, and 16%. Conclusions: The proposed method automatically determines the number of the stations required to generate a satisfactory plan and optimizes simultaneously the involved station parameters, leading to improved quality of the resultant treatment plans as compared with the conventional IMRT plans.« less

Active retroreflector to measure the rotational orientation in conjunction with a laser tracker

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hofherr, O.; Wachten, C.; Müller, C.; Reinecke, H.

2012-10-01

High precision optical non-contact position measurement is a key technology in modern engineering. Laser trackers (LT) can determine accurately x-y-z coordinates of passive retroreflectors. Next-generation systems answer the additional need to measure an object's rotational orientation (pitch, yaw, roll). These devices are based on photogrammetry or on enhanced retroreflectors. However, photogrammetry relies on camera systems and time-consuming image processing. Enhanced retroreflectors analyze the LT's beam but are restricted in roll angle measurements. Here we present an integrated laser based method to evaluate all six degrees of freedom. An active retroreflector directly analyzes its orientation to the LT's beam path by outcoupling laser light on detectors. A proof of concept prototype has been designed with a specified measuring range of 360° for roll angle measurements and +/-15° for pitch and yaw angle respectively. The prototype's optical design is inspired by a cat's eye retroreflector. First results are promising and further improvements are under development. We anticipate our method to facilitate simple and cost-effective six degrees of freedom measurements. Furthermore, for industrial applications wide customizations are possible, e.g. adaptation of measuring range, optimization of accuracy, and further system miniaturization.

Design and simulation of MEMS-actuated adjustable optical wedge for laser beam scanners

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bahgat, Ahmed S.; Zaki, Ahmed H.; Abdo Mohamed, Mohamed; El Sherif, Ashraf Fathy

2018-01-01

This paper introduces both optical and mechanical design and simulation of large static deflection MOEMS actuator. The designed device is in the form of an adjustable optical wedge (AOW) laser scanner. The AOW is formed of 1.5-mm-diameter plano-convex lens separated by air gap from plano-concave fixed lens. The convex lens is actuated by staggered vertical comb drive and suspended by rectangular cross-section torsion beam. An optical analysis and simulation of air separated AOW as well as detailed design, analysis, and static simulation of comb -drive are introduced. The dynamic step response of the full system is also introduced. The analytical solution showed a good agreement with the simulation results. A general global minimum optimization algorithm is applied to the comb-drive design to minimize driving voltage. A maximum comb-drive mechanical deflection angle of 12 deg in each direction was obtained under DC actuation voltage of 32 V with a settling time of 90 ms, leading to 1-mm one-dimensional (1-D) steering of laser beam with continuous optical scan angle of 5 deg in each direction. This optimization process provided a design of larger deflection actuator with smaller driving voltage compared with other conventional devices. This enhancement could lead to better performance of MOEMS-based laser beam scanners for imaging and low-speed applications.

IMRT for Image-Guided Single Vocal Cord Irradiation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Osman, Sarah O.S., E-mail: s.osman@erasmusmc.nl; Astreinidou, Eleftheria; Boer, Hans C.J. de

2012-02-01

Purpose: We have been developing an image-guided single vocal cord irradiation technique to treat patients with stage T1a glottic carcinoma. In the present study, we compared the dose coverage to the affected vocal cord and the dose delivered to the organs at risk using conventional, intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) coplanar, and IMRT non-coplanar techniques. Methods and Materials: For 10 patients, conventional treatment plans using two laterally opposed wedged 6-MV photon beams were calculated in XiO (Elekta-CMS treatment planning system). An in-house IMRT/beam angle optimization algorithm was used to obtain the coplanar and non-coplanar optimized beam angles. Using these angles, the IMRTmore » plans were generated in Monaco (IMRT treatment planning system, Elekta-CMS) with the implemented Monte Carlo dose calculation algorithm. The organs at risk included the contralateral vocal cord, arytenoids, swallowing muscles, carotid arteries, and spinal cord. The prescription dose was 66 Gy in 33 fractions. Results: For the conventional plans and coplanar and non-coplanar IMRT plans, the population-averaged mean dose {+-} standard deviation to the planning target volume was 67 {+-} 1 Gy. The contralateral vocal cord dose was reduced from 66 {+-} 1 Gy in the conventional plans to 39 {+-} 8 Gy and 36 {+-} 6 Gy in the coplanar and non-coplanar IMRT plans, respectively. IMRT consistently reduced the doses to the other organs at risk. Conclusions: Single vocal cord irradiation with IMRT resulted in good target coverage and provided significant sparing of the critical structures. This has the potential to improve the quality-of-life outcomes after RT and maintain the same local control rates.« less

The role of service areas in the optimization of FSS orbital and frequency assignments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Levis, C. A.; Wang, C. W.; Yamamura, Y.; Reilly, C. H.; Gonsalvez, D. J.

1985-01-01

A relationship is derived, on a single-entry interference basis, for the minimum allowable spacing between two satellites as a function of electrical parameters and service-area geometries. For circular beams, universal curves relate the topocentric satellite spacing angle to the service-area separation angle measured at the satellite. The corresponding geocentric spacing depends only weakly on the mean longitude of the two satellites, and this is true also for alliptical antenna beams. As a consequence, if frequency channels are preassigned, the orbital assignment synthesis of a satellite system can be formulated as a mixed-integer programming (MIP) problem or approximated by a linear programming (LP) problem, with the interference protection requirements enforced by constraints while some linear function is optimized. Possible objective-function choices are discussed and explicit formulations are presented for the choice of the sum of the absolute deviations of the orbital locations from some prescribed ideal location set. A test problem is posed consisting of six service areas, each served by one satellite, all using elliptical antenna beams and the same frequency channels. Numerical results are given for the three ideal location prescriptions for both the MIP and LP formulations. The resulting scenarios also satisfy reasonable aggregate interference protection requirements.

Implementation of a dose gradient method into optimization of dose distribution in prostate cancer 3D-CRT plans

PubMed Central

Giżyńska, Marta K.; Kukołowicz, Paweł F.; Kordowski, Paweł

2014-01-01

Aim The aim of this work is to present a method of beam weight and wedge angle optimization for patients with prostate cancer. Background 3D-CRT is usually realized with forward planning based on a trial and error method. Several authors have published a few methods of beam weight optimization applicable to the 3D-CRT. Still, none on these methods is in common use. Materials and methods Optimization is based on the assumption that the best plan is achieved if dose gradient at ICRU point is equal to zero. Our optimization algorithm requires beam quality index, depth of maximum dose, profiles of wedged fields and maximum dose to femoral heads. The method was tested for 10 patients with prostate cancer, treated with the 3-field technique. Optimized plans were compared with plans prepared by 12 experienced planners. Dose standard deviation in target volume, and minimum and maximum doses were analyzed. Results The quality of plans obtained with the proposed optimization algorithms was comparable to that prepared by experienced planners. Mean difference in target dose standard deviation was 0.1% in favor of the plans prepared by planners for optimization of beam weights and wedge angles. Introducing a correction factor for patient body outline for dose gradient at ICRU point improved dose distribution homogeneity. On average, a 0.1% lower standard deviation was achieved with the optimization algorithm. No significant difference in mean dose–volume histogram for the rectum was observed. Conclusions Optimization shortens very much time planning. The average planning time was 5 min and less than a minute for forward and computer optimization, respectively. PMID:25337411

Partially coherent polarized atmospheric transmission characteristics and application technology research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Qiang; Gao, Duorui; Liu, Zhi; Chen, Chunyi; Lou, Yan; Jiang, Huilin

2014-11-01

Based on partially coherent polarized light transmission characteristics of the atmosphere, an intensity expression of completely coherent flashing light is derived from Andrews scale modulation method. According to the generalized Huygens-Fresnel principle and Rytov theory, the phase fluctuation structure function is obtained on condition that the refractive index profile in the atmosphere meet Von Karman spectrum, then get the arrival Angle fluctuation variance. Through the RMS beam width of gaussian beams in turbulent atmosphere, deviation angle formula of fully coherent gaussian beams in turbulence atmosphere is attained, then get the RMS beam width of partially coherent and derivation angle expression of GSM beam in turbulent atmosphere. Combined with transmission properties of radial polarized laser beam, cross spectral density matrix of partially coherent radially polarized light can be gained by using generalized huygens-fresnel principle. And light intensity and polarization after transmission can be known according to the unity of coherence and polarization theory. On the basis of the analysis model and numerical simulation, the simulation results show that: the light spot caused by atmospheric turbulence of partially coherent polarization will be superior to completely polarized light.Taking advantage of this feature, designed a new wireless suppression technology of atmospheric turbulence, that is the optimization criterion of initial degree of coherent light beam. The optimal initial degree of coherent light beam will change along with the change of atmospheric turbulence conditions,make control the beam's initial degree of coherence to realize the initial degree of coherence of light beam in real time and dynamic control. A spatial phase screen before emission aperture of fully coherent light is to generate the partially coherent light, liquid crystal spatial light modulator is is a preferable way to realize the dynamic random phase. Finally look future of the application research of partially coherent light.

Investigation of an optical sensor for small tilt angle detection of a precision linear stage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saito, Yusuke; Arai, Yoshikazu; Gao, Wei

2010-05-01

This paper presents evaluation results of the characteristics of the angle sensor based on the laser autocollimation method for small tilt angle detection of a precision linear stage. The sensor consists of a laser diode (LD) as the light source, and a quadrant photodiode (QPD) as the position-sensing detector. A small plane mirror is mounted on the moving table of the stage as a target mirror for the sensor. This optical system has advantages of high sensitivity, fast response speed and the ability for two-axis angle detection. On the other hand, the sensitivity of the sensor is determined by the size of the optical spot focused on the QPD, which is a function of the diameter of the laser beam projected onto the target mirror. Because the diameter is influenced by the divergence of the laser beam, this paper focuses on the relationship between the sensor sensitivity and the moving position of the target mirror (sensor working distance) over the moving stroke of the stage. The main error components that influence the sensor sensitivity are discussed and the optimal conditions of the optical system of the sensor are analyzed. The experimental result about evaluation of the effective working distance is also presented.

Comparative analysis of Pareto surfaces in multi-criteria IMRT planning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Teichert, K.; Süss, P.; Serna, J. I.; Monz, M.; Küfer, K. H.; Thieke, C.

2011-06-01

In the multi-criteria optimization approach to IMRT planning, a given dose distribution is evaluated by a number of convex objective functions that measure tumor coverage and sparing of the different organs at risk. Within this context optimizing the intensity profiles for any fixed set of beams yields a convex Pareto set in the objective space. However, if the number of beam directions and irradiation angles are included as free parameters in the formulation of the optimization problem, the resulting Pareto set becomes more intricate. In this work, a method is presented that allows for the comparison of two convex Pareto sets emerging from two distinct beam configuration choices. For the two competing beam settings, the non-dominated and the dominated points of the corresponding Pareto sets are identified and the distance between the two sets in the objective space is calculated and subsequently plotted. The obtained information enables the planner to decide if, for a given compromise, the current beam setup is optimal. He may then re-adjust his choice accordingly during navigation. The method is applied to an artificial case and two clinical head neck cases. In all cases no configuration is dominating its competitor over the whole Pareto set. For example, in one of the head neck cases a seven-beam configuration turns out to be superior to a nine-beam configuration if the highest priority is the sparing of the spinal cord. The presented method of comparing Pareto sets is not restricted to comparing different beam angle configurations, but will allow for more comprehensive comparisons of competing treatment techniques (e.g. photons versus protons) than with the classical method of comparing single treatment plans.

Design of angle-resolved illumination optics using nonimaging bi-telecentricity for 193 nm scatterfield microscopy.

PubMed

Sohn, Martin Y; Barnes, Bryan M; Silver, Richard M

2018-03-01

Accurate optics-based dimensional measurements of features sized well-below the diffraction limit require a thorough understanding of the illumination within the optical column and of the three-dimensional scattered fields that contain the information required for quantitative metrology. Scatterfield microscopy can pair simulations with angle-resolved tool characterization to improve agreement between the experiment and calculated libraries, yielding sub-nanometer parametric uncertainties. Optimized angle-resolved illumination requires bi-telecentric optics in which a telecentric sample plane defined by a Köhler illumination configuration and a telecentric conjugate back focal plane (CBFP) of the objective lens; scanning an aperture or an aperture source at the CBFP allows control of the illumination beam angle at the sample plane with minimal distortion. A bi-telecentric illumination optics have been designed enabling angle-resolved illumination for both aperture and source scanning modes while yielding low distortion and chief ray parallelism. The optimized design features a maximum chief ray angle at the CBFP of 0.002° and maximum wavefront deviations of less than 0.06 λ for angle-resolved illumination beams at the sample plane, holding promise for high quality angle-resolved illumination for improved measurements of deep-subwavelength structures using deep-ultraviolet light.

Fan-beam intensity modulated proton therapy.

PubMed

Hill, Patrick; Westerly, David; Mackie, Thomas

2013-11-01

This paper presents a concept for a proton therapy system capable of delivering intensity modulated proton therapy using a fan beam of protons. This system would allow present and future gantry-based facilities to deliver state-of-the-art proton therapy with the greater normal tissue sparing made possible by intensity modulation techniques. A method for producing a divergent fan beam of protons using a pair of electromagnetic quadrupoles is described and particle transport through the quadrupole doublet is simulated using a commercially available software package. To manipulate the fan beam of protons, a modulation device is developed. This modulator inserts or retracts acrylic leaves of varying thickness from subsections of the fan beam. Each subsection, or beam channel, creates what effectively becomes a beam spot within the fan area. Each channel is able to provide 0-255 mm of range shift for its associated beam spot, or stop the beam and act as an intensity modulator. Results of particle transport simulations through the quadrupole system are incorporated into the MCNPX Monte Carlo transport code along with a model of the range and intensity modulation device. Several design parameters were investigated and optimized, culminating in the ability to create topotherapy treatment plans using distal-edge tracking on both phantom and patient datasets. Beam transport calculations show that a pair of electromagnetic quadrupoles can be used to create a divergent fan beam of 200 MeV protons over a distance of 2.1 m. The quadrupole lengths were 30 and 48 cm, respectively, with transverse field gradients less than 20 T/m, which is within the range of water-cooled magnets for the quadrupole radii used. MCNPX simulations of topotherapy treatment plans suggest that, when using the distal edge tracking delivery method, many delivery angles are more important than insisting on narrow beam channel widths in order to obtain conformal target coverage. Overall, the sharp distal falloff of a proton depth-dose distribution was found to provide sufficient control over the dose distribution to meet objectives, even with coarse lateral resolution and channel widths as large as 2 cm. Treatment plans on both phantom and patient data show that dose conformity suffers when treatments are delivered from less than approximately ten angles. Treatment time for a sample prostate delivery is estimated to be on the order of 10 min, and neutron production is estimated to be comparable to that found for existing collimated systems. Fan beam proton therapy is a method of delivering intensity modulated proton therapy which may be employed as an alternative to magnetic scanning systems. A fan beam of protons can be created by a set of quadrupole magnets and modified by a dual-purpose range and intensity modulator. This can be used to deliver inversely planned treatments, with spot intensities optimized to meet user defined dose objectives. Additionally, the ability of a fan beam delivery system to effectively treat multiple beam spots simultaneously may provide advantages as compared to spot scanning deliveries.

Compact electrostatic beam optics for multi-element focused ion beams: simulation and experiments.

PubMed

Mathew, Jose V; Bhattacharjee, Sudeep

2011-01-01

Electrostatic beam optics for a multi-element focused ion beam (MEFIB) system comprising of a microwave multicusp plasma (ion) source is designed with the help of two widely known and commercially available beam simulation codes: AXCEL-INP and SIMION. The input parameters to the simulations are obtained from experiments carried out in the system. A single and a double Einzel lens system (ELS) with and without beam limiting apertures (S) have been investigated. For a 1 mm beam at the plasma electrode aperture, the rms emittance of the focused ion beam is found to reduce from ∼0.9 mm mrad for single ELS to ∼0.5 mm mrad for a double ELS, when S of 0.5 mm aperture size is employed. The emittance can be further improved to ∼0.1 mm mrad by maintaining S at ground potential, leading to reduction in beam spot size (∼10 μm). The double ELS design is optimized for different electrode geometrical parameters with tolerances of ±1 mm in electrode thickness, electrode aperture, inter electrode distance, and ±1° in electrode angle, providing a robust design. Experimental results obtained with the double ELS for the focused beam current and spot size, agree reasonably well with the simulations.

SU-F-T-207: Does the Greater Flexibility of Pencil Beam Scanning Reduce the Need for a Proton Gantry?

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yan, S; Depauw, N; Flanz, J

2016-06-15

Purpose: Gantry-less proton treatment facility could lower the capital cost of proton therapy. This study investigates the dosimetric feasibility of using only coplanar pencil beam scanning (PBS) beams for those patients who had beam angles that would not have been deliverable without the gantry. Those coplanar beams are implemented on gantry-less horizontal beam-line with patients in sitting or standing positions. Methods: We have selected ten patients (seven head-and-neck, one thoracic, one abdominal and one pelvic case) with clinically delivered double scattering (DS) or PBS treatment plans with beam angles that were challenging to achieve without a gantry. After removing thesemore » beams angles, PBS plans were optimized for gantry-less intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) or single field optimization (SFO) with multi-criteria optimization (MCO). For head-and-neck patients who were treated by DS, we generated PBS plans with non-coplanar beams for comparison. Dose-volume-histograms (DVHs), target homogeneity index (HI), mean dose, D-2 and D-98 were reported. Robustness analysis was performed with ±2.5 mm setup errors and ±3.5% range uncertainties for three head-and-neck patients. Results: PBS-gantry-less plans provided more homogenous target coverage and significant improvements on organs-at-risk (OARs) sparing, compared to passive scattering treatments with a gantry. The PBS gantry-less treatments reduced the HI for target coverage by 1.3% to 47.2%, except for a suprasellar patient and a liver patient. The PBS-gantry-less plans reduced the D-mean of OARs by 3.6% to 67.4%. The PBS-gantry plans had similar target coverage and only marginal improvements on OAR sparing as compared to the PBS-gantry-less plans. These two PBS plans also had similar robustness relative to range uncertainties and setup errors. Conclusion: The gantry-less plans have with less mean dose to OARs and more homogeneous target coverage. Although the PBS-gantry plans have slightly improved target coverage and OARs sparing, the overall benefit of having a gantry to provide non-coplanar beams is debatable.« less

Influence of thermal deformation in cavity mirrors on beam propagation characteristics of high-power slab lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zhen; Xiao, Longsheng; Wang, Wei; Wu, Chao; Tang, Xiahui

2018-01-01

Owing to their good diffusion cooling and low sensitivity to misalignment, slab-shape negative-branch unstable-waveguide resonators are widely used for high-power lasers in industry. As the output beam of the resonator is astigmatic, an external beam shaping system is required. However, the transverse dimension of the cavity mirrors in the resonator is large. For a long-time operation, the heating of cavity mirrors can be non-uniform. This results in micro-deformation and a change in the radius of curvature of the cavity mirrors, and leads to an output beam of an offset optical axis of the resonator. It was found that a change in the radius of curvature of 0.1% (1 mm) caused by thermal deformation generates a transverse displacement of 1.65 mm at the spatial filter of the external beam shaping system, and an output power loss of more than 80%. This can potentially burn out the spatial filter. In order to analyze the effect of the offset optical axis of the beam on the external optical path, we analyzed the transverse displacement and rotational misalignments of the spatial filter. For instance, if the transverse displacement was 0.3 mm, the loss in the output power was 9.6% and a sidelobe appeared in the unstable direction. If the angle of rotation was 5°, the loss in the output power was 2%, and the poles were in the direction of the waveguide. Based on these results, by adjusting the bending mirror, the deviation angle of the output beam of the resonator cavity was corrected, in order to obtain maximum output power and optimal beam quality. Finally, the propagation characteristics of the corrected output beam were analyzed.

PRECISE ANGLE MONITOR BASED ON THE CONCEPT OF PENCIL-BEAM INTERFEROMETRY

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

QIAN,S.; TAKACS,P.

2000-07-30

The precise angle monitoring is a very important metrology task for research, development and industrial applications. Autocollimator is one of the most powerful and widely applied instruments for small angle monitoring, which is based on the principle of geometric optics. In this paper the authors introduce a new precise angle monitoring system, Pencil-beam Angle Monitor (PAM), base on pencil beam interferometry. Its principle of operation is a combination of physical and geometrical optics. The angle calculation method is similar to the autocollimator. However, the autocollimator creates a cross image but the precise pencil-beam angle monitoring system produces an interference fringemore » on the focal plane. The advantages of the PAM are: high angular sensitivity, long-term stability character making angle monitoring over long time periods possible, high measurement accuracy in the order of sub-microradian, simultaneous measurement ability in two perpendicular directions or on two different objects, dynamic measurement possibility, insensitive to the vibration and air turbulence, automatic display, storage and analysis by use of the computer, small beam diameter making the alignment extremely easy and longer test distance. Some test examples are presented.« less

Improving treatment geometries in total skin electron therapy: Experimental investigation of linac angles and floor scatter dose contributions using Cherenkov imaging.

PubMed

Andreozzi, Jacqueline M; Brůža, Petr; Tendler, Irwin I; Mooney, Karen E; Jarvis, Lesley A; Cammin, Jochen; Li, Harold; Pogue, Brian W; Gladstone, David J

2018-06-01

The purpose of this study was to identify the optimal treatment geometry for total skin electron therapy (TSET) using a new optimization metric from Cherenkov image analysis, and to investigate the sensitivity of the Cherenkov imaging method to floor scatter effects in this unique treatment setup. Cherenkov imaging using an intensified charge coupled device (ICCD) was employed to measure the relative surface dose distribution as a 2D image in the total skin electron treatment plane. A 1.2 m × 2.2 m × 1 cm white polyethylene sheet was placed vertically at a source to surface distance (SSD) of 300 cm, and irradiated with 6 MeV high dose rate TSET beams. The linear accelerator coordinate system used stipulates 0° is the bottom of the gantry arc, and progresses counterclockwise so that gantry angle 270° produces a horizontal beam orthogonal to the treatment plane. First, all unique pairs of treatment beams were analyzed to determine the performance of the currently recommended symmetric treatment angles (±20° from the horizontal), compared to treatment geometries unconstrained to upholding gantry angle symmetry. This was performed on two medical linear accelerators (linacs). Second, the extent of the floor scatter contributions to measured surface dose at the extended SSD required for TSET were imaged using three gantry angles of incidence: 270° (horizontal), 253° (-17°), and 240° (-30°). Images of the surface dose profile at each angle were compared to the standard concrete floor when steel plates, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and solid water were placed on the ground at the base of the treatment plane. Postprocessing of these images allowed for comparison of floor material-based scatter profiles with previously published simulation results. Analysis of the symmetric treatment geometry (270 ± 20°) and the identified optimal treatment geometry (270 + 23° and 270 - 17°) showed a 16% increase in the 90% isodose area for the latter field pair on the first linac. The optimal asymmetric pair for the second linac (270 + 25° and 270 - 17°) provided a 52% increase in the 90% isodose area when compared to the symmetric geometry. Difference images between Cherenkov images captured with test materials (steel, PVC, and solid water) and the control (concrete floor) demonstrated relative changes in the two-dimensional (2D) dose profile over a 1 × 1.9 m region of interest (ROI) that were consistent with published simulation data. Qualitative observation of the residual images demonstrates localized increases and decreases with respect to the change in floor material and gantry angle. The most significant changes occurred when the beam was most directly impinging the floor (gantry angle 240°, horizontal -30°), where the PVC floor material decreased scatter dose by 1-3% in 7.2% of the total ROI area, and the steel plate increased scatter dose by 1-3% in 7.0% of the total ROI area. An updated Cherenkov imaging method identified asymmetric, machine-dependent TSET field angle pairs that provided much larger 90% isodose areas than the commonly adopted symmetric geometry suggested by Task Group 30 Report 23. A novel demonstration of scatter dose Cherenkov imaging in the TSET field was established. © 2018 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Operational characteristics of a translation screen grid beam deflection system for a 5-cm Kaufman thruster

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lathem, W. C.; Hudson, W. R.

1972-01-01

Measurements of beam deflection angle with respect to spring positioning power and accelerator impingement current as a function of deflection angle were made on a 5-cm diameter system. Response time measurements on the translational grid beam deflection system showed that the time for the maximum deflection angle analyzed (+16.4 deg to -16.4 deg) could be reduced by a factor of nine by increasing the heating power applied to the positioning spring from 4 to 16 watts. At 14 watts the response time for maximum deflection was about 1 minute.

Gamma beams generation with high intensity lasers for two photon Breit-Wheeler pair production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

D'Humieres, Emmanuel; Ribeyre, Xavier; Jansen, Oliver; Esnault, Leo; Jequier, Sophie; Dubois, Jean-Luc; Hulin, Sebastien; Tikhonchuk, Vladimir; Arefiev, Alex; Toncian, Toma; Sentoku, Yasuhiko

2017-10-01

Linear Breit-Wheeler pair creation is the lowest threshold process in photon-photon interaction, controlling the energy release in Gamma Ray Bursts and Active Galactic Nuclei, but it has never been directly observed in the laboratory. Using numerical simulations, we demonstrate the possibility to produce collimated gamma beams with high energy conversion efficiency using high intensity lasers and innovative targets. When two of these beams collide at particular angles, our analytical calculations demonstrate a beaming effect easing the detection of the pairs in the laboratory. This effect has been confirmed in photon collision simulations using a recently developed innovative algorithm. An alternative scheme using Bremsstrahlung radiation produced by next generation high repetition rate laser systems is also being explored and the results of first optimization campaigns in this regime will be presented.

SU-E-T-191: Commissioning and Dosimetric Characteristics of Elekta Agility for Total Skin Electron Beam (TSEB) Therapy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sayler, E; Charpentier, P; Micaily, B

2015-06-15

Purpose The purpose of this work is to publish beam data from Elekta Synergy(R) linear accelerators with Agility(TM) MLC for total skin electron beam (TSEB) therapy using the HDRE1 (High Dose Rate Electron 6MeV) energy. Method & Materials The optimal gantry angles for TSEB were determined using ion chamber measurements along a vertical profile at 450cm SSD. After gantry angles were chosen, field uniformity was measured over the entire treatment area. Uniformity was measured with and without the patient support device, allowing the dosimetric effect of the support device to be determined. Beam output and PDD were measured at themore » calibration point (450cm SSD) for a dual beam using a parallel plate chamber in solid water. These measurements were repeated with the chamber and phantom rotated about the patient isocenter at various angles, in order to measure the contribution from oblique beams. This technique provides a precise measurement of the treatment skin dose (TSD). Lastly, ion chamber measurements were verified by film and diodes. Results The optimal gantry angle for 450 cm SSD was determined to be 90±16°. This achieved uniformity better than 96% on the vertical axis, and 92% along the horizontal axis. HDRE1 was calibrated to deliver 10 cGy/MU at standard geometry (100 cm SSD, 1.2 cm depth). Thus at TSEB geometry (450 cm SSD, 0.1 cm depth) the output of the AP dual field was measured to be 0.35 cGy/MU. The TSD of a 20 cm radius cylinder for six (equally, 60° spaced) dual fields was measured to be 1.19 cGy/MU. Percent Depth Dose data for the AP dual field and TSD are shown in Figure 2. Conclusion This paper provides a modern procedure for commissioning TSEB therapy on a linear accelerator, and clinical beam data for the Elekta Synergy(R) with Agility(TM) MLC.« less

Optimized achromatic phase-matching system and method

DOEpatents

Trebino, R.; DeLong, K.; Hayden, C.

1997-07-15

An optical system for efficiently directing a large bandwidth light (e.g., a femtosecond laser pulse) onto a nonlinear optical medium includes a plurality of optical elements for directing an input light pulse onto a nonlinear optical medium arranged such that the angle {theta}{sub in} which the light pulse directed onto the nonlinear optical medium is substantially independent of a position x of the light beam entering the optical system. The optical system is also constructed such that the group velocity dispersion of light pulses passing through the system can be tuned to a desired value including negative group velocity dispersion. 15 figs.

Optimized achromatic phase-matching system and method

DOEpatents

Trebino, Rick; DeLong, Ken; Hayden, Carl

1997-01-01

An optical system for efficiently directing a large bandwidth light (e.g., a femtosecond laser pulse) onto a nonlinear optical medium includes a plurality of optical elements for directing an input light pulse onto a nonlinear optical medium arranged such that the angle .theta..sub.in which the light pulse directed onto the nonlinear optical medium is substantially independent of a position x of the light beam entering the optical system. The optical system is also constructed such that the group velocity dispersion of light pulses passing through the system can be tuned to a desired value including negative group velocity dispersion.

Phase-space analysis of charged and optical beam transport: Wigner rotation angle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dattoli, G.; Torre, Amalia

1994-01-01

The possibility of using the phase space formalism to establish a correspondence between the dynamical behavior of squeezed states and optical or charged beams, propagating through linear systems, has received a great deal of attention during the last years. In this connection, it has been indicated how optical experiments may be conceived to measure the Wigner rotation angle. In this paper we address the topic within the context of the paraxial propagation of optical or charged beams and suggest a possible experiment for measuring the Wigner angle using an electron beam passing through quadrupoles and drift sections. The analogous optical system is also discussed.

SU-E-T-395: Multi-GPU-Based VMAT Treatment Plan Optimization Using a Column-Generation Approach

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tian, Z; Shi, F; Jia, X

Purpose: GPU has been employed to speed up VMAT optimizations from hours to minutes. However, its limited memory capacity makes it difficult to handle cases with a huge dose-deposition-coefficient (DDC) matrix, e.g. those with a large target size, multiple arcs, small beam angle intervals and/or small beamlet size. We propose multi-GPU-based VMAT optimization to solve this memory issue to make GPU-based VMAT more practical for clinical use. Methods: Our column-generation-based method generates apertures sequentially by iteratively searching for an optimal feasible aperture (referred as pricing problem, PP) and optimizing aperture intensities (referred as master problem, MP). The PP requires accessmore » to the large DDC matrix, which is implemented on a multi-GPU system. Each GPU stores a DDC sub-matrix corresponding to one fraction of beam angles and is only responsible for calculation related to those angles. Broadcast and parallel reduction schemes are adopted for inter-GPU data transfer. MP is a relatively small-scale problem and is implemented on one GPU. One headand- neck cancer case was used for test. Three different strategies for VMAT optimization on single GPU were also implemented for comparison: (S1) truncating DDC matrix to ignore its small value entries for optimization; (S2) transferring DDC matrix part by part to GPU during optimizations whenever needed; (S3) moving DDC matrix related calculation onto CPU. Results: Our multi-GPU-based implementation reaches a good plan within 1 minute. Although S1 was 10 seconds faster than our method, the obtained plan quality is worse. Both S2 and S3 handle the full DDC matrix and hence yield the same plan as in our method. However, the computation time is longer, namely 4 minutes and 30 minutes, respectively. Conclusion: Our multi-GPU-based VMAT optimization can effectively solve the limited memory issue with good plan quality and high efficiency, making GPUbased ultra-fast VMAT planning practical for real clinical use.« less

Vehicle antenna for the mobile satellite experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peng, Sheng Y.; Chung, H. H.; Leggiere, D.; Foy, W.; Schaffner, G.; Nelson, J.; Pagels, W.; Vayner, M.; Faller, H. L.; Messer, L.

1988-01-01

A low profile, low cost, printed circuit, electronically steered, right hand circularly polarized phase array antenna system has been developed for the Mobile Satellite Experiment (MSAT-X) Program. The success of this antenna is based upon the development of a crossed-slot element array and detailed trade-off analyses for both the phased array and pointing system design. The optimized system provides higher gain at low elevation angles (20 degrees above the horizon) and broader frequency coverage (approximately 8 1/2 percent bandwidth) than is possible with a patch array. Detailed analysis showed that optimum performance could be achieved with a 19 element array of a triangular lattice geometry of 3.9 inch element spacing. This configuration has the effect of minimizing grating lobes at large scan angles plus it improves the intersatellite isolation. The array has an aperture 20 inches in diameter and is 0.75 inch thick overall, exclusive of the RF and power connector. The pointing system employs a hybrid approach that operates with both an external rate sensor and an internal error signal as a means of fine tuning the beam acquisition and track. Steering the beam is done electronically via 18, 3-bit diode phase shifters. A nineteenth phase shifter is not required as the center element serves as a reference only. Measured patterns and gain show that the array meets the stipulated performance specifications everywhere except at some low elevation angles.

Optimal Damping Behavior of a Composite Sandwich Beam Reinforced with Coated Fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lurie, S.; Solyaev, Y.; Ustenko, A.

2018-04-01

In the present paper, the effective damping properties of a symmetric foam-core sandwich beam with composite face plates reinforced with coated fibers is studied. A glass fiber-epoxy composite with additional rubber-toughened epoxy coatings on the fibers is considered as the material of the face plates. A micromechanical analysis of the effective properties of the unidirectional lamina is conducted based on the generalized self-consistent method and the viscoelastic correspondence principle. The effective complex moduli of composite face plates with a symmetric angle-ply structure are evaluated based on classical lamination theory. A modified Mead-Markus model is utilized to evaluate the fundamental modal loss factor of a simply supported sandwich beam with a polyurethane core. The viscoelastic frequency-dependent behaviors of the core and face plate materials are both considered. The properties of the face plates are evaluated based on a micromechanical analysis and found to implicitly depend on frequency; thus, an iterative procedure is applied to find the natural frequencies of the lateral vibrations of the beam. The optimal values of the coating thickness, lamination angle and core thickness for the best multi-scale damping behavior of the beam are found.

Laser beam monitoring system

DOEpatents

Weil, Bradley S.; Wetherington, Jr., Grady R.

1985-01-01

Laser beam monitoring systems include laser-transparent plates set at an angle to the laser beam passing therethrough and light sensor for detecting light reflected from an object on which the laser beam impinges.

Laser beam monitoring system

DOEpatents

Weil, B.S.; Wetherington, G.R. Jr.

Laser beam monitoring systems include laser-transparent plates set at an angle to the laser beam passing therethrough and light sensor for detecting light reflected from an object on which the laser beam impinges.

Optical Interference Coatings Design Contest 2013: angle-independent color mirror and shortwave infrared/midwave infrared dichroic beam splitter.

PubMed

Hendrix, Karen; Kruschwitz, Jennifer D T; Keck, Jason

2014-02-01

An angle-independent color mirror and an infrared dichroic beam splitter were the subjects of a design contest held in conjunction with the 2013 Optical Interference Coatings topical meeting of the Optical Society of America. A total of 17 designers submitted 63 designs, 22 for Problem A and 41 for Problem B. The submissions were created through a wide spectrum of design approaches and optimization strategies. Michael Trubetskov and Weidong Shen won the first contest by submitting color mirror designs with a zero color difference (ΔE00) between normal incidence and all other incidence angles up to 60° as well as the thinnest design. Michael Trubetskov also won the second contest by submitting beam-splitter designs that met the required transmission while having the lowest mechanical coating stress and thinnest design. Fabien Lemarchand received the second-place finish for the beam-splitter design. The submitted designs are described and evaluated.

Instrument Design Optimization With Computational Methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moore, Michael H.

Using Finite Element Analysis to approximate the solution of differential equations, two different instruments in experimental Hall C at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility are analyzed. The time dependence of density fluctuations from the liquid hydrogen (LH2) target used in the Qweak experiment (2011-2012) are studied with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and the simulation results compared to data from the experiment. The 2.5 kW liquid hydrogen target was the highest power LH2 target in the world and the first to be designed with CFD at Jefferson Lab. The first complete magnetic field simulation of the Super High Momentum Spectrometer (SHMS) is presented with a focus on primary electron beam deflection downstream of the target. The SHMS consists of a superconducting horizontal bending magnet (HB) and three superconducting quadrupole magnets. The HB allows particles scattered at an angle of 5.5° to the beam line to be steered into the quadrupole magnets which make up the optics of the spectrometer. Without mitigation, remnant fields from the SHMS may steer the unscattered beam outside of the acceptable envelope on the beam dump and limit beam operations at small scattering angles. A solution is proposed using optimal placement of a minimal amount of shielding iron around the beam line.

Instrument design optimization with computational methods

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Moore, Michael H.

Using Finite Element Analysis to approximate the solution of differential equations, two different instruments in experimental Hall C at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility are analyzed. The time dependence of density uctuations from the liquid hydrogen (LH2) target used in the Q weak experiment (2011-2012) are studied with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and the simulation results compared to data from the experiment. The 2.5 kW liquid hydrogen target was the highest power LH2 target in the world and the first to be designed with CFD at Jefferson Lab. The first complete magnetic field simulation of the Super High Momentummore » Spectrometer (SHMS) is presented with a focus on primary electron beam deflection downstream of the target. The SHMS consists of a superconducting horizontal bending magnet (HB) and three superconducting quadrupole magnets. The HB allows particles scattered at an angle of 5:5 deg to the beam line to be steered into the quadrupole magnets which make up the optics of the spectrometer. Without mitigation, remnant fields from the SHMS may steer the unscattered beam outside of the acceptable envelope on the beam dump and limit beam operations at small scattering angles. A solution is proposed using optimal placement of a minimal amount of shielding iron around the beam line.« less

VMAT optimization with dynamic collimator rotation.

PubMed

Lyu, Qihui; O'Connor, Daniel; Ruan, Dan; Yu, Victoria; Nguyen, Dan; Sheng, Ke

2018-04-16

Although collimator rotation is an optimization variable that can be exploited for dosimetric advantages, existing Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) optimization uses a fixed collimator angle in each arc and only rotates the collimator between arcs. In this study, we develop a novel integrated optimization method for VMAT, accounting for dynamic collimator angles during the arc motion. Direct Aperture Optimization (DAO) for Dynamic Collimator in VMAT (DC-VMAT) was achieved by adding to the existing dose fidelity objective an anisotropic total variation term for regulating the fluence smoothness, a binary variable for forming simple apertures, and a group sparsity term for controlling collimator rotation. The optimal collimator angle for each beam angle was selected using the Dijkstra's algorithm, where the node costs depend on the estimated fluence map at the current iteration and the edge costs account for the mechanical constraints of multi-leaf collimator (MLC). An alternating optimization strategy was implemented to solve the DAO and collimator angle selection (CAS). Feasibility of DC-VMAT using one full-arc with dynamic collimator rotation was tested on a phantom with two small spherical targets, a brain, a lung and a prostate cancer patient. The plan was compared against a static collimator VMAT (SC-VMAT) plan using three full arcs with 60 degrees of collimator angle separation in patient studies. With the same target coverage, DC-VMAT achieved 20.3% reduction of R50 in the phantom study, and reduced the average max and mean OAR dose by 4.49% and 2.53% of the prescription dose in patient studies, as compared with SC-VMAT. The collimator rotation co-ordinated with the gantry rotation in DC-VMAT plans for deliverability. There were 13 beam angles in the single-arc DC-VMAT plan in patient studies that requires slower gantry rotation to accommodate multiple collimator angles. The novel DC-VMAT approach utilizes the dynamic collimator rotation during arc delivery. In doing so, DC-VMAT affords more sophisticated intensity modulation, alleviating the limitation previously imposed by the square beamlet from the MLC leaf thickness and achieves higher effective modulation resolution. Consequently, DC-VMAT with a single arc manages to achieve superior dosimetry than SC-VMAT with three full arcs. © 2018 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Distribution uniformity of laser-accelerated proton beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Jun-Gao; Zhu, Kun; Tao, Li; Xu, Xiao-Han; Lin, Chen; Ma, Wen-Jun; Lu, Hai-Yang; Zhao, Yan-Ying; Lu, Yuan-Rong; Chen, Jia-Er; Yan, Xue-Qing

2017-09-01

Compared with conventional accelerators, laser plasma accelerators can generate high energy ions at a greatly reduced scale, due to their TV/m acceleration gradient. A compact laser plasma accelerator (CLAPA) has been built at the Institute of Heavy Ion Physics at Peking University. It will be used for applied research like biological irradiation, astrophysics simulations, etc. A beamline system with multiple quadrupoles and an analyzing magnet for laser-accelerated ions is proposed here. Since laser-accelerated ion beams have broad energy spectra and large angular divergence, the parameters (beam waist position in the Y direction, beam line layout, drift distance, magnet angles etc.) of the beamline system are carefully designed and optimised to obtain a radially symmetric proton distribution at the irradiation platform. Requirements of energy selection and differences in focusing or defocusing in application systems greatly influence the evolution of proton distributions. With optimal parameters, radially symmetric proton distributions can be achieved and protons with different energy spread within ±5% have similar transverse areas at the experiment target. Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (11575011, 61631001) and National Grand Instrument Project (2012YQ030142)

SU-G-JeP3-06: Lower KV Image Dose Are Expected From a Limited-Angle Intra-Fractional Verification (LIVE) System for SBRT Treatments

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ding, G; Yin, F; Ren, L

Purpose: In order to track the tumor movement for patient positioning verification during arc treatment delivery or in between 3D/IMRT beams for stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), the limited-angle kV projections acquisition simultaneously during arc treatment delivery or in-between static treatment beams as the gantry moves to the next beam angle was proposed. The purpose of this study is to estimate additional imaging dose resulting from multiple tomosynthesis acquisitions in-between static treatment beams and to compare with that of a conventional kV-CBCT acquisition. Methods: kV imaging system integrated into Varian TrueBeam accelerators was modeled using EGSnrc Monte Carlo user code,more » BEAMnrc and DOSXYZnrc code was used in dose calculations. The simulated realistic kV beams from the Varian TrueBeam OBI 1.5 system were used to calculate dose to patient based on CT images. Organ doses were analyzed using DVHs. The imaging dose to patient resulting from realistic multiple tomosynthesis acquisitions with each 25–30 degree kV source rotation between 6 treatment beam gantry angles was studied. Results: For a typical lung SBRT treatment delivery much lower (20–50%) kV imaging doses from the sum of realistic six tomosynthesis acquisitions with each 25–30 degree x-ray source rotation between six treatment beam gantry angles were observed compared to that from a single CBCT image acquisition. Conclusion: This work indicates that the kV imaging in this proposed Limited-angle Intra-fractional Verification (LIVE) System for SBRT Treatments has a negligible imaging dose increase. It is worth to note that the MV imaging dose caused by MV projection acquisition in-between static beams in LIVE can be minimized by restricting the imaging to the target region and reducing the number of projections acquired. For arc treatments, MV imaging acquisition in LIVE does not add additional imaging dose as the MV images are acquired from treatment beams directly during the treatment.« less

Integrated beam orientation and scanning-spot optimization in intensity-modulated proton therapy for brain and unilateral head and neck tumors.

PubMed

Gu, Wenbo; O'Connor, Daniel; Nguyen, Dan; Yu, Victoria Y; Ruan, Dan; Dong, Lei; Sheng, Ke

2018-04-01

Intensity-Modulated Proton Therapy (IMPT) is the state-of-the-art method of delivering proton radiotherapy. Previous research has been mainly focused on optimization of scanning spots with manually selected beam angles. Due to the computational complexity, the potential benefit of simultaneously optimizing beam orientations and spot pattern could not be realized. In this study, we developed a novel integrated beam orientation optimization (BOO) and scanning-spot optimization algorithm for intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT). A brain chordoma and three unilateral head-and-neck patients with a maximal target size of 112.49 cm 3 were included in this study. A total number of 1162 noncoplanar candidate beams evenly distributed across 4π steradians were included in the optimization. For each candidate beam, the pencil-beam doses of all scanning spots covering the PTV and a margin were calculated. The beam angle selection and spot intensity optimization problem was formulated to include three terms: a dose fidelity term to penalize the deviation of PTV and OAR doses from ideal dose distribution; an L1-norm sparsity term to reduce the number of active spots and improve delivery efficiency; a group sparsity term to control the number of active beams between 2 and 4. For the group sparsity term, convex L2,1-norm and nonconvex L2,1/2-norm were tested. For the dose fidelity term, both quadratic function and linearized equivalent uniform dose (LEUD) cost function were implemented. The optimization problem was solved using the Fast Iterative Shrinkage-Thresholding Algorithm (FISTA). The IMPT BOO method was tested on three head-and-neck patients and one skull base chordoma patient. The results were compared with IMPT plans created using column generation selected beams or manually selected beams. The L2,1-norm plan selected spatially aggregated beams, indicating potential degeneracy using this norm. L2,1/2-norm was able to select spatially separated beams and achieve smaller deviation from the ideal dose. In the L2,1/2-norm plans, the [mean dose, maximum dose] of OAR were reduced by an average of [2.38%, 4.24%] and[2.32%, 3.76%] of the prescription dose for the quadratic and LEUD cost function, respectively, compared with the IMPT plan using manual beam selection while maintaining the same PTV coverage. The L2,1/2 group sparsity plans were dosimetrically superior to the column generation plans as well. Besides beam orientation selection, spot sparsification was observed. Generally, with the quadratic cost function, 30%~60% spots in the selected beams remained active. With the LEUD cost function, the percentages of active spots were in the range of 35%~85%.The BOO-IMPT run time was approximately 20 min. This work shows the first IMPT approach integrating noncoplanar BOO and scanning-spot optimization in a single mathematical framework. This method is computationally efficient, dosimetrically superior and produces delivery-friendly IMPT plans. © 2018 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Compact reflection holographic recording system with high angle multiplexing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kanayasu, Mayumi; Yamada, Takehumi; Takekawa, Shunsuke; Akieda, Kensuke; Goto, Akiyo; Yamamoto, Manabu

2011-02-01

Holographic memory systems have been widely researched since 1963. However, the size of the drives required and the deterioration of reconstructed data resulting from shrinkage of the medium have made practical use of a hologram memory difficult. In light of this, we propose a novel holographic recording/reconstructing system: a dual-reference beam reflection system that is smaller than conventional systems such as the off-axis or co-axis types, and which is expected to increase the number of multiplexing in angle multiplexed recording. In this multiplex recording system, two laser beams are used as reference beams, and the recorded data are reconstructed stably, even if there is shrinkage of the recording medium. In this paper, a reflection holographic memory system is explained in detail. In addition, the change in angle selectivity resulting from shrinkage of the medium is analyzed using the laminated film three-dimensional simulation method. As a result, we demonstrate that a dual-reference beam multiplex recording system is effective in reducing the influence of medium shrinkage.

SU-E-J-86: Functional Conformal Planning for Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy with CT-Pulmonary Ventilation Imaging

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kurosawa, T; Moriya, S; Sato, M

2015-06-15

Purpose: To evaluate the functional planning using CT-pulmonary ventilation imaging for conformal SBRT. Methods: The CT-pulmonary ventilation image was generated using the Jacobian metric in the in-house program with the NiftyReg software package. Using the ventilation image, the normal lung was split into three lung regions for functionality (high, moderate and low). The anatomical plan (AP) and functional plan (FP) were made for ten lung SBRT patients. For the AP, the beam angles were optimized with the dose-volume constraints for the normal lung sparing and the PTV coverage. For the FP, the gantry angles were also optimized with the additionalmore » constraint for high functional lung. The MLC aperture shapes were adjusted to the PTV with the additional 5 mm margin. The dosimetric parameters for PTV, the functional volumes, spinal cord and so on were compared in both plans. Results: Compared to the AP, the FP showed better dose sparing for high- and moderate-functional lungs with similar PTV coverage while not taking care of the low functional lung (High:−12.9±9.26% Moderate: −2.0±7.09%, Low: +4.1±12.2%). For the other normal organs, the FP and AP showed similar dose sparing in the eight patients. However, the FP showed that the maximum doses for spinal cord were increased with the significant increment of 16.4Gy and 21.0Gy in other two patients, respectively. Because the beam direction optimizer chose the unexpected directions passing through the spinal cord. Conclusion: Even the functional conformal SBRT can selectively reduce high- and moderatefunctional lung while keeping the PTV coverage. However, it would be careful that the optimizer would choose unexpected beam angles and the dose sparing for the other normal organs can be worse. Therefore, the planner needs to control the dose-volume constraints and also limit the beam angles in order to achieve the expected dose sparing and coverage.« less

Beam angle optimization for intensity-modulated radiation therapy using a guided pattern search method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rocha, Humberto; Dias, Joana M.; Ferreira, Brígida C.; Lopes, Maria C.

2013-05-01

Generally, the inverse planning of radiation therapy consists mainly of the fluence optimization. The beam angle optimization (BAO) in intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) consists of selecting appropriate radiation incidence directions and may influence the quality of the IMRT plans, both to enhance better organ sparing and to improve tumor coverage. However, in clinical practice, most of the time, beam directions continue to be manually selected by the treatment planner without objective and rigorous criteria. The goal of this paper is to introduce a novel approach that uses beam’s-eye-view dose ray tracing metrics within a pattern search method framework in the optimization of the highly non-convex BAO problem. Pattern search methods are derivative-free optimization methods that require a few function evaluations to progress and converge and have the ability to better avoid local entrapment. The pattern search method framework is composed of a search step and a poll step at each iteration. The poll step performs a local search in a mesh neighborhood and ensures the convergence to a local minimizer or stationary point. The search step provides the flexibility for a global search since it allows searches away from the neighborhood of the current iterate. Beam’s-eye-view dose metrics assign a score to each radiation beam direction and can be used within the pattern search framework furnishing a priori knowledge of the problem so that directions with larger dosimetric scores are tested first. A set of clinical cases of head-and-neck tumors treated at the Portuguese Institute of Oncology of Coimbra is used to discuss the potential of this approach in the optimization of the BAO problem.

Maneuver simulations of flexible spacecraft by solving TPBVP

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bainum, Peter M.; Li, Feiyue

1991-01-01

The optimal control of large angle rapid maneuvers and vibrations of a Shuttle mast reflector system is considered. The nonlinear equations of motion are formulated by using Lagrange's formula, with the mast modeled as a continuous beam. The nonlinear terms in the equations come from the coupling between the angular velocities, the modal coordinates, and the modal rates. Pontryagin's Maximum Principle is applied to the slewing problem, to derive the necessary conditions for the optimal controls, which are bounded by given saturation levels. The resulting two point boundary value problem (TPBVP) is then solved by using the quasilinearization algorithm and the method of particular solutions. In the numerical simulations, the structural parameters and the control limits from the Spacecraft Control Lab Experiment (SCOLE) are used. In the 2-D case, only the motion in the plane of an Earth orbit or the single axis slewing motion is discussed. In the 3-D slewing, the mast is modeled as a continuous beam subjected to 3-D deformations. The numerical results for both the linearized system and the nonlinear system are presented to compare the differences in their time response.

Effect of measurement on the ballistic-diffusive transition in turbid media.

PubMed

Glasser, Ziv; Yaroshevsky, Andre; Barak, Bavat; Granot, Er'el; Sternklar, Shmuel

2013-10-01

The dependence of the transition between the ballistic and the diffusive regimes of turbid media on the experimental solid angle of the detection system is analyzed theoretically and experimentally. A simple model is developed which shows the significance of experimental conditions on the location of the ballistic-diffusive transition. It is demonstrated that decreasing the solid angle expands the ballistic regime; however, this benefit is bounded by the initial Gaussian beam diffraction. In addition, choosing the appropriate wavelength according to the model's principles provides another means of expanding the ballistic regime. Consequently, by optimizing the experimental conditions, it should be possible to extract the ballistic image of a tissue with a thickness of 1 cm.

Low-Angle-Incidence Microchannel Epitaxy of a-Plane GaN Grown by Ammonia-Based Metal-Organic Molecular Beam Epitaxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Chia-Hung; Uchiyama, Shota; Maruyama, Takahiro; Naritsuka, Shigeya

2012-04-01

Low-angle-incidence microchannel epitaxy (LAIMCE) of a-plane GaN was performed using ammonia-based metal-organic molecular beam epitaxy to obtain wide and thin lateral overgrowth over a SiO2 mask. Trimethylgallium (TMG) was supplied perpendicular to the openings cut in the mask with a low incident angle of 5° relative to the substrate plane. The [NH3]/[TMG] ratio (R) dependence of GaN LAIMCE was optimized by varying R from 5 to 30. A wide lateral overgrowth of 3.7 µm with a dislocation density below the transmission electron microscope detection limit was obtained at R=15 for a thickness of 520 nm.

Development of a robotic patient positioning system with a wide beam-angle range for fixed-beam particle therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Hongseok; Park, Jong-Oh; Ko, Seong Young; Park, Sukho; Cho, Sungho; Jung, Won-Gyun; Park, Yong Kyun; Kang, Jung Suk

2016-10-01

This paper describes a robotic patient positioning system (PPS) for a fixed-beam heavy-ion therapy system. In order to extend the limited irradiation angle range of the fixed beam, we developed a 6-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) serial-link robotic arm and used it as the robotic PPS for the fixed-beam heavy-ion therapy system. This research aims to develop a robotic PPS for use in the Korea Heavy Ion Medical Accelerator (KHIMA) system, which is under development at the Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences (KIRAMS). In particular, we select constraints and criteria that will be used for designing and evaluating the robotic PPS through full consultation with KIRAMS. In accordance with the constraints and criteria, we develop a 6-DOF serial-link robotic arm that consists of six revolute joints for the robotic PPS, where the robotic arm covers the upper body of a patient as a treatment area and achieves a 15 ° roll and pitch angle in the treatment area without any collision. Various preliminary experiments confirm that the robotic PPS can meet all criteria for extension of the limited irradiation angle range in the treatment area and has a positioning repeatability of 0.275 mm.

A system for online beam emittance measurements and proton beam characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nesteruk, K. P.; Auger, M.; Braccini, S.; Carzaniga, T. S.; Ereditato, A.; Scampoli, P.

2018-01-01

A system for online measurement of the transverse beam emittance was developed. It is named 4PrOBεaM (4-Profiler Online Beam Emittance Measurement) and was conceived to measure the emittance in a fast and efficient way using the multiple beam profiler method. The core of the system is constituted by four consecutive UniBEaM profilers, which are based on silica fibers passing across the beam. The 4PrOBεaM system was deployed for characterization studies of the 18 MeV proton beam produced by the IBA Cyclone 18 MeV cyclotron at Bern University Hospital (Inselspital). The machine serves daily radioisotope production and multi-disciplinary research, which is carried out with a specifically conceived Beam Transport Line (BTL). The transverse RMS beam emittance of the cyclotron was measured as a function of several machine parameters, such as the magnetic field, RF peak voltage, and azimuthal angle of the stripper. The beam emittance was also measured using the method based on the quadrupole strength variation. The results obtained with both techniques were compared and a good agreement was found. In order to characterize the longitudinal dynamics, the proton energy distribution was measured. For this purpose, a method was developed based on aluminum absorbers of different thicknesses, a UniBEaM detector, and a Faraday cup. The results were an input for a simulation of the BTL developed in the MAD-X software. This tool allows machine parameters to be tuned online and the beam characteristics to be optimized for specific applications.

Antenna Beam Pattern Characteristics of HAPS User Terminal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ku, Bon-Jun; Oh, Dae Sub; Kim, Nam; Ahn, Do-Seob

High Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS) are recently considered as a green infrastructure to provide high speed multimedia services. The critical issue of HAPS is frequency sharing with satellite systems. Regulating antenna beam pattern using adaptive antenna schemes is one of means to facilitate the sharing with a space receiver for fixed satellite services on the uplink of a HAPS system operating in U bands. In this letter, we investigate antenna beam pattern characteristics of HAPS user terminals with various values of scan angles of main beam, null position angles, and null width.

Technical Note: Dose gradients and prescription isodose in orthovoltage stereotactic radiosurgery

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fagerstrom, Jessica M., E-mail: fagerstrom@wisc.edu; Bender, Edward T.; Culberson, Wesley S.

Purpose: The purpose of this work is to examine the trade-off between prescription isodose and dose gradients in orthovoltage stereotactic radiosurgery. Methods: Point energy deposition kernels (EDKs) describing photon and electron transport were calculated using Monte Carlo methods. EDKs were generated from 10  to 250 keV, in 10 keV increments. The EDKs were converted to pencil beam kernels and used to calculate dose profiles through isocenter from a 4π isotropic delivery from all angles of circularly collimated beams. Monoenergetic beams and an orthovoltage polyenergetic spectrum were analyzed. The dose gradient index (DGI) is the ratio of the 50% prescription isodosemore » volume to the 100% prescription isodose volume and represents a metric by which dose gradients in stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) may be evaluated. Results: Using the 4π dose profiles calculated using pencil beam kernels, the relationship between DGI and prescription isodose was examined for circular cones ranging from 4 to 18 mm in diameter and monoenergetic photon beams with energies ranging from 20 to 250 keV. Values were found to exist for prescription isodose that optimize DGI. Conclusions: The relationship between DGI and prescription isodose was found to be dependent on both field size and energy. Examining this trade-off is an important consideration for designing optimal SRS systems.« less

Beam position reconstruction for the g2p experiment in Hall A at Jefferson lab

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Pengjia; Allada, Kalyan; Allison, Trent; Badman, Toby; Camsonne, Alexandre; Chen, Jian-ping; Cummings, Melissa; Gu, Chao; Huang, Min; Liu, Jie; Musson, John; Slifer, Karl; Sulkosky, Vincent; Ye, Yunxiu; Zhang, Jixie; Zielinski, Ryan

2016-02-01

Beam-line equipment was upgraded for experiment E08-027 (g2p) in Hall A at Jefferson Lab. Two beam position monitors (BPMs) were necessary to measure the beam position and angle at the target. A new BPM receiver was designed and built to handle the low beam currents (50-100 nA) used for this experiment. Two new super-harps were installed for calibrating the BPMs. In addition to the existing fast raster system, a slow raster system was installed. Before and during the experiment, these new devices were tested and debugged, and their performance was also evaluated. In order to achieve the required accuracy (1-2 mm in position and 1-2 mrad in angle at the target location), the data of the BPMs and harps were carefully analyzed, as well as reconstructing the beam position and angle event by event at the target location. The calculated beam position will be used in the data analysis to accurately determine the kinematics for each event.

Recording multiple spatially-heterodyned direct to digital holograms in one digital image

DOEpatents

Hanson, Gregory R [Clinton, TN; Bingham, Philip R [Knoxville, TN

2008-03-25

Systems and methods are described for recording multiple spatially-heterodyned direct to digital holograms in one digital image. A method includes digitally recording, at a first reference beam-object beam angle, a first spatially-heterodyned hologram including spatial heterodyne fringes for Fourier analysis; Fourier analyzing the recorded first spatially-heterodyned hologram by shifting a first original origin of the recorded first spatially-heterodyned hologram to sit on top of a first spatial-heterodyne carrier frequency defined by the first reference beam-object beam angle; digitally recording, at a second reference beam-object beam angle, a second spatially-heterodyned hologram including spatial heterodyne fringes for Fourier analysis; Fourier analyzing the recorded second spatially-heterodyned hologram by shifting a second original origin of the recorded second spatially-heterodyned hologram to sit on top of a second spatial-heterodyne carrier frequency defined by the second reference beam-object beam angle; applying a first digital filter to cut off signals around the first original origin and define a first result; performing a first inverse Fourier transform on the first result; applying a second digital filter to cut off signals around the second original origin and define a second result; and performing a second inverse Fourier transform on the second result, wherein the first reference beam-object beam angle is not equal to the second reference beam-object beam angle and a single digital image includes both the first spatially-heterodyned hologram and the second spatially-heterodyned hologram.

Impacts of gantry angle dependent scanning beam properties on proton PBS treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Yuting; Clasie, Benjamin; Lu, Hsiao-Ming; Flanz, Jacob; Shen, Tim; Jee, Kyung-Wook

2017-01-01

While proton beam models in treatment planning systems are generally assumed invariant with respect to the beam deliveries at different gantry angles. Physical properties of scanning pencil beams can change. The gantry angle dependent properties include the delivered charge to the monitor unit chamber, the spot position and the spot shape. The aim of this study is to investigate the extent of the changes and their dosimetric impacts using historical pencil beam scanning (PBS) treatment data. Online beam delivery records at the time of the patient-specific qualify assurance were retrospectively collected for a total of 34 PBS fields from 28 patients treated at our institution. For each field, proton beam properties at two different gantry angles (the planned and zero gantry angles) were extracted by a newly-developed machine log analysis method and used to reconstruct the delivered dose distributions in the cubic water phantom geometry. The reconstructed doses at the two different angles and a planar dose measurement by a 2D ion-chamber array were compared and the dosimetric impacts of the gantry angle dependency were accessed by a 3D γ-index analysis. In addition, the pencil beam spot size was independently characterized as a function of the gantry angle and the beam energy. The dosimetric effects of the perturbed beam shape were also investigated. Comparisons of spot-by-spot beam positions between both gantry angles show a mean deviation of 0.4 and 0.7 mm and a standard deviation of 0.3 and 0.6 mm for x and y directions, respectively. The delivered giga-protons per spot show a percent mean difference and a standard deviation of 0.01% and 0.3%, respectively, from each planned spot weight. These small deviations lead to an excellent agreement in dose comparisons with an average γ passing rate of 99.1%. When each calculation for both planned and zero gantry angles was compared to the measurement, a high correlation in γ values was also observed, also indicating the dosimetric differences are small when a field is delivered at different gantry angles. Utilizing the online beam delivery records, the gantry angle dependencies of the PBS beam delivery were assessed and quantified. The study confirms the variations of the physical properties to be sufficiently small within the clinical tolerances without taking into account the gantry angle variation.

MO-AB-BRA-08: Rapid Treatment Field Uniformity Optimization for Total Skin Electron Beam Therapy Using Cherenkov Imaging

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Andreozzi, J; Zhang, R; Glaser, A

Purpose: To evaluate treatment field heterogeneity resulting from gantry angle choice in total skin electron beam therapy (TSEBT) following a modified Stanford dual-field technique, and determine a relationship between source to surface distance (SSD) and optimized gantry angle spread. Methods: Cherenkov imaging was used to image 62 treatment fields on a sheet of 1.2m x 2.2m x 1.2cm polyethylene following standard TSEBT setup at our institution (6 MeV, 888 MU/min, no spoiler, SSD=441cm), where gantry angles spanned from 239.5° to 300.5° at 1° increments. Average Cherenkov intensity and coefficient of variation in the region of interest were compared for themore » set of composite Cherenkov images created by summing all unique combinations of angle pairs to simulate dual-field treatment. The angle pair which produced the lowest coefficient of variation was further studied using an ionization chamber. The experiment was repeated at SSD=300cm, and SSD=370.5cm. Cherenkov imaging was also implemented during TSEBT of three patients. Results: The most uniform treatment region from a symmetric angle spread was achieved using gantry angles +/−17.5° about the horizontal axis at SSD=441cm, +/−18.5° at SSD=370.5cm, and +/−19.5° at SSD=300cm. Ionization chamber measurements comparing the original treatment spread (+/−14.5°) and the optimized angle pair (+/−17.5°) at SSD=441cm showed no significant deviation (r=0.999) in percent depth dose curves, and chamber measurements from nine locations within the field showed an improvement in dose uniformity from 24.41% to 9.75%. Ionization chamber measurements correlated strongly (r=0.981) with Cherenkov intensity measured concurrently on the flat Plastic Water phantom. Patient images and TLD results also showed modest uniformity improvements. Conclusion: A decreasing linear relationship between optimal angle spread and SSD was observed. Cherenkov imaging offers a new method of rapidly analyzing and optimizing TSEBT setup geometry by providing a 2D image of the treatment plane as a sum of the two fields. This study has been funded by NIH grants R21EB17559 and R01CA109558 as well as Norris Cotton Cancer Center Pilot funding.« less

Ultra-fast fluence optimization for beam angle selection algorithms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bangert, M.; Ziegenhein, P.; Oelfke, U.

2014-03-01

Beam angle selection (BAS) including fluence optimization (FO) is among the most extensive computational tasks in radiotherapy. Precomputed dose influence data (DID) of all considered beam orientations (up to 100 GB for complex cases) has to be handled in the main memory and repeated FOs are required for different beam ensembles. In this paper, the authors describe concepts accelerating FO for BAS algorithms using off-the-shelf multiprocessor workstations. The FO runtime is not dominated by the arithmetic load of the CPUs but by the transportation of DID from the RAM to the CPUs. On multiprocessor workstations, however, the speed of data transportation from the main memory to the CPUs is non-uniform across the RAM; every CPU has a dedicated memory location (node) with minimum access time. We apply a thread node binding strategy to ensure that CPUs only access DID from their preferred node. Ideal load balancing for arbitrary beam ensembles is guaranteed by distributing the DID of every candidate beam equally to all nodes. Furthermore we use a custom sorting scheme of the DID to minimize the overall data transportation. The framework is implemented on an AMD Opteron workstation. One FO iteration comprising dose, objective function, and gradient calculation takes between 0.010 s (9 beams, skull, 0.23 GB DID) and 0.070 s (9 beams, abdomen, 1.50 GB DID). Our overall FO time is < 1 s for small cases, larger cases take ~ 4 s. BAS runs including FOs for 1000 different beam ensembles take ~ 15-70 min, depending on the treatment site. This enables an efficient clinical evaluation of different BAS algorithms.

SU-F-BRD-08: Guaranteed Epsilon-Optimal Treatment Plans with Minimum Number of Beams for SBRT Using RayStation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yarmand, H; Winey, B; Craft, D

2014-06-15

Purpose: To efficiently find quality-guaranteed treatment plans with the minimum number of beams for stereotactic body radiation therapy using RayStation. Methods: For a pre-specified pool of candidate beams we use RayStation (a treatment planning software for clinical use) to identify the deliverable plan which uses all the beams with the minimum dose to organs at risk (OARs) and dose to the tumor and other structures in specified ranges. Then use the dose matrix information for the generated apertures from RayStation to solve a linear program to find the ideal plan with the same objective and constraints allowing use of allmore » beams. Finally we solve a mixed integer programming formulation of the beam angle optimization problem (BAO) with the objective of minimizing the number of beams while remaining in a predetermined epsilon-optimality of the ideal plan with respect to the dose to OARs. Since the treatment plan optimization is a multicriteria optimization problem, the planner can exploit the multicriteria optimization capability of RayStation to navigate the ideal dose distribution Pareto surface and select a plan of desired target coverage versus OARs sparing, and then use the proposed technique to reduce the number of beams while guaranteeing quality. For the numerical experiments two liver cases and one lung case with 33 non-coplanar beams are considered. Results: The ideal plan uses an impractically large number of beams. The proposed technique reduces the number of beams to the range of practical application (5 to 9 beams) while remaining in the epsilon-optimal range of 1% to 5% optimality gap. Conclusion: The proposed method can be integrated into a general algorithm for fast navigation of the ideal dose distribution Pareto surface and finding the treatment plan with the minimum number of beams, which corresponds to the delivery time, in epsilon-optimality range of the desired ideal plan. The project was supported by the Federal Share of program income earned by Massachusetts General Hospital on C06 CA059267, Proton Therapy Research and Treatment Center and partially by RaySearch Laboratories.« less

Compensation of the long-range beam-beam interactions as a path towards new configurations for the high luminosity LHC

DOE PAGES

Fartoukh, Stéphane; Valishev, Alexander; Papaphilippou, Yannis; ...

2015-12-01

Colliding bunch trains in a circular collider demands a certain crossing angle in order to separate the two beams transversely after the collision. The magnitude of this crossing angle is a complicated function of the bunch charge, the number of long-range beam-beam interactions, of β* and type of optics (flat or round), and possible compensation or additive effects between several low-β insertions in the ring depending on the orientation of the crossing plane at each interaction point. About 15 years ago, the use of current bearing wires was proposed at CERN in order to mitigate the long-range beam-beam effects [J.P. Koutchouk,more » CERN Report No. LHC-Project-Note 223, 2000], therefore offering the possibility to minimize the crossing angle with all the beneficial effects this might have: on the luminosity performance by reducing the need for crab-cavities or lowering their voltage, on the required aperture of the final focus magnets, on the strength of the orbit corrector involved in the crossing bumps, and finally on the heat load and radiation dose deposited in the final focus quadrupoles. In this paper, a semianalytical approach is developed for the compensation of the long-range beam-beam interactions with current wires. This reveals the possibility of achieving optimal correction through a careful adjustment of the aspect ratio of the β functions at the wire position. We consider the baseline luminosity upgrade plan of the Large Hadron Collider (HL-LHC project), and compare it to alternative scenarios, or so-called ''configurations,'' where modifications are applied to optics, crossing angle, or orientation of the crossing plane in the two low-β insertions of the ring. Furthermore, for all these configurations, the beneficial impact of beam-beam compensation devices is then demonstrated on the tune footprint, the dynamical aperture, and/or the frequency map analysis of the nonlinear beam dynamics as the main figures of merit.« less

Angle performance on optima MDxt

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

David, Jonathan; Kamenitsa, Dennis

2012-11-06

Angle control on medium current implanters is important due to the high angle-sensitivity of typical medium current implants, such as halo implants. On the Optima MDxt, beam-to-wafer angles are controlled in both the horizontal and vertical directions. In the horizontal direction, the beam angle is measured through six narrow slits, and any angle adjustment is made by electrostatically steering the beam, while cross-wafer beam parallelism is adjusted by changing the focus of the electrostatic parallelizing lens (P-lens). In the vertical direction, the beam angle is measured through a high aspect ratio mask, and any angle adjustment is made by slightlymore » tilting the wafer platen prior to implant. A variety of tests were run to measure the accuracy and repeatability of Optima MDxt's angle control. SIMS profiles of a high energy, channeling sensitive condition show both the cross-wafer angle uniformity, along with the small-angle resolution of the system. Angle repeatability was quantified by running a channeling sensitive implant as a regular monitor over a seven month period and measuring the sheet resistance-to-angle sensitivity. Even though crystal cut error was not controlled for in this case, when attributing all Rs variation to angle changes, the overall angle repeatability was measured as 0.16 Degree-Sign (1{sigma}). A separate angle repeatability test involved running a series of V-curves tests over a four month period using low crystal cut wafers selected from the same boule. The results of this test showed the angle repeatability to be <0.1 Degree-Sign (1{sigma}).« less

Very High Reflectivity Supermirrors And Their Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mezei, F.

1989-01-01

Very high reflectivity (some 95 % or better) supermirrors, with cut-off angles up to 2 times the critical angle of Ni coated simple total reflection neutron mirrors, can be produced using well established conventional deposition techniques. This performance makes applications involving multiple reflections and transmission geometries feasible, which in turn allow us to use more sophisticated neutron optical systems in order to optimize performance and minimize the amount a scarce supermirrors required. A key feature of several of these novel systems is the distribution of tasks between the several optical components achieving the desired performance by multiple action. The design and characteristics of a series of novel applications, such as polarizing cavities, collimators and guides, non-polarizing guides, beam compressors, deflectors and splitters (most of them tested or being implemented) are the main subjects of the present paper.

Optimization of an angle-beam ultrasonic approach for characterization of impact damage in composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Henry, Christine; Kramb, Victoria; Welter, John T.; Wertz, John N.; Lindgren, Eric A.; Aldrin, John C.; Zainey, David

2018-04-01

Advances in NDE method development are greatly improved through model-guided experimentation. In the case of ultrasonic inspections, models which provide insight into complex mode conversion processes and sound propagation paths are essential for understanding the experimental data and inverting the experimental data into relevant information. However, models must also be verified using experimental data obtained under well-documented and understood conditions. Ideally, researchers would utilize the model simulations and experimental approach to efficiently converge on the optimal solution. However, variability in experimental parameters introduce extraneous signals that are difficult to differentiate from the anticipated response. This paper discusses the results of an ultrasonic experiment designed to evaluate the effect of controllable variables on the anticipated signal, and the effect of unaccounted for experimental variables on the uncertainty in those results. Controlled experimental parameters include the transducer frequency, incidence beam angle and focal depth.

Acquisition parameters optimization of a transmission electron forward scatter diffraction system in a cold-field emission scanning electron microscope for nanomaterials characterization.

PubMed

Brodusch, Nicolas; Demers, Hendrix; Trudeau, Michel; Gauvin, Raynald

2013-01-01

Transmission electron forward scatter diffraction (t-EFSD) is a new technique providing crystallographic information with high resolution on thin specimens by using a conventional electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) system in a scanning electron microscope. In this study, the impact of tilt angle, working distance, and detector distance on the Kikuchi pattern quality were investigated in a cold-field emission scanning electron microscope (CFE-SEM). We demonstrated that t-EFSD is applicable for tilt angles ranging from -20° to -40°. Working distance (WD) should be optimized for each material by choosing the WD for which the EBSD camera screen illumination is the highest, as the number of detected electrons on the screen is directly dependent on the scattering angle. To take advantage of the best performances of the CFE-SEM, the EBSD camera should be close to the sample and oriented towards the bottom to increase forward scattered electron collection efficiency. However, specimen chamber cluttering and beam/mechanical drift are important limitations in the CFE-SEM used in this work. Finally, the importance of t-EFSD in materials science characterization was illustrated through three examples of phase identification and orientation mapping. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A novel verification method using a plastic scintillator imagining system for assessment of gantry sag in radiotherapy.

PubMed

Tsuneda, Masato; Nishio, Teiji; Saito, Akito; Tanaka, Sodai; Suzuki, Tatsuhiko; Kawahara, Daisuke; Matsushita, Keiichiro; Nishio, Aya; Ozawa, Shuichi; Karasawa, Kumiko; Nagata, Yasushi

2018-06-01

High accuracy of the beam-irradiated position is required for high-precision radiation therapy such as stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), and intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Users generally perform the verification of the mechanical and radiation isocenters using the star shot test and the Winston Lutz test that allow evaluation of the displacement at the isocenter. However, these methods are unable to evaluate directly and quantitatively the sagging angle that is caused by the weight of the gantry itself along the gantry rotation axis. In addition, the verification of the central axis of the irradiated beam that is not dependent at the isocenter is needed for the mechanical quality assurance of a nonisocentric irradiation technique. In this study, we have developed a prototype system for the verification of three-dimensional (3D) beam alignment and we have verified the system concept for 3D isocentricity. Our system allows detection of the central axis in 3D coordinates and evaluation of the irradiated oblique angle to the gantry rotation axis, i.e., the sagging angle. In order to measure the central axis of the irradiated beam in 3D coordinates, we constructed the prototype verification system consisting of a column-shaped plastic scintillator (CoPS), a truncated cone-shaped mirror (TCsM), and a cooled charged-coupled device (CCD) camera. This verification system was irradiated with 6-MV photon beams and the scintillation light was measured using the CCD camera. The central axis on the axial plane (two-dimensional (2D) central axis) was acquired from the integration of the scintillation light along the major axis of the CoPS, and the central axis in 3D coordinates (3D central axis) was acquired from two curve-shaped profiles which were reflected by the TCsM. We verified the calculation accuracy of the gantry rotation axis, θ z . Additionally, we calculated the 3D central axis and the sagging angle at each gantry angle. We acquired the measurement images composed of the 2D central axis and the two curve-shaped profiles. The relationship between the irradiated and measured angles with respect to the gantry rotation axis had good linearity. The mean and standard deviation of the difference between the irradiated and measured angles were 0.012 and 0.078 degrees, respectively. The size of the 2D and 3D radiation isocenters were 0.470 and 0.652 mm on the axial plane and in 3D coordinates, respectively. The sagging angles were -0.31, 0.39, and 0.38 degrees at the gantry angles of 0, 180, and 180E degrees, respectively. We developed a novel verification system, designated as the "kompeito shot test system," to verify the 3D beam alignment. This system concept works for both verification of the 3D isocentricity and the direct evaluation of the sagging angle. Next, we want to improve the aspects of this system, such as the shape and the type of scintillator, to increase the system accuracy and nonisocentric beam alignment performance. © 2018 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

An automatic alignment system for measuring optical path of transmissometer based on light beam scanning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Shudao; Ma, Zhongliang; Wang, Min; Peng, Shuling

2018-05-01

This paper proposes a novel alignment system based on the measurement of optical path using a light beam scanning mode in a transmissometer. The system controls both the probe beam and the receiving field of view while scanning in two vertical directions. The system then calculates the azimuth angle of the transmitter and the receiver to determine the precise alignment of the optical path. Experiments show that this method can determine the alignment angles in less than 10 min with errors smaller than 66 μrad in the azimuth. This system also features high collimation precision, process automation and simple installation.

Terahertz radiation generation by beating of two laser beams in a collisional plasma with oblique magnetic field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hematizadeh, Ayoob; Jazayeri, Seyed Masud; Ghafary, Bijan

2018-02-01

A scheme for excitation of terahertz (THz) radiation is presented by photo mixing of two super-Gaussian laser beams in a rippled density collisional magnetized plasma. Lasers having different frequencies and wave numbers but the same electric fields create a ponderomotive force on the electrons of plasma in the beating frequency. Super-Gaussian laser beam has the exclusive features such as steep gradient in laser intensity distribution, wider cross-section in comparison with Gaussian profiles, which make stronger ponderomotive force and higher THz radiation. The magnetic field is considered oblique to laser beams propagation direction; in this case, depending on the phase matching conditions different mode waves can propagate in plasma. It is found that amplitude and efficiency of the emitted THz radiation not only are sensitive to the beating frequency, collision frequency, and magnetic field strength but to the angle between laser beams and static magnetic field. The efficiency of THz radiation can be optimized in a certain angle.

Implementing a quantum cloning machine in separate cavities via the optical coherent pulse as a quantum communication bus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Meng-Zheng; Ye, Liu

2015-04-01

An efficient scheme is proposed to implement a quantum cloning machine in separate cavities based on a hybrid interaction between electron-spin systems placed in the cavities and an optical coherent pulse. The coefficient of the output state for the present cloning machine is just the direct product of two trigonometric functions, which ensures that different types of quantum cloning machine can be achieved readily in the same framework by appropriately adjusting the rotated angles. The present scheme can implement optimal one-to-two symmetric (asymmetric) universal quantum cloning, optimal symmetric (asymmetric) phase-covariant cloning, optimal symmetric (asymmetric) real-state cloning, optimal one-to-three symmetric economical real-state cloning, and optimal symmetric cloning of qubits given by an arbitrary axisymmetric distribution. In addition, photon loss of the qubus beams during the transmission and decoherence effects caused by such a photon loss are investigated.

AGARD Flight Test Techniques Series. Volume 7. Air-to-Air Radar Flight Testing

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-06-01

enters the beam ), a different tilt angle should be used. The emphasis on setting the tilt angle may require a non - standard high accuracy tilt angle...is: the time from pilot designation on a non -maneuvering target to the time that the system achieves target range, range rate and angle tracking...minimal attenuation, distortion, or boresight Shift effects on the radar beam . Thus, radome design for airborne application io largely a process of

Beam position reconstruction for the g2p experiment in Hall A at Jefferson Lab

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhu, Pengjia; Allada, Kalyan; Allison, Trent

2015-11-03

Beam-line equipment was upgraded for experiment E08-027 (g2p) in Hall A at Jefferson Lab. Two beam position monitors (BPMs) were necessary to measure the beam position and angle at the target. A new BPM receiver was designed and built to handle the low beam currents (50-100 nA) used for this experiment. Two new super-harps were installed for calibrating the BPMs. In addition to the existing fast raster system, a slow raster system was installed. We found that before and during the experiment, these new devices were tested and debugged, and their performance was also evaluated. In order to achieve themore » required accuracy (1-2 mm in position and 1-2 mrad in angle at the target location), the data of the BPMs and harps were carefully analyzed, as well as reconstructing the beam position and angle event by event at the target location. Finally, the calculated beam position will be used in the data analysis to accurately determine the kinematics for each event.« less

Two-dimensional ultrahigh-density X-ray optical memory.

PubMed

Bezirganyan, Hakob P; Bezirganyan, Siranush E; Bezirganyan, Hayk H; Bezirganyan, Petros H

2007-01-01

Most important aspect of nanotechnology applications in the information ultrahigh storage is the miniaturization of data carrier elements of the storage media with emphasis on the long-term stability. Proposed two-dimensional ultrahigh-density X-ray optical memory, named X-ROM, with long-term stability is an information carrier basically destined for digital data archiving. X-ROM is a semiconductor wafer, in which the high-reflectivity nanosized X-ray mirrors are embedded. Data are encoded due to certain positions of the mirrors. Ultrahigh-density data recording procedure can e.g., be performed via mask-less zone-plate-array lithography (ZPAL), spatial-phase-locked electron-beam lithography (SPLEBL), or focused ion-beam lithography (FIB). X-ROM manufactured by nanolithography technique is a write-once memory useful for terabit-scale memory applications, if the surface area of the smallest recording pits is less than 100 nm2. In this case the X-ROM surface-storage capacity of a square centimetre becomes by two orders of magnitude higher than the volumetric data density really achieved for three-dimensional optical data storage medium. Digital data read-out procedure from proposed X-ROM can e.g., be performed via glancing-angle incident X-ray micro beam (GIX) using the well-developed X-ray reflectometry technique. In presented theoretical paper the crystal-analyser operating like an image magnifier is added to the set-up of X-ROM data handling system for the purpose analogous to case of application the higher numerical aperture objective in optical data read-out system. We also propose the set-up of the X-ROM readout system based on more the one incident X-ray micro beam. Presented scheme of two-beam data handling system, which operates on two mutually perpendicular well-collimated monochromatic incident X-ray micro beams, essentially increases the reliability of the digital information read-out procedure. According the graphs of characteristic functions presented in paper, one may choose optimally the incident radiation wavelength, as well as the angle of incidence of X-ray micro beams, appropriate for proposed digital data read-out procedure.

Two-Lens, Anamorphic, Brewster-Angle, Fourier-Transform Relay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berggren, Ralph R.

1987-06-01

A two-lens system provides a simple and versatile means to relay a laser beam. The pair of lenses can provide true volume imaging, reproducing both amplitude and phase of the input beam. By using cylindrical lenses it is possible to change the aspect ratio of the beam. By adjusting the cylindrical curvatures, it is possible to minimize reflections by tilting the lenses at the Brewster angle.

Double wedge prism based beam deflector for precise laser beam steering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tyszka, Krzysztof; Dobosz, Marek; Bilaszewski, Tomasz

2018-02-01

Aiming to increase laser beam pointing stability required in interferometric measurements, we designed a laser beam deflector intended for active laser beam stabilization systems. The design is based on two wedge-prisms: the deflecting wedge driven by a tilting piezo-platform and the fixed wedge to compensate initial beam deflection. Our design allows linear beam steering, independently in the horizontal or vertical direction, with resolution of less than 1 μrad in a range of more than 100 μrad, and no initial deflection of the beam. Moreover, the ratio of the output beam deflection angle and the wedge tilt angle is less than 0.1; therefore, the noise influence is significantly reduced in comparison to standard mirror-based deflectors. The theoretical analyses support the designing process and can serve as a guide to wedge-prism selection. The experimental results are in agreement with theory and confirm the advantages of the presented double wedge system.

The design of the new IR beamline at ASTRID2

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, Zheshen, E-mail: zsli@phys.au.dk; Hoffmann, Søren Vrønning; Rieger, Peter

2016-07-27

We report on the successful design, installation and commission of the new AU-IR beam line at ASTRID2. ASTRID2 is the new synchrotron facility running at top-up mode and at 580 MeV, which is optimized for low energies at Aarhus University, Denmark. The highlight of the beam line is that it is simple, low cost and reliable. The optics system consists of two gold-coated mirrors only and is as close as 1.367 m away from an entrance edge of a bending magnet. This allows a horizontal acceptance angle of 35 mrad and a vertical acceptance of 28 mrad. The source pointmore » is chosen to be near the leading edge of the bending magnet where the electron beam enters the dipole field. This allows us to use the strong edge radiation from the bending magnet together with the bending radiation. The beam line is equipped with a Vertex{sup TM} 70v FTIR spectrometer from Bruker{sup TM}. The beam line design and choice of the “rock-solid” optical design version of spectrometer ensure a good reliability to beam drift and vibrations. Currently, the system is running at mid-range IR. Further upgrades have been planned.« less

Influence of robust optimization in intensity-modulated proton therapy with different dose delivery techniques

PubMed Central

Liu, Wei; Li, Yupeng; Li, Xiaoqiang; Cao, Wenhua; Zhang, Xiaodong

2012-01-01

Purpose: The distal edge tracking (DET) technique in intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT) allows for high energy efficiency, fast and simple delivery, and simple inverse treatment planning; however, it is highly sensitive to uncertainties. In this study, the authors explored the application of DET in IMPT (IMPT-DET) and conducted robust optimization of IMPT-DET to see if the planning technique’s sensitivity to uncertainties was reduced. They also compared conventional and robust optimization of IMPT-DET with three-dimensional IMPT (IMPT-3D) to gain understanding about how plan robustness is achieved. Methods: They compared the robustness of IMPT-DET and IMPT-3D plans to uncertainties by analyzing plans created for a typical prostate cancer case and a base of skull (BOS) cancer case (using data for patients who had undergone proton therapy at our institution). Spots with the highest and second highest energy layers were chosen so that the Bragg peak would be at the distal edge of the targets in IMPT-DET using 36 equally spaced angle beams; in IMPT-3D, 3 beams with angles chosen by a beam angle optimization algorithm were planned. Dose contributions for a number of range and setup uncertainties were calculated, and a worst-case robust optimization was performed. A robust quantification technique was used to evaluate the plans’ sensitivity to uncertainties. Results: With no uncertainties considered, the DET is less robust to uncertainties than is the 3D method but offers better normal tissue protection. With robust optimization to account for range and setup uncertainties, robust optimization can improve the robustness of IMPT plans to uncertainties; however, our findings show the extent of improvement varies. Conclusions: IMPT’s sensitivity to uncertainties can be improved by using robust optimization. They found two possible mechanisms that made improvements possible: (1) a localized single-field uniform dose distribution (LSFUD) mechanism, in which the optimization algorithm attempts to produce a single-field uniform dose distribution while minimizing the patching field as much as possible; and (2) perturbed dose distribution, which follows the change in anatomical geometry. Multiple-instance optimization has more knowledge of the influence matrices; this greater knowledge improves IMPT plans’ ability to retain robustness despite the presence of uncertainties. PMID:22755694

Wide steering angle microscanner based on curved surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sabry, Yasser; Khalil, Diaa; Saadany, Bassam; Bourouina, Tarik

2013-03-01

Intensive industrial and academic research is oriented towards the design and fabrication of optical beam steering systems based on MEMS technology. In most of these systems, the scanning is achieved by rotating a flat micromirror around a central axis in which the main challenge is achieving a wide mirror rotation angle. In this work, a novel method of optical beam scanning based on reflection from a curved surface is presented. The scanning occurs when the optical axis of the curved surface is displaced with respect to the optical axis of the incident beam. To overcome the possible deformation of the spot with the scanning angle, the curved surface is designed with a specific aspherical profile. Moreover, the scanning exhibits a more linearized scanning angle-displacement relation than the conventional spherical profile. The presented scanner is fabricated using DRIE technology on an SOI wafer. The curved surface (reflector) is metalized and attached to a comb-drive actuator fabricated in the same lithography step. A single-mode fiber, behaving as a Gaussian beam source, is positioned on the substrate facing the mirror. The reflected optical beam angle and spotsize in the far field is recorded versus the relative shift between the fiber and the curved mirror. The spot size is plotted versus the scanning angle and a scanning spot size uniformity of about +/-10% is obtained for optical deflection angles up to 100 degrees. As the optical beam is propagating parallel to the wafer substrate, a completely integrated laser scanner can be achieved with filters and actuators self-aligned on the same chip that allows low cost and mass production of this important product.

Motion-robust intensity-modulated proton therapy for distal esophageal cancer.

PubMed

Yu, Jen; Zhang, Xiaodong; Liao, Li; Li, Heng; Zhu, Ronald; Park, Peter C; Sahoo, Narayan; Gillin, Michael; Li, Yupeng; Chang, Joe Y; Komaki, Ritsuko; Lin, Steven H

2016-03-01

To develop methods for evaluation and mitigation of dosimetric impact due to respiratory and diaphragmatic motion during free breathing in treatment of distal esophageal cancers using intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT). This was a retrospective study on 11 patients with distal esophageal cancer. For each patient, four-dimensional computed tomography (4D CT) data were acquired, and a nominal dose was calculated on the average phase of the 4D CT. The changes of water equivalent thickness (ΔWET) to cover the treatment volume from the peak of inspiration to the valley of expiration were calculated for a full range of beam angle rotation. Two IMPT plans were calculated: one at beam angles corresponding to small ΔWET and one at beam angles corresponding to large ΔWET. Four patients were selected for the calculation of 4D-robustness-optimized IMPT plans due to large motion-induced dose errors generated in conventional IMPT. To quantitatively evaluate motion-induced dose deviation, the authors calculated the lowest dose received by 95% (D95) of the internal clinical target volume for the nominal dose, the D95 calculated on the maximum inhale and exhale phases of 4D CT DCT0 andDCT50 , the 4D composite dose, and the 4D dynamic dose for a single fraction. The dose deviation increased with the average ΔWET of the implemented beams, ΔWETave. When ΔWETave was less than 5 mm, the dose error was less than 1 cobalt gray equivalent based on DCT0 and DCT50 . The dose deviation determined on the basis of DCT0 and DCT50 was proportionally larger than that determined on the basis of the 4D composite dose. The 4D-robustness-optimized IMPT plans notably reduced the overall dose deviation of multiple fractions and the dose deviation caused by the interplay effect in a single fraction. In IMPT for distal esophageal cancer, ΔWET analysis can be used to select the beam angles that are least affected by respiratory and diaphragmatic motion. To further reduce dose deviation, the 4D-robustness optimization can be implemented for IMPT planning. Calculation of DCT0 and DCT50 is a conservative method to estimate the motion-induced dose errors.

Induced strain actuation of composite beams and rotor blades with embedded piezoceramic elements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Peter C.; Chopra, Inderjit

1994-05-01

The objective of this research is to develop a dynamically scaled (Froude scale) helicopter rotor blade with embedded piezoceramic elements as sensors and actuators to control blade vibrations. A 6-ft-diameter two-bladed bearingless rotor model was built, where each blade is embedded with banks of piezoelectric actuators at +/- 45-degree angles with respect to the beam axis on the top and bottom surfaces. A twist distribution along the blade span is achieved through in-phase excitation of the top and bottom actuators at equal potentials, while a bending distribution is achieved through out-of-phase excitation. In order to fix design variables and to optimize blade performance, a uniform strain beam theory is formulated to analytically predict the static bending and torsional response of composite rectangular beams with embedded piezoelectric actuators. Parameters such as bond thicknesses, actuator skew angle, and actuator spacing are investigated by experiments and then validated by theory. The static bending and torsional response of the rotor blades is experimentally measured and correlated with theory. Dynamic torsional and bending responses are experimentally determined for frequencies from 2-120 HZ to assess the viability of a vibration reduction system based on piezoactuation of blade twist. Although the magnitudes of blade twist attained in this experiment were small, it is expected that future models can be built with improved performance.

The FIRST experiment at GSI

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pleskac, R.; Abou-Haidar, Z.; Agodi, C.; Alvarez, M. A. G.; Aumann, T.; Battistoni, G.; Bocci, A.; Böhlen, T. T.; Boudard, A.; Brunetti, A.; Carpinelli, M.; Cirrone, G. A. P.; Cortes-Giraldo, M. A.; Cuttone, G.; De Napoli, M.; Durante, M.; Fernández-García, J. P.; Finck, C.; Golosio, B.; Gallardo, M. I.; Iarocci, E.; Iazzi, F.; Ickert, G.; Introzzi, R.; Juliani, D.; Krimmer, J.; Kurz, N.; Labalme, M.; Leifels, Y.; Le Fevre, A.; Leray, S.; Marchetto, F.; Monaco, V.; Morone, M. C.; Oliva, P.; Paoloni, A.; Piersanti, L.; Quesada, J. M.; Raciti, G.; Randazzo, N.; Romano, F.; Rossi, D.; Rousseau, M.; Sacchi, R.; Sala, P.; Sarti, A.; Scheidenberger, C.; Schuy, C.; Sciubba, A.; Sfienti, C.; Simon, H.; Sipala, V.; Spiriti, E.; Stuttge, L.; Tropea, S.; Younis, H.; Patera, V.

2012-06-01

The FIRST (Fragmentation of Ions Relevant for Space and Therapy) experiment at the SIS accelerator of GSI laboratory in Darmstadt has been designed for the measurement of ion fragmentation cross-sections at different angles and energies between 100 and 1000 MeV/nucleon. Nuclear fragmentation processes are relevant in several fields of basic research and applied physics and are of particular interest for tumor therapy and for space radiation protection applications. The start of the scientific program of the FIRST experiment was on summer 2011 and was focused on the measurement of 400 MeV/nucleon 12C beam fragmentation on thin (8 mm) graphite target. The detector is partly based on an already existing setup made of a dipole magnet (ALADiN), a time projection chamber (TP-MUSIC IV), a neutron detector (LAND) and a time of flight scintillator system (TOFWALL). This pre-existing setup has been integrated with newly designed detectors in the Interaction Region, around the carbon target placed in a sample changer. The new detectors are a scintillator Start Counter, a Beam Monitor drift chamber, a silicon Vertex Detector and a Proton Tagger scintillator system optimized for the detection of light fragments emitted at large angles. In this paper we review the experimental setup, then we present the simulation software, the data acquisition system and finally the trigger strategy of the experiment.

Methods and apparatus for laser beam scanners with different actuating mechanisms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Si-hai; Xiang, Si-hua; Wu, Xin; Dong, Shan; Xiao, Ding; Zheng, Xia-wei

2009-07-01

In this paper, 3 types of laser beam scanner are introduced. One is transmissive beam scanner, which is composed of convex and concave microlens arrays (MLAs). By moving the concave lens in the plane vertical to the optical axis, the incident beam can be deflected in two dimensions. Those two kinds of MLAs are fabricated by thermal reflow and replication process. A set of mechanical scanner frame is fabricated with the two MLAs assembling in it. The testing result shown that the beam deflection angles are 9.5° and 9.6°, in the 2 dimension(2D) with the scanning frequency of 2 HZ and 8 HZ, respectively. The second type of laser beam scanner is actuated by voice coil actuators (VCAs). Based on ANSOFT MAXWELL software, we have designed VCAs with small size and large force which have optimized properties. The model of VCAs is built using AutoCAD and is analyzed by Ansoft maxwell. According to the simulation results, high performance VCAs are fabricated and tested. The result is that the force of the VCAs is 6.39N/A, and the displacement is +/-2.5mm. A set up of beam scanner is fabricated and actuated by the designed VCAs. The testing result shown that the two dimensional scanning angle is 15° and 10° respectively at the frequency of 60HZ. The two dimensional scanning angle is 8.3° and 6° respectively at the frequency of 100HZ. The third type of scanner is actuated by amplified piezoelectric actuators (APAs). The scanning mirror is actuated by the piezoelectric (PZ) actuators with the scanning frequency of 700HZ, 250HZ and 87HZ respectively. The optical scanning angle is +/-0.5° at the three frequencies.

Single-laser, one beam, tetrahedral magneto-optical trap.

PubMed

Vangeleyn, Matthieu; Griffin, Paul F; Riis, Erling; Arnold, Aidan S

2009-08-03

We have realized a 4-beam pyramidal magneto-optical trap ideally suited for future microfabrication. Three mirrors split and steer a single incoming beam into a tripod of reflected beams, allowing trapping in the four-beam overlap volume. We discuss the influence of mirror angle on cooling and trapping, finding optimum efficiency in a tetrahedral configuration. We demonstrate the technique using an ex-vacuo mirror system to illustrate the previously inaccessible supra-plane pyramid MOT configuration. Unlike standard pyramidal MOTs both the pyramid apex and its mirror angle are non-critical and our MOT offers improved molasses free from atomic shadows in the laser beams. The MOT scheme naturally extends to a 2-beam refractive version with high optical access. For quantum gas experiments, the mirror system could also be used for a stable 3D tetrahedral optical lattice.

A high brightness proton injector for the Tandetron accelerator at Jožef Stefan Institute

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pelicon, Primož; Podaru, Nicolae C.; Vavpetič, Primož; Jeromel, Luka; Ogrinc Potocnik, Nina; Ondračka, Simon; Gottdang, Andreas; Mous, Dirk J. M.

2014-08-01

Jožef Stefan Institute recently commissioned a high brightness H- ion beam injection system for its existing tandem accelerator facility. Custom developed by High Voltage Engineering Europa, the multicusp ion source has been tuned to deliver at the entrance of the Tandetron™ accelerator H- ion beams with a measured brightness of 17.1 A m-2 rad-2 eV-1 at 170 μA, equivalent to an energy normalized beam emittance of 0.767 π mm mrad MeV1/2. Upgrading the accelerator facility with the new injection system provides two main advantages. First, the high brightness of the new ion source enables the reduction of object slit aperture and the reduction of acceptance angle at the nuclear microprobe, resulting in a reduced beam size at selected beam intensity, which significantly improves the probe resolution for micro-PIXE applications. Secondly, the upgrade strongly enhances the accelerator up-time since H and He beams are produced by independent ion sources, introducing a constant availability of 3He beam for fusion-related research with NRA. The ion beam particle losses and ion beam emittance growth imply that the aforementioned beam brightness is reduced by transport through the ion optical system. To obtain quantitative information on the available brightness at the high-energy side of the accelerator, the proton beam brightness is determined in the nuclear microprobe beamline. Based on the experience obtained during the first months of operation for micro-PIXE applications, further necessary steps are indicated to obtain optimal coupling of the new ion source with the accelerator to increase the normalized high-energy proton beam brightness at the JSI microprobe, currently at 14 A m-2 rad-2 eV-1, with the output current at 18% of its available maximum.

Propagation of rotational Risley-prism-array-based Gaussian beams in turbulent atmosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Feng; Ma, Haotong; Dong, Li; Ren, Ge; Qi, Bo; Tan, Yufeng

2018-03-01

Limited by the size and weight of prism and optical assembling, Rotational Risley-prism-array system is a simple but effective way to realize high power and superior beam quality of deflecting laser output. In this paper, the propagation of the rotational Risley-prism-array-based Gaussian beam array in atmospheric turbulence is studied in detail. An analytical expression for the average intensity distribution at the receiving plane is derived based on nonparaxial ray tracing method and extended Huygens-Fresnel principle. Power in the diffraction-limited bucket is chosen to evaluate beam quality. The effect of deviation angle, propagation distance and intensity of turbulence on beam quality is studied in detail by quantitative simulation. It reveals that with the propagation distance increasing, the intensity distribution gradually evolves from multiple-petal-like shape into the pattern that contains one main-lobe in the center with multiple side-lobes in weak turbulence. The beam quality of rotational Risley-prism-array-based Gaussian beam array with lower deviation angle is better than its counterpart with higher deviation angle when propagating in weak and medium turbulent (i.e. Cn2 < 10-13m-2/3), the beam quality of higher deviation angle arrays degrades faster as the intensity of turbulence gets stronger. In the case of propagating in strong turbulence, the long propagation distance (i.e. z > 10km ) and deviation angle have no influence on beam quality.

The FONT5 Bunch-by-Bunch Position and Angle Feedback System at ATF2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Apsimon, R. J.; Bett, D. R.; Burrows, P. N.; Christian, G. B.; Constance, B.; Davis, M. R.; Gerbershagen, A.; Perry, C.; Resta-Lopez, J.

The FONT5 upstream beam-based feedback system at ATF2 is designed to correct the position and angle jitter at the entrance to the ATF2 final-focus system, and also to demonstrate a prototype intra-train feedback system for the International Linear Collider interaction point. We discuss the hardware, from stripline BPMs to kickers, and RF and digital signal processing, as well as presenting results from the latest beam tests at ATF2.

Optical performance of random anti-reflection structured surfaces (rARSS) on spherical lenses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taylor, Courtney D.

Random anti-reflection structured surfaces (rARSS) have been reported to improve transmittance of optical-grade fused silica planar substrates to values greater than 99%. These textures are fabricated directly on the substrates using reactive-ion/inductively-coupled plasma etching (RIE/ICP) techniques, and often result in transmitted spectra with no measurable interference effects (fringes) for a wide range of wavelengths. The RIE/ICP processes used in the fabrication process to etch the rARSS is anisotropic and thus well suited for planar components. The improvement in spectral transmission has been found to be independent of optical incidence angles for values from 0° to +/-30°. Qualifying and quantifying the rARSS performance on curved substrates, such as convex lenses, is required to optimize the fabrication of the desired AR effect on optical-power elements. In this work, rARSS was fabricated on fused silica plano-convex (PCX) and plano-concave (PCV) lenses using a planar-substrate optimized RIE process to maximize optical transmission in the range from 500 to 1100 nm. An additional set of lenses were etched in a non-optimized ICP process to provide additional comparisons. Results are presented from optical transmission and beam propagation tests (optimized lenses only) of rARSS lenses for both TE and TM incident polarizations at a wavelength of 633 nm and over a 70° full field of view in both singlet and doublet configurations. These results suggest optimization of the fabrication process is not required, mainly due to the wide angle-of-incidence AR tolerance performance of the rARSS lenses. Non-optimized recipe lenses showed low transmission enhancement, and confirmed the need to optimized etch recipes prior to process transfer of PCX/PCV lenses. Beam propagation tests indicated no major beam degradation through the optimized lens elements. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images confirmed different structure between optimized and non-optimized samples. SEM images also indicated isotropically-oriented surface structures on both types of lenses.

Angle Control on the Optima HE/XE Ion Implanter

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bell, Edward; Satoh, Shu

2008-11-03

The Optima HE/XE is the latest generation of high energy ion implanter from Axcelis, combining proven RF linear accelerator technology with new single wafer processing. The architecture of the implanter is designed to provide a parallel beam at the wafer plane over the full range of implant energies and beam currents. One of the advantages of this system is the ability to control both the horizontal and vertical implant angles for each implant. Included in the design is the ability to perform in situ measurements of the horizontal and vertical angles of the beam in real time. The method ofmore » the horizontal and vertical angle measurements is described in this paper.« less

Comprehensive evaluation of broad-beam transmission of patient supports from three fluoroscopy-guided interventional systems.

PubMed

DeLorenzo, Matthew C; Yang, Kai; Li, Xinhua; Liu, Bob

2018-04-01

The purpose of the study was to measure, evaluate, and model the broad-beam x-ray transmission of the patient supports from representative modern fluoroscopy-guided interventional systems, for patient skin dose calculation. Broad-beam transmission was evaluated by varying incident angle, kVp, added copper (Cu) filter, and x-ray field size for three fluoroscopy systems: General Electric (GE) Innova 4100 with Omega V table and pad, Siemens Axiom Artis with Siemens tabletop "narrow" (CARD) table and pad, and Siemens Zeego with Trumpf TruSystem 7500 table and pad. Field size was measured on the table using a lead ruler for all setups in this study. Exposure rates were measured in service mode using a calibrated Radcal 10 × 6-60 ion chamber above the patient support at the assumed skin location. Broad-beam transmission factors were calculated by the ratio of air kerma rates measured with and without a patient support in the beam path. First, angle dependency was investigated on the GE system, with the chamber at isocenter, for angles of 0°, 15°, 30°, and 40°, for a variety of kVp, added Cu filters, and for two field sizes (small and large). Second, the broad-beam transmission factor at normal incidence was evaluated for all three fluoroscopes by varying kVp, added Cu filter, and field size (small, medium, and large). An analytical equation was created to fit the data as to maximize R 2 and minimize maximum percentage difference across all measurements for each system. For all patient supports, broad-beam transmission factor increased with field size, kVp, and added Cu filtration and decreased with incident angle. Oblique incidence measurements show that the transmission decreased by about 1%, 3%, and 6% for incident angles of 15°, 30°, and 40°, respectively. The broad-beam transmission factors at 0° for the table and table plus pad ranged from 0.73 to 0.96 and from 0.59 to 0.89, respectively. The GE and Siemens transmission factors were comparable, while the Trumpf transmission factors were the lowest. The data were successfully fitted to a function of angle, field size, kVp, and added Cu filtration using nine parameters, with an average R 2 value of 0.977 and maximum percentage difference of 4.08%. This study evaluated the broad-beam transmission for three representative fluoroscopy systems and their dependency on angle, kVp, added Cu filter, and field size. The comprehensive data provided for patient support transmission will facilitate accurate calculation of peak skin dose (PSD) and may potentially be integrated into real-time and retrospective dose monitoring with access to Radiation Dose Structured Reports (RDSR) and radiation event data. © 2018 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Influence of eye size and beam entry angle on dose to non-targeted tissues of the eye during stereotactic x-ray radiosurgery of AMD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cantley, Justin L.; Hanlon, Justin; Chell, Erik; Lee, Choonsik; Smith, W. Clay; Bolch, Wesley E.

2013-10-01

Age-related macular degeneration is a leading cause of vision loss for the elderly population of industrialized nations. The IRay® Radiotherapy System, developed by Oraya® Therapeutics, Inc., is a stereotactic low-voltage irradiation system designed to treat the wet form of the disease. The IRay System uses three robotically positioned 100 kVp collimated photon beams to deliver an absorbed dose of up to 24 Gy to the macula. The present study uses the Monte Carlo radiation transport code MCNPX to assess absorbed dose to six non-targeted tissues within the eye—total lens, radiosensitive tissues of the lens, optic nerve, distal tip of the central retinal artery, non-targeted portion of the retina, and the ciliary body--all as a function of eye size and beam entry angle. The ocular axial length was ranged from 20 to 28 mm in 2 mm increments, with the polar entry angle of the delivery system varied from 18° to 34° in 2° increments. The resulting data showed insignificant variations in dose for all eye sizes. Slight variations in the dose to the optic nerve and the distal tip of the central retinal artery were noted as the polar beam angle changed. An increase in non-targeted retinal dose was noted as the entry angle increased, while the dose to the lens, sensitive volume of the lens, and ciliary body decreased as the treatment polar angle increased. Polar angles of 26° or greater resulted in no portion of the sensitive volume of the lens receiving an absorbed dose of 0.5 Gy or greater. All doses to non-targeted structures reported in this study were less than accepted thresholds for post-procedure complications.

Design of laser afocal zoom expander system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Lian; Zeng, Chun-Mei; Hu, Tian-Tian

2018-01-01

Laser afocal zoom expander system due to the beam diameter variable, can be used in the light sheet illumination microscope to observe the samples of different sizes. Based on the principle of afocal zoom system, the laser collimation and beam expander system with a total length of less than 110mm, 6 pieces of spherical lens and a beam expander ratio of 10 is designed by using Zemax software. The system is focused on laser with a wavelength of 532nm, divergence angle of less than 4mrad and incident diameter of 4mm. With the combination of 6 spherical lens, the beam divergence angle is 0.4mrad at the maximum magnification ratio, and the RMS values at different rates are less than λ/4. This design is simple in structure and easy to process and adjust. It has certain practical value.

Optimization of chiral lattice based metastructures for broadband vibration suppression using genetic algorithms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdeljaber, Osama; Avci, Onur; Inman, Daniel J.

2016-05-01

One of the major challenges in civil, mechanical, and aerospace engineering is to develop vibration suppression systems with high efficiency and low cost. Recent studies have shown that high damping performance at broadband frequencies can be achieved by incorporating periodic inserts with tunable dynamic properties as internal resonators in structural systems. Structures featuring these kinds of inserts are referred to as metamaterials inspired structures or metastructures. Chiral lattice inserts exhibit unique characteristics such as frequency bandgaps which can be tuned by varying the parameters that define the lattice topology. Recent analytical and experimental investigations have shown that broadband vibration attenuation can be achieved by including chiral lattices as internal resonators in beam-like structures. However, these studies have suggested that the performance of chiral lattice inserts can be maximized by utilizing an efficient optimization technique to obtain the optimal topology of the inserted lattice. In this study, an automated optimization procedure based on a genetic algorithm is applied to obtain the optimal set of parameters that will result in chiral lattice inserts tuned properly to reduce the global vibration levels of a finite-sized beam. Genetic algorithms are considered in this study due to their capability of dealing with complex and insufficiently understood optimization problems. In the optimization process, the basic parameters that govern the geometry of periodic chiral lattices including the number of circular nodes, the thickness of the ligaments, and the characteristic angle are considered. Additionally, a new set of parameters is introduced to enable the optimization process to explore non-periodic chiral designs. Numerical simulations are carried out to demonstrate the efficiency of the optimization process.

Content-based fused off-axis object illumination direct-to-digital holography

DOEpatents

Price, Jeffery R.

2006-05-02

Systems and methods are described for content-based fused off-axis illumination direct-to-digital holography. A method includes calculating an illumination angle with respect to an optical axis defined by a focusing lens as a function of data representing a Fourier analyzed spatially heterodyne hologram; reflecting a reference beam from a reference mirror at a non-normal angle; reflecting an object beam from an object the object beam incident upon the object at the illumination angle; focusing the reference beam and the object beam at a focal plane of a digital recorder to from the content-based off-axis illuminated spatially heterodyne hologram including spatially heterodyne fringes for Fourier analysis; and digitally recording the content based off-axis illuminated spatially heterodyne hologram including spatially heterodyne fringes for Fourier analysis.

Dual energy approach for cone beam artifacts correction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Chulhee; Choi, Shinkook; Lee, Changwoo; Baek, Jongduk

2017-03-01

Cone beam computed tomography systems generate 3D volumetric images, which provide further morphological information compared to radiography and tomosynthesis systems. However, reconstructed images by FDK algorithm contain cone beam artifacts when a cone angle is large. To reduce the cone beam artifacts, two-pass algorithm has been proposed. The two-pass algorithm considers the cone beam artifacts are mainly caused by high density materials, and proposes an effective method to estimate error images (i.e., cone beam artifacts images) by the high density materials. While this approach is simple and effective with a small cone angle (i.e., 5 - 7 degree), the correction performance is degraded as the cone angle increases. In this work, we propose a new method to reduce the cone beam artifacts using a dual energy technique. The basic idea of the proposed method is to estimate the error images generated by the high density materials more reliably. To do this, projection data of the high density materials are extracted from dual energy CT projection data using a material decomposition technique, and then reconstructed by iterative reconstruction using total-variation regularization. The reconstructed high density materials are used to estimate the error images from the original FDK images. The performance of the proposed method is compared with the two-pass algorithm using root mean square errors. The results show that the proposed method reduces the cone beam artifacts more effectively, especially with a large cone angle.

SU-E-T-255: Optimized Supine Craniospinal Irradiation with Image-Guided and Field Matched Beams

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jiang, Z; Holupka, E; Naughton, J

2014-06-01

Purpose: Conventional craniospinal irradiation (CSI) challenges include dose inhomogeneity at field junctions and position uncertainty due to the field divergence, particular for the two spinal fields. Here we outline a new supine CSI technique to address these difficulties. Methods: Patient was simulated in supine position. The cranial fields had isocenter at C2/C3 vertebral and were matched with 1st spinal field. Their inferior border was chosen to avoid the shoulder, as well as chin from the 1st spine field. Their collimator angles were dependent on asymmetry jaw setting of the 1st spinal field. With couch rotation, the spinal field gantry anglesmore » were adjusted to ensure, the inferior border of 1st and superior border of 2nd spinal fields were perpendicular to the table top. The radio-opaque wire position for the spinal junction was located initially by the light field from an anterior setup beam, and was finalized by the portal imaging of the 1st spinal field. With reference to the spinal junction wire, the fields were matched by positioning the isocenter of the 2nd spinal field. A formula was derived to optimize supine CSI treatment planning, by utilizing the relationship among the Yjaw setting, the spinal field gantry angles, cranial field collimator angles, and the spinal field isocenters location. The plan was delivered with portal imaging alignment for the both cranial and spinal junctions. Results: Utilizing this technique with matching beams, and conventional technique such as feathering and forwarding planning, a homogenous dose distribution was achieved throughout the entire CSI treatment volume including the spinal junction. Placing the spinal junction wire visualized in both spinal portals, allows for precise determination and verification of the appropriate match line of the spine fields. Conclusion: This technique of optimization supine CSI achieved a homogenous dose distributions and patient localization accuracy with image-guided and matched beams.« less

Five-Year Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP)Observations: Beam Maps and Window Functions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hill, R.S.; Weiland, J.L.; Odegard, N.; Wollack, E.; Hinshaw, G.; Larson, D.; Bennett, C.L.; Halpern, M.; Kogut, A.; Page, L.;

Design and performance of daily quality assurance system for carbon ion therapy at NIRS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saotome, N.; Furukawa, T.; Hara, Y.; Mizushima, K.; Tansho, R.; Saraya, Y.; Shirai, T.; Noda, K.

2017-09-01

At National Institute of Radiological Sciences (NIRS), we have been commissioning a rotating-gantry system for carbon-ion radiotherapy. This rotating gantry can transport heavy ions at 430 MeV/u to an isocenter with irradiation angles of ±180° that can rotate around the patient so that the tumor can be irradiated from any direction. A three-dimensional pencil-beam scanning irradiation system equipped with the rotating gantry enables the optimal use of physical characteristics of carbon ions to provide accurate treatment. To ensure the treatment quality using such a complex system, the calibration of the primary dose monitor, output check, range check, dose rate check, machine safety check, and some mechanical tests should be performed efficiently. For this purpose, we have developed a measurement system dedicated for quality assurance (QA) of this gantry system: the Daily QA system. The system consists of an ionization chamber system and a scintillator system. The ionization chamber system is used for the calibration of the primary dose monitor, output check, and dose rate check, and the scintillator system is used for the range check, isocenter, and gantry angle. The performance of the Daily QA system was verified by a beam test. The stability of the output was within 0.5%, and the range was within 0.5 mm. The coincidence of the coordinates between the patient-positioning system and the irradiation system was verified using the Daily QA system. Our present findings verified that the new Daily QA system for a rotating gantry is capable of verifying the irradiation system with sufficient accuracy.

Optimization of the Conical Angle Design in Conical Implant-Abutment Connections: A Pilot Study Based on the Finite Element Method.

PubMed

Yao, Kuang-Ta; Chen, Chen-Sheng; Cheng, Cheng-Kung; Fang, Hsu-Wei; Huang, Chang-Hung; Kao, Hung-Chan; Hsu, Ming-Lun

2018-02-01

Conical implant-abutment connections are popular for their excellent connection stability, which is attributable to frictional resistance in the connection. However, conical angles, the inherent design parameter of conical connections, exert opposing effects on 2 influencing factors of the connection stability: frictional resistance and abutment rigidity. This pilot study employed an optimization approach through the finite element method to obtain an optimal conical angle for the highest connection stability in an Ankylos-based conical connection system. A nonlinear 3-dimensional finite element parametric model was developed according to the geometry of the Ankylos system (conical half angle = 5.7°) by using the ANSYS 11.0 software. Optimization algorithms were conducted to obtain the optimal conical half angle and achieve the minimal value of maximum von Mises stress in the abutment, which represents the highest connection stability. The optimal conical half angle obtained was 10.1°. Compared with the original design (5.7°), the optimal design demonstrated an increased rigidity of abutment (36.4%) and implant (25.5%), a decreased microgap at the implant-abutment interface (62.3%), a decreased contact pressure (37.9%) with a more uniform stress distribution in the connection, and a decreased stress in the cortical bone (4.5%). In conclusion, the methodology of design optimization to determine the optimal conical angle of the Ankylos-based system is feasible. Because of the heterogeneity of different systems, more studies should be conducted to define the optimal conical angle in various conical connection designs.

SU-F-P-28: A Method of Maximize the Noncoplanar Beam Orientations and Assure the Beam Delivery Clearance for Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhu, J

2016-06-15

Purpose: Develop a method to maximize the noncoplanar beam orientations and assure the beam delivery clearance for SBRT, therefore, optimize the dose conformality to the target, increase the dose sparing to the critical normal organs and reduce the hot spots in the body. Methods: A SBRT body frame (Elekta, Stockholm, Sweden) was used for patient immobilization and target localization. The SBRT body frame has CT fiducials on its side frames. After patient’s CT scan, the radiation treatment isocenter was defined and its coordinators referring to the body frame was calculated in the radiation treatment planning process. Meanwhile, initial beam orientationsmore » were designed based on the patient target and critical organ anatomy. The body frame was put on the linear accelerator couch and positioned to the calculated isocenter. Initially designed beam orientations were manually measured by tuning the body frame position on the couch, the gantry and couch angles. The finalized beam orientations were put into the treatment planning for dosimetric calculations. Results: Without patient presence, an optimal set of beam orientations were designed and validated. The radiation treatment plan was optimized and guaranteed for delivery clearance. Conclusion: The developed method is beneficial and effective in SBRT treatment planning for individual patient. It first allows maximizing the achievable noncoplanar beam orientation space, therefore, optimize the treatment plan for specific patient. It eliminates the risk that a plan needs to be modified due to the gantry and couch collision during patient setup.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sun, X.; Yao, C.

A prototype dual-blade stripline kicker for the APS multi-bend achromat (MBA) upgrade has been designed and developed. It was optimized with 3D CST Microwave Studio. The high voltage (HV) feedthrough and air-side connector were designed and optimized. Electromagnetic fields along the beam path, the deflecting angle, the high electric fields and their locations were calculated with 15kV differential pulse voltage applied to the kicker blades through the feedthroughs. Beam impedance and the power dissipation on different parts of the kicker and external loads were studied for a 48-bunch fill pattern. Our results show that the prototype kicker with its HVmore » feedthroughs meets the specified requirements. The results of TDR (time-domain reflectometer) test, high voltage pulse test and beam test of the prototype kicker assembly agreed with the simulations.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Karaulanov, Todor; Savukov, Igor; Kim, Young Jin

We constructed a spin-exchange relaxation-free (SERF) magnetometer with a small angle between the pump and probe beams facilitating a multi-channel design with a flat pancake cell. This configuration provides almost complete overlap of the beams in the cell, and prevents the pump beam from entering the probe detection channel. By coupling the lasers in multi-mode fibers, without an optical isolator or field modulation, we demonstrate a sensitivity of 10 fTmore » $$/\\sqrt{\\text{Hz}}$$ for frequencies between 10 Hz and 100 Hz. In addition to the experimental study of sensitivity, we present a theoretical analysis of SERF magnetometer response to magnetic fields for small-angle and parallel-beam configurations, and show that at optimal DC offset fields the magnetometer response is comparable to that in the orthogonal-beam configuration. Based on the analysis, we also derive fundamental and probe-limited sensitivities for the arbitrary non-orthogonal geometry. The expected practical and fundamental sensitivities are of the same order as those in the orthogonal geometry. As a result, we anticipate that our design will be useful for magnetoencephalography (MEG) and magnetocardiography (MCG) applications.« less

Turbine blade tip clearance measurements using skewed dual optical beams of tip timing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ye, De-chao; Duan, Fa-jie; Guo, Hao-tian; Li, Yangzong; Wang, Kai

2011-12-01

Optimization and active control of the clearance between turbine blades and case of the engine is identified, especially in aerospace community, as a key technology to increase engine efficiency, reduce fuel consumption and emissions and increase service life .However, the tip clearance varies during different operating conditions. Thus a reliable non-contact and online detection system is essential and ultimately used to close the tip clearance control loop. This paper described a fiber optical clearance measuring system applying skewed dual optical beams to detect the traverse time of passing blades. Two beams were specially designed with an outward angle of 18 degree and the beam spot diameters are less than 100μm within 0-4mm working range to achieve high signal-to-noise and high sensitivity. It could be theoretically analyzed that the measuring accuracy is not compromised by degradation of signal intensity caused by any number of environmental conditions such as light source instability, contamination and blade tip imperfection. Experimental tests were undertaken to achieve a high resolution of 10µm in the rotational speed range 2000-18000RPM and a measurement accuracy of 15μm, indicating that the system is capable of providing accurate and reliable data for active clearance control (ACC).

Numerical simulations of novel high-power high-brightness diode laser structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boucke, Konstantin; Rogg, Joseph; Kelemen, Marc T.; Poprawe, Reinhart; Weimann, Guenter

2001-07-01

One of the key topics in today's semiconductor laser development activities is to increase the brightness of high-power diode lasers. Although structures showing an increased brightness have been developed specific draw-backs of these structures lead to a still strong demand for investigation of alternative concepts. Especially for the investigation of basically novel structures easy-to-use and fast simulation tools are essential to avoid unnecessary, cost and time consuming experiments. A diode laser simulation tool based on finite difference representations of the Helmholtz equation in 'wide-angle' approximation and the carrier diffusion equation has been developed. An optimized numerical algorithm leads to short execution times of a few seconds per resonator round-trip on a standard PC. After each round-trip characteristics like optical output power, beam profile and beam parameters are calculated. A graphical user interface allows online monitoring of the simulation results. The simulation tool is used to investigate a novel high-power, high-brightness diode laser structure, the so-called 'Z-Structure'. In this structure an increased brightness is achieved by reducing the divergency angle of the beam by angular filtering: The round trip path of the beam is two times folded using internal total reflection at surfaces defined by a small index step in the semiconductor material, forming a stretched 'Z'. The sharp decrease of the reflectivity for angles of incidence above the angle of total reflection leads to a narrowing of the angular spectrum of the beam. The simulations of the 'Z-Structure' indicate an increase of the beam quality by a factor of five to ten compared to standard broad-area lasers.

Angular dependence of the response of the nanoDot OSLD system for measurements at depth in clinical megavoltage beams.

PubMed

Lehmann, Joerg; Dunn, Leon; Lye, Jessica E; Kenny, John W; Alves, Andrew D C; Cole, Andrew; Asena, Andre; Kron, Tomas; Williams, Ivan M

2014-06-01

The purpose of this investigation was to assess the angular dependence of a commercial optically stimulated luminescence dosimeter (OSLD) dosimetry system in MV x-ray beams at depths beyond d(max) and to find ways to mitigate this dependence for measurements in phantoms. Two special holders were designed which allow a dosimeter to be rotated around the center of its sensitive volume. The dosimeter's sensitive volume is a disk, 5 mm in diameter and 0.2 mm thick. The first holder rotates the disk in the traditional way. It positions the disk perpendicular to the beam (gantry pointing to the floor) in the initial position (0°). When the holder is rotated the angle of the disk towards the beam increases until the disk is parallel with the beam ("edge on," 90°). This is referred to as Setup 1. The second holder offers a new, alternative measurement position. It positions the disk parallel to the beam for all angles while rotating around its center (Setup 2). Measurements with five to ten dosimeters per point were carried out for 6 MV at 3 and 10 cm depth. Monte Carlo simulations using GEANT4 were performed to simulate the response of the active detector material for several angles. Detector and housing were simulated in detail based on microCT data and communications with the manufacturer. Various material compositions and an all-water geometry were considered. For the traditional Setup 1 the response of the OSLD dropped on average by 1.4% ± 0.7% (measurement) and 2.1% ± 0.3% (Monte Carlo simulation) for the 90° orientation compared to 0°. Monte Carlo simulations also showed a strong dependence of the effect on the composition of the sensitive layer. Assuming the layer to completely consist of the active material (Al2O3) results in a 7% drop in response for 90° compared to 0°. Assuming the layer to be completely water, results in a flat response within the simulation uncertainty of about 1%. For the new Setup 2, measurements and Monte Carlo simulations found the angular dependence of the dosimeter to be below 1% and within the measurement uncertainty. The dosimeter system exhibits a small angular dependence of approximately 2% which needs to be considered for measurements involving other than normal incident beams angles. This applies in particular to clinical in vivo measurements where the orientation of the dosimeter is dictated by clinical circumstances and cannot be optimized as otherwise suggested here. When measuring in a phantom, the proposed new setup should be considered. It changes the orientation of the dosimeter so that a coplanar beam arrangement always hits the disk shaped detector material from the thin side and thereby reduces the angular dependence of the response to within the measurement uncertainty of about 1%. This improvement makes the dosimeter more attractive for clinical measurements with multiple coplanar beams in phantoms, as the overall measurement uncertainty is reduced. Similarly, phantom based postal audits can transition from the traditional TLD to the more accurate and convenient OSLD.

Thermomechanical assessment of the effects of a jaw-beam angle during beam impact on Large Hadron Collider collimators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cauchi, Marija; Assmann, R. W.; Bertarelli, A.; Carra, F.; Lari, L.; Rossi, A.; Mollicone, P.; Sammut, N.

2015-02-01

The correct functioning of a collimation system is crucial to safely and successfully operate high-energy particle accelerators, such as the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). However, the requirements to handle high-intensity beams can be demanding, and accident scenarios must be well studied in order to assess if the collimator design is robust against possible error scenarios. One of the catastrophic, though not very probable, accident scenarios identified within the LHC is an asynchronous beam dump. In this case, one (or more) of the 15 precharged kicker circuits fires out of time with the abort gap, spraying beam pulses onto LHC machine elements before the machine protection system can fire the remaining kicker circuits and bring the beam to the dump. If a proton bunch directly hits a collimator during such an event, severe beam-induced damage such as magnet quenches and other equipment damage might result, with consequent downtime for the machine. This study investigates a number of newly defined jaw error cases, which include angular misalignment errors of the collimator jaw. A numerical finite element method approach is presented in order to precisely evaluate the thermomechanical response of tertiary collimators to beam impact. We identify the most critical and interesting cases, and show that a tilt of the jaw can actually mitigate the effect of an asynchronous dump on the collimators. Relevant collimator damage limits are taken into account, with the aim to identify optimal operational conditions for the LHC.

Measurement configuration optimization for dynamic metrology using Stokes polarimetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Jiamin; Zhang, Chuanwei; Zhong, Zhicheng; Gu, Honggang; Chen, Xiuguo; Jiang, Hao; Liu, Shiyuan

2018-05-01

As dynamic loading experiments such as a shock compression test are usually characterized by short duration, unrepeatability and high costs, high temporal resolution and precise accuracy of the measurements is required. Due to high temporal resolution up to a ten-nanosecond-scale, a Stokes polarimeter with six parallel channels has been developed to capture such instantaneous changes in optical properties in this paper. Since the measurement accuracy heavily depends on the configuration of the probing beam incident angle and the polarizer azimuth angle, it is important to select an optimal combination from the numerous options. In this paper, a systematic error propagation-based measurement configuration optimization method corresponding to the Stokes polarimeter was proposed. The maximal Frobenius norm of the combinatorial matrix of the configuration error propagating matrix and the intrinsic error propagating matrix is introduced to assess the measurement accuracy. The optimal configuration for thickness measurement of a SiO2 thin film deposited on a Si substrate has been achieved by minimizing the merit function. Simulation and experimental results show a good agreement between the optimal measurement configuration achieved experimentally using the polarimeter and the theoretical prediction. In particular, the experimental result shows that the relative error in the thickness measurement can be reduced from 6% to 1% by using the optimal polarizer azimuth angle when the incident angle is 45°. Furthermore, the optimal configuration for the dynamic metrology of a nickel foil under quasi-dynamic loading is investigated using the proposed optimization method.

SU-G-BRB-09: Kompeito-Shot: Development of a Novel Verification System for 3D Beam Alignment Including the Sag of Gantry Head

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tsuneda, M; Nishio, T; Saito, A

Purpose: High accuracy of beam axis is required for high-precision radiation therapy. It is impossible to quantitatively and directly evaluate the sagging effect of the gantry head using current methods (star-shot and Winston-Lutz tests) when the gantry head sags under the weight of MLC and X-Y jaws. We introduce a novel method “Kompeito-shot (3D star-shot)” for the verification of 3D beam alignment (3D isocentricity). This method enables direct measurement of the sagging effect. We developed the system and examined the concept of this system. Methods: The system composed of a plastic scintillator (PS), a truncated cone-shaped mirror, a plane mirrormore » and a CCD camera. Two types of PS were compared. One consisted of a column PS (Co system), the other consisted of a column PS inserted into a barrel PS with shading film in between (Co-Ba system). The system was irradiated with a 6-MV photon beam and the scintillation light was measured using the CCD camera through the mirror system. The gantry angle was set from 270 to 300 degrees to mimic the sagging of the gantry head for evaluating the accuracy of the system. The distance between a center of PS and entrance / exit points were calculated to analyze the gantry angle. And, the calculated gantry angle and the irradiated gantry angle were compared. Results: We compared the measured image of Co system and that of Co-Ba system. Entrance and exit areas were visualized clearly. The histogram showing the difference between the calculated gantry angle and the irradiated gantry angle was fitted with a Gaussian function. Mean and standard deviation of Co-Ba system were smaller than that of Co system by one order of magnitude. Conclusion: We developed the Kompeito-shot system and evaluated the accuracy of the system. The basic concept works for the verification of 3D isocentricity.« less

Production of fibers by a floating zone fiber drawing technique

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Haggerty, J. S.

1972-01-01

A CO2 laser heated, floating zone fiber growth process was developed. The resulting Al2O3 fibers exhibited the high room temperature strengths for large diameter fibers as well as high specific creep rupture strengths observed at 1093 C and 1316 C (2000 F and 2400 F). Single crystal fibers of TiC and Y2O3 were also grown. An optical system was developed to focus four CO2 laser beams onto the surface of a feed rod permitting the formation of highly controllable molten zones. The optical system permitted energy densities and angle of incidence of the beams to be adjusted over wide ranges. This optical system was incorporated into a controlled atmosphere, fiber growth furnace. The two principal advantages of a CO2 laser heat source are that ambient atmospheres may be freely selected to optimize fiber properties and the laser has no inherent temperature limit, so extremely high melting point materials can be melted. Both advantages were demonstrated.

Wide-Field Retroreflectors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Page, Norman A.; Tubbs, Eldred F.

1994-01-01

Retroreflectors made of concentric spherical optical elements developed for use in interferometric metrological systems. Used to provide reference point on structure to be aligned precisely in two or three dimensions by use of intersecting laser beams. Acceptance angle much larger than that of cat's-eye or corner-cube retroreflector: Simultaneously reflects laser beams separated by angles as large as 180 degrees.

Dual-beam laser autofocusing system based on liquid lens

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Fumin; Yao, Yannan; Qu, Xinghua; Zhang, Tong; Pei, Bing

2017-02-01

A dual-beam laser autofocusing system is designed in this paper. The autofocusing system is based on a liquid lens with less moving parts and fast response time, which makes the system simple, reliable, compact and fast. A novel scheme ;Time-sharing focus, fast conversion; is innovatively proposed. The scheme effectively solves the problem that the guiding laser and the working laser cannot focus at the same target point because of the existence of chromatic aberration. This scheme not only makes both guiding laser and working laser achieve optimal focusing in guiding stage and working stage respectively, but also greatly reduces the system complexity and simplifies the focusing process as well as makes autofocusing time of the working laser reduce to about 10 ms. In the distance range of 1 m to 30 m, the autofocusing spot size is kept under 4.3 mm at 30 m and just 0.18 mm at 1 m. The spot size is much less influenced by the target distance compared with the collimated laser with a micro divergence angle for its self-adaptivity. The dual-beam laser autofocusing system based on liquid lens is fully automatic, compact and efficient. It is fully meet the need of dynamicity and adaptivity and it will play an important role in a number of long-range control applications.

Spin-exchange relaxation-free magnetometer with nearly parallel pump and probe beams

DOE PAGES

Karaulanov, Todor; Savukov, Igor; Kim, Young Jin

2016-03-22

We constructed a spin-exchange relaxation-free (SERF) magnetometer with a small angle between the pump and probe beams facilitating a multi-channel design with a flat pancake cell. This configuration provides almost complete overlap of the beams in the cell, and prevents the pump beam from entering the probe detection channel. By coupling the lasers in multi-mode fibers, without an optical isolator or field modulation, we demonstrate a sensitivity of 10 fTmore » $$/\\sqrt{\\text{Hz}}$$ for frequencies between 10 Hz and 100 Hz. In addition to the experimental study of sensitivity, we present a theoretical analysis of SERF magnetometer response to magnetic fields for small-angle and parallel-beam configurations, and show that at optimal DC offset fields the magnetometer response is comparable to that in the orthogonal-beam configuration. Based on the analysis, we also derive fundamental and probe-limited sensitivities for the arbitrary non-orthogonal geometry. The expected practical and fundamental sensitivities are of the same order as those in the orthogonal geometry. As a result, we anticipate that our design will be useful for magnetoencephalography (MEG) and magnetocardiography (MCG) applications.« less

Performance Test of the Next Generation X-Ray Beam Position Monitor System for The APS Upgrade

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yang, B.; Lee, S.; Westferro, F.

The Advanced Photon Source is developing its next major upgrade (APS-U) based on the multi-bend achromat lattice. Improved beam stability is critical for the upgrade and will require keeping short-time beam angle change below 0.25 µrad and long-term angle drift below 0.6 µrad. A reliable white x-ray beam diagnostic system in the front end will be a key part of the planned beam stabilization system. This system includes an x-ray beam position monitor (XBPM) based on x-ray fluorescence (XRF) from two specially designed GlidCop A-15 absorbers, a second XBPM using XRF photons from the Exit Mask, and two white beammore » intensity monitors using XRF from the photon shutter and Compton-scattered photons from the front end beryllium window or a retractable diamond film in windowless front ends. We present orbit stability data for the first XBPM used in the feedback control during user operations, as well as test data from the second XBPM and the intensity monitors. They demonstrate that the XBPM system meets APS-U beam stability requirements.« less

Wide-angle full-vector beam propagation method based on an alternating direction implicit preconditioner

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chui, Siu Lit; Lu, Ya Yan

2004-03-01

Wide-angle full-vector beam propagation methods (BPMs) for three-dimensional wave-guiding structures can be derived on the basis of rational approximants of a square root operator or its exponential (i.e., the one-way propagator). While the less accurate BPM based on the slowly varying envelope approximation can be efficiently solved by the alternating direction implicit (ADI) method, the wide-angle variants involve linear systems that are more difficult to handle. We present an efficient solver for these linear systems that is based on a Krylov subspace method with an ADI preconditioner. The resulting wide-angle full-vector BPM is used to simulate the propagation of wave fields in a Y branch and a taper.

Wide-angle full-vector beam propagation method based on an alternating direction implicit preconditioner.

PubMed

Chui, Siu Lit; Lu, Ya Yan

2004-03-01

Wide-angle full-vector beam propagation methods (BPMs) for three-dimensional wave-guiding structures can be derived on the basis of rational approximants of a square root operator or its exponential (i.e., the one-way propagator). While the less accurate BPM based on the slowly varying envelope approximation can be efficiently solved by the alternating direction implicit (ADI) method, the wide-angle variants involve linear systems that are more difficult to handle. We present an efficient solver for these linear systems that is based on a Krylov subspace method with an ADI preconditioner. The resulting wide-angle full-vector BPM is used to simulate the propagation of wave fields in a Y branch and a taper.

A symmetrical laser Doppler velocity meter and its application to turbulence characterization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mazumder, M. K.

1972-01-01

A symmetrical method of optical heterodyning of the Doppler shifted scattered laser radiation developed for velocity measurements with a minimal instrumental spectral broadening and a high signal-to-noise ratio. The method employs two laser beams incident on the moving scatterer and does not use any reference beam for heterodyning. The Doppler signal frequency is independent of the scattering angle and the signal possesses no receiving aperture broadening. Optical alignment is simple. Typical values of the instrumental spectral broadening were approximately 0.8 percent of the center frequency of the Doppler signal, and the signal-to-noise ratio was approximately 25 dB, obtained from an air flow system using submicron dioctylphthalate scattering aerosol. Experimental and theoretical studies were made on the characteristics of the Doppler signal and the effect of system parameters in turbulent flow measurement. The optimization process involved in the beam optics and in the use of a spatial filter is described. For localized flow measurement in any direction of the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinates, the system, using uncorrected optical components, had a sensing volume which can be described by a sensitive length of 600 microns and a diameter of 100 microns.

Accelerated iterative beam angle selection in IMRT

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bangert, Mark, E-mail: m.bangert@dkfz.de; Unkelbach, Jan

2016-03-15

Purpose: Iterative methods for beam angle selection (BAS) for intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) planning sequentially construct a beneficial ensemble of beam directions. In a naïve implementation, the nth beam is selected by adding beam orientations one-by-one from a discrete set of candidates to an existing ensemble of (n − 1) beams. The best beam orientation is identified in a time consuming process by solving the fluence map optimization (FMO) problem for every candidate beam and selecting the beam that yields the largest improvement to the objective function value. This paper evaluates two alternative methods to accelerate iterative BAS based onmore » surrogates for the FMO objective function value. Methods: We suggest to select candidate beams not based on the FMO objective function value after convergence but (1) based on the objective function value after five FMO iterations of a gradient based algorithm and (2) based on a projected gradient of the FMO problem in the first iteration. The performance of the objective function surrogates is evaluated based on the resulting objective function values and dose statistics in a treatment planning study comprising three intracranial, three pancreas, and three prostate cases. Furthermore, iterative BAS is evaluated for an application in which a small number of noncoplanar beams complement a set of coplanar beam orientations. This scenario is of practical interest as noncoplanar setups may require additional attention of the treatment personnel for every couch rotation. Results: Iterative BAS relying on objective function surrogates yields similar results compared to naïve BAS with regard to the objective function values and dose statistics. At the same time, early stopping of the FMO and using the projected gradient during the first iteration enable reductions in computation time by approximately one to two orders of magnitude. With regard to the clinical delivery of noncoplanar IMRT treatments, we could show that optimized beam ensembles using only a few noncoplanar beam orientations often approach the plan quality of fully noncoplanar ensembles. Conclusions: We conclude that iterative BAS in combination with objective function surrogates can be a viable option to implement automated BAS at clinically acceptable computation times.« less

Accelerated iterative beam angle selection in IMRT.

PubMed

Bangert, Mark; Unkelbach, Jan

2016-03-01

Iterative methods for beam angle selection (BAS) for intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) planning sequentially construct a beneficial ensemble of beam directions. In a naïve implementation, the nth beam is selected by adding beam orientations one-by-one from a discrete set of candidates to an existing ensemble of (n - 1) beams. The best beam orientation is identified in a time consuming process by solving the fluence map optimization (FMO) problem for every candidate beam and selecting the beam that yields the largest improvement to the objective function value. This paper evaluates two alternative methods to accelerate iterative BAS based on surrogates for the FMO objective function value. We suggest to select candidate beams not based on the FMO objective function value after convergence but (1) based on the objective function value after five FMO iterations of a gradient based algorithm and (2) based on a projected gradient of the FMO problem in the first iteration. The performance of the objective function surrogates is evaluated based on the resulting objective function values and dose statistics in a treatment planning study comprising three intracranial, three pancreas, and three prostate cases. Furthermore, iterative BAS is evaluated for an application in which a small number of noncoplanar beams complement a set of coplanar beam orientations. This scenario is of practical interest as noncoplanar setups may require additional attention of the treatment personnel for every couch rotation. Iterative BAS relying on objective function surrogates yields similar results compared to naïve BAS with regard to the objective function values and dose statistics. At the same time, early stopping of the FMO and using the projected gradient during the first iteration enable reductions in computation time by approximately one to two orders of magnitude. With regard to the clinical delivery of noncoplanar IMRT treatments, we could show that optimized beam ensembles using only a few noncoplanar beam orientations often approach the plan quality of fully noncoplanar ensembles. We conclude that iterative BAS in combination with objective function surrogates can be a viable option to implement automated BAS at clinically acceptable computation times.

Tests of the module array of the ECAL0 electromagnetic calorimeter for the COMPASS experiment with the electron beam at ELSA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anfimov, N.; Anosov, V.; Barth, J.; Chalyshev, V.; Chirikov-Zorin, I.; Dziewiecki, M.; Elsner, D.; Frolov, V.; Frommberger, F.; Guskov, A.; Hillert, W.; Klein, F.; Krumshteyn, Z.; Kurjata, R.; Marzec, J.; Nagaytsev, A.; Olchevski, A.; Orlov, I.; Rezinko, T.; Rybnikov, A.; Rychter, A.; Selyunin, A.; Zaremba, K.; Ziembicki, M.

2015-07-01

The array of 3 × 3 modules of the electromagnetic calorimeter ECAL0 of the COMPASS experiment at CERN has been tested with an electron beam of the ELSA (Germany) facility. The dependence of the response and the energy resolution of the calorimeter from the angle of incidence of the electron beam has been studied. A good agreement between the experimental data and the results of Monte Carlo simulation has been obtained. It will significantly expand the use of simulation to optimize event reconstruction algorithms.

Omnidirectional anti-reflection properties of vertically align SiO2 nanorod films prepared by electron beam evaporation with glancing angle deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prachachet, R.; Samransuksamer, B.; Horprathum, M.; Eiamchai, P.; Limwichean, S.; Chananonnawathorn, C.; Lertvanithphol, T.; Muthitamongkol, P.; Boonruang, S.; Buranasiri, P.

2018-03-01

Omnidirectional anti-reflection coating nanostructure film have attracted enormous attention for the developments of the optical coating, lenses, light emitting diode, display and photovoltaic. However, fabricated of the omnidirectional antireflection nanostructure film on glass substrate in large area was a challenge topic. In the past two decades, the invention of glancing angle deposition technique as a growth of well-controlled two and three-dimensional morphologies has gained significant attention because of it is simple, fast, cost-effective and high mass production capability. In this present work, the omnidirectional anti-reflection nanostructure coating namely silicon dioxide (SiO2) nanorods has been investigated for optimized high transparent layer at all light incident angle. The SiO2 nanorod films of an optimally low refractive index have been fabricated by electron beam evaporation with the glancing angle deposition technique. The morphological of the prepared sampled were characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). The optical transmission and omnidirectional property of the SiO2 nanorod films were investigated by UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometer. The measurement were performed at normal incident angle and a full spectral range of 200 - 2000 nm. The angle dependent transmission measure were investigated by rotating the specimen, with incidence angle defined relative to the surface normal of the prepared samples. The morphological characterization results showed that when the glancing angle deposition technique was applied, the vertically align SiO2 nanorods with partially isolated columnar structure can be constructed due to the enhanced shadowing and limited addtom diffusion effect. The average transmission of the vertically align SiO2 nanorods were higher than the glass substrate reference sample over the visible wavelength range at all incident angle due to the transition in the refractive index profile from air to the nanostructure layer that improved the anti-reflection characteristics.

SU-E-T-250: New IMRT Sequencing Strategy: Towards Intra-Fraction Plan Adaptation for the MR-Linac

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kontaxis, C; Bol, G; Lagendijk, J

2014-06-01

Purpose: To develop a new sequencer for IMRT planning that during treatment makes the inclusion of external factors possible and by doing so accounts for intra-fraction anatomy changes. Given a real-time imaging modality that will provide the updated patient anatomy during delivery, this sequencer is able to take these changes into account during the calculation of subsequent segments. Methods: Pencil beams are generated for each beam angle of the treatment and a fluence optimization is performed. The pencil beams, together with the patient anatomy and the above optimal fluence form the input of our algorithm. During each iteration the followingmore » steps are performed: A fluence optimization is done and each beam's fluence is then split to discrete intensity levels. Deliverable segments are calculated for each one of these. Each segment's area multiplied by its intensity describes its efficiency. The most efficient segment among all beams is then chosen to deliver a part of the calculated fluence and the dose that will be delivered by this segment is calculated. This delivered dose is then subtracted from the remaining dose. This loop is repeated until 90% of the dose has been delivered and a final segment weight optimization is performed to reach full convergence. Results: This algorithm was tested in several prostate cases yielding results that meet all clinical constraints. Quality assurance was performed on Delta4 and film phantoms for one of these prostate cases and received clinical acceptance after passing both gamma analyses with the 3%/3mm criteria. Conclusion: A new sequencing algorithm was developed to facilitate the needs of intensity modulated treatment. The first results on static anatomy confirm that it can calculate clinical plans equivalent to those of the commercially available planning systems. We are now working towards 100% dose convergence which will allow us to handle anatomy deformations. This work is financially supported by Elekta AB, Stockholm, Sweden.« less

Uncertainty reduction in intensity modulated proton therapy by inverse Monte Carlo treatment planning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morávek, Zdenek; Rickhey, Mark; Hartmann, Matthias; Bogner, Ludwig

2009-08-01

Treatment plans for intensity-modulated proton therapy may be sensitive to some sources of uncertainty. One source is correlated with approximations of the algorithms applied in the treatment planning system and another one depends on how robust the optimization is with regard to intra-fractional tissue movements. The irradiated dose distribution may substantially deteriorate from the planning when systematic errors occur in the dose algorithm. This can influence proton ranges and lead to improper modeling of the Braggpeak degradation in heterogeneous structures or particle scatter or the nuclear interaction part. Additionally, systematic errors influence the optimization process, which leads to the convergence error. Uncertainties with regard to organ movements are related to the robustness of a chosen beam setup to tissue movements on irradiation. We present the inverse Monte Carlo treatment planning system IKO for protons (IKO-P), which tries to minimize the errors described above to a large extent. Additionally, robust planning is introduced by beam angle optimization according to an objective function penalizing paths representing strongly longitudinal and transversal tissue heterogeneities. The same score function is applied to optimize spot planning by the selection of a robust choice of spots. As spots can be positioned on different energy grids or on geometric grids with different space filling factors, a variety of grids were used to investigate the influence on the spot-weight distribution as a result of optimization. A tighter distribution of spot weights was assumed to result in a more robust plan with respect to movements. IKO-P is described in detail and demonstrated on a test case and a lung cancer case as well. Different options of spot planning and grid types are evaluated, yielding a superior plan quality with dose delivery to the spots from all beam directions over optimized beam directions. This option shows a tighter spot-weight distribution and should therefore be less sensitive to movements compared to optimized directions. But accepting a slight loss in plan quality, the latter choice could potentially improve robustness even further by accepting only spots from the most proper direction. The choice of a geometric grid instead of an energy grid for spot positioning has only a minor influence on the plan quality, at least for the investigated lung case.

Rotation of a 1-GeV particle beam by a fan system of thin crystals

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Britvich, G. I.; Maisheev, V. A.; Chesnokov, Yu. A., E-mail: Yury.Chesnokov@ihep.ru

2016-10-15

The deflection of a 1-GeV charged particle beam by a system formed by fan-oriented thin silicon wafers has been studied theoretically and experimentally. Software has been developed for numerical simulation of a particle beam transmission through a fan crystal system. In the U-70 experiment on a proton beam, the particles were deflected by such a system through an angle exceeding 1 mrad. Thus, a new method has been demonstrated for rotating a particle beam, which can be used for creating accelerator beams for medical purposes.

Two-screen single-shot electron spectrometer for laser wakefield accelerated electron beams.

PubMed

Soloviev, A A; Starodubtsev, M V; Burdonov, K F; Kostyukov, I Yu; Nerush, E N; Shaykin, A A; Khazanov, E A

2011-04-01

The laser wakefield acceleration electron beams can essentially deviate from the axis of the system, which distinguishes them greatly from beams of conventional accelerators. In case of energy measurements by means of a permanent-magnet electron spectrometer, the deviation angle can affect accuracy, especially for high energies. A two-screen single-shot electron spectrometer that correctly allows for variations of the angle of entry is considered. The spectrometer design enables enhancing accuracy of measuring narrow electron beams significantly as compared to a one-screen spectrometer with analogous magnetic field, size, and angular acceptance. © 2011 American Institute of Physics

GLRS-R 2-colour retroreflector target design and predicted performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lund, Glenn

The retroreflector ground target design for the GLRS-R spaceborne dual wavelength laser ranging system is described. The passive design flows down from the requirements of high station autonomy, high global field of view, little or no multiple pulse returns, and adequate optical cross section for most ranging geometries. The solution makes use of five hollow cube corner retroreflectors of which one points to the zenith and the remaining four are inclined from the vertical at uniform azimuthal spacings. The need for large retroreflectors is expected to generate narrow diffraction lobes. A good compromise solution is found by spoiling just one of the retroereflector dihedral angles from 90 deg, thus generating two symmetrically oriented diffraction lobes in the return beam. The required spoil angles are found to have little dependance on ground target latitude. Various link budget analyses are presented. They show the influence of such factors as point ahead optimization, turbulence, ranging angle, atmospheric visibility, and ground target thermal deformations.

Dark matter beams at LBNF

DOE PAGES

Coloma, Pilar; Dobrescu, Bogdan A.; Frugiuele, Claudia; ...

2016-04-08

High-intensity neutrino beam facilities may produce a beam of light dark matter when protons strike the target. Searches for such a dark matter beam using its scattering in a nearby detector must overcome the large neutrino background. We characterize the spatial and energy distributions of the dark matter and neutrino beams, focusing on their differences to enhance the sensitivity to dark matter. We find that a dark matter beam produced by a Zmore » $$^{'}$$ boson in the GeV mass range is both broader and more energetic than the neutrino beam. The reach for dark matter is maximized for a detector sensitive to hard neutral-current scatterings, placed at a sizable angle off the neutrino beam axis. In the case of the Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility (LBNF), a detector placed at roughly 6 degrees off axis and at a distance of about 200 m from the target would be sensitive to Z$$^{'}$$ couplings as low as 0.05. This search can proceed symbiotically with neutrino measurements. We also show that the MiniBooNE and MicroBooNE detectors, which are on Fermilab’s Booster beamline, happen to be at an optimal angle from the NuMI beam and could perform searches with existing data. As a result, this illustrates potential synergies between LBNF and the short-baseline neutrino program if the detectors are positioned appropriately.« less

Study of all-angle negative refraction of light in metal-dielectric-metal multilayered structures based on generalized formulas of reflection and refraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Jiangwei; Liu, Jun; Xu, Weidong

2017-09-01

In this paper, refraction behaviors of light in both metal single-layered film and metal-dielectric-metal multilayered films are investigated based on the generalized formulas of reflection and refraction. The obtained results, especially, dependence of power refractive index on incident angles for a light beam traveling through a metal-dielectric-metal multilayered structure, are well consistent with the experimental observations. Our work may offer a new angle of view to understand the all-angle negative refraction of light in metal-dielectric-metal multilayered structures, and provide a convenient approach to optimize the devised design and address the issue on making the perfect lens.

A limited-angle intrafraction verification (LIVE) system for radiation therapy.

PubMed

Ren, Lei; Zhang, You; Yin, Fang-Fang

2014-02-01

Currently, no 3D or 4D volumetric x-ray imaging techniques are available for intrafraction verification of target position during actual treatment delivery or in-between treatment beams, which is critical for stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) treatments. This study aims to develop a limited-angle intrafraction verification (LIVE) system to use prior information, deformation models, and limited angle kV-MV projections to verify target position intrafractionally. The LIVE system acquires limited-angle kV projections simultaneously during arc treatment delivery or in-between static 3D/IMRT treatment beams as the gantry moves from one beam to the next. Orthogonal limited-angle MV projections are acquired from the beam's eye view (BEV) exit fluence of arc treatment beam or in-between static beams to provide additional anatomical information. MV projections are converted to kV projections using a linear conversion function. Patient prior planning CT at one phase is used as the prior information, and the on-board patient volume is considered as a deformation of the prior images. The deformation field is solved using the data fidelity constraint, a breathing motion model extracted from the planning 4D-CT based on principal component analysis (PCA) and a free-form deformation (FD) model. LIVE was evaluated using a 4D digital extended cardiac torso phantom (XCAT) and a CIRS 008A dynamic thoracic phantom. In the XCAT study, patient breathing pattern and tumor size changes were simulated from CT to treatment position. In the CIRS phantom study, the artificial target in the lung region experienced both size change and position shift from CT to treatment position. Varian Truebeam research mode was used to acquire kV and MV projections simultaneously during the delivery of a dynamic conformal arc plan. The reconstruction accuracy was evaluated by calculating the 3D volume percentage difference (VPD) and the center of mass (COM) difference of the tumor in the true on-board images and reconstructed images. In both simulation and phantom studies, LIVE achieved substantially better reconstruction accuracy than reconstruction using PCA or FD deformation model alone. In the XCAT study, the average VPD and COM differences among different patient scenarios for LIVE system using orthogonal 30° scan angles were 4.3% and 0.3 mm when using kV+BEV MV. Reducing scan angle to 15° increased the average VPD and COM differences to 15.1% and 1.7 mm. In the CIRS phantom study, the VPD and COM differences for the LIVE system using orthogonal 30° scan angles were 6.4% and 1.4 mm. Reducing scan angle to 15° increased the VPD and COM differences to 51.9% and 3.8 mm. The LIVE system has the potential to substantially improve intrafraction target localization accuracy by providing volumetric verification of tumor position simultaneously during arc treatment delivery or in-between static treatment beams. With this improvement, LIVE opens up a new avenue for margin reduction and dose escalation in both fractionated treatments and SRS and SBRT treatments.

A limited-angle intrafraction verification (LIVE) system for radiation therapy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ren, Lei, E-mail: lei.ren@duke.edu; Yin, Fang-Fang; Zhang, You

Purpose: Currently, no 3D or 4D volumetric x-ray imaging techniques are available for intrafraction verification of target position during actual treatment delivery or in-between treatment beams, which is critical for stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) treatments. This study aims to develop a limited-angle intrafraction verification (LIVE) system to use prior information, deformation models, and limited angle kV-MV projections to verify target position intrafractionally. Methods: The LIVE system acquires limited-angle kV projections simultaneously during arc treatment delivery or in-between static 3D/IMRT treatment beams as the gantry moves from one beam to the next. Orthogonal limited-angle MV projectionsmore » are acquired from the beam's eye view (BEV) exit fluence of arc treatment beam or in-between static beams to provide additional anatomical information. MV projections are converted to kV projections using a linear conversion function. Patient prior planning CT at one phase is used as the prior information, and the on-board patient volume is considered as a deformation of the prior images. The deformation field is solved using the data fidelity constraint, a breathing motion model extracted from the planning 4D-CT based on principal component analysis (PCA) and a free-form deformation (FD) model. LIVE was evaluated using a 4D digital extended cardiac torso phantom (XCAT) and a CIRS 008A dynamic thoracic phantom. In the XCAT study, patient breathing pattern and tumor size changes were simulated from CT to treatment position. In the CIRS phantom study, the artificial target in the lung region experienced both size change and position shift from CT to treatment position. Varian Truebeam research mode was used to acquire kV and MV projections simultaneously during the delivery of a dynamic conformal arc plan. The reconstruction accuracy was evaluated by calculating the 3D volume percentage difference (VPD) and the center of mass (COM) difference of the tumor in the true on-board images and reconstructed images. Results: In both simulation and phantom studies, LIVE achieved substantially better reconstruction accuracy than reconstruction using PCA or FD deformation model alone. In the XCAT study, the average VPD and COM differences among different patient scenarios for LIVE system using orthogonal 30° scan angles were 4.3% and 0.3 mm when using kV+BEV MV. Reducing scan angle to 15° increased the average VPD and COM differences to 15.1% and 1.7 mm. In the CIRS phantom study, the VPD and COM differences for the LIVE system using orthogonal 30° scan angles were 6.4% and 1.4 mm. Reducing scan angle to 15° increased the VPD and COM differences to 51.9% and 3.8 mm. Conclusions: The LIVE system has the potential to substantially improve intrafraction target localization accuracy by providing volumetric verification of tumor position simultaneously during arc treatment delivery or in-between static treatment beams. With this improvement, LIVE opens up a new avenue for margin reduction and dose escalation in both fractionated treatments and SRS and SBRT treatments.« less

Dosimetric effect of limited aperture multileaf collimator on VMAT plan quality: A study of prostate and head-and-neck cancers.

PubMed

Murtaza, Ghulam; Mehmood, Shahid; Rasul, Shahid; Murtaza, Imran; Khan, Ehsan Ullah

2018-01-01

The aim of study was to evaluate the dosimetric effect of collimator-rotation on VMAT plan quality, when using limited aperture multileaf collimator of Elekta Beam Modulator™ providing a maximum aperture of 21 cm × 16 cm. The increased use of VMAT technique to deliver IMRT from conventional to very specialized treatments present a challenge in plan optimization. In this study VMAT plans were optimized for prostate and head and neck cancers using Elekta Beam-Modulator TM , whereas previous studies were reported for conventional Linac aperture. VMAT plans for nine of each prostate and head-and-neck cancer patients were produced using the 6 MV photon beam for Elekta-SynergyS ® Linac using Pinnacle 3 treatment planning system. Single arc, dual arc and two combined independent-single arcs were optimized for collimator angles (C) 0°, 90° and 0°-90° (0°-90°; i.e. the first-arc was assigned C0° and second-arc was assigned C90°). A treatment plan comparison was performed among C0°, C90° and C(0°-90°) for single-arc dual-arc and two independent-single-arcs VMAT techniques to evaluate the influence of extreme collimator rotations (C0° and 90°) on VMAT plan quality. Plan evaluation criteria included the target coverage, conformity index, homogeneity index and doses to organs at risk. A 'two-sided student t -test' ( p  ≤ 0.05) was used to determine if there was a significant difference in dose volume indices of plans. For both prostate and head-and-neck, plan quality at collimator angles C0° and C(0°-90°) was clinically acceptable for all VMAT-techniques, except SA for head-and-neck. Poorer target coverage, higher normal tissue doses and significant p -values were observed for collimator angle 90° when compared with C0° and C(0°-90°). A collimator rotation of 0° provided significantly better target coverage and sparing of organs-at-risk than a collimator rotation of 90° for all VMAT techniques.

SU-F-J-192: A Quick and Effective Method to Validate Patient’s Daily Setup and Geometry Changes Prior to Proton Treatment Delivery Based On Water Equivalent Thickness Projection Imaging (WETPI) for Head Neck Cancer (HNC) Patient

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, G; Qin, A; Zhang, J

Purpose: With the implementation of Cone-beam Computed-Tomography (CBCT) in proton treatment, we introduces a quick and effective tool to verify the patient’s daily setup and geometry changes based on the Water-Equivalent-Thickness Projection-Image(WETPI) from individual beam angle. Methods: A bilateral head neck cancer(HNC) patient previously treated via VMAT was used in this study. The patient received 35 daily CBCT during the whole treatment and there is no significant weight change. The CT numbers of daily CBCTs were corrected by mapping the CT numbers from simulation CT via Deformable Image Registration(DIR). IMPT plan was generated using 4-field IMPT robust optimization (3.5% rangemore » and 3mm setup uncertainties) with beam angle 60, 135, 300, 225 degree. WETPI within CTV through all beam directions were calculated. 3%/3mm gamma index(GI) were used to provide a quantitative comparison between initial sim-CT and mapped daily CBCT. To simulate an extreme case where human error is involved, a couch bar was manually inserted in front of beam angle 225 degree of one CBCT. WETPI was compared in this scenario. Results: The average of GI passing rate of this patient from different beam angles throughout the treatment course is 91.5 ± 8.6. In the cases with low passing rate, it was found that the difference between shoulder and neck angle as well as the head rest often causes major deviation. This indicates that the most challenge in treating HNC is the setup around neck area. In the extreme case where a couch bar is accidently inserted in the beam line, GI passing rate drops to 52 from 95. Conclusion: WETPI and quantitative gamma analysis give clinicians, therapists and physicists a quick feedback of the patient’s setup accuracy or geometry changes. The tool could effectively avoid some human errors. Furthermore, this tool could be used potentially as an initial signal to trigger plan adaptation.« less

Omni-Directional Viewing-Angle Switching through Control of the Beam Divergence Angle in a Liquid Crystal Panel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baek, Jong-In; Kim, Ki-Han; Kim, Jae Chang; Yoon, Tae-Hoon

2010-01-01

This paper proposes a method of omni-directional viewing-angle switching by controlling the beam diverging angle (BDA) in a liquid crystal (LC) panel. The LCs aligned randomly by in-cell polymer structures diffuse the collimated backlight for the bright state of the wide viewing-angle mode. We align the LCs homogeneously by applying an in-plane field for the narrow viewing-angle mode. By doing this the scattering is significantly reduced so that the small BDA is maintained as it passes through the LC layer. The dark state can be obtained by aligning the LCs homeotropically with a vertical electric field. We demonstrated experimentally the omni-directional switching of the viewing-angle, without an additional panel or backlighting system.

Integration of mechanism and control for large-angle slew maneuvers of flexible structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chew, Meng-Sang

1991-01-01

A rolling contact noncircular gear system is applied to assist a desired controller in the slewing of a flexible space structure. The varying gear ratio in cooperation with the controller results in lower feedback gains at the controller, as well as considerably reducing flexural vibrations of the space structure. The noncircular gears consist of a pair of convex noncircular cylinders with specially designed profiles that are synthesized in conjunction with the optimal controller gains for minimizing the flexural vibrations of flexible structure during a slew maneuver. Convexity of the cylindrical profiles for this noncircular gear device must be ensured to maintain rolling contact between the two cylinders. Simulations of slewing control tasks for two kinds of flexible space structures, such as a planar flexible beam and the planar articulated flexible beams, are presented.

Beam collimation and energy spectrum compression of laser-accelerated proton beams using solenoid field and RF cavity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Teng, J.; Gu, Y. Q.; Zhu, B.; Hong, W.; Zhao, Z. Q.; Zhou, W. M.; Cao, L. F.

2013-11-01

This paper presents a new method of laser produced proton beam collimation and spectrum compression using a combination of a solenoid field and a RF cavity. The solenoid collects laser-driven protons efficiently within an angle that is smaller than 12 degrees because it is mounted few millimeters from the target, and collimates protons with energies around 2.3 MeV. The collimated proton beam then passes through a RF cavity to allow compression of the spectrum. Particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations demonstrate the proton beam transport in the solenoid and RF electric fields. Excellent energy compression and collection efficiency of protons are presented. This method for proton beam optimization is suitable for high repetition-rate laser acceleration proton beams, which could be used as an injector for a conventional proton accelerator.

Comparison of fan beam, slit-slat and multi-pinhole collimators for molecular breast tomosynthesis.

PubMed

van Roosmalen, Jarno; Beekman, Freek J; Goorden, Marlies C

2018-05-16

Recently, we proposed and optimized dedicated multi-pinhole molecular breast tomosynthesis (MBT) that images a lightly compressed breast. As MBT may also be performed with other types of collimators, the aim of this paper is to optimize MBT with fan beam and slit-slat collimators and to compare its performance to that of multi-pinhole MBT to arrive at a truly optimized design. Using analytical expressions, we first optimized fan beam and slit-slat collimator parameters to reach maximum sensitivity at a series of given system resolutions. Additionally, we performed full system simulations of a breast phantom containing several tumours for the optimized designs. We found that at equal system resolution the maximum achievable sensitivity increases from pinhole to slit-slat to fan beam collimation with fan beam and slit-slat MBT having on average a 48% and 20% higher sensitivity than multi-pinhole MBT. Furthermore, by inspecting simulated images and applying a tumour-to-background contrast-to-noise (TB-CNR) analysis, we found that slit-slat collimators underperform with respect to the other collimator types. The fan beam collimators obtained a similar TB-CNR as the pinhole collimators, but the optimum was reached at different system resolutions. For fan beam collimators, a 6-8 mm system resolution was optimal in terms of TB-CNR, while with pinhole collimation highest TB-CNR was reached in the 7-10 mm range.

Ultra-low-frequency vertical vibration isolator based on a two-stage beam structure for absolute gravimetry.

PubMed

Wang, G; Wu, K; Hu, H; Li, G; Wang, L J

2016-10-01

To reduce seismic and environmental vibration noise, ultra-low-frequency vertical vibration isolation systems play an important role in absolute gravimetry. For this purpose, an isolator based on a two-stage beam structure is proposed and demonstrated. The isolator has a simpler and more robust structure than the present ultra-low-frequency vertical active vibration isolators. In the system, two beams are connected to a frame using flexural pivots. The upper beam is suspended from the frame with a normal hex spring and the lower beam is suspended from the upper one using a zero-length spring. The pivot of the upper beam is not vertically above the pivot of the lower beam. With this special design, the attachment points of the zero-length spring to the beams can be moved to adjust the effective stiffness. A photoelectric detector is used to detect the angle between the two beams, and a voice coil actuator attached to the upper beam is controlled by a feedback circuit to keep the angle at a fixed value. The system can achieve a natural period of 100 s by carefully moving the attachment points of the zero-length spring to the beams and tuning the feedback parameters. The system has been used as an inertial reference in the T-1 absolute gravimeter. The experiment results demonstrate that the system has significant vibration isolation performance that holds promise in applications such as absolute gravimeters.

Ultra-low-frequency vertical vibration isolator based on a two-stage beam structure for absolute gravimetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, G.; Wu, K.; Hu, H.; Li, G.; Wang, L. J.

2016-10-01

To reduce seismic and environmental vibration noise, ultra-low-frequency vertical vibration isolation systems play an important role in absolute gravimetry. For this purpose, an isolator based on a two-stage beam structure is proposed and demonstrated. The isolator has a simpler and more robust structure than the present ultra-low-frequency vertical active vibration isolators. In the system, two beams are connected to a frame using flexural pivots. The upper beam is suspended from the frame with a normal hex spring and the lower beam is suspended from the upper one using a zero-length spring. The pivot of the upper beam is not vertically above the pivot of the lower beam. With this special design, the attachment points of the zero-length spring to the beams can be moved to adjust the effective stiffness. A photoelectric detector is used to detect the angle between the two beams, and a voice coil actuator attached to the upper beam is controlled by a feedback circuit to keep the angle at a fixed value. The system can achieve a natural period of 100 s by carefully moving the attachment points of the zero-length spring to the beams and tuning the feedback parameters. The system has been used as an inertial reference in the T-1 absolute gravimeter. The experiment results demonstrate that the system has significant vibration isolation performance that holds promise in applications such as absolute gravimeters.

Adaptive Liver Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy: Automated Daily Plan Reoptimization Prevents Dose Delivery Degradation Caused by Anatomy Deformations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Leinders, Suzanne M.; Delft University of Technology, Delft; Breedveld, Sebastiaan

Purpose: To investigate how dose distributions for liver stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) can be improved by using automated, daily plan reoptimization to account for anatomy deformations, compared with setup corrections only. Methods and Materials: For 12 tumors, 3 strategies for dose delivery were simulated. In the first strategy, computed tomography scans made before each treatment fraction were used only for patient repositioning before dose delivery for correction of detected tumor setup errors. In adaptive second and third strategies, in addition to the isocenter shift, intensity modulated radiation therapy beam profiles were reoptimized or both intensity profiles and beam orientationsmore » were reoptimized, respectively. All optimizations were performed with a recently published algorithm for automated, multicriteria optimization of both beam profiles and beam angles. Results: In 6 of 12 cases, violations of organs at risk (ie, heart, stomach, kidney) constraints of 1 to 6 Gy in single fractions occurred in cases of tumor repositioning only. By using the adaptive strategies, these could be avoided (<1 Gy). For 1 case, this needed adaptation by slightly underdosing the planning target volume. For 2 cases with restricted tumor dose in the planning phase to avoid organ-at-risk constraint violations, fraction doses could be increased by 1 and 2 Gy because of more favorable anatomy. Daily reoptimization of both beam profiles and beam angles (third strategy) performed slightly better than reoptimization of profiles only, but the latter required only a few minutes of computation time, whereas full reoptimization took several hours. Conclusions: This simulation study demonstrated that replanning based on daily acquired computed tomography scans can improve liver stereotactic body radiation therapy dose delivery.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lee, Choonsik; Chell, Erik; Gertner, Michael

Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is a major health problem worldwide. Advanced ARMD, which ultimately leads to profound vision loss, has dry and wet forms, which account for 20% and 80% of cases involving severe vision loss, respectively. A new device and approach for radiation treatment of ARMD has been recently developed by Oraya Therapeutics, Inc. (Newark, CA). The goal of the present study is to provide a initial dosimetry characterization of the proposed radiotherapy treatment via Monte Carlo radiation transport simulation. A 3D eye model including cornea, anterior chamber, lens, orbit, fat, sclera, choroid, retina, vitreous, macula, and optic nervemore » was carefully designed. The eye model was imported into the MCNPX2.5 Monte Carlo code and radiation transport simulations were undertaken to obtain absorbed doses and dose volume histograms (DVH) to targeted and nontargeted structures within the eye. Three different studies were undertaken to investigate (1) available beam angles that maximized the dose to the macula target tissue, simultaneously minimizing dose to normal tissues, (2) the energy dependency of the DVH for different x-ray energies (80, 100, and 120 kVp), and (3) the optimal focal spot size among options of 0.0, 0.4, 1.0, and 5.5 mm. All results were scaled to give 8 Gy to the macula volume, which is the current treatment requirement. Eight beam treatment angles are currently under investigation. In all eight beam angles, the source-to-target distance is 13 cm, and the polar angle of entry is 30 degree sign from the geometric axis of the eye. The azimuthal angle changes in eight increments of 45 degree sign in a clockwise fashion, such that an azimuthal angle of 0 degree sign corresponds to the 12 o'clock position when viewing the treated eye. Based on considerations of nontarget tissue avoidance, as well as facial-anatomical restrictions on beam delivery, treatment azimuthal angles between 135 degree sign and 225 degree sign would be available for this treatment system (i.e., directly upward and entering the eye from below). At beam directions approaching 225 degree sign and higher, some dose contribution to the optic nerve would result under the assumption that the optic nerve is tilted cranially above the geometric axis in a given patient, a feature not typically seen in past studies. A total treatment dose of 24 Gy would be delivered in three 8 Gy treatments at these selected azimuthal angles. Dose coefficients, defined as the macula radiation absorbed dose per unit air kerma in units of Gy/Gy, were 16% higher for 120 kVp x-ray beams in comparison to those at 80 kVp, thus requiring only 86% of the integrated tube current (mAs) for equivalent dose delivery. When 0.0, 0.4, and 1.0 mm focal spot sizes were used, the dose profiles in the macula are very similar and relatively uniform, whereas a 5.5 mm focal spot size produced a more nonuniform dose profile. The results of this study demonstrate the therapeutic promise of this device and provide important information for further design and clinical implementation for radiotherapy treatments for ARMD.« less

Grating angle magnification enhanced angular sensor and scanner

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sun, Ke-Xun (Inventor); Byer, Robert L. (Inventor)

2009-01-01

An angular magnification effect of diffraction is exploited to provide improved sensing and scanning. This effect is most pronounced for a normal or near-normal incidence angle in combination with a grazing diffraction angle, so such configurations are preferred. Angular sensitivity can be further enhanced because the width of the diffracted beam can be substantially less than the width of the incident beam. Normal incidence configurations with two symmetric diffracted beams are preferred, since rotation and vertical displacement can be readily distinguished. Increased sensitivity to vertical displacement can be provided by incorporating an interferometer into the measurement system. Quad cell detectors can be employed to provide sensitivity to rotation about the grating surface normal. A 2-D grating can be employed to provide sensitivity to angular displacements in two different planes (e.g., pitch and yaw). Combined systems can provide sensitivity to vertical displacement and to all three angular degrees of freedom.

Two-beam pumped cascaded four-wave-mixing process for producing multiple-beam quantum correlation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Shengshuai; Wang, Hailong; Jing, Jietai

2018-04-01

We propose a two-beam pumped cascaded four-wave-mixing (CFWM) scheme with a double-Λ energy-level configuration in 85Rb vapor cell and experimentally observe the emission of up to 10 quantum correlated beams from such CFWM scheme. During this process, the seed beam is amplified; four new signal beams and five idler beams are generated. The 10 beams show strong quantum correlation which is characterized by the intensity-difference squeezing of about -6.7 ±0.3 dB. Then, by altering the angle between the two pump beams, we observe the notable transition of the number of the output beams from 10 to eight, and even to six. We find that both the number of the output quantum correlated beams and their degree of quantum correlation from such two-beam pumped CFWM scheme increase with the decrease of the angle between the two pump beams. Such system may find potential applications in quantum information and quantum metrology.

Beam-Beam Interaction Simulations with Guinea Pig (LCC-0125)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sramek, C

2003-11-20

At the interaction point of a particle accelerator, various phenomena occur which are known as beam-beam effects. Incident bunches of electrons (or positrons) experience strong electromagnetic fields from the opposing bunches, which leads to electron deflection, beamstrahlung and the creation of electron/positron pairs and hadrons due to two-photon exchange. In addition, the beams experience a ''pinch effect'' which focuses each beam and results in either a reduction or expansion of their vertical size. Finally, if a beam's disruption parameter is too large, the beam can develop a sinusoidal distortion, or two-stream (kink) instability. This project simulated and studied these effectsmore » as they relate to luminosity, deflection angles and energy loss in order to optimize beam parameters for the Next Linear Collider (NLC). Using the simulation program Guinea Pig, luminosity, deflection angle and beam energy data was acquired for different levels of beam offset and distortion. Standard deflection curves and luminosity plots agreed with theoretical models but also made clear the difficulties of e-e- feedback. Simulations emphasizing kink instability in modulated and straight beam collisions followed qualitative behavioral predictions and roughly fit recent analytic calculations. A study of e-e- collisions under design constraints for the NLC provided new estimates of how luminosity, beamstrahlung energy loss, upsilon parameter and deflection curve width scale with beam cross-sections ({sigma}{sub x}, {sigma}{sub y}, {sigma}{sub z}) and number of particles per bunch (N). Finally, this same study revealed luminosity maxima at large N and small {sigma}{sub y} which may merit further investigation.« less

Experimental set-up for time resolved small angle X-ray scattering studies of nanoparticles formation using a free-jet micromixer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marmiroli, Benedetta; Grenci, Gianluca; Cacho-Nerin, Fernando; Sartori, Barbara; Laggner, Peter; Businaro, Luca; Amenitsch, Heinz

2010-02-01

Recently, we have designed, fabricated and tested a free-jet micromixer for time resolved small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) studies of nanoparticles formation in the <100 μs time range. The microjet has a diameter of 25 μm and a time of first accessible measurement of 75 μs has been obtained. This result can still be improved. In this communication, we present a method to estimate whether a given chemical or biological reaction can be investigated with the micromixer, and to optimize the beam size for the measurement at the chosen SAXS beamline. Moreover, we describe a system based on stereoscopic imaging which allows the alignment of the jet with the X-ray beam with a precision of 20 μm. The proposed experimental procedures have been successfully employed to observe the formation of calcium carbonate (CaCO 3) nanoparticles from the reaction of sodium carbonate (Na 2CO 3) and calcium chloride (CaCl 2). The induction time has been estimated in the order of 200 μs and the determined radius of the particles is about 14 nm.

SU-E-T-590: Optimizing Magnetic Field Strengths with Matlab for An Ion-Optic System in Particle Therapy Consisting of Two Quadrupole Magnets for Subsequent Simulations with the Monte-Carlo Code FLUKA

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Baumann, K; Weber, U; Simeonov, Y

Purpose: Aim of this study was to optimize the magnetic field strengths of two quadrupole magnets in a particle therapy facility in order to obtain a beam quality suitable for spot beam scanning. Methods: The particle transport through an ion-optic system of a particle therapy facility consisting of the beam tube, two quadrupole magnets and a beam monitor system was calculated with the help of Matlab by using matrices that solve the equation of motion of a charged particle in a magnetic field and field-free region, respectively. The magnetic field strengths were optimized in order to obtain a circular andmore » thin beam spot at the iso-center of the therapy facility. These optimized field strengths were subsequently transferred to the Monte-Carlo code FLUKA and the transport of 80 MeV/u C12-ions through this ion-optic system was calculated by using a user-routine to implement magnetic fields. The fluence along the beam-axis and at the iso-center was evaluated. Results: The magnetic field strengths could be optimized by using Matlab and transferred to the Monte-Carlo code FLUKA. The implementation via a user-routine was successful. Analyzing the fluence-pattern along the beam-axis the characteristic focusing and de-focusing effects of the quadrupole magnets could be reproduced. Furthermore the beam spot at the iso-center was circular and significantly thinner compared to an unfocused beam. Conclusion: In this study a Matlab tool was developed to optimize magnetic field strengths for an ion-optic system consisting of two quadrupole magnets as part of a particle therapy facility. These magnetic field strengths could subsequently be transferred to and implemented in the Monte-Carlo code FLUKA to simulate the particle transport through this optimized ion-optic system.« less

Angular dependence of the response of the nanoDot OSLD system for measurements at depth in clinical megavoltage beams

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lehmann, Joerg, E-mail: Joerg.Lehmann@sydney.edu.au; Institute of Medical Physics, University of Sydney, Physics Road A28, Sydney, NSW 2006; School of Applied Sciences, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology

Purpose: The purpose of this investigation was to assess the angular dependence of a commercial optically stimulated luminescence dosimeter (OSLD) dosimetry system in MV x-ray beams at depths beyondd{sub max} and to find ways to mitigate this dependence for measurements in phantoms. Methods: Two special holders were designed which allow a dosimeter to be rotated around the center of its sensitive volume. The dosimeter's sensitive volume is a disk, 5 mm in diameter and 0.2 mm thick. The first holder rotates the disk in the traditional way. It positions the disk perpendicular to the beam (gantry pointing to the floor)more » in the initial position (0°). When the holder is rotated the angle of the disk towards the beam increases until the disk is parallel with the beam (“edge on,” 90°). This is referred to as Setup 1. The second holder offers a new, alternative measurement position. It positions the disk parallel to the beam for all angles while rotating around its center (Setup 2). Measurements with five to ten dosimeters per point were carried out for 6 MV at 3 and 10 cm depth. Monte Carlo simulations using GEANT4 were performed to simulate the response of the active detector material for several angles. Detector and housing were simulated in detail based on microCT data and communications with the manufacturer. Various material compositions and an all-water geometry were considered. Results: For the traditional Setup 1 the response of the OSLD dropped on average by 1.4% ± 0.7% (measurement) and 2.1% ± 0.3% (Monte Carlo simulation) for the 90° orientation compared to 0°. Monte Carlo simulations also showed a strong dependence of the effect on the composition of the sensitive layer. Assuming the layer to completely consist of the active material (Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}) results in a 7% drop in response for 90° compared to 0°. Assuming the layer to be completely water, results in a flat response within the simulation uncertainty of about 1%. For the new Setup 2, measurements and Monte Carlo simulations found the angular dependence of the dosimeter to be below 1% and within the measurement uncertainty. Conclusions: The dosimeter system exhibits a small angular dependence of approximately 2% which needs to be considered for measurements involving other than normal incident beams angles. This applies in particular to clinicalin vivo measurements where the orientation of the dosimeter is dictated by clinical circumstances and cannot be optimized as otherwise suggested here. When measuring in a phantom, the proposed new setup should be considered. It changes the orientation of the dosimeter so that a coplanar beam arrangement always hits the disk shaped detector material from the thin side and thereby reduces the angular dependence of the response to within the measurement uncertainty of about 1%. This improvement makes the dosimeter more attractive for clinical measurements with multiple coplanar beams in phantoms, as the overall measurement uncertainty is reduced. Similarly, phantom based postal audits can transition from the traditional TLD to the more accurate and convenient OSLD.« less

Integrated phased array for wide-angle beam steering.

PubMed

Yaacobi, Ami; Sun, Jie; Moresco, Michele; Leake, Gerald; Coolbaugh, Douglas; Watts, Michael R

2014-08-01

We demonstrate an on-chip optical phased array fabricated in a CMOS compatible process with continuous, fast (100 kHz), wide-angle (51°) beam-steering suitable for applications such as low-cost LIDAR systems. The device demonstrates the largest (51°) beam-steering and beam-spacing to date while providing the ability to steer continuously over the entire range. Continuous steering is enabled by a cascaded phase shifting architecture utilizing, low power and small footprint, thermo-optic phase shifters. We demonstrate these results in the telecom C-band, but the same design can easily be adjusted for any wavelength between 1.2 and 3.5 μm.

Seafloor Characterization from Spatial Variation of Multibeam Backscatter vs. Grazing Angle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

hou, T.

2001-12-01

Backscatter vs. grazing angle, which can be extracted from multibeam backscatter data, depend on characteristics of the multibeam system and the angular responses of backscatter that are characteristic of different seafloor properties, such as sediment hardness and roughness. Changes in backscatter vs. grazing angle that are contributed by the multibeam system normally remain fixed over both space and time. Therefore, they can readily be determined and removed from backscatter data. The variation of backscatter vs. grazing angle due to the properties of sediments will vary from location to location, as sediment type changes. The sediment component of variability can be inferred using the redundant observations from different grazing angles in several small pieces of seafloor where the sediment property is uniform in any given piece of seafloor yet vary from one piece of the seafloor to another. Thanks to the multibeam survey (Roger Flood, State University of New York) at SAX 99 Project sponsored by Office of Naval Research (ONR), which had 800% coverage in most of the survey area; there is a data set, which is suitable for investigating seafloor characterization. The investigation analyzed the spatial variation of the backscatter vs. grazing angle and compared that with ground truth sediment data. In this research, the 6.9 gigabytes raw multibeam data were cleaned using an automated outlier detection algorithm (Tianhang Hou, Lloyd Huff and Larry Mayer. 2001). Then, the surveyed area was equally divided into 52X78 rectangle working cells (4056), the side of each cell was about 20 meters. The backscatter vs. grazing angle of backscatter data for each cell is computed by averaging backscatter data by the corresponding beam numbers using all data with the same beam number from different survey lines. Systematic effects on the backscatter vs. grazing angle, caused by multibeam system hardware or software as well as system installation, were corrected in order to remove the asymmetric and skew effects. In order to easily evaluate the spatial variation of the backscatter vs. grazing angle, a graphic interface was developed. With a mouse click, the images based on different subsets of the data can be compared throughout the survey area. The subsets were created using specific beam numbers. These images for different beams show significant variations between nadir and off-nadir beams. These variations allow an interesting interpretation to be made of the images in light of seafloor characteristics, which were derived from ground truth data, such as sediment grain size, density and velocity.

Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Based on Single Beam Splitting and Geometric Configuration for Effective Signal Enhancement

PubMed Central

Yang, Guang; Lin, Qingyu; Ding, Yu; Tian, Di; Duan, Yixiang

2015-01-01

A new laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) based on single-beam-splitting (SBS) and proper optical geometric configuration has been initially explored in this work for effective signal enhancement. In order to improve the interaction efficiency of laser energy with the ablated material, a laser beam operated in pulse mode was divided into two streams to ablate/excite the target sample in different directions instead of the conventional one beam excitation in single pulse LIBS (SP-LIBS). In spatial configuration, the laser beam geometry plays an important role in the emission signal enhancement. Thus, an adjustable geometric configuration with variable incident angle between the two splitted laser beams was constructed for achieving maximum signal enhancement. With the optimized angles of 60° and 70° for Al and Cu atomic emission lines at 396.15 nm and 324.75 nm respectively, about 5.6- and 4.8-folds signal enhancements were achieved for aluminum alloy and copper alloy samples compared to SP-LIBS. Furthermore, the temporal analysis, in which the intensity of atomic lines in SP-LIBS decayed at least ten times faster than the SBS-LIBS, proved that the energy coupling efficiency of SBS-LIBS was significantly higher than that of SP-LIBS. PMID:25557721

Beam’s-eye-view dosimetrics (BEVD) guided rotational station parameter optimized radiation therapy (SPORT) planning based on reweighted total-variation minimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Hojin; Li, Ruijiang; Lee, Rena; Xing, Lei

2015-03-01

Conventional VMAT optimizes aperture shapes and weights at uniformly sampled stations, which is a generalization of the concept of a control point. Recently, rotational station parameter optimized radiation therapy (SPORT) has been proposed to improve the plan quality by inserting beams to the regions that demand additional intensity modulations, thus formulating non-uniform beam sampling. This work presents a new rotational SPORT planning strategy based on reweighted total-variation (TV) minimization (min.), using beam’s-eye-view dosimetrics (BEVD) guided beam selection. The convex programming based reweighted TV min. assures the simplified fluence-map, which facilitates single-aperture selection at each station for single-arc delivery. For the rotational arc treatment planning and non-uniform beam angle setting, the mathematical model needs to be modified by additional penalty term describing the fluence-map similarity and by determination of appropriate angular weighting factors. The proposed algorithm with additional penalty term is capable of achieving more efficient and deliverable plans adaptive to the conventional VMAT and SPORT planning schemes by reducing the dose delivery time about 5 to 10 s in three clinical cases (one prostate and two head-and-neck (HN) cases with a single and multiple targets). The BEVD guided beam selection provides effective and yet easy calculating methodology to select angles for denser, non-uniform angular sampling in SPORT planning. Our BEVD guided SPORT treatment schemes improve the dose sparing to femoral heads in the prostate and brainstem, parotid glands and oral cavity in the two HN cases, where the mean dose reduction of those organs ranges from 0.5 to 2.5 Gy. Also, it increases the conformation number assessing the dose conformity to the target from 0.84, 0.75 and 0.74 to 0.86, 0.79 and 0.80 in the prostate and two HN cases, while preserving the delivery efficiency, relative to conventional single-arc VMAT plans.

Dielectric multilayer beam splitter with differential phase shift on transmission and reflection for division-of-amplitude photopolarimeter.

PubMed

Yuan, Wenjia; Shen, Weidong; Zhang, Yueguang; Liu, Xu

2014-05-05

Dielectric multilayer beam splitter with differential phase shift on transmission and reflection for division-of-amplitude photopolarimeter (DOAP) was presented for the first time to our knowledge. The optimal parameters for the beam splitter are Tp = 78.9%, Ts = 21.1% and Δr - Δt = π/2 at 532nm at an angle of incidence of 45°. Multilayer anti-reflection coating with low phase shift was applied to reduce the backside reflection. Different design strategies that can achieve all optimal targets at the wavelength were tested. Two design methods were presented to optimize the differential phase shift. The samples were prepared by ion beam sputtering (IBS). The experimental results show good agreement with those of the design. The ellipsometric parameters of samples were measured in reflection (ψr, Δr) = (26.5°, 135.1°) and (28.2°, 133.5°), as well as in transmission (ψt, Δt) = (62.5°, 46.1°) and (63.5°, 46°) at 532.6nm. The normalized determinant of instrument matrix to evaluate the performance of samples is respectively 0.998 and 0.991 at 532.6nm.

Comparison of fan beam, slit-slat and multi-pinhole collimators for molecular breast tomosynthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van Roosmalen, Jarno; Beekman, Freek J.; Goorden, Marlies C.

2018-05-01

Recently, we proposed and optimized dedicated multi-pinhole molecular breast tomosynthesis (MBT) that images a lightly compressed breast. As MBT may also be performed with other types of collimators, the aim of this paper is to optimize MBT with fan beam and slit-slat collimators and to compare its performance to that of multi-pinhole MBT to arrive at a truly optimized design. Using analytical expressions, we first optimized fan beam and slit-slat collimator parameters to reach maximum sensitivity at a series of given system resolutions. Additionally, we performed full system simulations of a breast phantom containing several tumours for the optimized designs. We found that at equal system resolution the maximum achievable sensitivity increases from pinhole to slit-slat to fan beam collimation with fan beam and slit-slat MBT having on average a 48% and 20% higher sensitivity than multi-pinhole MBT. Furthermore, by inspecting simulated images and applying a tumour-to-background contrast-to-noise (TB-CNR) analysis, we found that slit-slat collimators underperform with respect to the other collimator types. The fan beam collimators obtained a similar TB-CNR as the pinhole collimators, but the optimum was reached at different system resolutions. For fan beam collimators, a 6–8 mm system resolution was optimal in terms of TB-CNR, while with pinhole collimation highest TB-CNR was reached in the 7–10 mm range.

Aero-optical effects of an optical seeker with a supersonic jet for hypersonic vehicles in near space.

PubMed

Guo, Guangming; Liu, Hong; Zhang, Bin

2016-06-10

The aero-optical effects of an optical seeker with a supersonic jet for hypersonic vehicles in near space were investigated by three suites of cases, in which the altitude, angle of attack, and Mach number were varied in a large range. The direct simulation Monte Carlo based on the Boltzmann equation was used for flow computations and the ray-tracing method was used to simulate beam transmission through the nonuniform flow field over the optical window. Both imaging displacement and phase deviation were proposed as evaluation parameters, and along with Strehl ratio they were used to quantitatively evaluate aero-optical effects. The results show that aero-optical effects are quite weak when the altitude is greater than 30 km, the imaging displacement is related to the incident angle of a beam, and it is minimal when the incident angle is approximately 15°. For reducing the aero-optical effects, the optimal location of an aperture should be in the middle of the optical window.

Design and fabrication of a high-precision cylinder beam expander

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yong-hong; Yan, Hong; Xie, Bing; Li, Jian-ming; Luo, Zhong-xiang

2018-03-01

In order to compress the beam divergence angle and reduce the energy density, beam expansion system is widely used to expand the beam in laser system. Cylinder beam expander belongs to one-dimension expander, which expands the laser beam in only one direction (X direction or Y direction), a refraction cylinder expander whose beam diameter is 180mm×120mm and magnitude ratio is 12 is designed in this paper, the working wavelength is 1058nm. To solve the problem of inequality of the working wavelength and the testing wavelength, compensation method of using parallel plate to test the system aberration is proposed. By rough grinding (precision grinding) polish and the system grinding, the final system aberration is 0.24λ(peak-valley value)

Practical 3-D Beam Pattern Based Channel Modeling for Multi-Polarized Massive MIMO Systems.

PubMed

Aghaeinezhadfirouzja, Saeid; Liu, Hui; Balador, Ali

2018-04-12

In this paper, a practical non-stationary three-dimensional (3-D) channel models for massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems, considering beam patterns for different antenna elements, is proposed. The beam patterns using dipole antenna elements with different phase excitation toward the different direction of travels (DoTs) contributes various correlation weights for rays related towards/from the cluster, thus providing different elevation angle of arrivals (EAoAs) and elevation angle of departures (EAoDs) for each antenna element. These include the movements of the user that makes our channel to be a non-stationary model of clusters at the receiver (RX) on both the time and array axes. In addition, their impacts on 3-D massive MIMO channels are investigated via statistical properties including received spatial correlation. Additionally, the impact of elevation/azimuth angles of arrival on received spatial correlation is discussed. Furthermore, experimental validation of the proposed 3-D channel models on azimuth and elevation angles of the polarized antenna are specifically evaluated and compared through simulations. The proposed 3-D generic models are verified using relevant measurement data.

Practical 3-D Beam Pattern Based Channel Modeling for Multi-Polarized Massive MIMO Systems †

PubMed Central

Aghaeinezhadfirouzja, Saeid; Liu, Hui

2018-01-01

In this paper, a practical non-stationary three-dimensional (3-D) channel models for massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems, considering beam patterns for different antenna elements, is proposed. The beam patterns using dipole antenna elements with different phase excitation toward the different direction of travels (DoTs) contributes various correlation weights for rays related towards/from the cluster, thus providing different elevation angle of arrivals (EAoAs) and elevation angle of departures (EAoDs) for each antenna element. These include the movements of the user that makes our channel to be a non-stationary model of clusters at the receiver (RX) on both the time and array axes. In addition, their impacts on 3-D massive MIMO channels are investigated via statistical properties including received spatial correlation. Additionally, the impact of elevation/azimuth angles of arrival on received spatial correlation is discussed. Furthermore, experimental validation of the proposed 3-D channel models on azimuth and elevation angles of the polarized antenna are specifically evaluated and compared through simulations. The proposed 3-D generic models are verified using relevant measurement data. PMID:29649177

Relay telescope for high power laser alignment system

DOEpatents

Dane, C. Brent; Hackel, Lloyd; Harris, Fritz B.

2006-09-19

A laser system includes an optical path having an intracavity relay telescope with a telescope focal point for imaging an output of the gain medium between an image location at or near the gain medium and an image location at or near an output coupler for the laser system. A kinematic mount is provided within a vacuum chamber, and adapted to secure beam baffles near the telescope focal point. An access port on the vacuum chamber is adapted for allowing insertion and removal of the beam baffles. A first baffle formed using an alignment pinhole aperture is used during alignment of the laser system. A second tapered baffle replaces the alignment aperture during operation and acts as a far-field baffle in which off angle beams strike the baffle a grazing angle of incidence, reducing fluence levels at the impact areas.

The development of W-PBPM at diagnostic beamline

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Seungnam; Kim, Myeongjin; Kim, Seonghan; Shin, Hocheol; Kim, Jiwha; Lee, Chaesun

2017-12-01

The photon beam position monitor (PBPM) plays a critically important role in the accurate monitoring of the beam position. W (Wire)-PBPMs are installed at the front end and photon transfer line (PTL) of the diagnostic beamline and detect the change of position and angle of the beam orbit applied to the beamline. It provides beam stability and position data in real time, which can be used in feedback system with BPM in storage-ring. Also it provides beam profile, which makes it possible to figure out the specifications of beam. With two W-PBPMs, the angle information of beam could be acquired and the results coupled with beam profile are used with orbit correction. The W-PBPM has been designed and installed in the diagnostic beamline at Pohang Light Source. Herein the details of the design, analysis and performance for the W-PBPM will be reported.

Induced strain actuation of composite beams and rotor blades with embedded piezoceramic elements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Peter C.; Chopra, Inderjit

1996-02-01

The objective of this research is to develop a dynamically-scaled (Froude scale) helicopter rotor blade with embedded piezoceramic elements as sensors and actuators to control blade vibrations. A 6 ft diameter 2-bladed bearingless rotor model was built where each blade is embedded with banks of piezoelectric actuators at 0964-1726/5/1/005/img1 degree angles with respect to the beam axis on the top and bottom surfaces. A twist distribution along the blade span is achieved through in-phase excitation of the top and bottom actuators at equal potentials, while a bending distribution is achieved through out-of-phase excitation. In order to fix design variables and to optimize blade performance, a uniform strain beam theory is formulated to analytically predict the static bending and torsional response of composite rectangular beams with embedded piezoelectric actuators. Parameters such as bond thicknesses, actuator skew angle and actuator spacing are investigated by experiments and then validated by theory. The static bending and torsional response of the rotor blades is experimentally measured and correlated with theory. Dynamic torsional and bending responses are experimentally determined for frequencies from 2 - 120 Hz to assess the viability of a vibration reduction system based on piezo-actuation of blade twist. To assess the performance of the piezo-actuators in rotation, hover tests were conducted where accelerometers embedded in the blades were used to resolve the tip twist amplitudes. Although the magnitudes of blade twist attained in this experiment were small, it is expected that future models can be built with improved performance.

Five-Year Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe Observations: Beam Maps and Window Functions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hill, R. S.; Weiland, J. L.; Odegard, N.; Wollack, E.; Hinshaw, G.; Larson, D.; Bennett, C. L.; Halpern, M.; Page, L.; Dunkley, J.; Gold, B.; Jarosik, N.; Kogut, A.; Limon, M.; Nolta, M. R.; Spergel, D. N.; Tucker, G. S.; Wright, E. L.

2009-02-01

Cosmology and other scientific results from the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) mission require an accurate knowledge of the beam patterns in flight. While the degree of beam knowledge for the WMAP one-year and three-year results was unprecedented for a CMB experiment, we have significantly improved the beam determination as part of the five-year data release. Physical optics fits are done on both the A and the B sides for the first time. The cutoff scale of the fitted distortions on the primary mirror is reduced by a factor of ~2 from previous analyses. These changes enable an improvement in the hybridization of Jupiter data with beam models, which is optimized with respect to error in the main beam solid angle. An increase in main-beam solid angle of ~1% is found for the V2 and W1-W4 differencing assemblies. Although the five-year results are statistically consistent with previous ones, the errors in the five-year beam transfer functions are reduced by a factor of ~2 as compared to the three-year analysis. We present radiometry of the planet Jupiter as a test of the beam consistency and as a calibration standard; for an individual differencing assembly, errors in the measured disk temperature are ~0.5%. WMAP is the result of a partnership between Princeton University and NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. Scientific guidance is provided by the WMAP Science Team.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ohmi, K.

In recent high luminosity colliders, the finite crossing angle scheme becomes popular to gain the multiplicity of luminosity with multi-bunch or long bunch operation. Success of KEKB showed that the finite crossing angle scheme was no problem to achieve the beam-beam parameter up to 0.05. The authors have studied the beam-beam interactions with/without crossing angle toward higher luminosity. They discuss how the crossing angle affects the beam-beam parameter and luminosity in the present KEK B factory (KEKB) using computer simulations.

Angularly symmetric splitting of a light beam upon reflection and refraction at an air-dielectric plane boundary.

PubMed

Azzam, R M A

2015-12-01

Conditions for achieving equal and opposite angular deflections of a light beam by reflection and refraction at an air-dielectric boundary are determined. Such angularly symmetric beam splitting (ASBS) is possible only if the angle of incidence is >60° by exactly one third of the angle of refraction. This simple law, plus Snell's law, leads to several analytical results that clarify all aspects of this phenomenon. In particular, it is shown that the intensities of the two symmetrically deflected beams can be equalized by proper choice of the prism refractive index and the azimuth of incident linearly polarized light. ASBS enables a geometrically attractive layout of optical systems that employ multiple prism beam splitters.

Theoretical analysis of non-polarizing beam splitters with appropriate amplitude and phase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Jin Hui; Wang, Zheng Ping; Guan, Chun Ying

2009-04-01

When used at oblique angles of incidence, the reflectance and transmittance of thin films exhibit strong polarization effects, particularly for the films inside a glass cube. However, the polarization effects are undesirable in many applications. Novel non-polarizing beam splitter designs are shown. Non-polarizing beam splitters with unique optical thin films are achieved through the combination of interference and frustrated total internal reflection. The non-polarizing condition expressions based on frustrated total internal reflection are derived, and examples of the non-polarizing beam splitters are also presented with the optimization technique and the results of Rp=(50±0.5)%, Rs=(50±0.5)%, and Δr=(0±0.3) in the wavelength range of 400-700 nm are obtained.

SU-E-T-577: Obliquity Factor and Surface Dose in Proton Beam Therapy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Das, I; Andersen, A; Coutinho, L

2015-06-15

Purpose: The advantage of lower skin dose in proton beam may be diminished creating radiation related sequalae usually seen with photon and electron beams. This study evaluates the surface dose as a complex function of beam parameters but more importantly the effect of beam angle. Methods: Surface dose in proton beam depends on the beam energy, source to surface distance, the air gap between snout and surface, field size, material thickness in front of surface, atomic number of the medium, beam angle and type of nozzle (ie double scattering, (DS), uniform scanning (US) or pencil beam scanning (PBS). Obliquity factormore » (OF) is defined as ratio of surface dose in 0° to beam angle Θ. Measurements were made in water phantom at various beam angles using very small microdiamond that has shown favorable beam characteristics for high, medium and low proton energy. Depth dose measurements were performed in the central axis of the beam in each respective gantry angle. Results: It is observed that surface dose is energy dependent but more predominantly on the SOBP. It is found that as SSD increases, surface dose decreases. In general, SSD, and air gap has limited impact in clinical proton range. High energy has higher surface dose and so the beam angle. The OF rises with beam angle. Compared to OF of 1.0 at 0° beam angle, the value is 1.5, 1.6, 1,7 for small, medium and large range respectively for 60 degree angle. Conclusion: It is advised that just like range and SOBP, surface dose should be clearly understood and a method to reduce the surface dose should be employed. Obliquity factor is a critical parameter that should be accounted in proton beam therapy and a perpendicular beam should be used to reduce surface dose.« less

Parameter Estimation of Fractional-Order Chaotic Systems by Using Quantum Parallel Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm

PubMed Central

Huang, Yu; Guo, Feng; Li, Yongling; Liu, Yufeng

2015-01-01

Parameter estimation for fractional-order chaotic systems is an important issue in fractional-order chaotic control and synchronization and could be essentially formulated as a multidimensional optimization problem. A novel algorithm called quantum parallel particle swarm optimization (QPPSO) is proposed to solve the parameter estimation for fractional-order chaotic systems. The parallel characteristic of quantum computing is used in QPPSO. This characteristic increases the calculation of each generation exponentially. The behavior of particles in quantum space is restrained by the quantum evolution equation, which consists of the current rotation angle, individual optimal quantum rotation angle, and global optimal quantum rotation angle. Numerical simulation based on several typical fractional-order systems and comparisons with some typical existing algorithms show the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed algorithm. PMID:25603158

Telescope aperture optimization for spacebased coherent wind lidar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ge, Xian-ying; Zhu, Jun; Cao, Qipeng; Zhang, Yinchao; Yin, Huan; Dong, Xiaojing; Wang, Chao; Zhang, Yongchao; Zhang, Ning

2015-08-01

Many studies have indicated that the optimum measurement approach for winds from space is a pulsed coherent wind lidar, which is an active remote sensing tool with the characteristics that high spatial and temporal resolutions, real-time detection, high mobility, facilitated control and so on. Because of the significant eye safety, efficiency, size, and lifetime advantage, 2μm wavelength solid-state laser lidar systems have attracted much attention in spacebased wind lidar plans. In this paper, the theory of coherent detection is presented and a 2μm wavelength solid-state laser lidar system is introduced, then the ideal aperture is calculated from signal-to-noise(SNR) view at orbit 400km. However, considering real application, even if the lidar hardware is perfectly aligned, the directional jitter of laser beam, the attitude change of the lidar in the long round trip time of the light from the atmosphere and other factors can bring misalignment angle. So the influence of misalignment angle is considered and calculated, and the optimum telescope diameter(0.45m) is obtained as the misalignment angle is 4 μrad. By the analysis of the optimum aperture required for spacebased coherent wind lidar system, we try to present the design guidance for the telescope.

Growth optimization toward low angle incidence microchannel epitaxy of GaN using ammonia-based metal-organic molecular beam epitaxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Chia-Hung; Abe, Ryota; Uchiyama, Shota; Maruyama, Takahiro; Naritsuka, Shigeya

2012-08-01

Growth optimization toward low angle incidence microchannel epitaxy (LAIMCE) of GaN was accomplished using ammonia-based metal-organic molecular beam epitaxy (NH3-based MOMBE). Firstly, the [NH3]/[trimethylgallium (TMG)] ratio (R) dependence of selective GaN growth was studied. The growth temperature was set at 860 °C while R was varied from 5 to 200 with precursors being supplied parallel to the openings cut in the SiO2 mask. The selectivity of the growth was superior for all R, because TMG and NH3 preferably decompose on the GaN film. The formation of {112¯0}GaN or {112¯2}GaN sidewalls and (0001)GaN surface were observed by the change in R. The intersurface diffusion of Ga adatoms was also changed by a change in R. Ga adatoms migrate from the sidewalls to the top at R lower than 50, whereas the migration weakened with R greater than 100. Secondly, LAIMCE was optimized by changing the growth temperature. Consequently, 6 μm wide lateral overgrowth in the direction of precursor incidence was achieved with no pit after etching by H3PO4, which was six times wider than that in the opposite direction.

Generally astigmatic Gaussian beam representation and optimization using skew rays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Colbourne, Paul D.

2014-12-01

Methods are presented of using skew rays to optimize a generally astigmatic optical system to obtain the desired Gaussian beam focus and minimize aberrations, and to calculate the propagating generally astigmatic Gaussian beam parameters at any point. The optimization method requires very little computation beyond that of a conventional ray optimization, and requires no explicit calculation of the properties of the propagating Gaussian beam. Unlike previous methods, the calculation of beam parameters does not require matrix calculations or the introduction of non-physical concepts such as imaginary rays.

Off-axis illumination direct-to-digital holography

DOEpatents

Thomas, Clarence E.; Price, Jeffery R.; Voelkl, Edgar; Hanson, Gregory R.

2004-06-08

Systems and methods are described for off-axis illumination direct-to-digital holography. A method of recording an off-axis illuminated spatially heterodyne hologram including spatially heterodyne fringes for Fourier analysis, includes: reflecting a reference beam from a reference mirror at a non-normal angle; reflecting an object beam from an object at an angle with respect to an optical axis defined by a focusing lens; focusing the reference beam and the object beam at a focal plane of a digital recorder to form the off-axis illuminated spatially heterodyne hologram including spatially heterodyne fringes for Fourier analysis; digitally recording the off-axis illuminated spatially heterodyne hologram including spatially heterodyne fringes for Fourier analysis; Fourier analyzing the recorded off-axis illuminated spatially heterodyne hologram including spatially heterodyne fringes by transforming axes of the recorded off-axis illuminated spatially heterodyne hologram including spatially heterodyne fringes in Fourier space to sit on top of a heterodyne carrier frequency defined as an angle between the reference beam and the object beam; applying a digital filter to cut off signals around an original origin; and then performing an inverse Fourier transform.

Analysis of axial spatial resolution in a variable resolution x-ray cone beam CT (VRX-CBCT) system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dahi, Bahram; Keyes, Gary S.; Rendon, David A.; DiBianca, Frank A.

2008-03-01

The Variable Resolution X-ray (VRX) technique has been successfully used in a Cone-Beam CT (CBCT) system to increase the spatial resolution of CT images in the transverse plane. This was achieved by tilting the Flat Panel Detector (FPD) to smaller vrx y angles in a VRX Cone Beam CT (VRX-CBCT) system. In this paper, the effect on the axial spatial resolution of CT images created by the VRX-CBCT system is examined at different vrx x angles, where vrx x is the tilting angle of the FPD about its x-axis. An amorphous silicon FPD with a CsI scintillator is coupled with a micro-focus x-ray tube to form a CBCT. The FPD is installed on a rotating frame that allows rotation of up to 90° about x and y axes of the FPD. There is no rotation about the z-axis (i.e. normal to the imaging surface). Tilting the FPD about its x-axis (i.e. decreasing the vrx x angle) reduces both the width of the line-spread function and the sampling distance by a factor of sin vrx x, thereby increasing the theoretical detector pre-sampling spatial resolution proportionately. This results in thinner CT slices that in turn help increase the axial spatial resolution of the CT images. An in-house phantom is used to measure the MTF of the reconstructed CT images at different vrx x angles.

Optima MDxt: A high throughput 335 keV mid-dose implanter

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Eisner, Edward; David, Jonathan; Justesen, Perry

2012-11-06

The continuing demand for both energy purity and implant angle control along with high wafer throughput drove the development of the Axcelis Optima MDxt mid-dose ion implanter. The system utilizes electrostatic scanning, an electrostatic parallelizing lens and an electrostatic energy filter to produce energetically pure beams with high angular integrity. Based on field proven components, the Optima MDxt beamline architecture offers the high beam currents possible with singly charged species including arsenic at energies up to 335 keV as well as large currents from multiply charged species at energies extending over 1 MeV. Conversely, the excellent energy filtering capability allowsmore » high currents at low beam energies, since it is safe to utilize large deceleration ratios. This beamline is coupled with the >500 WPH capable endstation technology used on the Axcelis Optima XEx high energy ion implanter. The endstation includes in-situ angle measurements of the beam in order to maintain excellent beam-to-wafer implant angle control in both the horizontal and vertical directions. The Optima platform control system provides new generation dose control system that assures excellent dosimetry and charge control. This paper will describe the features and technologies that allow the Optima MDxt to provide superior process performance at the highest wafer throughput, and will provide examples of the process performance achievable.« less

Radiation beam collimation system and method

DOEpatents

Schmidt, Oliver A.; Ramanathan, Mohan

2015-08-18

The invention provides a method for collimating a radiation beam, the method comprising subjecting the beam to a collimator that yaws and pitches, either separately or simultaneously relative to the incident angle of the beam. Also provided is a system for collimating radiation beams, the system comprising a collimator body, and a stage for pitching and yawing the body. A feature of the invention is that a single, compact mask body defines one or a plurality of collimators having no moving surfaces relative to each other, whereby the entire mask body is moved about a point in space to provide various collimator opening dimensions to oncoming radiation beams.

Differential correction system of laser beam directional dithering based on symmetrical beamsplitter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hongwei, Yang; Wei, Tao; Xiaoqia, Yin; Hui, Zhao

2018-02-01

This paper proposes a differential correction system with a differential optical path and a symmetrical beamsplitter for correcting the directional dithering of the laser beams. This system can split a collimated laser beam into two laser beams with equal and opposite movements. Thus, the positional averages of the two split laser beams remain constant irrespective of the dithering angle. The symmetrical beamsplitter designed based on transfer matrix principle is to balance the optical paths and irradiances of the two laser beams. Experimental results show that the directional dithering is reduced to less than one-pixel value. Finally, two examples show that this system can be widely used in one-dimensional measurement.

Phasing surface emitting diode laser outputs into a coherent laser beam

DOEpatents

Holzrichter, John F [Berkeley, CA

2006-10-10

A system for generating a powerful laser beam includes a first laser element and at least one additional laser element having a rear laser mirror, an output mirror that is 100% reflective at normal incidence and <5% reflective at an input beam angle, and laser material between the rear laser mirror and the output mirror. The system includes an injector, a reference laser beam source, an amplifier and phase conjugater, and a combiner.

MO-F-CAMPUS-T-02: Optimizing Orientations of Hundreds of Intensity-Modulated Beams to Treat Multiple Brain Targets

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ma, L; Dong, P; Larson, D

Purpose: To investigate a new modulated beam orientation optimization (MBOO) approach maximizing treatment planning quality for the state-of-the-art flattening filter free (FFF) beam that has enabled rapid treatments of multiple brain targets. Methods: MBOO selects and optimizes a large number of intensity-modulated beams (400 or more) from all accessible beam angles surrounding a patient’s skull. The optimization algorithm was implemented on a standalone system that interfaced with the 3D Dicom images and structure sets. A standard published data set that consisted of 1 to 12 metastatic brain tumor combinations was selected for MBOO planning. The planning results from various coplanarmore » and non-coplanar configurations via MBOO were then compared with the results obtained from a clinical volume modulated arc therapy (VMAT) delivery system (Truebeam RapidArc, Varian Oncology). Results: When planning a few number of targets (n<4), MBOO produced results equivalent to non-coplanar multi-arc VMAT planning in terms of target volume coverage and normal tissue sparing. For example, the 12-Gy and 4-Gy normal brain volumes for the 3-target plans differed by less than 1 mL ( 3.0 mLvs 3.8 mL; and 35.2 mL vs 36.3 mL, respectively) for MBOO versus VMAT. However, when planning a larger number of targets (n≥4), MBOO significantly reduced the dose to the normal brain as compared to VMAT, though the target volume coverage was equivalent. For example, the 12-Gy and 4-Gy normal brain volumes for the 12-target plans were 10.8 mL vs. 18.0 mL and 217.9 mL vs. 390.0 mL, respectively for the non-coplanar MBOO versus the non-coplanar VMAT treatment plans, yielding a reduction in volume of more than 60% for the case. Conclusion: MBOO is a unique approach for maximizing normal tissue sparing when treating a large number (n≥4) of brain tumors with FFF linear accelerators. Dr Ma and Dr Sahgal are currently on the board of international society of stereotactic radiosurgery. Dr Sahgal has received support for educational presentations from Elekta company.« less

In-Plane Anisotropic Photoconduction in Nonpolar Epitaxial a-Plane GaN.

PubMed

Pant, Rohit; Shetty, Arjun; Chandan, Greeshma; Roul, Basanta; Nanda, K K; Krupanidhi, S B

2018-05-16

Nonpolar a-plane GaN epitaxial films were grown on an r-plane sapphire using the plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy system, with various nitrogen plasma power conditions. The crystallinity of the films was characterized by high-resolution X-ray diffraction and reciprocal space mapping. Using the X-ray "rocking curve-phi scan", [0002], [1-100], and [1-102] azimuth angles were identified, and interdigitated electrodes along these directions were fabricated to evaluate the direction-dependent UV photoresponses. UV responsivity ( R) and internal gain ( G) were found to be dependent on the azimuth angle and in the order of [0002] > [1-102] > [1-100], which has been attributed to the enhanced crystallinity and lowest defect density along [0002] azimuth. The temporal response was very stable irrespective of growth conditions and azimuth angles. Importantly, response time, responsivity, and internal gain were 210 ms, 1.88 A W -1 , and 648.9%, respectively, even at a bias as low as 1 V. The results were validated using the Silvaco Atlas device simulator, and experimental observations were consistent with simulated results. Overall, the photoresponse is dependent on azimuth angles and requires further optimization, especially for materials with in-plane crystal anisotropy.

GLRS-R 2-colour retroreflector target design and predicted performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lund, Glenn

1993-01-01

This paper reports on the retroreflector ground-target design for the GLRS-R spaceborne dual-wavelength laser ranging system. The described passive design flows down from the requirements of high station autonomy, high global FOV (up to 60 degrees zenith angle), little or no multiple pulse returns, and adequate optical cross section for most ranging geometries. The proposed solution makes use of 5 hollow cube-corner retroreflectors of which one points to the zenith and the remaining four are inclined from the vertical at uniform azimuthal spacings. The need for fairly large (is approximately 10 cm) retroreflectors is expected (within turbulence limitations) to generate quite narrow diffraction lobes, thus placing non-trivial requirements on the vectorial accuracy of velocity aberration corrections. A good compromise solution is found by appropriately spoiling just one of the retroreflector dihedral angles from 90 degrees, thus generating two symmetrically oriented diffraction lobes in the return beam. The required spoil angles are found to have little dependence on ground target latitude. Various link budget analyses are presented, showing the influence of such factors as point-ahead optimization, turbulence, ranging angle, atmospheric visibility and ground target thermal deformations.

GLRS-R 2-colour retroreflector target design and predicted performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lund, Glenn

1993-06-01

This paper reports on the retroreflector ground-target design for the GLRS-R spaceborne dual-wavelength laser ranging system. The described passive design flows down from the requirements of high station autonomy, high global FOV (up to 60 degrees zenith angle), little or no multiple pulse returns, and adequate optical cross section for most ranging geometries. The proposed solution makes use of 5 hollow cube-corner retroreflectors of which one points to the zenith and the remaining four are inclined from the vertical at uniform azimuthal spacings. The need for fairly large (is approximately 10 cm) retroreflectors is expected (within turbulence limitations) to generate quite narrow diffraction lobes, thus placing non-trivial requirements on the vectorial accuracy of velocity aberration corrections. A good compromise solution is found by appropriately spoiling just one of the retroreflector dihedral angles from 90 degrees, thus generating two symmetrically oriented diffraction lobes in the return beam. The required spoil angles are found to have little dependence on ground target latitude. Various link budget analyses are presented, showing the influence of such factors as point-ahead optimization, turbulence, ranging angle, atmospheric visibility and ground target thermal deformations.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ren, Lei, E-mail: lei.ren@duke.edu; Yin, Fang-Fang; Zhang, You

Purpose: Currently, no 3D or 4D volumetric x-ray imaging techniques are available for intrafraction verification of target position during actual treatment delivery or in-between treatment beams, which is critical for stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) treatments. This study aims to develop a limited-angle intrafraction verification (LIVE) system to use prior information, deformation models, and limited angle kV-MV projections to verify target position intrafractionally. Methods: The LIVE system acquires limited-angle kV projections simultaneously during arc treatment delivery or in-between static 3D/IMRT treatment beams as the gantry moves from one beam to the next. Orthogonal limited-angle MV projectionsmore » are acquired from the beam's eye view (BEV) exit fluence of arc treatment beam or in-between static beams to provide additional anatomical information. MV projections are converted to kV projections using a linear conversion function. Patient prior planning CT at one phase is used as the prior information, and the on-board patient volume is considered as a deformation of the prior images. The deformation field is solved using the data fidelity constraint, a breathing motion model extracted from the planning 4D-CT based on principal component analysis (PCA) and a free-form deformation (FD) model. LIVE was evaluated using a 4D digital extended cardiac torso phantom (XCAT) and a CIRS 008A dynamic thoracic phantom. In the XCAT study, patient breathing pattern and tumor size changes were simulated from CT to treatment position. In the CIRS phantom study, the artificial target in the lung region experienced both size change and position shift from CT to treatment position. Varian Truebeam research mode was used to acquire kV and MV projections simultaneously during the delivery of a dynamic conformal arc plan. The reconstruction accuracy was evaluated by calculating the 3D volume percentage difference (VPD) and the center of mass (COM) difference of the tumor in the true on-board images and reconstructed images. Results: In both simulation and phantom studies, LIVE achieved substantially better reconstruction accuracy than reconstruction using PCA or FD deformation model alone. In the XCAT study, the average VPD and COM differences among different patient scenarios for LIVE system using orthogonal 30° scan angles were 4.3% and 0.3 mm when using kV+BEV MV. Reducing scan angle to 15° increased the average VPD and COM differences to 15.1% and 1.7 mm. In the CIRS phantom study, the VPD and COM differences for the LIVE system using orthogonal 30° scan angles were 6.4% and 1.4 mm. Reducing scan angle to 15° increased the VPD and COM differences to 51.9% and 3.8 mm. Conclusions: The LIVE system has the potential to substantially improve intrafraction target localization accuracy by providing volumetric verification of tumor position simultaneously during arc treatment delivery or in-between static treatment beams. With this improvement, LIVE opens up a new avenue for margin reduction and dose escalation in both fractionated treatments and SRS and SBRT treatments.« less

TU-G-BRB-01: Continuous Path Optimization for Non-Coplanar Variant SAD IMRT Delivery Using C-Arm Machines.

PubMed

Ruan, D; Dong, P; Low, D; Sheng, K

2012-06-01

To develop and investigate a continuous path optimization methodology to traverse prescribed non-coplanar IMRT beams with variant SADs, by orchestrating the couch and gantry movement with zero-collision, minimal patient motion consequence and machine travel time. We convert the given collision zone definition and the prescribed beam location/angles to a tumor-centric coordinate, and represent the traversing path as a continuous open curve. We proceed to optimize a composite objective function consisting of (1) a strong attraction energy to ensure all prescribed beams are en-route, (2) a penalty for patient-motion inducing couch motion, and (3) a penalty for travel-time inducing overall path-length. Feasibility manifold is defined as complement to collision zone and the optimization is performed with a level set representation evolved with variational flows. The proposed method has been implemented and tested on clinically derived data. In the absence of any existing solutions for the same problem, we validate by: (1) visual inspecting the generated path rendered in the 3D tumor-centric coordinates, and (2) comparing with a traveling-salesman (TSP) solution obtained from relaxing the variant SADs and continuous collision-avoidance requirement. The proposed method has generated delivery paths that are smooth and intuitively appealing. Under relaxed settings, our results outperform the generic TSP solutions and agree with specially tuned versions. We have proposed a novel systematic approach that automatically determines the continuous path to cover non-coplanar, varying SAD IMRT beams. The proposed approach accommodates patient-specific collision zone definition and ensures its avoidance continuously. The differential penalty to couch and gantry motions allows customizable tradeoff between patient geometry stability and delivery efficiency. This development paves the path to achieve safe, accurate and efficient non-coplanar IMRT delivery with the advanced robotic controls in new-generation C-arm systems, enabling practical harvesting of the dose benefit offered by non-coplanar, variant SAD IMRT treatment. © 2012 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

SU-E-I-09: The Impact of X-Ray Scattering On Image Noise for Dedicated Breast CT

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yang, K; Gazi, P; Boone, J

2015-06-15

Purpose: To quantify the impact of detected x-ray scatter on image noise in flat panel based dedicated breast CT systems and to determine the optimal scanning geometry given practical trade-offs between radiation dose and scatter reduction. Methods: Four different uniform polyethylene cylinders (104, 131, 156, and 184 mm in diameter) were scanned as the phantoms on a dedicated breast CT scanner developed in our laboratory. Both stationary projection imaging and rotational cone-beam CT imaging was performed. For each acquisition type, three different x-ray beam collimations were used (12, 24, and 109 mm measured at isocenter). The aim was to quantifymore » image noise properties (pixel variance, SNR, and image NPS) under different levels of x-ray scatter, in order to optimize the scanning geometry. For both projection images and reconstructed CT images, individual pixel variance and NPS were determined and compared. Noise measurement from the CT images were also performed with different detector binning modes and reconstruction matrix sizes. Noise propagation was also tracked throughout the intermediate steps of cone-beam CT reconstruction, including the inverse-logarithmic process, Fourier-filtering before backprojection. Results: Image noise was lower in the presence of higher scatter levels. For the 184 mm polyethylene phantom, the image noise (measured in pixel variance) was ∼30% lower with full cone-beam acquisition compared to a narrow (12 mm) fan-beam acquisition. This trend is consistent across all phantom sizes and throughout all steps of CT image reconstruction. Conclusion: From purely a noise perspective, the cone-beam geometry (i.e. the full cone-angle acquisition) produces lower image noise compared to the lower-scatter fan-beam acquisition for breast CT. While these results are relevant in homogeneous phantoms, the full impact of scatter on noise in bCT should involve contrast-to-noise-ratio measurements in heterogeneous phantoms if the goal is to optimize the scanning geometry for dedicated breast CT. This work was supported by a grant from the National Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (R01 EB002138)« less

SU-E-T-504: Intensity-Modulated Radiosurgery Treatments Derived by Optimizing Delivery of Sphere Packing Treatment Plans

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hermansen, M; Bova, F; John, T St.

2015-06-15

Purpose To minimize the number of monitor units required to deliver a sphere packing stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) plan by eliminating overlaps of individual beam projections. Methods An algorithm was written in C{sup ++} to calculate SRS treatment doses using sphere packing. Three fixed beams were used to approximate each arc in a typical SRS treatment plan. For cases involving multiple isocenters, at each gantry and table angle position beams directed to individual spheres overlap to produce regions of high dose, resulting in intensity modulated beams. These high dose regions were dampened by post-processing of the combined beam profile. The post-processmore » dampening involves removing the excess overlapping fluence from all but the highest contributing beam. The dampened beam profiles at each table and gantry angle position were then summed to produce the new total dose distribution. Results Delivery times for even the most complex multiple sphere plans can be reduced to consistent times of about 20 to 30 minutes. The total MUs required to deliver the plan can also be reduced by as much as 85% of the original plan’s MUs. Conclusion Regions of high dose are removed. Dampening overlapping radiation fluence can produce the new beam profiles that have more uniform dose distributions using less MUs. This results in a treatment that requires significantly fewer intensity values than traditional IMRT or VAMT planning.« less

Dual-beam focused ion beam/electron microscopy processing and metrology of redeposition during ion-surface 3D interactions, from micromachining to self-organized picostructures.

PubMed

Moberlychan, Warren J

2009-06-03

Focused ion beam (FIB) tools have become a mainstay for processing and metrology of small structures. In order to expand the understanding of an ion impinging a surface (Sigmund sputtering theory) to our processing of small structures, the significance of 3D boundary conditions must be realized. We consider ion erosion for patterning/lithography, and optimize yields using the angle of incidence and chemical enhancement, but we find that the critical 3D parameters are aspect ratio and redeposition. We consider focused ion beam sputtering for micromachining small holes through membranes, but we find that the critical 3D considerations are implantation and redeposition. We consider ion beam self-assembly of nanostructures, but we find that control of the redeposition by ion and/or electron beams enables the growth of nanostructures and picostructures.

A novel collinear optical system with annulus mirrors for holographic disc driver

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Ye

2008-12-01

This paper focus on a novel collinear lens system with annulus mirrors for holographic disc driver, both information beam and reference beam are use same laser beam. The expanded and parallel laser beam, center part of it as the information beam then through Fourier transform lens, the beam around center part as a reference beam. On this axis, the ring reference beam reflected by two annulus shaped mirrors, then became a convergent beam, together with the information beam which through the first Fourier transform lens then produce holographic pattern to be write into the holographic disc behind of them, this lens system with two mirrors made the angle between information beam and reference beam more wide, can improved the multiplex level of holographic storage. Pair of Fourier transform lens with advance performance is designed in this paper.

Ant mound as an optimal shape in constructal design: solar irradiation and circadian brood/fungi-warming sorties.

PubMed

Kasimova, R G; Tishin, D; Obnosov, Yu V; Dlussky, G M; Baksht, F B; Kacimov, A R

2014-08-21

Sizes, shapes, ambient and in-dome temperature, incoming solar radiation and illumination are measured on a Formica rufa anthill in a mixed forest of the Volga-Kama National Reserve in Russia. These data are used in a conceptual model of insolation of a right conical surface by direct-beam, descending atmospheric and ascending ground-reflected radiation. Unlike a standard calculation of the energy flux intercepted by a solar panel, the anthill is a 3-D structure and double-integration of the cosine of the angle between the solar beams and normal to the surface is carried out for a "cozy trapezium", where the insects expose themselves and the brood to "morning" sunbathing pulses (Jones and Oldroyd, 2007). Several constructal design problems are formulated with the criteria involving either a pure solar energy gained by the dome or this energy, as a mathematical criterion, penalized by additive terms of mechanical energy (potential and friction) lost by the ants in their diurnal forays from a "heartland" of the nest to the sun-basking zone on the surface. The unique and global optima are analytically found, with the optimal tilt angle of the cone explicitly expressed through the zenith angle of the Sun and meteorological constants for the isotropic sky model. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Design of a laser system for instantaneous location of a longwall shearer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stein, R.

1981-01-01

Calculations and measurements for the design of a laser system for instantaneous location of a longwall shearer were made. The designs determine shearer location to approximately one foot. The roll, pitch, and yaw angles of the shearer track are determined to approximately two degrees. The first technique uses the water target system. A single silicon sensor system and three gallium arsenide laser beams are used in this technique. The second technique is based on an arrangement similar to that employed in aircraft omnidirectional position finding. The angle between two points is determined by combining information in an onmidirectional flash with a scanned, narrow beam beacon. It is concluded that this approach maximizes the signal levels.

Dual-view-zone tabletop 3D display system based on integral imaging.

PubMed

He, Min-Yang; Zhang, Han-Le; Deng, Huan; Li, Xiao-Wei; Li, Da-Hai; Wang, Qiong-Hua

2018-02-01

In this paper, we propose a dual-view-zone tabletop 3D display system based on integral imaging by using a multiplexed holographic optical element (MHOE) that has the optical properties of two sets of microlens arrays. The MHOE is recorded by a reference beam using the single-exposure method. The reference beam records the wavefronts of a microlens array from two different directions. Thus, when the display beam is projected on the MHOE, two wavefronts with the different directions will be rebuilt and the 3D virtual images can be reconstructed in two viewing zones. The MHOE has angle and wavelength selectivity. Under the conditions of the matched wavelength and the angle of the display beam, the diffraction efficiency of the MHOE is greatest. Because the unmatched light just passes through the MHOE, the MHOE has the advantage of a see-through display. The experimental results confirm the feasibility of the dual-view-zone tabletop 3D display system.

Influence of incident angle on the decoding in laser polarization encoding guidance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Muchun; Chen, Yanru; Zhao, Qi; Xin, Yu; Wen, Hongyuan

2009-07-01

Dynamic detection of polarization states is very important for laser polarization coding guidance systems. In this paper, a set of dynamic polarization decoding and detection system used in laser polarization coding guidance was designed. Detection process of the normal incident polarized light is analyzed with Jones Matrix; the system can effectively detect changes in polarization. Influence of non-normal incident light on performance of polarization decoding and detection system is studied; analysis showed that changes in incident angle will have a negative impact on measure results, the non-normal incident influence is mainly caused by second-order birefringence and polarization sensitivity effect generated in the phase delay and beam splitter prism. Combined with Fresnel formula, decoding errors of linearly polarized light, elliptically polarized light and circularly polarized light with different incident angles into the detector are calculated respectively, the results show that the decoding errors increase with increase of incident angle. Decoding errors have relations with geometry parameters, material refractive index of wave plate, polarization beam splitting prism. Decoding error can be reduced by using thin low-order wave-plate. Simulation of detection of polarized light with different incident angle confirmed the corresponding conclusions.

Ultrasonic simulation—Imagine3D and SimScan: Tools to solve the inverse problem for complex turbine components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mair, H. D.; Ciorau, P.; Owen, D.; Hazelton, T.; Dunning, G.

2000-05-01

Two ultrasonic simulation packages: Imagine 3D and SIMSCAN have specifically been developed to solve the inverse problem for blade root and rotor steeple of low-pressure turbine. The software was integrated with the 3D drawing of the inspected parts, and with the dimensions of linear phased-array probes. SIMSCAN simulates the inspection scenario in both optional conditions: defect location and probe movement/refracted angle range. The results are displayed into Imagine 3-D, with a variety of options: rendering, display 1:1, grid, generated UT beam. The results are very useful for procedure developer, training and to optimize the phased-array probe inspection sequence. A spreadsheet is generated to correlate the defect coordinates with UT data (probe position, skew and refracted angle, UT path, and probe movement). The simulation models were validated during experimental work with phased-array systems. The accuracy in probe position is ±1 mm, and the refracted/skew angle is within ±0.5°. Representative examples of phased array focal laws/probe movement for a specific defect location, are also included.

Image dissector camera system study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Howell, L.

1984-01-01

Various aspects of a rendezvous and docking system using an image dissector detector as compared to a GaAs detector were discussed. Investigation into a gimbled scanning system is also covered and the measured video response curves from the image dissector camera are presented. Rendezvous will occur at ranges greater than 100 meters. The maximum range considered was 1000 meters. During docking, the range, range-rate, angle, and angle-rate to each reflector on the satellite must be measured. Docking range will be from 3 to 100 meters. The system consists of a CW laser diode transmitter and an image dissector receiver. The transmitter beam is amplitude modulated with three sine wave tones for ranging. The beam is coaxially combined with the receiver beam. Mechanical deflection of the transmitter beam, + or - 10 degrees in both X and Y, can be accomplished before or after it is combined with the receiver beam. The receiver will have a field-of-view (FOV) of 20 degrees and an instantaneous field-of-view (IFOV) of two milliradians (mrad) and will be electronically scanned in the image dissector. The increase in performance obtained from the GaAs photocathode is not needed to meet the present performance requirements.

Method for the production of wideband THz radiation

DOEpatents

Krafft, Geoffrey A [Newport News, VA

2008-01-01

A method for the production of extremely wide bandwidth THz radiation comprising: delivering an electron beam from a source to an undulator that does not deflect the angle or transversely move the electron beam; and optimizing the undulator to yield peak emission in the middle of the THz band (1 THz). These objectives are accomplished by magnetically bending the orbit of the incoming electron beam in the undulator according to the function x(z)=x.sub.o exp(-z.sup.2/2.sigma..sup.2) and controlling the transverse magnetic field to be B(z)=B.sub.0(1-z.sup.2/.sigma..sup.2)exp(-z.sup.2/2.sigma..sup.2).

Uniformity analysis for a direct-drive laser fusion reactor

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lund, L.D.; Skupsky, S.; Goldman, L.M.

1983-01-01

We show the results of an analysis of the uniformity for a direct-drive reactor using 20, 32, 60, or 96 beams. Several of these options achieve less than the 1% nonuniformity that is required. These options are considered for the cases where the solid angle fraction of the beam ports is 2% and 8%. The analysis is facilitated by separating the contributions due to the geometrical effects related to the number and orientation of the beams from those due to the spatial profile of the individual beams. Emphasis is placed on the wavelength of the nonuniformities, as the shorter wavelengthmore » nonuniformities are more easily smoothed by thermal conduction within the target. The analysis demonstrates that the longer wavelengths can be minimized by suitable choices of geometry and by maintaining beam balance, whereas the shorter wavelength nonuniformities can be reduced by optimizing parameters such as the focal position and the spatial intensity profile of each beam. The tolerances required for beam-to-beam energy balance will be discussed.« less

On finding the analytic dependencies of the external field potential on the control function when optimizing the beam dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ovsyannikov, A. D.; Kozynchenko, S. A.; Kozynchenko, V. A.

2017-12-01

When developing a particle accelerator for generating the high-precision beams, the injection system design is of importance, because it largely determines the output characteristics of the beam. At the present paper we consider the injection systems consisting of electrodes with given potentials. The design of such systems requires carrying out simulation of beam dynamics in the electrostatic fields. For external field simulation we use the new approach, proposed by A.D. Ovsyannikov, which is based on analytical approximations, or finite difference method, taking into account the real geometry of the injection system. The software designed for solving the problems of beam dynamics simulation and optimization in the injection system for non-relativistic beams has been developed. Both beam dynamics and electric field simulations in the injection system which use analytical approach and finite difference method have been made and the results presented in this paper.

Angle Performance on Optima XE

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

David, Jonathan; Satoh, Shu

2011-01-07

Angle control on high energy implanters is important due to shrinking device dimensions, and sensitivity to channeling at high beam energies. On Optima XE, beam-to-wafer angles are controlled in both the horizontal and vertical directions. In the horizontal direction, the beam angle is measured through a series of narrow slits, and any angle adjustment is made by steering the beam with the corrector magnet. In the vertical direction, the beam angle is measured through a high aspect ratio mask, and any angle adjustment is made by slightly tilting the wafer platen during implant.Using a sensitive channeling condition, we were ablemore » to quantify the angle repeatability of Optima XE. By quantifying the sheet resistance sensitivity to both horizontal and vertical angle variation, the total angle variation was calculated as 0.04 deg. (1{sigma}). Implants were run over a five week period, with all of the wafers selected from a single boule, in order to control for any crystal cut variation.« less

Single and double superimposing interferometer systems

DOEpatents

Erskine, David J.

2000-01-01

Interferometers which can imprint a coherent delay on a broadband uncollimated beam are described. The delay value can be independent of incident ray angle, allowing interferometry using uncollimated beams from common extended sources such as lamps and fiber bundles, and facilitating Fourier Transform spectroscopy of wide angle sources. Pairs of such interferometers matched in delay and dispersion can measure velocity and communicate using ordinary lamps, wide diameter optical fibers and arbitrary non-imaging paths, and not requiring a laser.

Plane Wave SH₀ Piezoceramic Transduction Optimized Using Geometrical Parameters.

PubMed

Boivin, Guillaume; Viens, Martin; Belanger, Pierre

2018-02-10

Structural health monitoring is a prominent alternative to the scheduled maintenance of safety-critical components. The nondispersive nature as well as the through-thickness mode shape of the fundamental shear horizontal guided wave mode (SH 0 ) make it a particularly attractive candidate for ultrasonic guided wave structural health monitoring. However, plane wave excitation of SH 0 at a high level of purity remains challenging because of the existence of the fundamental Lamb modes (A 0 and S 0 ) below the cutoff frequency thickness product of high-order modes. This paper presents a piezoelectric transducer concept optimized for plane SH 0 wave transduction based on the transducer geometry. The transducer parameter exploration was initially performed using a simple analytical model. A 3D multiphysics finite element model was then used to refine the transducer design. Finally, an experimental validation was conducted with a 3D laser Doppler vibrometer system. The analytical model, the finite element model, and the experimental measurement showed excellent agreement. The modal selectivity of SH 0 within a 20 ∘ beam opening angle at the design frequency of 425 kHz in a 1.59 mm aluminum plate was 23 dB, and the angle of the 6 dB wavefront was 86 ∘ .

Modeling of antihydrogen beam formation for interferometric gravity measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gerber, Sebastian

2018-02-01

In this paper a detailed computational study is performed on the formation of antihydrogen via three-body-recombination of positrons and antiprotons in a Penning trap with a specific focus on formation of a beam of antihydrogen. First, an analytical model is presented to calculate the formation process of the anti-atoms, the yield of the fraction leaving the recombination plasma volume and their angular velocity distribution. This model is then benchmarked against data from different antihydrogen experiments. Subsequently, the flux of antihydrogen towards the axial opening angle of a Penning trap is evaluated for its suitability as input beam into a Talbot-Lau matter interferometer. The layout and optimization of the interferometer to measure the acceleration of antihydrogen in the Earth’s gravitational field is numerically calculated. The simulated results can assist experiments aiming to measure the weak equivalence principle of antimatter as proposed by the AEgIS experiment (Testera et al 2015 Hyperfine Interact. 233 13-20). The presented model can further help in the optimization of beam-like antihydrogen sources for CPT invariance tests of antimatter (Kuroda et al 2014 Nat. Commun. 5 3089).

Fully Mechanically Controlled Automated Electron Microscopic Tomography

DOE PAGES

Liu, Jinxin; Li, Hongchang; Zhang, Lei; ...

2016-07-11

Knowledge of three-dimensional (3D) structures of each individual particles of asymmetric and flexible proteins is essential in understanding those proteins' functions; but their structures are difficult to determine. Electron tomography (ET) provides a tool for imaging a single and unique biological object from a series of tilted angles, but it is challenging to image a single protein for three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction due to the imperfect mechanical control capability of the specimen goniometer under both a medium to high magnification (approximately 50,000-160,000×) and an optimized beam coherence condition. Here, we report a fully mechanical control method for automating ET data acquisitionmore » without using beam tilt/shift processes. This method could reduce the accumulation of beam tilt/shift that used to compensate the error from the mechanical control, but downgraded the beam coherence. Our method was developed by minimizing the error of the target object center during the tilting process through a closed-loop proportional-integral (PI) control algorithm. The validations by both negative staining (NS) and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) suggest that this method has a comparable capability to other ET methods in tracking target proteins while maintaining optimized beam coherence conditions for imaging.« less

Diode lasers optimized in brightness for fiber laser pumping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kelemen, M.; Gilly, J.; Friedmann, P.; Hilzensauer, S.; Ogrodowski, L.; Kissel, H.; Biesenbach, J.

2018-02-01

In diode laser applications for fiber laser pumping and fiber-coupled direct diode laser systems high brightness becomes essential in the last years. Fiber coupled modules benefit from continuous improvements of high-power diode lasers on chip level regarding output power, efficiency and beam characteristics resulting in record highbrightness values and increased pump power. To gain high brightness not only output power must be increased, but also near field widths and far field angles have to be below a certain value for higher power levels because brightness is proportional to output power divided by beam quality. While fast axis far fields typically show a current independent behaviour, for broadarea lasers far-fields in the slow axis suffer from a strong current and temperature dependence, limiting the brightness and therefore their use in fibre coupled modules. These limitations can be overcome by carefully optimizing chip temperature, thermal lensing and lateral mode structure by epitaxial and lateral resonator designs and processing. We present our latest results for InGaAs/AlGaAs broad-area single emitters with resonator lengths of 4mm emitting at 976nm and illustrate the improvements in beam quality over the last years. By optimizing the diode laser design a record value of the brightness for broad-area lasers with 4mm resonator length of 126 MW/cm2sr has been demonstrated with a maximum wall-plug efficiency of more than 70%. From these design also pump modules based on 9 mini-bars consisting of 5 emitters each have been realized with 360W pump power.

Study on the optimum tilted angle of solar panels in Hainan tropical photovoltaic facility agricultural system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jingxuan; Ge, Zhiwu; Yang, Xiaoyan; Ye, Chunhua; Lin, Yanxia

2017-04-01

Photovoltaic facility agriculture system can effectively alleviate the contradiction between limited land and Photovoltaic power generation. It’s flexible to create suitable environment for crop growth, and generate electricity over the same land at the same time. It’s necessary to set appropriate solar panel angle to get more solar energy. Through detailed analysis and comparison, we chose the Hay’s model as solar radiation model. Based on the official meteorological data got from Haikou Meteorological Bureau, and by comparing the amount of radiation obtained at different tilted angles per month, the optimal placement angle of PV panels at different seasons in Haikou was obtained through calculation, and the optimal placement angle from April to October was also obtained. Through optimized angle and arrangement of solar photovoltaic panels, we can get greater power efficiency.

A new sparse optimization scheme for simultaneous beam angle and fluence map optimization in radiotherapy planning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Hongcheng; Dong, Peng; Xing, Lei

2017-08-01

{{\\ell }2,1} -minimization-based sparse optimization was employed to solve the beam angle optimization (BAO) in intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) planning. The technique approximates the exact BAO formulation with efficiently computable convex surrogates, leading to plans that are inferior to those attainable with recently proposed gradient-based greedy schemes. In this paper, we alleviate/reduce the nontrivial inconsistencies between the {{\\ell }2,1} -based formulations and the exact BAO model by proposing a new sparse optimization framework based on the most recent developments in group variable selection. We propose the incorporation of the group-folded concave penalty (gFCP) as a substitution to the {{\\ell }2,1} -minimization framework. The new formulation is then solved by a variation of an existing gradient method. The performance of the proposed scheme is evaluated by both plan quality and the computational efficiency using three IMRT cases: a coplanar prostate case, a coplanar head-and-neck case, and a noncoplanar liver case. Involved in the evaluation are two alternative schemes: the {{\\ell }2,1} -minimization approach and the gradient norm method (GNM). The gFCP-based scheme outperforms both counterpart approaches. In particular, gFCP generates better plans than those obtained using the {{\\ell }2,1} -minimization for all three cases with a comparable computation time. As compared to the GNM, the gFCP improves both the plan quality and computational efficiency. The proposed gFCP-based scheme provides a promising framework for BAO and promises to improve both planning time and plan quality.

A new sparse optimization scheme for simultaneous beam angle and fluence map optimization in radiotherapy planning.

PubMed

Liu, Hongcheng; Dong, Peng; Xing, Lei

2017-07-20

[Formula: see text]-minimization-based sparse optimization was employed to solve the beam angle optimization (BAO) in intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) planning. The technique approximates the exact BAO formulation with efficiently computable convex surrogates, leading to plans that are inferior to those attainable with recently proposed gradient-based greedy schemes. In this paper, we alleviate/reduce the nontrivial inconsistencies between the [Formula: see text]-based formulations and the exact BAO model by proposing a new sparse optimization framework based on the most recent developments in group variable selection. We propose the incorporation of the group-folded concave penalty (gFCP) as a substitution to the [Formula: see text]-minimization framework. The new formulation is then solved by a variation of an existing gradient method. The performance of the proposed scheme is evaluated by both plan quality and the computational efficiency using three IMRT cases: a coplanar prostate case, a coplanar head-and-neck case, and a noncoplanar liver case. Involved in the evaluation are two alternative schemes: the [Formula: see text]-minimization approach and the gradient norm method (GNM). The gFCP-based scheme outperforms both counterpart approaches. In particular, gFCP generates better plans than those obtained using the [Formula: see text]-minimization for all three cases with a comparable computation time. As compared to the GNM, the gFCP improves both the plan quality and computational efficiency. The proposed gFCP-based scheme provides a promising framework for BAO and promises to improve both planning time and plan quality.

Experiments on Ion Beam Deflection Using Ion Optics with Slit Apertures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okawa, Yasushi; Hayakawa, Yukio; Kitamura, Shoji

2004-03-01

An experimental investigation on ion beam deflection by grid translation was performed. The ion beam deflection in ion optics is a desired technology for ion thrusters because thrust vector control utilizing this technique can eliminate the need for conventional gimbaling devices and thus reduce propulsion system mass. A grid translation mechanism consisting of a piezoelectric motor, a ceramic lever, and carbon-based grids with slit apertures was fabricated and high repeatability in beam deflection characteristics was obtained using this mechanism. Results showed that the beam deflection angle was proportional to the grid translation distance and independent of slit width and grid voltage. A numerical simulation successfully reproduced the beam deflection characteristics in a qualitative and quantitative sense. A maximum beam deflection angle of approximately plus or minus 6 degrees, which was comparable to that of the ordinary gimbaling devices used in space, was obtained without a severe drain current. Therefore, the beam deflection by grid translation is promising as a thrust vectoring method in ion thrusters.

1 Tbit/inch2 Recording in Angular-Multiplexing Holographic Memory with Constant Signal-to-Scatter Ratio Schedule

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hosaka, Makoto; Ishii, Toshiki; Tanaka, Asato; Koga, Shogo; Hoshizawa, Taku

2013-09-01

We developed an iterative method for optimizing the exposure schedule to obtain a constant signal-to-scatter ratio (SSR) to accommodate various recording conditions and achieve high-density recording. 192 binary images were recorded in the same location of a medium in approximately 300×300 µm2 using an experimental system embedded with a blue laser diode with a 405 nm wavelength and an objective lens with a 0.85 numerical aperture. The recording density of this multiplexing corresponds to 1 Tbit/in.2. The recording exposure time was optimized through the iteration of a three-step sequence consisting of total reproduced intensity measurement, target signal calculation, and recording energy density calculation. The SSR of pages recorded with this method was almost constant throughout the entire range of the reference beam angle. The signal-to-noise ratio of the sampled pages was over 2.9 dB, which is higher than the reproducible limit of 1.5 dB in our experimental system.

Design and characteristic analysis of shaping optics for optical trepanning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zeng, D.; Latham, W. P.; Kar, A.

2005-08-01

Optical trepanning is a new laser drilling method using an annular beam. The annular beams allow numerous irradiance profiles to supply laser energy to the workpiece and thus provide more flexibility in affecting the hole quality than a traditional circular laser beam. The refractive axicon system has been designed to generating a collimated annular beam. In this article, calculations of intensity distributions produced by this refractive system are made by evaluating the Kirchhoff-Fresnel diffraction. It is shown that the refractive system is able to transform a Gaussian beam into a full Gaussian annular beam. The base angle of the axicon lens, input laser beam diameter and intensity profiles are found to be important factors for the axcion refractive system. Their effects on the annular beam profiles are analyzed based on the numerical solutions of the diffraction patterns.

Optical superimposed vortex beams generated by integrated holographic plates with blazed grating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xue-Dong; Su, Ya-Hui; Ni, Jin-Cheng; Wang, Zhong-Yu; Wang, Yu-Long; Wang, Chao-Wei; Ren, Fei-Fei; Zhang, Zhen; Fan, Hua; Zhang, Wei-Jie; Li, Guo-Qiang; Hu, Yan-Lei; Li, Jia-Wen; Wu, Dong; Chu, Jia-Ru

2017-08-01

In this paper, we demonstrate that the superposition of two vortex beams with controlled topological charges can be realized by integrating two holographic plates with blazed grating. First, the holographic plate with blazed grating was designed and fabricated by laser direct writing for generating well-separated vortex beam. Then, the relationship between the periods of blazed grating and the discrete angles of vortex beams was systemically investigated. Finally, through setting the discrete angle and different revolving direction of the holographic plates, the composite fork-shaped field was realized by the superposition of two vortex beams in a particular position. The topological charges of composite fork-shaped field (l = 1, 0, 3, and 4) depend on the topological charges of compositional vortex beams, which are well agreed with the theoretical simulation. The method opens up a wide range of opportunities and possibilities for applying in optical communication, optical manipulations, and photonic integrated circuits.

3-D Vector Flow Estimation With Row-Column-Addressed Arrays.

PubMed

Holbek, Simon; Christiansen, Thomas Lehrmann; Stuart, Matthias Bo; Beers, Christopher; Thomsen, Erik Vilain; Jensen, Jorgen Arendt

2016-11-01

Simulation and experimental results from 3-D vector flow estimations for a 62 + 62 2-D row-column (RC) array with integrated apodization are presented. A method for implementing a 3-D transverse oscillation (TO) velocity estimator on a 3-MHz RC array is developed and validated. First, a parametric simulation study is conducted, where flow direction, ensemble length, number of pulse cycles, steering angles, transmit/receive apodization, and TO apodization profiles and spacing are varied, to find the optimal parameter configuration. The performance of the estimator is evaluated with respect to relative mean bias ~B and mean standard deviation ~σ . Second, the optimal parameter configuration is implemented on the prototype RC probe connected to the experimental ultrasound scanner SARUS. Results from measurements conducted in a flow-rig system containing a constant laminar flow and a straight-vessel phantom with a pulsating flow are presented. Both an M-mode and a steered transmit sequence are applied. The 3-D vector flow is estimated in the flow rig for four representative flow directions. In the setup with 90° beam-to-flow angle, the relative mean bias across the entire velocity profile is (-4.7, -0.9, 0.4)% with a relative standard deviation of (8.7, 5.1, 0.8)% for ( v x , v y , v z ). The estimated peak velocity is 48.5 ± 3 cm/s giving a -3% bias. The out-of-plane velocity component perpendicular to the cross section is used to estimate volumetric flow rates in the flow rig at a 90° beam-to-flow angle. The estimated mean flow rate in this setup is 91.2 ± 3.1 L/h corresponding to a bias of -11.1%. In a pulsating flow setup, flow rate measured during five cycles is 2.3 ± 0.1 mL/stroke giving a negative 9.7% bias. It is concluded that accurate 3-D vector flow estimation can be obtained using a 2-D RC-addressed array.

A singular value decomposition linear programming (SVDLP) optimization technique for circular cone based robotic radiotherapy.

PubMed

Liang, Bin; Li, Yongbao; Wei, Ran; Guo, Bin; Xu, Xuang; Liu, Bo; Li, Jiafeng; Wu, Qiuwen; Zhou, Fugen

2018-01-05

With robot-controlled linac positioning, robotic radiotherapy systems such as CyberKnife significantly increase freedom of radiation beam placement, but also impose more challenges on treatment plan optimization. The resampling mechanism in the vendor-supplied treatment planning system (MultiPlan) cannot fully explore the increased beam direction search space. Besides, a sparse treatment plan (using fewer beams) is desired to improve treatment efficiency. This study proposes a singular value decomposition linear programming (SVDLP) optimization technique for circular collimator based robotic radiotherapy. The SVDLP approach initializes the input beams by simulating the process of covering the entire target volume with equivalent beam tapers. The requirements on dosimetry distribution are modeled as hard and soft constraints, and the sparsity of the treatment plan is achieved by compressive sensing. The proposed linear programming (LP) model optimizes beam weights by minimizing the deviation of soft constraints subject to hard constraints, with a constraint on the l 1 norm of the beam weight. A singular value decomposition (SVD) based acceleration technique was developed for the LP model. Based on the degeneracy of the influence matrix, the model is first compressed into lower dimension for optimization, and then back-projected to reconstruct the beam weight. After beam weight optimization, the number of beams is reduced by removing the beams with low weight, and optimizing the weights of the remaining beams using the same model. This beam reduction technique is further validated by a mixed integer programming (MIP) model. The SVDLP approach was tested on a lung case. The results demonstrate that the SVD acceleration technique speeds up the optimization by a factor of 4.8. Furthermore, the beam reduction achieves a similar plan quality to the globally optimal plan obtained by the MIP model, but is one to two orders of magnitude faster. Furthermore, the SVDLP approach is tested and compared with MultiPlan on three clinical cases of varying complexities. In general, the plans generated by the SVDLP achieve steeper dose gradient, better conformity and less damage to normal tissues. In conclusion, the SVDLP approach effectively improves the quality of treatment plan due to the use of the complete beam search space. This challenging optimization problem with the complete beam search space is effectively handled by the proposed SVD acceleration.

A singular value decomposition linear programming (SVDLP) optimization technique for circular cone based robotic radiotherapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Bin; Li, Yongbao; Wei, Ran; Guo, Bin; Xu, Xuang; Liu, Bo; Li, Jiafeng; Wu, Qiuwen; Zhou, Fugen

2018-01-01

With robot-controlled linac positioning, robotic radiotherapy systems such as CyberKnife significantly increase freedom of radiation beam placement, but also impose more challenges on treatment plan optimization. The resampling mechanism in the vendor-supplied treatment planning system (MultiPlan) cannot fully explore the increased beam direction search space. Besides, a sparse treatment plan (using fewer beams) is desired to improve treatment efficiency. This study proposes a singular value decomposition linear programming (SVDLP) optimization technique for circular collimator based robotic radiotherapy. The SVDLP approach initializes the input beams by simulating the process of covering the entire target volume with equivalent beam tapers. The requirements on dosimetry distribution are modeled as hard and soft constraints, and the sparsity of the treatment plan is achieved by compressive sensing. The proposed linear programming (LP) model optimizes beam weights by minimizing the deviation of soft constraints subject to hard constraints, with a constraint on the l 1 norm of the beam weight. A singular value decomposition (SVD) based acceleration technique was developed for the LP model. Based on the degeneracy of the influence matrix, the model is first compressed into lower dimension for optimization, and then back-projected to reconstruct the beam weight. After beam weight optimization, the number of beams is reduced by removing the beams with low weight, and optimizing the weights of the remaining beams using the same model. This beam reduction technique is further validated by a mixed integer programming (MIP) model. The SVDLP approach was tested on a lung case. The results demonstrate that the SVD acceleration technique speeds up the optimization by a factor of 4.8. Furthermore, the beam reduction achieves a similar plan quality to the globally optimal plan obtained by the MIP model, but is one to two orders of magnitude faster. Furthermore, the SVDLP approach is tested and compared with MultiPlan on three clinical cases of varying complexities. In general, the plans generated by the SVDLP achieve steeper dose gradient, better conformity and less damage to normal tissues. In conclusion, the SVDLP approach effectively improves the quality of treatment plan due to the use of the complete beam search space. This challenging optimization problem with the complete beam search space is effectively handled by the proposed SVD acceleration.

The Photorefractive Effect and its Application in Optical Computing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Guo

This Ph.D dissertation includes the fanning effect and the temperature dependence of the diffraction efficiency and response time using different addressing configurations, and evaluation of the limitations and capacity of a holographic storage in BaTiO_3 crystals. Also, we designed a digital holographic optical disk and made an associate memory. The beam fanning effect in a BaTiO_3 crystal was investigated in detail. The effect depends on the crystal faces illuminated. In particular, for the +c face of illumination we found that the fanning effect strongly depends on angle of incidence, polarization and wavelength of the incident light, crystal temperature, laser beam profile, but only weakly depends on input laser power. In the case of the -c face and a-face illumination dependence of the ring angle on wavelength and input power was observed. We found that the intensity of the reflected beam in NDFWM, the intensity of self phase conjugate beam and the response time of the fanning effect decrease with temperature exponentially and there being a major change around 60 ^circ-80^circ C. A random bistability and oscillation of the SPPC occur around 80^circC. We also present a theoretical analysis for the dependence of the photorefractive effect on temperature. We experimentally evaluate the capacity and limitation of optical storage in BaTiO_3 crystals using self-pumped phase conjugation (SPPC) and two-wave mixing. The storage capacity is different with different face of illumination, polarization, beam profile and input power. We demonstrate that using two wave mixing, three dimensional volume holograms can be stored. The information -bearing beam diameter for storage and recall can be about 0.25mm or less. By these techniques we demonstrate that at least 10^5 holograms can be stored in a 3.5 inch photorefractive disk. We evaluate an optimal optical architecture for exploiting the photorefractive effect for digital holographic disk storage. An image with many pixels was used for this experimental evaluation. By using a raytracing program, we traced a beam with a Gaussian profile through our optical system. We also estimated the Seidel aberration of our optical system in order to determine the quality of the stored digital data.

Relay telescope including baffle, and high power laser amplifier utilizing the same

DOEpatents

Dane, C. Brent; Hackel, Lloyd; Harris, Fritz B.

2006-09-19

A laser system includes an optical path having an intracavity relay telescope with a telescope focal point for imaging an output of the gain medium between an image location at or near the gain medium and an image location at or near an output coupler for the laser system. A kinematic mount is provided within a vacuum chamber, and adapted to secure beam baffles near the telescope focal point. An access port on the vacuum chamber is adapted for allowing insertion and removal of the beam baffles. A first baffle formed using an alignment pinhole aperture is used during alignment of the laser system. A second tapered baffle replaces the alignment aperture during operation and acts as a far-field baffle in which off angle beams strike the baffle a grazing angle of incidence, reducing fluence levels at the impact areas.

Optimal design of wide-view-angle waveplate used for polarimetric diagnosis of lithography system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gu, Honggang; Jiang, Hao; Zhang, Chuanwei; Chen, Xiuguo; Liu, Shiyuan

2016-03-01

The diagnosis and control of the polarization aberrations is one of the main concerns in a hyper numerical aperture (NA) lithography system. Waveplates are basic and indispensable optical components in the polarimetric diagnosis tools for the immersion lithography system. The retardance of a birefringent waveplate is highly sensitive to the incident angle of the light, which makes the conventional waveplate not suitable to be applied in the polarimetric diagnosis for the immersion lithography system with a hyper NA. In this paper, we propose a method for the optimal design of a wideview- angle waveplate by combining two positive waveplates made from magnesium fluoride (MgF2) and two negative waveplates made from sapphire using the simulated annealing algorithm. Theoretical derivations and numerical simulations are performed and the results demonstrate that the maximum variation in the retardance of the optimally designed wide-view-angle waveplate is less than +/- 0.35° for a wide-view-angle range of +/- 20°.

Probing the localization of magnetic dichroism by atomic-size astigmatic and vortex electron beams.

PubMed

Negi, Devendra Singh; Idrobo, Juan Carlos; Rusz, Ján

2018-03-05

We report localization of a magnetic dichroic signal on atomic columns in electron magnetic circular dichroism (EMCD), probed by beam distorted by four-fold astigmatism and electron vortex beam. With astigmatic probe, magnetic signal to noise ratio can be enhanced by blocking the intensity from the central part of probe. However, the simulations show that for atomic resolution magnetic measurements, vortex beam is a more effective probe, with much higher magnetic signal to noise ratio. For all considered beam shapes, the optimal SNR constrains the signal detection at low collection angles of approximately 6-8 mrad. Irrespective of the material thickness, the magnetic signal remains strongly localized within the probed atomic column with vortex beam, whereas for astigmatic probes, the magnetic signal originates mostly from the nearest neighbor atomic columns. Due to excellent signal localization at probing individual atomic columns, vortex beams are predicted to be a strong candidate for studying the crystal site specific magnetic properties, magnetic properties at interfaces, or magnetism arising from individual atomic impurities.

THz Beam Shaper Realizing Fan-Out Patterns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liebert, K.; Rachon, M.; Siemion, A.; Suszek, J.; But, D.; Knap, W.; Sypek, M.

2017-08-01

Fan-out elements create an array of beams radiating at particular angles along the propagation axis. Therefore, they are able to form a matrix of equidistant spots in the far-field diffraction region. In this work, we report on the first fan-out structures designed for the THz range of radiation. Two types of light-dividing fan-out structures are demonstrated: (i) the 3×1 matrix fan-out structure based on the optimized binary phase grating and (ii) the 3×3 fan-out structure designed on the basis of the well-known Dammann grating. The structures were generated numerically and manufactured using the 3D printing technique with polyamide PA12. To obtain equal powers and symmetry of diffracted beams, the computer-aided optimization algorithm was used. Diffractive optical elements designed for 140 and 282 GHz were evaluated experimentally at both these frequencies using illumination with the wavefront coming from the point-like source. Described fan-out elements formed uniform intensity and equidistant energy distribution in agreement with the numerical simulations.

Beam Normal Single Spin Asymmetry in Forward Angle Inelastic Electron-Proton Scattering using the Q-Weak Apparatus

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

., Nuruzzaman

2014-12-01

The Q-weak experiment in Hall-C at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility has made the first direct measurement of the weak charge of the proton through the precision measurement of the parity-violating asymmetry in elastic electron-proton scattering at low momentum transfer. There is also a parity conserving Beam Normal Single Spin Asymmetry or transverse asymmetry (B_n) on H_2 with a sin(phi)-like dependence due to two-photon exchange. If the size of elastic B_n is a few ppm, then a few percent residual transverse polarization in the beam, combined with small broken azimuthal symmetries in the detector, would require a few ppbmore » correction to the Q-weak data. As part of a program of B_n background studies, we made the first measurement of B_n in the N-to-Delta(1232) transition using the Q-weak apparatus. The final transverse asymmetry, corrected for backgrounds and beam polarization, was found to be B_n = 42.82 ± 2.45 (stat) ± 16.07 (sys) ppm at beam energy E_beam = 1.155 GeV, scattering angle theta = 8.3 deg, and missing mass W = 1.2 GeV. B_n from electron-nucleon scattering is a unique tool to study the gamma^* Delta Delta form factors, and this measurement will help to improve the theoretical models on beam normal single spin asymmetry and thereby our understanding of the doubly virtual Compton scattering process. To help correct false asymmetries from beam noise, a beam modulation system was implemented to induce small position, angle, and energy changes at the target to characterize detector response to the beam jitter. Two air-core dipoles separated by ~10 m were pulsed at a time to produce position and angle changes at the target, for virtually any tune of the beamline. The beam energy was modulated using an SRF cavity. The hardware and associated control instrumentation will be described in this dissertation. Preliminary detector sensitivities were extracted which helped to reduce the width of the measured asymmetry. The beam modulation system has also proven valuable for tracking changes in the beamline optics, such as dispersion at the target.« less

Nonadiabatic Electron-Optical System of a Technological Gyrotron

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goldenberg, A. L.; Glyavin, M. Yu.; Leshcheva, K. A.; Manuilov, V. N.

2017-10-01

We consider a new version of the nonadiabatic system for the formation of a helical electron beam in a gyrotron, in which electrons acquire initial oscillatory velocities when a rectilinear beam is injected at an angle to the magnetic field. In such an electron gun, the influence of thermal electron velocities and roughness of the emitting surface can be decreased, as compared with the conventional electron-optical systems of gyrotrons. This makes it possible to increase significantly the system efficiency. The main factors affecting the quality of the formed beam are considered.

Process and apparatus for measuring degree of polarization and angle of major axis of polarized beam of light

DOEpatents

Decker, Derek E.; Toeppen, John S.

1994-01-01

Apparatus and process are disclosed for calibrating measurements of the phase of the polarization of a polarized beam and the angle of the polarized optical beam's major axis of polarization at a diagnostic point with measurements of the same parameters at a point of interest along the polarized beam path prior to the diagnostic point. The process is carried out by measuring the phase angle of the polarization of the beam and angle of the major axis at the point of interest, using a rotatable polarizer and a detector, and then measuring these parameters again at a diagnostic point where a compensation apparatus, including a partial polarizer, which may comprise a stack of glass plates, is disposed normal to the beam path between a rotatable polarizer and a detector. The partial polarizer is then rotated both normal to the beam path and around the axis of the beam path until the detected phase of the beam polarization equals the phase measured at the point of interest. The rotatable polarizer at the diagnostic point may then be rotated manually to determine the angle of the major axis of the beam and this is compared with the measured angle of the major axis of the beam at the point of interest during calibration. Thereafter, changes in the polarization phase, and in the angle of the major axis, at the point of interest can be monitored by measuring the changes in these same parameters at the diagnostic point.

Approximate Evaluation of Acoustical Focal Beams by Phased Array Probes for Austenitic Weld Inspections

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kono, Naoyuki; Miki, Masahiro; Nakamura, Motoyuki; Ehara, Kazuya

2007-03-01

Phased array techniques are capable of the sensitive detection and precise sizing of flaws or cracks in components of nuclear power plants by using arbitrary focal beams with various depths, positions and angles. Aquantitative investigation of these focal beams is essential for the optimization of array probes, especially for austenitic weld inspection, in order to improve the detectability, sizing accuracy, and signal-to-noise ratio using these beams. In the present work, focal beams generated by phased array probes are calculated based on the Fresnel-Kirchhoff diffraction integral (FKDI) method, and an approximation formula between the actual focal depth and optical focal depth is proposed as an extension of the theory for conventional spherically focusing probes. The validity of the approximation formula for the array probes is confirmed by a comparison with simulation data using the FKDI method, and the experimental data.

Moving Beam-Blocker-Based Low-Dose Cone-Beam CT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Taewon; Lee, Changwoo; Baek, Jongduk; Cho, Seungryong

2016-10-01

This paper experimentally demonstrates a feasibility of moving beam-blocker-based low-dose cone-beam CT (CBCT) and exploits the beam-blocking configurations to reach an optimal one that leads to the highest contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). Sparse-view CT takes projections at sparse view angles and provides a viable option to reducing dose. We have earlier proposed a many-view under-sampling (MVUS) technique as an alternative to sparse-view CT. Instead of switching the x-ray tube power, one can place a reciprocating multi-slit beam-blocker between the x-ray tube and the patient to partially block the x-ray beam. We used a bench-top circular cone-beam CT system with a lab-made moving beam-blocker. For image reconstruction, we used a modified total-variation minimization (TV) algorithm that masks the blocked data in the back-projection step leaving only the measured data through the slits to be used in the computation. The number of slits and the reciprocation frequency have been varied and the effects of them on the image quality were investigated. For image quality assessment, we used CNR and the detectability. We also analyzed the sampling efficiency in the context of compressive sensing: the sampling density and data incoherence in each case. We tested three sets of slits with their number of 6, 12 and 18, each at reciprocation frequencies of 10, 30, 50 and 70 Hz/rot. The optimum condition out of the tested sets was found to be using 12 slits at 30 Hz/rot.

Beam steering performance of compressed Luneburg lens based on transformation optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Ju; Wang, Cong; Zhang, Kuang; Hao, Yang; Wu, Qun

2018-06-01

In this paper, two types of compressed Luneburg lenses based on transformation optics are investigated and simulated using two different sources, namely, waveguides and dipoles, which represent plane and spherical wave sources, respectively. We determined that the largest beam steering angle and the related feed point are intrinsic characteristics of a certain type of compressed Luneburg lens, and that the optimized distance between the feed and lens, gain enhancement, and side-lobe suppression are related to the type of source. Based on our results, we anticipate that these lenses will prove useful in various future antenna applications.

Virtual mask digital electron beam lithography

DOEpatents

Baylor, L.R.; Thomas, C.E.; Voelkl, E.; Moore, J.A.; Simpson, M.L.; Paulus, M.J.

1999-04-06

Systems and methods for direct-to-digital holography are described. An apparatus includes a laser; a beamsplitter optically coupled to the laser; a reference beam mirror optically coupled to the beamsplitter; an object optically coupled to the beamsplitter, a focusing lens optically coupled to both the reference beam mirror and the object; and a digital recorder optically coupled to the focusing lens. A reference beam is incident upon the reference beam mirror at a non-normal angle, and the reference beam and an object beam are focused by the focusing lens at a focal plane of the digital recorder to form an image. The systems and methods provide advantages in that computer assisted holographic measurements can be made. 5 figs.

Virtual mask digital electron beam lithography

DOEpatents

Baylor, Larry R.; Thomas, Clarence E.; Voelkl, Edgar; Moore, James A.; Simpson, Michael L.; Paulus, Michael J.

1999-01-01

Systems and methods for direct-to-digital holography are described. An apparatus includes a laser; a beamsplitter optically coupled to the laser; a reference beam mirror optically coupled to the beamsplitter; an object optically coupled to the beamsplitter, a focusing lens optically coupled to both the reference beam mirror and the object; and a digital recorder optically coupled to the focusing lens. A reference beam is incident upon the reference beam mirror at a non-normal angle, and the reference beam and an object beam are focused by the focusing lens at a focal plane of the digital recorder to form an image. The systems and methods provide advantages in that computer assisted holographic measurements can be made.

The variance of angle-of-arrival fluctuation of partially coherent Gaussian-Schell Model beam propagations in slant atmospheric turbulence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, Zhenkun; Ke, Xizheng

2017-10-01

The variance of angle-of-arrival fluctuation of the partially coherent Gaussian-Schell Model (GSM) beam propagations in the slant path, based on the extended Huygens-Fresnel principle and the model of atmospheric refraction index structural constant proposed by the international telecommunication union-radio (ITU-R), has been investigated under the modified Hill turbulence model. The expression of that has been obtained. Firstly, the effects of optical wavelength, the inner-and-outer scale of the turbulence and turbulence intensity on the variance of angle-of-arrival fluctuation have been analyzed by comparing with the partially coherent GSM beam and the completely coherent Gaussian beam. Secondly, the variance of angle-of-arrival fluctuation has been compared with the von Karman spectrum and the modified Hill spectrum under the partially coherent GSM beam. Finally, the effects of beam waist radius and partial coherence length on the variance of angle-of-arrival of the collimated (focused) beam have been analyzed under the modified Hill turbulence model. The results show that the influence of the variance of angle-of-arrival fluctuation for the inner scale effect is larger than that of the outer scale effect. The variance of angle-of-arrival fluctuation under the modified Hill spectrum is larger than that of the von Karman spectrum. The influence of the waist radius on the variance of angle-of-arrival for the collimated beam is less than focused the beam. This study will provide a necessary theoretical basis for the experiments of partially coherent GSM beam propagation through atmosphere turbulence.

MSE commissioning and other major diagnostic updates on KSTAR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ko, Jinseok; Kstar Team

2015-11-01

The motional Stark effect (MSE) diagnostic based on the photoelastic-modulator (PEM) approach has been commissioned for the Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR). The 25-channel MSE system with the polarization-preserving front optics and precise tilt-tuning narrow bandpass filters provides the spatial resolution less than 1 cm in most of the plasma cross section and about 10 millisecond of time resolution. The polarization response curves with the daily Faraday rotation correction provides reliable pitch angle profiles for the KSTAR discharges with the MSE-optimized energy combination in the three-ion-source neutral beam injection. Some major diagnostic advances such as the poloidal charge exchange spectroscopy, the improved Thomson-scatting system, and the divertor infrared TV are reported as well. Work supported by the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning, Korea.

Vectorial diffraction properties of THz vortex Bessel beams.

PubMed

Wu, Zhen; Wang, Xinke; Sun, Wenfeng; Feng, Shengfei; Han, Peng; Ye, Jiasheng; Yu, Yue; Zhang, Yan

2018-01-22

A vortex Bessel beam combines the merits of an optical vortex and a Bessel beam, including a spiral wave front and a non-diffractive feature, which has immense application potentials in optical trapping, optical fabrication, optical communications, and so on. Here, linearly and circularly polarized vortex Bessel beams in the terahertz (THz) frequency range are generated by utilizing a THz quarter wave plate, a spiral phase plate, and Teflon axicons with different opening angles. Taking advantage of a THz focal-plane imaging system, vectorial diffraction properties of the THz vortex Bessel beams are comprehensively characterized and discussed, including the transverse (Ex, Ey) and longitudinal (Ez) polarization components. The experimental phenomena are accurately simulated by adopting the vectorial Rayleigh diffraction integral. By varying the opening angle of the axicon, the characteristic parameters of these THz vortex Bessel beams are exhibited and compared, including the light spot size, the diffraction-free range, and the phase evolution process. This work provides the precise experimental and theoretical bases for the comprehension and application of a THz vortex Bessel beam.

Parallel transmit beamforming using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing applied to harmonic imaging--a feasibility study.

PubMed

Demi, Libertario; Verweij, Martin D; Van Dongen, Koen W A

2012-11-01

Real-time 2-D or 3-D ultrasound imaging systems are currently used for medical diagnosis. To achieve the required data acquisition rate, these systems rely on parallel beamforming, i.e., a single wide-angled beam is used for transmission and several narrow parallel beams are used for reception. When applied to harmonic imaging, the demand for high-amplitude pressure wave fields, necessary to generate the harmonic components, conflicts with the use of a wide-angled beam in transmission because this results in a large spatial decay of the acoustic pressure. To enhance the amplitude of the harmonics, it is preferable to do the reverse: transmit several narrow parallel beams and use a wide-angled beam in reception. Here, this concept is investigated to determine whether it can be used for harmonic imaging. The method proposed in this paper relies on orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), which is used to create distinctive parallel beams in transmission. To test the proposed method, a numerical study has been performed, in which the transmit, receive, and combined beam profiles generated by a linear array have been simulated for the second-harmonic component. Compared with standard parallel beamforming, application of the proposed technique results in a gain of 12 dB for the main beam and in a reduction of the side lobes. Experimental verification in water has also been performed. Measurements obtained with a single-element emitting transducer and a hydrophone receiver confirm the possibility of exciting a practical ultrasound transducer with multiple Gaussian modulated pulses, each having a different center frequency, and the capability to generate distinguishable second-harmonic components.

Optimization of GATE and PHITS Monte Carlo code parameters for uniform scanning proton beam based on simulation with FLUKA general-purpose code

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kurosu, Keita; Takashina, Masaaki; Koizumi, Masahiko; Das, Indra J.; Moskvin, Vadim P.

2014-10-01

Although three general-purpose Monte Carlo (MC) simulation tools: Geant4, FLUKA and PHITS have been used extensively, differences in calculation results have been reported. The major causes are the implementation of the physical model, preset value of the ionization potential or definition of the maximum step size. In order to achieve artifact free MC simulation, an optimized parameters list for each simulation system is required. Several authors have already proposed the optimized lists, but those studies were performed with a simple system such as only a water phantom. Since particle beams have a transport, interaction and electromagnetic processes during beam delivery, establishment of an optimized parameters-list for whole beam delivery system is therefore of major importance. The purpose of this study was to determine the optimized parameters list for GATE and PHITS using proton treatment nozzle computational model. The simulation was performed with the broad scanning proton beam. The influences of the customizing parameters on the percentage depth dose (PDD) profile and the proton range were investigated by comparison with the result of FLUKA, and then the optimal parameters were determined. The PDD profile and the proton range obtained from our optimized parameters list showed different characteristics from the results obtained with simple system. This led to the conclusion that the physical model, particle transport mechanics and different geometry-based descriptions need accurate customization in planning computational experiments for artifact-free MC simulation.

Radiation from long pulse train electron beams in space plasmas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harker, K. J.; Banks, P. M.

1985-01-01

A previous study of electromagnetic radiation from a finite train of electron pulses is extended to an infinite train of such pulses. The electrons are assumed to follow an idealized helical path through a space plasma in such a manner as to retain their respective position within the beam. This leads to radiation by coherent spontaneous emission. The waves of interest in this region are the whistler slow (compressional) and fast (torsional) Alfven waves. Although a general theory is developed, analysis is then restricted to two approximations, the short and long electron beam. Formulas for the radiation per unit solid angle from the short beam are presented as a function of both propagation and ray angles, electron beam pulse width and separation and beam current, voltage, and pitch angle. Similar formulas for the total power radiated from the long beam are derived as a function of frequency, propagation angle, and ray angle. Predictions of the power radiated are presented for representative examples as determined by the long beam theory.

The Properties of Terrestrial Laser System Intensity for Measuring Leaf Geometries: A Case Study with Conference Pear Trees (Pyrus Communis)

PubMed Central

Balduzzi, Mathilde A.F.; Van der Zande, Dimitry; Stuckens, Jan; Verstraeten, Willem W.; Coppin, Pol

2011-01-01

Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology can be a valuable tool for describing and quantifying vegetation structure. However, because of their size, extraction of leaf geometries remains complicated. In this study, the intensity data produced by the Terrestrial Laser System (TLS) FARO LS880 is corrected for the distance effect and its relationship with the angle of incidence between the laser beam and the surface of the leaf of a Conference Pear tree (Pyrus Commmunis) is established. The results demonstrate that with only intensity, this relationship has a potential for determining the angle of incidence with the leaves surface with a precision of ±5° for an angle of incidence smaller than 60°, whereas it is more variable for an angle of incidence larger than 60°. It appears that TLS beam footprint, leaf curvatures and leaf wrinkles have an impact on the relationship between intensity and angle of incidence, though, this analysis shows that the intensity of scanned leaves has a potential to eliminate ghost points and to improve their meshing. PMID:22319374

Method of automatic measurement and focus of an electron beam and apparatus therefore

DOEpatents

Giedt, W.H.; Campiotti, R.

1996-01-09

An electron beam focusing system, including a plural slit-type Faraday beam trap, for measuring the diameter of an electron beam and automatically focusing the beam for welding is disclosed. Beam size is determined from profiles of the current measured as the beam is swept over at least two narrow slits of the beam trap. An automated procedure changes the focus coil current until the focal point location is just below a workpiece surface. A parabolic equation is fitted to the calculated beam sizes from which optimal focus coil current and optimal beam diameter are determined. 12 figs.

Method of automatic measurement and focus of an electron beam and apparatus therefor

DOEpatents

Giedt, Warren H.; Campiotti, Richard

1996-01-01

An electron beam focusing system, including a plural slit-type Faraday beam trap, for measuring the diameter of an electron beam and automatically focusing the beam for welding. Beam size is determined from profiles of the current measured as the beam is swept over at least two narrow slits of the beam trap. An automated procedure changes the focus coil current until the focal point location is just below a workpiece surface. A parabolic equation is fitted to the calculated beam sizes from which optimal focus coil current and optimal beam diameter are determined.

Novel method in solving non-polarizing condition in frustrated total internal reflection layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Jin Hui; Wang, Zheng Ping

2008-03-01

When used at oblique angles of incidence, the reflectance and transmittance of thin films exhibit strong polarization effects, particularly for the films inside a glass cube. However, the polarization effects are undesirable in many applications. Novel non-polarizing beam splitter designs are shown, non-polarizing beam splitters with unique optical thin films are achieved through combination of interference and frustrated total internal reflection, the non-polarizing condition expressions based on frustrated total internal reflection is derived, and applied examples of the non-polarizing beam splitters are also presented with the optimization technique and the results of Rp=(50+/-0.4)% and Rs=(50+/-0.4)% in the wavelength range of 500-600nm are obtained.

Beam commissioning of a superconducting rotating-gantry for carbon-ion radiotherapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iwata, Y.; Fujimoto, T.; Matsuba, S.; Fujita, T.; Sato, S.; Furukawa, T.; Hara, Y.; Mizushima, K.; Saraya, Y.; Tansho, R.; Saotome, N.; Shirai, T.; Noda, K.

2016-10-01

A superconducting rotating-gantry for carbon-ion radiotherapy was developed. This isocentric gantry can transport carbon ions having kinetic energies of between E=430 and 48 MeV/u to an isocenter over an angle of ±180°, and is further capable of performing three-dimensional raster-scanning irradiation. Construction of the entire rotating-gantry system was completed by the end of September 2015. Prior to beam commissioning, phase-space distributions of extracted carbon beams from the synchrotron were deduced by using an empirical method. In this method, phase-space distributions at the extraction channel of the synchrotron were modeled with 8 parameters, and the best parameters were determined so as to minimize a difference between the calculated and measured beam profiles by using a simplex method. Based on the phase-space distributions, beam optics through the beam-transport lines as well as the rotating gantry were designed. Since horizontal and vertical beam emittances, as extracted slowly from the synchrotron, generally differ with each other, a horizontal-vertical beam coupling would occur when the gantry rotates. Thus, the size and shape of beam spots at the isocenter should vary depending on the gantry angle. To compensate for the difference in the emittances, we employed a method to utilize multiple Coulomb scattering of the beam particles by a thin scatterer. Having compensated for the emittances and designed beam optics through the rotating gantry, beam commissioning over various combinations of gantry angles and beam energies was performed. By finely tuning the superconducting quadrupoles of the rotating gantry, we could successfully obtain the designed beam quality, which satisfies the requirements of scanning irradiation.

Voltage sensing systems and methods for passive compensation of temperature related intrinsic phase shift

DOEpatents

Davidson, James R.; Lassahn, Gordon D.

2001-01-01

A small sized electro-optic voltage sensor capable of accurate measurement of high levels of voltages without contact with a conductor or voltage source is provided. When placed in the presence of an electric field, the sensor receives an input beam of electromagnetic radiation into the sensor. A polarization beam displacer serves as a filter to separate the input beam into two beams with orthogonal linear polarizations. The beam displacer is oriented in such a way as to rotate the linearly polarized beams such that they enter a Pockels crystal at a preferred angle of 45 degrees. The beam displacer is therefore capable of causing a linearly polarized beam to impinge a crystal at a desired angle independent of temperature. The Pockels electro-optic effect induces a differential phase shift on the major and minor axes of the input beam as it travels through the Pockels crystal, which causes the input beam to be elliptically polarized. A reflecting prism redirects the beam back through the crystal and the beam displacer. On the return path, the polarization beam displacer separates the elliptically polarized beam into two output beams of orthogonal linear polarization representing the major and minor axes. In crystals that introduce a phase differential attributable to temperature, a compensating crystal is provided to cancel the effect of temperature on the phase differential of the input beam. The system may include a detector for converting the output beams into electrical signals, and a signal processor for determining the voltage based on an analysis of the output beams. The output beams are amplitude modulated by the frequency of the electric field and the amplitude of the output beams is proportional to the magnitude of the electric field, which is related to the voltage being measured.

Free-space transmission with passive 2D beam steering for multi-gigabit-per-second per-beam indoor optical wireless networks.

PubMed

Oh, Chin Wan; Cao, Zizheng; Tangdiongga, Eduward; Koonen, Ton

2016-08-22

In order to circumvent radio spectrum congestion, we propose an innovative system which can provide multiple infrared optical wireless beams simultaneously where each beam supports multi-gigabit-per-second communication. Scalable two-dimensional beam steering by means of wavelength tuning is proposed. A passive beam-steering module constructed with cascaded reflection gratings is designed for simultaneous multi-user coverage. We experimentally characterized the beam-steered system and thoroughly evaluated the performance of steered channels using the spectrally efficient and robust discrete multitone modulation in a bandwidth-limited system deploying 10 GHz telecom transceivers. This study reports the achievement of at least 37 Gbps free-space transmission per beam over a distance of up to 2 m over 5.61° × 12.66° scanning angles.

Laser-phased-array beam steering based on crystal fiber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Deng-cai; Zhao, Si-si; Wang, Da-yong; Wang, Zhi-yong; Zhang, Xiao-fei

2011-06-01

Laser-phased-array system provides an elegant means for achieving the inertial-free, high-resolution, rapid and random beam steering. In laser-phased-array system, phase controlling is the most important factor that impacts the system performance. A novel scheme is provided in this paper, the beam steering is accomplished by using crystal fiber array, the difference length between adjacent fiber is fixed. The phase difference between adjacent fiber decides the direction of the output beam. When the wavelength of the input fiber laser is tuned, the phase difference between the adjacent elements has changed. Therefore, the laser beam direction has changed and the beam steering has been accomplished. In this article, based on the proposed scheme, the steering angle of the laser beam is calculated and analyzed theoretically. Moreover, the far-field steering beam quality is discussed.

A simple three dimensional wide-angle beam propagation method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Changbao; van Keuren, Edward

2006-05-01

The development of three dimensional (3-D) waveguide structures for chip scale planar lightwave circuits (PLCs) is hampered by the lack of effective 3-D wide-angle (WA) beam propagation methods (BPMs). We present a simple 3-D wide-angle beam propagation method (WA-BPM) using Hoekstra’s scheme along with a new 3-D wave equation splitting method. The applicability, accuracy and effectiveness of our method are demonstrated by applying it to simulations of wide-angle beam propagation and comparing them with analytical solutions.

A simple three dimensional wide-angle beam propagation method.

PubMed

Ma, Changbao; Van Keuren, Edward

2006-05-29

The development of three dimensional (3-D) waveguide structures for chip scale planar lightwave circuits (PLCs) is hampered by the lack of effective 3-D wide-angle (WA) beam propagation methods (BPMs). We present a simple 3-D wide-angle beam propagation method (WA-BPM) using Hoekstra's scheme along with a new 3-D wave equation splitting method. The applicability, accuracy and effectiveness of our method are demonstrated by applying it to simulations of wide-angle beam propagation and comparing them with analytical solutions.

A study of optical design and optimization of laser optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsai, C.-M.; Fang, Yi-Chin

2013-09-01

This paper propose a study of optical design of laser beam shaping optics with aspheric surface and application of genetic algorithm (GA) to find the optimal results. Nd: YAG 355 waveband laser flat-top optical system, this study employed the Light tools LDS (least damped square) and the GA of artificial intelligence optimization method to determine the optimal aspheric coefficient and obtain the optimal solution. This study applied the aspheric lens with GA for the flattening of laser beams using collimated laser beam light, aspheric lenses in order to achieve best results.

Fast wavelength tuning techniques for external cavity lasers

DOEpatents

Wysocki, Gerard [Princeton, NJ; Tittel, Frank K [Houston, TX

2011-01-11

An apparatus comprising a laser source configured to emit a light beam along a first path, an optical beam steering component configured to steer the light beam from the first path to a second path at an angle to the first path, and a diffraction grating configured to reflect back at least a portion of the light beam along the second path, wherein the angle determines an external cavity length. Included is an apparatus comprising a laser source configured to emit a light beam along a first path, a beam steering component configured to redirect the light beam to a second path at an angle to the first path, wherein the optical beam steering component is configured to change the angle at a rate of at least about one Kilohertz, and a diffraction grating configured to reflect back at least a portion of the light beam along the second path.

Quantitative approach for optimizing e-beam condition of photoresist inspection and measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Chia-Jen; Teng, Chia-Hao; Cheng, Po-Chung; Sato, Yoshishige; Huang, Shang-Chieh; Chen, Chu-En; Maruyama, Kotaro; Yamazaki, Yuichiro

2018-03-01

Severe process margin in advanced technology node of semiconductor device is controlled by e-beam metrology system and e-beam inspection system with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image. By using SEM, larger area image with higher image quality is required to collect massive amount of data for metrology and to detect defect in a large area for inspection. Although photoresist is the one of the critical process in semiconductor device manufacturing, observing photoresist pattern by SEM image is crucial and troublesome especially in the case of large image. The charging effect by e-beam irradiation on photoresist pattern causes deterioration of image quality, and it affect CD variation on metrology system and causes difficulties to continue defect inspection in a long time for a large area. In this study, we established a quantitative approach for optimizing e-beam condition with "Die to Database" algorithm of NGR3500 on photoresist pattern to minimize charging effect. And we enhanced the performance of measurement and inspection on photoresist pattern by using optimized e-beam condition. NGR3500 is the geometry verification system based on "Die to Database" algorithm which compares SEM image with design data [1]. By comparing SEM image and design data, key performance indicator (KPI) of SEM image such as "Sharpness", "S/N", "Gray level variation in FOV", "Image shift" can be retrieved. These KPIs were analyzed with different e-beam conditions which consist of "Landing Energy", "Probe Current", "Scanning Speed" and "Scanning Method", and the best e-beam condition could be achieved with maximum image quality, maximum scanning speed and minimum image shift. On this quantitative approach of optimizing e-beam condition, we could observe dependency of SEM condition on photoresist charging. By using optimized e-beam condition, measurement could be continued on photoresist pattern over 24 hours stably. KPIs of SEM image proved image quality during measurement and inspection was stabled enough.

Sensitivity of Beam Parameters to a Station C Solenoid Scan on Axis II

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schulze, Martin E.

Magnet scans are a standard technique for determining beam parameters in accelerators. Beam parameters are inferred from spot size measurements using a model of the beam optics. The sensitivity of the measured beam spot size to the beam parameters is investigated for typical DARHT Axis II beam energies and currents. In a typical S4 solenoid scan, the downstream transport is tuned to achieve a round beam at Station C with an envelope radius of about 1.5 cm with a very small divergence with S4 off. The typical beam energy and current are 16.0 MeV and 1.625 kA. Figures 1-3 showmore » the sensitivity of the bean size at Station C to the emittance, initial radius and initial angle respectively. To better understand the relative sensitivity of the beam size to the emittance, initial radius and initial angle, linear regressions were performed for each parameter as a function of the S4 setting. The results are shown in Figure 4. The measured slope was scaled to have a maximum value of 1 in order to present the relative sensitivities in a single plot. Figure 4 clearly shows the beam size at the minimum of the S4 scan is most sensitive to emittance and relatively insensitive to initial radius and angle as expected. The beam emittance is also very sensitive to the beam size of the converging beam and becomes insensitive to the beam size of the diverging beam. Measurements of the beam size of the diverging beam provide the greatest sensitivity to the initial beam radius and to a lesser extent the initial beam angle. The converging beam size is initially very sensitive to the emittance and initial angle at low S4 currents. As the S4 current is increased the sensitivity to the emittance remains strong while the sensitivity to the initial angle diminishes.« less

Improved power and efficiency for tapered lasers with optimized photonic crystal structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Xiaolong; Qu, Hongwei; Zhao, Shaoyu; Zhou, Xuyan; Lin, Yuzhe; Zheng, Wanhua

2017-10-01

High power and high beam quality laser sources are required in numerous applications such as nonlinear frequency conversion, optical pumping of solid-state and fiber lasers, material processing and others. Tapered lasers can provide a high output power while keeping a high beam quality. However, the conventional tapered lasers suffer from a large vertical beam divergence. We have demonstrated 2-mm long tapered lasers with photonic crystal structures. A high beam quality and a narrow vertical divergence are achieved. In this paper, we optimized the photonic crystal structure and fabricated a 4-mm long tapered laser to further increase the output power and the wall-plug efficiency. Compared with our precious wafer, the optimized structure has a lower doping level to reduce the internal loss. The period of the photonic crystal structure and the thickness of the upper cladding are also reduced. The device has a 1-mm long ridge-waveguide section and a 3-mm long tapered section. The taper angle is 4°. An output power of 7.3 W is achieved with a peak wall-plug efficiency of 46% in continuous-wave mode. The threshold current is around 500 mA and the slope efficiency is 0.93 W/A. In pulsed mode, the output power is 15.6 W and the maximum wall-plug efficiency is 48.1%. The far-field divergence with full width at half maximum is 6.3° for the lateral direction at 3 A. The vertical far-field beam divergence is around 11° at different injection levels. High beam qualities are demonstrated by beam quality factor M2 of 1.52 for the lateral direction and 1.54 for the vertical direction.

Optical ground station optimization for future optical geostationary satellite feeder uplinks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Camboulives, A.-R.; Velluet, M.-T.; Poulenard, S.; Saint-Antonin, L.; Michau, V.

2017-02-01

An optical link based on a multiplex of wavelengths at 1:55 μm is foreseen to be a valuable alternative to the conventional radio-frequencies for the feeder link of the next-generation of high throughput geostationary satellite. Considering the limited power of lasers envisioned for feeder links, the beam divergence has to be dramatically reduced. Consequently, the beam pointing becomes a key issue. During its propagation between the ground station and a geostationary satellite, the optical beam is deflected (beam wandering), and possibly distorted (beam spreading), by atmospheric turbulence. It induces strong fluctuations of the detected telecom signal, thus increasing the bit error rate (BER). A steering mirror using a measurement from a beam coming from the satellite is used to pre-compensate the deflection. Because of the point-ahead angle between the downlink and the uplink, the turbulence effects experienced by both beams are slightly different, inducing an error in the correction. This error is characterized as a function of the turbulence characteristics as well as of the terminal characteristics, such as the servo-loop bandwidth or the beam diameter, and is included in the link budget. From this result, it is possible to predict intensity fluctuations detected by the satellite statistically (mean intensity, scintillation index, probability of fade, etc.)). The final objective is to optimize the different parameters of an optical ground station capable of mitigating the impact of atmospheric turbulence on the uplink in order to be compliant with the targeted capacity (1Terabit/s by 2025).

Stability of laser-propelled wafer satellites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Srinivasan, Prashant; Hughes, Gary B.; Lubin, Philip; Zhang, Qicheng; Madajian, Jonathan; Brashears, Travis; Kulkarni, Neeraj; Cohen, Alexander; Griswold, Janelle

2016-09-01

For interstellar missions, directed energy is envisioned to drive wafer-scale spacecraft to relativistic speeds. Spacecraft propulsion is provided by a large array of phase-locked lasers, either in Earth orbit or stationed on the ground. The directed-energy beam is focused on the spacecraft, which includes a reflective sail that propels the craft by reflecting the beam. Fluctuations and asymmetry in the beam will create rotational forces on the sail, so the sail geometry must possess an inherent, passive stabilizing effect. A hyperboloid shape is proposed, since changes in the incident beam angle due to yaw will passively counteract rotational forces. This paper explores passive stability properties of a hyperboloid reflector being bombarded by directed-energy beam. A 2D cross-section is analyzed for stability under simulated asymmetric loads. Passive stabilization is confirmed over a range of asymmetries. Realistic values of radiation pressure magnitude are drawn from the physics of light-mirror interaction. Estimates of beam asymmetry are drawn from optical modeling of a laser array far-field intensity using fixed and stochastic phase perturbations. A 3D multi-physics model is presented, using boundary conditions and forcing terms derived from beam simulations and lightmirror interaction models. The question of optimal sail geometry can be pursued, using concepts developed for the baseline hyperboloid. For example, higher curvature of the hyperboloid increases stability, but reduces effective thrust. A hyperboloid sail could be optimized by seeking the minimum curvature that is stable over the expected range of beam asymmetries.

Use of radial symmetry for the calculation of cylindrical absorption coefficients and optimal capillary loadings

DOE PAGES

Khalifah, Peter

2015-02-01

The problem of numerically evaluating absorption correction factors for cylindrical samples has been revisited using a treatment that fully takes advantage of the sample symmetry. It is shown that the path lengths for all points within the sample at all possible diffraction angles can be trivially determined once the angle-dependent distance distribution for a single line of points is calculated. This provides advantages in both computational efficiency and in gaining an intuitive understanding of the effects of absorption on diffraction data. A matrix of absorption coefficients calculated for µR products between 0 and 20 for diffraction angles θ D ofmore » 0° to 90° were used to examine the influence of (1) capillary diameter and of (2) sample density on the overall scattered intensity as a function of diffraction angle, where µ is the linear absorption coefficient for the sample and R is the capillary radius. Based on this analysis, the optimal sample loading for a capillary experiment to maximize diffraction at angles of 0 – 50° is in general expected to be achieved when the maximum radius capillary compatible with the beam is used, and when the sample density is adjusted to be 3/(4µR) of its original density.« less

Large area ion beam sputtered YBa2Cu3O(7-delta) films for novel device structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gauzzi, A.; Lucia, M. L.; Kellett, B. J.; James, J. H.; Pavuna, D.

1992-03-01

A simple single-target ion-beam system is employed to manufacture large areas of uniformly superconducting YBa2Cu3O(7-delta) films which can be reproduced. The required '123' stoichiometry is transferred from the target to the substrate when ion-beam power, target/ion-beam angle, and target temperature are adequately controlled. Ion-beam sputtering is experimentally demonstrated to be an effective technique for producing homogeneous YBa2Cu3O(7-delta) films.

20 MHz Forward-imaging Single-element Beam Steering with an Internal Rotating Variable-Angle Reflecting Surface: Wire phantom and Ex vivo pilot study

PubMed Central

Raphael, David T.; Li, Xiang; Park, Jinhyoung; Chen, Ruimin; Chabok, Hamid; Barukh, Arthur; Zhou, Qifa; Elgazery, Mahmoud; Shung, K. Kirk

2012-01-01

Feasibility is demonstrated for a forward-imaging beam steering system involving a single-element 20 MHz angled-face acoustic transducer combined with an internal rotating variable-angle reflecting surface (VARS). Rotation of the VARS structure, for a fixed position of the transducer, generates a 2-D angular sector scan. If these VARS revolutions were to be accompanied by successive rotations of the single-element transducer, 3-D imaging would be achieved. In the design of this device, a single-element 20 MHz PMN-PT press-focused angled-face transducer is focused on the circle of midpoints of a micro-machined VARS within the distal end of an endoscope. The 2-D imaging system was tested in water bath experiments with phantom wire structures at a depth of 10 mm, and exhibited an axial resolution of 66 μm and a lateral resolution of 520 μm. Chirp coded excitation was used to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio, and to increase the depth of penetration. Images of an ex vivo cow eye were obtained. This VARS-based approach offers a novel forward-looking beam-steering method, which could be useful in intra-cavity imaging. PMID:23122968

20 MHz forward-imaging single-element beam steering with an internal rotating variable-angle reflecting surface: Wire phantom and ex vivo pilot study.

PubMed

Raphael, David T; Li, Xiang; Park, Jinhyoung; Chen, Ruimin; Chabok, Hamid; Barukh, Arthur; Zhou, Qifa; Elgazery, Mahmoud; Shung, K Kirk

2013-02-01

Feasibility is demonstrated for a forward-imaging beam steering system involving a single-element 20MHz angled-face acoustic transducer combined with an internal rotating variable-angle reflecting surface (VARS). Rotation of the VARS structure, for a fixed position of the transducer, generates a 2-D angular sector scan. If these VARS revolutions were to be accompanied by successive rotations of the single-element transducer, 3-D imaging would be achieved. In the design of this device, a single-element 20MHz PMN-PT press-focused angled-face transducer is focused on the circle of midpoints of a micro-machined VARS within the distal end of an endoscope. The 2-D imaging system was tested in water bath experiments with phantom wire structures at a depth of 10mm, and exhibited an axial resolution of 66μm and a lateral resolution of 520μm. Chirp coded excitation was used to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio, and to increase the depth of penetration. Images of an ex vivo cow eye were obtained. This VARS-based approach offers a novel forward-looking beam-steering method, which could be useful in intra-cavity imaging. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ambient neutron dose equivalent during proton therapy using wobbling scanning system: Measurements and calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Yung-Chieh; Lee, Chung-Chi; Chao, Tsi-Chian; Tsai, Hui-Yu

2017-11-01

Neutron production is a concern in proton therapy, particularly in scattering proton beam delivery systems. Despite this fact, little is known about the effects of secondary neutron exposure around wobbling scattered proton treatment nozzles. The objective of this study was to estimate the neutron dose level resulting from the use of a wobbling scattered proton treatment unit. We applied the Monte Carlo method for predict the ambient neutron dose equivalent, H*(10), per absorbed dose at the treatment isocenter, D, in the proton therapy center of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan. For a 190-MeV proton beam, H* (10) / D values typically decreased with the distance from the isocenter, being 1.106 mSv/Gy at the isocenter versus 0.112 mSv/Gy at a distance of 150 cm from the isocenter. The H* (10) / D values generally decreased as the neutron receptors moved away from the isocenter, and increased when the angle from the initial beam axis increased. The ambient neutron dose equivalents were observed to be slightly lower in the direction of multileaf collimator movement. For radiation protection, the central axis of a proton-treated patient is suggested to be at the 0° angle of the beam. If the beam direction at the 90° angle is necessary, the patient axis is suggested to be along with the direction of MLC movement. Our study provides the neutron dose level and neutron energy fluence for the first wobbling proton system at the proton therapy center of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital.

SU-F-J-51: A Cone-Based Scintillator Detector for IGRT QA for Scattered and Scanning Proton Therapy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Oesten, H; Clasie, B; Jee, K

Purpose: IGRT commissioning and QA are critical components for precise delivery of proton treatment beams to patients. In order to ensure high quality IGRT, a new cone-based scintillator detector was evaluated for our QA activities for double-scattered and scanning proton modalities. This allows a routine evaluation of the gantry-angle dependent position offset between the radiation and imaging. Methods: The cone-based scintillator detector (XRV-124, Logos Systems, Int’l CA, USA) features a unique configuration of measuring stereotactic paths of proton and x-ray beams in a single setup with arbitrary gantry angles. For the beams-eye-view (BEV) analysis of x-ray crosshair images, a cylindricalmore » representation of the cone image was newly developed. The calibration accuracy was evaluated using different CT resolutions for a range of 55 – 95mm in patient’s cranial direction and ±9mm in the lateral direction. Energy-dependent spot sizes (σ) of pencil beams were characterized and compared to measurements by the MatriXX detector (IBA, Germany). Iso-centric deviations between radiation and x-ray imaging were characterized as a function of gantry angle. Results: The position calibration of the detector was successfully verified with a reproducible positioning by x-ray imaging. The measurements were reproducible within clinical tolerances (±1mm). The spot size vs. energy at zero gantry angle measured with the scintillating cone detector agreed with the MatriXX detector measurements within 17%. Conclusion: The new approach to investigate the accuracy of IGRT and pencil beam properties could successfully be implemented into the QA program. The system will improve efficiency in our QA activities for proton treatments.« less

Experimental demonstration of conformal phased array antenna via transformation optics.

PubMed

Lei, Juan; Yang, Juxing; Chen, Xi; Zhang, Zhiya; Fu, Guang; Hao, Yang

2018-02-28

Transformation Optics has been proven a versatile technique for designing novel electromagnetic devices and it has much wider applicability in many subject areas related to general wave equations. Among them, quasi-conformal transformation optics (QCTO) can be applied to minimize anisotropy of transformed media and has opened up the possibility to the design of broadband antennas with arbitrary geometries. In this work, a wide-angle scanning conformal phased array based on all-dielectric QCTO lens is designed and experimentally demonstrated. Excited by the same current distribution as such in a conventional planar array, the conformal system in presence of QCTO lens can preserve the same radiation characteristics of a planar array with wide-angle beam-scanning and low side lobe level (SLL). Laplace's equation subject to Dirichlet-Neumann boundary conditions is adopted to construct the mapping between the virtual and physical spaces. The isotropic lens with graded refractive index is realized by all-dielectric holey structure after an effective parameter approximation. The measurements of the fabricated system agree well with the simulated results, which demonstrate its excellent wide-angle beam scanning performance. Such demonstration paves the way to a robust but efficient array synthesis, as well as multi-beam and beam forming realization of conformal arrays via transformation optics.

Dual beam optical system for pulsed laser ablation film deposition

DOEpatents

Mashburn, D.N.

1996-09-24

A laser ablation apparatus having a laser source outputting a laser ablation beam includes an ablation chamber having a sidewall, a beam divider for dividing the laser ablation beam into two substantially equal halves, and a pair of mirrors for converging the two halves on a surface of the target from complementary angles relative to the target surface normal, thereby generating a plume of ablated material emanating from the target. 3 figs.

Dual beam optical system for pulsed laser ablation film deposition

DOEpatents

Mashburn, Douglas N.

1996-01-01

A laser ablation apparatus having a laser source outputting a laser ablation beam includes an ablation chamber having a sidewall, a beam divider for dividing the laser ablation beam into two substantially equal halves, and a pair of mirrors for converging the two halves on a surface of the target from complementary angles relative to the target surface normal, thereby generating a plume of ablated material emanating from the target.

Time-resolved energy spectrum measurement of a linear induction accelerator with the magnetic analyzer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yuan; Jiang, Xiao-Guo; Yang, Guo-Jun; Chen, Si-Fu; Zhang, Zhuo; Wei, Tao; Li, Jin

2015-01-01

We recently set up a time-resolved optical beam diagnostic system. Using this system, we measured the high current electron beam energy in the accelerator under construction. This paper introduces the principle of the diagnostic system, describes the setup, and shows the results. A bending beam line was designed using an existing magnetic analyzer with a 300 mm-bending radius and a 60° bending angle at hard-edge approximation. Calculations show that the magnitude of the beam energy is about 18 MeV, and the energy spread is within 2%. Our results agree well with the initial estimates deduced from the diode voltage approach.

Angle amplifying optics using plane and ellipsoidal reflectors

DOEpatents

Glass, Alexander J.

1977-01-01

An optical system for providing a wide angle input beam into ellipsoidal laser fusion target illumination systems. The optical system comprises one or more pairs of centrally apertured plane and ellipsoidal mirrors disposed to accept the light input from a conventional lens of modest focal length and thickness, to increase the angular divergence thereof to a value equivalent to that of fast lenses, and to direct the light into the ellipsoidal target illumination system.

Improved multi-beam laser interference lithography system by vibration analysis model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Te Hsun; Yang, Yin-Kuang; Mai, Hsuan-Ying; Fu, Chien-Chung

2017-03-01

This paper has developed the multi-beam laser interference lithography (LIL) system for nano/micro pattern sapphire substrate process (PSS/NPSS). However, the multi-beam LIL system is very sensitive to the light source and the vibration. When there is a vibration source in the exposure environment, the standing wave distribution on the substrate will be affected by the vibration and move in a certain angle. As a result, Moiré fringe defects occur on the exposure result. In order to eliminate the effect of the vibration, we use the software ANSYS to analyze the resonant frequencies of our multi-beam LIL system. Therefore, we need to design new multi-beam LIL system to raise the value of resonant frequencies. The new design of the multi-beam LIL system has higher resonant frequencies and successfully eliminates the bending and rotating effect of the resonant frequencies. As a result, the new multi-beam LIL system can fabricate large area and defects free period structures.

Method and Apparatus for Measuring Near-Angle Scattering of Mirror Coatings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chipman, Russell A. (Inventor); Daugherty, Brian J. (Inventor); McClain, Stephen C. (Inventor); Macenka, Steven A. (Inventor)

2013-01-01

Disclosed herein is a method of determining the near angle scattering of a sample reflective surface comprising the steps of: a) splitting a beam of light having a coherence length of greater than or equal to about 2 meters into a sample beam and a reference beam; b) frequency shifting both the sample beam and the reference beam to produce a fixed beat frequency between the sample beam and the reference beam; c) directing the sample beam through a focusing lens and onto the sample reflective surface, d) reflecting the sample beam from the sample reflective surface through a detection restriction disposed on a movable stage; e) recombining the sample beam with the reference beam to form a recombined beam, followed by f) directing the recombined beam to a detector and performing heterodyne analysis on the recombined beam to measure the near-angle scattering of the sample reflective surface, wherein the position of the detection restriction relative to the sample beam is varied to occlude at least a portion of the sample beam to measure the near-angle scattering of the sample reflective surface. An apparatus according to the above method is also disclosed.

Direct-to-digital holography and holovision

DOEpatents

Thomas, Clarence E.; Baylor, Larry R.; Hanson, Gregory R.; Rasmussen, David A.; Voelkl, Edgar; Castracane, James; Simkulet, Michelle; Clow, Lawrence

2000-01-01

Systems and methods for direct-to-digital holography are described. An apparatus includes a laser; a beamsplitter optically coupled to the laser; a reference beam mirror optically coupled to the beamsplitter; an object optically coupled to the beamsplitter, a focusing lens optically coupled to both the reference beam mirror and the object; and a digital recorder optically coupled to the focusing lens. A reference beam is incident upon the reference beam mirror at a non-normal angle, and the reference beam and an object beam are focused by the focusing lens at a focal plane of the digital recorder to form an image. The systems and methods provide advantages in that computer assisted holographic measurements can be made.

Systems and methods for detecting an image of an object using multi-beam imaging from an X-ray beam having a polychromatic distribution

DOEpatents

Parham, Christopher A; Zhong, Zhong; Pisano, Etta; Connor, Jr., Dean M

2015-03-03

Systems and methods for detecting an image of an object using a multi-beam imaging system from an x-ray beam having a polychromatic energy distribution are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method can include generating a first X-ray beam having a polychromatic energy distribution. Further, the method can include positioning a plurality of monochromator crystals in a predetermined position to directly intercept the first X-ray beam such that a plurality of second X-ray beams having predetermined energy levels are produced. Further, an object can be positioned in the path of the second X-ray beams for transmission of the second X-ray beams through the object and emission from the object as transmitted X-ray beams. The transmitted X-ray beams can each be directed at an angle of incidence upon one or more crystal analyzers. Further, an image of the object can be detected from the beams diffracted from the analyzer crystals.

MONDO: A tracker for the characterization of secondary fast and ultrafast neutrons emitted in particle therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mirabelli, R.; Battistoni, G.; Giacometti, V.; Patera, V.; Pinci, D.; Sarti, A.; Sciubba, A.; Traini, G.; Marafini, M.

2018-01-01

In Particle Therapy (PT) accelerated charged particles and light ions are used for treating tumors. One of the main limitation to the precision of PT is the emission of secondary particles due to the beam interaction with the patient: secondary emitted neutrons can release a significant dose far from the tumor. Therefore, a precise characterization of their flux, production energy and angle distribution is eagerly needed in order to improve the Treatment Planning Systems (TPS) codes. The principal aim of the MONDO (MOnitor for Neutron Dose in hadrOntherapy) project is the development of a tracking device optimized for the detection of fast and ultra-fast secondary neutrons emitted in PT. The detector consists of a matrix of scintillating square fibres coupled with a CMOS-based readout. Here, we present the characterization of the detector tracker prototype and CMOS-based digital SPAD (Single Photon Avalanche Diode) array sensor tested with protons at the Beam Test Facility (Frascati, Italy) and at the Proton Therapy Centre (Trento, Italy), respectively.

Development and implementation of EPID-based quality assurance tests for the small animal radiation research platform (SARRP).

PubMed

Anvari, Akbar; Poirier, Yannick; Sawant, Amit

2018-04-28

Although small animal image-guided radiotherapy (SA-IGRT) systems are used increasingly in preclinical research, tools for performing routine quality assurance (QA) have not been optimized and are not readily available. Robust, efficient, and reliable QA tools are needed to ensure the accuracy and reproducibility of SA-IGRT systems. Several investigators have reported custom-made phantoms and protocols for SA-IGRT systems QA. These are typically time and resource intensive and are therefore not well suited to the preclinical radiotherapy environment, in which physics support is limited and routine QA is performed by technical staff. We investigated the use of the inbuilt electronic portal imaging device (EPID) to develop and validate routine QA tests and procedures. In this work, we focus on the Xstrahl Small Animal Radiation Research Platform (SARRP) EPID. However, the methodology and tests developed here are applicable to any SA-IGRT system that incorporates an EPID. We performed a comprehensive characterization of the dosimetric properties of the camera-based EPID at kilovoltage energies over a 11-month period, including detector warm-up time, radiation dose history effect, stability and short- and long-term reproducibility, gantry angle dependency, output factor, and linearity of the EPID response. We developed a test to measure the constancy of beam quality in terms of half-value layer and tube peak potential using the EPID. We verified the SARRP daily output and beam profile constancy using the imager. We investigated the use of the imager to monitor beam-targeting accuracy at various gantry and couch angles. The EPID response was stable and reproducible, exhibiting maximum variations of ≤0.3% and ≤1.9% for short and long terms, respectively. The detector showed no dependence on response at different gantry angles, with a maximum variation ≤0.5%. We found close agreement in output factor measurement between the portal imager and reference dosimeters, with maximum differences ≤3% for ionization chamber and ≤1.7% for Gafchromic EBT3 dosimetry film, respectively. We have shown that the EPID response is linear with tube current (mA) for the entire range of tube kilovoltage peak. Notably, a close relationship was seen between the detector response vs mA slope, and the kilovoltage peak, allowing an independent verification of kilovoltage peak stability based solely on EPID response. In addition to dosimetry tests, according to the beam-targeting measurement using portal images, maximum displacement of the central axis of the x-ray beam (due to sag) was 0.76 ± 0.09 mm at gantry 135°/couch 0° and 0.89 ± 0.06 mm at gantry 0°/couch -135°. We performed the first comprehensive analysis on the dosimetric properties of an EPID operating at kilovoltage x-ray energies. We characterized the detector performance over a 11-month period. Our results indicate that the imager is a stable and convenient tool for SARRP routine QA tests. We then developed EPID-based tests to perform routine SA-IGRT systems QA tasks, such as verifying constancy of beam quality, energy, output, and profile measurements, relative output factors, and beam targeting. © 2018 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Air data system optimization using a genetic algorithm

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Deshpande, Samir M.; Kumar, Renjith R.; Seywald, Hans; Siemers, Paul M., III

1992-01-01

An optimization method for flush-orifice air data system design has been developed using the Genetic Algorithm approach. The optimization of the orifice array minimizes the effect of normally distributed random noise in the pressure readings on the calculation of air data parameters, namely, angle of attack, sideslip angle and freestream dynamic pressure. The optimization method is applied to the design of Pressure Distribution/Air Data System experiment (PD/ADS) proposed for inclusion in the Aeroassist Flight Experiment (AFE). Results obtained by the Genetic Algorithm method are compared to the results obtained by conventional gradient search method.

Frequency tripling of convergent beam employing crystals tiling in large-aperture high-energy laser facilities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Junhua; Li, Dazhen; Wang, Bo; Yang, Jing; Yang, Houwen; Wang, Xiaoqian; Cheng, Wenyong

2017-11-01

In inertial confinement fusion, ultraviolet laser damage of the fused silica lens is an important limiting factor for load capability of the laser driver. To solve this problem, a new configuration of frequency tripling is proposed in this paper. The frequency tripling crystal is placed on downstream of the focusing lens, thus sum frequency generation of fundamental frequency light and doubling frequency light occurs in the beam convergence path. The focusing lens is only irradiated by fundamental light and doubling frequency lights. Thus, its damage threshold will increase. LiB3O5 (LBO) crystals are employed as frequency tripling crystals for its larger acceptance angle and higher damage threshold than KDP/DKDP crystals'. With the limitation of acceptance angle and crystal growth size are taken into account, the tiling scheme of LBO crystals is proposed and designed optimally to adopt to the total convergence angle of 36.0 mrad. Theoretical results indicate that 3 LBO crystals titling with different cutting angles in θ direction can meet the phase matching condition. Compared with frequency tripling of parallel beam using one LBO crystal, 83.8% (93.1% with 5 LBO crystals tiling) of the frequency tripling conversion efficiency can be obtained employing this new configuration. The results of a principle experiment also support this scheme. By employing this new design, not only the load capacity of a laser driver will be significantly improved, but also the fused silica lens can be changed to K9 glass lens which has the mature technology and low cost.

Planar microlens with front-face angle: design, fabrication, and characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al Hafiz, Md. Abdullah; Michael, Aron; Kwok, Chee-Yee

2016-07-01

This paper studies the effect of microlens front-face angle on the performance of an optical system consisting of a planar-graded refractive index (GRIN) lens pair facing each other separated by a free-space region. The planar silica microlens pairs are designed to facilitate low-loss optical signal propagation in the free-space region between the opposing optical waveguides. The planar lens is fabricated from a 38-μm-thick fluorine-doped silica layer on a silicon substrate. It has a parabolic refractive index profile in the vertical direction, which is achieved by controlled fluorine incorporation in the silica film to collimate the optical beam in the vertical direction. Horizontal beam collimation is achieved by incorporating a horizontal curvature at the front face of the lens defined by deep oxide etch. A generalized 3×3 ABCDGH transformation matrix method has been derived to compute the coupling efficiency of such microlens pairs to take front-face angles that may be present due to fabrication variations or limitations and possible input/output optical fiber offset/tilt into considerations. Pairs of such planar GRIN lens with various free-space propagation distances between them ranging from 75 to 2500 μm and with front-face angles of 1.5 deg, 2 deg, and 4 deg have been fabricated and characterized. Beam propagation method simulations have been carried out to substantiate the theoretical and experimental results. The results indicate that the optical loss is reasonably low up to 1.5 deg of front-face angles and increases significantly with further increase in the front-face angle. Analysis shows that for a given system with specific microlens front-face angle, the optical loss can be significantly reduced by properly compensating the vertical position of the input and output fibers.

TH-C-12A-04: Dosimetric Evaluation of a Modulated Arc Technique for Total Body Irradiation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tsiamas, P; Czerminska, M; Makrigiorgos, G

2014-06-15

Purpose: A simplified Total Body Irradiation (TBI) was developed to work with minimal requirements in a compact linac room without custom motorized TBI couch. Results were compared to our existing fixed-gantry double 4 MV linac TBI system with prone patient and simultaneous AP/PA irradiation. Methods: Modulated arc irradiates patient positioned in prone/supine positions along the craniocaudal axis. A simplified inverse planning method developed to optimize dose rate as a function of gantry angle for various patient sizes without the need of graphical 3D treatment planning system. This method can be easily adapted and used with minimal resources. Fixed maximum fieldmore » size (40×40 cm2) is used to decrease radiation delivery time. Dose rate as a function of gantry angle is optimized to result in uniform dose inside rectangular phantoms of various sizes and a custom VMAT DICOM plans were generated using a DICOM editor tool. Monte Carlo simulations, film and ionization chamber dosimetry for various setups were used to derive and test an extended SSD beam model based on PDD/OAR profiles for Varian 6EX/ TX. Measurements were obtained using solid water phantoms. Dose rate modulation function was determined for various size patients (100cm − 200cm). Depending on the size of the patient arc range varied from 100° to 120°. Results: A PDD/OAR based beam model for modulated arc TBI therapy was developed. Lateral dose profiles produced were similar to profiles of our existing TBI facility. Calculated delivery time and full arc depended on the size of the patient (∼8min/ 100° − 10min/ 120°, 100 cGy). Dose heterogeneity varied by about ±5% − ±10% depending on the patient size and distance to the surface (buildup region). Conclusion: TBI using simplified modulated arc along craniocaudal axis of different size patients positioned on the floor can be achieved without graphical / inverse 3D planning.« less

Image acquisition optimization of a limited-angle intrafraction verification (LIVE) system for lung radiotherapy.

PubMed

Zhang, Yawei; Deng, Xinchen; Yin, Fang-Fang; Ren, Lei

2018-01-01

Limited-angle intrafraction verification (LIVE) has been previously developed for four-dimensional (4D) intrafraction target verification either during arc delivery or between three-dimensional (3D)/IMRT beams. Preliminary studies showed that LIVE can accurately estimate the target volume using kV/MV projections acquired over orthogonal view 30° scan angles. Currently, the LIVE imaging acquisition requires slow gantry rotation and is not clinically optimized. The goal of this study is to optimize the image acquisition parameters of LIVE for different patient respiratory periods and gantry rotation speeds for the effective clinical implementation of the system. Limited-angle intrafraction verification imaging acquisition was optimized using a digital anthropomorphic phantom (XCAT) with simulated respiratory periods varying from 3 s to 6 s and gantry rotation speeds varying from 1°/s to 6°/s. LIVE scanning time was optimized by minimizing the number of respiratory cycles needed for the four-dimensional scan, and imaging dose was optimized by minimizing the number of kV and MV projections needed for four-dimensional estimation. The estimation accuracy was evaluated by calculating both the center-of-mass-shift (COMS) and three-dimensional volume-percentage-difference (VPD) between the tumor in estimated images and the ground truth images. The robustness of LIVE was evaluated with varied respiratory patterns, tumor sizes, and tumor locations in XCAT simulation. A dynamic thoracic phantom (CIRS) was used to further validate the optimized imaging schemes from XCAT study with changes of respiratory patterns, tumor sizes, and imaging scanning directions. Respiratory periods, gantry rotation speeds, number of respiratory cycles scanned and number of kV/MV projections acquired were all positively correlated with the estimation accuracy of LIVE. Faster gantry rotation speed or longer respiratory period allowed less respiratory cycles to be scanned and less kV/MV projections to be acquired to estimate the target volume accurately. Regarding the scanning time minimization, for patient respiratory periods of 3-4 s, gantry rotation speeds of 1°/s, 2°/s, 3-6°/s required scanning of five, four, and three respiratory cycles, respectively. For patient respiratory periods of 5-6 s, the corresponding respiratory cycles required in the scan changed to four, three, and two cycles, respectively. Regarding the imaging dose minimization, for patient respiratory periods of 3-4 s, gantry rotation speeds of 1°/s, 2-4°/s, 5-6°/s required acquiring of 7, 5, 4 kV and MV projections, respectively. For patient respiratory periods of 5-6 s, 5 kV and 5 MV projections are sufficient for all gantry rotation speeds. The optimized LIVE system was robust against breathing pattern, tumor size and tumor location changes. In the CIRS study, the optimized LIVE system achieved the average center-of-mass-shift (COMS)/volume-percentage-difference (VPD) of 0.3 ± 0.1 mm/7.7 ± 2.0% for the scanning time priority case, 0.2 ± 0.1 mm/6.1 ± 1.2% for the imaging dose priority case, respectively, among all gantry rotation speeds tested. LIVE was robust against different scanning directions investigated. The LIVE system has been preliminarily optimized for different patient respiratory periods and treatment gantry rotation speeds using digital and physical phantoms. The optimized imaging parameters, including number of respiratory cycles scanned and kV/MV projection numbers acquired, provide guidelines for optimizing the scanning time and imaging dose of the LIVE system for its future evaluations and clinical implementations through patient studies. © 2017 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Analytical beam-width characteristics of distorted cat-eye reflected beam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Yanzhong; Shan, Congmiao; Zheng, Yonghui; Zhang, Laixian; Sun, Huayan

2015-02-01

The analytical expression of beam-width of distorted cat-eye reflected beam under far-field condition is deduced using the approximate three-dimensional analytical formula for oblique detection laser beam passing through cat-eye optical lens with center shelter, and using the definition of second order moment, Gamma function and integral functions. The laws the variation of divergence angle and astigmatism degree of the reflected light with incident angle, focal shift, aperture size, and center shelter ratio are established by numerical calculation, and physical analysis. The study revealed that the cat-eye reflected beam is like a beam transmitted and collimated by the target optical lens, and has the same characteristics as that of Gaussian beam. A proper choice of positive focal shift would result in a divergence angle smaller than that of no focal shift. The astigmatism is mainly caused by incidence angle.

Stimulated Brillouin scattering mirror system, high power laser and laser peening method and system using same

DOEpatents

Dane, C Brent [Livermore, CA; Hackel, Lloyd [Livermore, CA; Harris, Fritz B [Rocklin, CA

2007-04-24

A laser system, such as a master oscillator/power amplifier system, comprises a gain medium and a stimulated Brillouin scattering SBS mirror system. The SBS mirror system includes an in situ filtered SBS medium that comprises a compound having a small negative non-linear index of refraction, such as a perfluoro compound. An SBS relay telescope having a telescope focal point includes a baffle at the telescope focal point which blocks off angle beams. A beam splitter is placed between the SBS mirror system and the SBS relay telescope, directing a fraction of the beam to an alternate beam path for an alignment fiducial. The SBS mirror system has a collimated SBS cell and a focused SBS cell. An adjustable attenuator is placed between the collimated SBS cell and the focused SBS cell, by which pulse width of the reflected beam can be adjusted.

Dark-field image contrast in transmission scanning electron microscopy: Effects of substrate thickness and detector collection angle.

PubMed

Woehl, Taylor; Keller, Robert

2016-12-01

An annular dark field (ADF) detector was placed beneath a specimen in a field emission scanning electron microscope operated at 30kV to calibrate detector response to incident beam current, and to create transmission images of gold nanoparticles on silicon nitride (SiN) substrates of various thicknesses. Based on the linear response of the ADF detector diodes to beam current, we developed a method that allowed for direct determination of the percentage of that beam current forward scattered to the ADF detector from the sample, i.e. the transmitted electron (TE) yield. Collection angles for the ADF detector region were defined using a masking aperture above the detector and were systematically varied by changing the sample to detector distance. We found the contrast of the nanoparticles, relative to the SiN substrate, decreased monotonically with decreasing inner exclusion angle and increasing substrate thickness. We also performed Monte Carlo electron scattering simulations, which showed quantitative agreement with experimental contrast associated with the nanoparticles. Together, the experiments and Monte Carlo simulations revealed that the decrease in contrast with decreasing inner exclusion angle was due to a rapid increase in the TE yield of the low atomic number substrate. Nanoparticles imaged at low inner exclusion angles (<150mrad) and on thick substrates (>50nm) showed low image contrast in their centers surrounded by a bright high-contrast halo on their edges. This complex image contrast was predicted by Monte Carlo simulations, which we interpreted in terms of mixing of the nominally bright field (BF) and ADF electron signals. Our systematic investigation of inner exclusion angle and substrate thickness effects on ADF t-SEM imaging provides fundamental understanding of the contrast mechanisms for image formation, which in turn suggest practical limitations and optimal imaging conditions for different substrate thicknesses. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Magnetic resonance imaging of DNP enhancements in a rotor spinning at the magic angle

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Perras, Frederic A.; Kobayashi, Takeshi; Pruski, Marek

Simulations performed on model, static, samples have shown that the microwave power is non-uniformly distributed in the magic angle spinning (MAS) rotor when using conventional dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) instrumentation. Here, we applied the stray-field magic angle spinning imaging (STRAFI–MAS) experiment to generate a spatial map of the DNP enhancements in a full rotor, which is spun at a low rate in a commercial DNP–MAS NMR system. Notably, we observed that the enhancement factors produced in the center of the rotor can be twice as large as those produced at the top of the rotor. Surprisingly, we observed that themore » largest enhancement factors are observed along the axis of the rotor as opposed to against its walls, which are most directly irradiated by the microwave beam. We lastly observed that the distribution of enhancement factors can be moderately improved by degassing the sample and increasing the microwave power. The inclusion of dielectric particles greatly amplifies the enhancement factors throughout the rotor. Furthermore, the STRAFI–MAS approach can provide useful guidance for optimizing the access of microwave power to the sample, and thereby lead to further increases in sensitivity of DNP–MAS NMR.« less

Magnetic resonance imaging of DNP enhancements in a rotor spinning at the magic angle

DOE PAGES

Perras, Frederic A.; Kobayashi, Takeshi; Pruski, Marek

2016-02-23

Simulations performed on model, static, samples have shown that the microwave power is non-uniformly distributed in the magic angle spinning (MAS) rotor when using conventional dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) instrumentation. Here, we applied the stray-field magic angle spinning imaging (STRAFI–MAS) experiment to generate a spatial map of the DNP enhancements in a full rotor, which is spun at a low rate in a commercial DNP–MAS NMR system. Notably, we observed that the enhancement factors produced in the center of the rotor can be twice as large as those produced at the top of the rotor. Surprisingly, we observed that themore » largest enhancement factors are observed along the axis of the rotor as opposed to against its walls, which are most directly irradiated by the microwave beam. We lastly observed that the distribution of enhancement factors can be moderately improved by degassing the sample and increasing the microwave power. The inclusion of dielectric particles greatly amplifies the enhancement factors throughout the rotor. Furthermore, the STRAFI–MAS approach can provide useful guidance for optimizing the access of microwave power to the sample, and thereby lead to further increases in sensitivity of DNP–MAS NMR.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, J; Li, X; Liu, G

Purpose: We compare and investigate the dosimetric impacts on pencil beam scanning (PBS) proton treatment plans generated with CT calibration curves from four different CT scanners and one averaged ‘global’ CT calibration curve. Methods: The four CT scanners are located at three different hospital locations within the same health system. CT density calibration curves were collected from these scanners using the same CT calibration phantom and acquisition parameters. Mass density to HU value tables were then commissioned in a commercial treatment planning system. Five disease sites were chosen for dosimetric comparisons at brain, lung, head and neck, adrenal, and prostate.more » Three types of PBS plans were generated at each treatment site using SFUD, IMPT, and robustness optimized IMPT techniques. 3D dose differences were investigated using 3D Gamma analysis. Results: The CT calibration curves for all four scanners display very similar shapes. Large HU differences were observed at both the high HU and low HU regions of the curves. Large dose differences were generally observed at the distal edges of the beams and they are beam angle dependent. Out of the five treatment sites, lung plans exhibits the most overall range uncertainties and prostate plans have the greatest dose discrepancy. There are no significant differences between the SFUD, IMPT, and the RO-IMPT methods. 3D gamma analysis with 3%, 3 mm criteria showed all plans with greater than 95% passing rate. Two of the scanners with close HU values have negligible dose difference except for lung. Conclusion: Our study shows that there are more than 5% dosimetric differences between different CT calibration curves. PBS treatment plans generated with SFUD, IMPT, and the robustness optimized IMPT has similar sensitivity to the CT density uncertainty. More patient data and tighter gamma criteria based on structure location and size will be used for further investigation.« less

A small-angle x-ray scattering system with a vertical layout.

PubMed

Wang, Zhen; Chen, Xiaowei; Meng, Lingpu; Cui, Kunpeng; Wu, Lihui; Li, Liangbin

2014-12-01

A small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) system with a vertical layout (V-SAXS) has been designed and constructed for in situ detection on nanostructures, which is well suitable for in situ study on self-assembly of nanoparticles at liquid interface and polymer processing. A steel-tower frame on a reinforced basement is built as the supporting skeleton for scattering beam path and detector platform, ensuring the system a high working stability and a high operating accuracy. A micro-focus x-ray source combining parabolic three-dimensional multi-layer mirror and scatteringless collimation system provides a highly parallel beam, which allows us to detect the very small angle range. With a sample-to-detector distance of 7 m, the largest measurable length scale is 420 nm in real space. With a large sample zone, it is possible to install different experimental setups such as film stretching machine, which makes the system perfect to follow the microstructures evolution of materials during processing. The capability of the V-SAXS on in situ study is tested with a drying experiment of a free latex droplet, which confirms our initial design.

Making structured metals transparency for broadband and wide-incidence-angle electromagnetic waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fan, Renhao; Peng, Ruwen; Huang, Xianrong; Wang, Mu

2014-03-01

Very recently, we have demonstrated that one-dimensional metallic gratings can become transparent and completely antireflective for extremely broadband electromagnetic (EM) waves under oblique incidence. However, the oblique-incidence geometry, is inconvenient for the technological applications. To overcome this drawback, here we instead use oblique metal gratings with optimal tilt angles to achieve normal-incidence broadband transparence for EM waves. Further we use two-dimensional periodic metallic cuboids to achieve broadband and broad-angle high transmission and antireflection. By introducing such metallic cuboids arrays into silicon solar cells, we find that high performance of light trapping in the cells can be obtained with a significant enhancement of the ultimate quantum efficiency. The structured metals, which achieve broadband and broad-angle high transmission for EM waves, may have many other potential applications, such as transparent conducting panels, white-beam polarizers, and stealth objects.

A limited-angle CT reconstruction method based on anisotropic TV minimization.

PubMed

Chen, Zhiqiang; Jin, Xin; Li, Liang; Wang, Ge

2013-04-07

This paper presents a compressed sensing (CS)-inspired reconstruction method for limited-angle computed tomography (CT). Currently, CS-inspired CT reconstructions are often performed by minimizing the total variation (TV) of a CT image subject to data consistency. A key to obtaining high image quality is to optimize the balance between TV-based smoothing and data fidelity. In the case of the limited-angle CT problem, the strength of data consistency is angularly varying. For example, given a parallel beam of x-rays, information extracted in the Fourier domain is mostly orthogonal to the direction of x-rays, while little is probed otherwise. However, the TV minimization process is isotropic, suggesting that it is unfit for limited-angle CT. Here we introduce an anisotropic TV minimization method to address this challenge. The advantage of our approach is demonstrated in numerical simulation with both phantom and real CT images, relative to the TV-based reconstruction.

Large incidence angle and defocus influence cat's eye retro-reflector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Lai-xian; Sun, Hua-yan; Zhao, Yan-zhong; Yang, Ji-guang; Zheng, Yong-hui

2014-11-01

Cat's eye lens make the laser beam retro-reflected exactly to the opposite direction of the incidence beam, called cat's eye effect, which makes rapid acquiring, tracking and pointing of free space optical communication possible. Study the influence of cat's eye effect to cat's eye retro-reflector at large incidence angle is useful. This paper analyzed the process of how the incidence angle and focal shit affect effective receiving area, retro-reflected beam divergence angle, central deviation of cat's eye retro-reflector at large incidence angle and cat's eye effect factor using geometrical optics method, and presented the analytic expressions. Finally, numerical simulation was done to prove the correction of the study. The result shows that the efficiency receiving area of cat's eye retro-reflector is mainly affected by incidence angle when the focal shift is positive, and it decreases rapidly when the incidence angle increases; the retro-reflected beam divergence and central deviation is mainly affected by focal shift, and within the effective receiving area, the central deviation is smaller than beam divergence in most time, which means the incidence beam can be received and retro-reflected to the other terminal in most time. The cat's eye effect factor gain is affected by both incidence angle and focal shift.

Method for pulse control in a laser including a stimulated brillouin scattering mirror system

DOEpatents

Dane, C. Brent; Hackel, Lloyd; Harris, Fritz B.

2007-10-23

A laser system, such as a master oscillator/power amplifier system, comprises a gain medium and a stimulated Brillouin scattering SBS mirror system. The SBS mirror system includes an in situ filtered SBS medium that comprises a compound having a small negative non-linear index of refraction, such as a perfluoro compound. An SBS relay telescope having a telescope focal point includes a baffle at the telescope focal point which blocks off angle beams. A beam splitter is placed between the SBS mirror system and the SBS relay telescope, directing a fraction of the beam to an alternate beam path for an alignment fiducial. The SBS mirror system has a collimated SBS cell and a focused SBS cell. An adjustable attenuator is placed between the collimated SBS cell and the focused SBS cell, by which pulse width of the reflected beam can be adjusted.

A comprehensive formulation for volumetric modulated arc therapy planning

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nguyen, Dan; Lyu, Qihui; Ruan, Dan

2016-07-15

Purpose: Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) is a widely employed radiation therapy technique, showing comparable dosimetry to static beam intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) with reduced monitor units and treatment time. However, the current VMAT optimization has various greedy heuristics employed for an empirical solution, which jeopardizes plan consistency and quality. The authors introduce a novel direct aperture optimization method for VMAT to overcome these limitations. Methods: The comprehensive VMAT (comVMAT) planning was formulated as an optimization problem with an L2-norm fidelity term to penalize the difference between the optimized dose and the prescribed dose, as well as an anisotropicmore » total variation term to promote piecewise continuity in the fluence maps, preparing it for direct aperture optimization. A level set function was used to describe the aperture shapes and the difference between aperture shapes at adjacent angles was penalized to control MLC motion range. A proximal-class optimization solver was adopted to solve the large scale optimization problem, and an alternating optimization strategy was implemented to solve the fluence intensity and aperture shapes simultaneously. Single arc comVMAT plans, utilizing 180 beams with 2° angular resolution, were generated for a glioblastoma multiforme case, a lung (LNG) case, and two head and neck cases—one with three PTVs (H&N{sub 3PTV}) and one with foue PTVs (H&N{sub 4PTV})—to test the efficacy. The plans were optimized using an alternating optimization strategy. The plans were compared against the clinical VMAT (clnVMAT) plans utilizing two overlapping coplanar arcs for treatment. Results: The optimization of the comVMAT plans had converged within 600 iterations of the block minimization algorithm. comVMAT plans were able to consistently reduce the dose to all organs-at-risk (OARs) as compared to the clnVMAT plans. On average, comVMAT plans reduced the max and mean OAR dose by 6.59% and 7.45%, respectively, of the prescription dose. Reductions in max dose and mean dose were as high as 14.5 Gy in the LNG case and 15.3 Gy in the H&N{sub 3PTV} case. PTV coverages measured by D95, D98, and D99 were within 0.25% of the prescription dose. By comprehensively optimizing all beams, the comVMAT optimizer gained the freedom to allow some selected beams to deliver higher intensities, yielding a dose distribution that resembles a static beam IMRT plan with beam orientation optimization. Conclusions: The novel nongreedy VMAT approach simultaneously optimizes all beams in an arc and then directly generates deliverable apertures. The single arc VMAT approach thus fully utilizes the digital Linac’s capability in dose rate and gantry rotation speed modulation. In practice, the new single VMAT algorithm generates plans superior to existing VMAT algorithms utilizing two arcs.« less

Heterodyne efficiency of a coherent free-space optical communication model through atmospheric turbulence.

PubMed

Ren, Yongxiong; Dang, Anhong; Liu, Ling; Guo, Hong

2012-10-20

The heterodyne efficiency of a coherent free-space optical (FSO) communication model under the effects of atmospheric turbulence and misalignment is studied in this paper. To be more general, both the transmitted beam and local oscillator beam are assumed to be partially coherent based on the Gaussian Schell model (GSM). By using the derived analytical form of the cross-spectral function of a GSM beam propagating through atmospheric turbulence, a closed-form expression of heterodyne efficiency is derived, assuming that the propagation directions for the transmitted and local oscillator beams are slightly different. Then the impacts of atmospheric turbulence, configuration of the two beams (namely, beam radius and spatial coherence width), detector radius, and misalignment angle over heterodyne efficiency are examined. Numerical results suggest that the beam radius of the two overlapping beams can be optimized to achieve a maximum heterodyne efficiency according to the turbulence conditions and the detector radius. It is also found that atmospheric turbulence conditions will significantly degrade the efficiency of heterodyne detection, and compared to fully coherent beams, partially coherent beams are less sensitive to the changes in turbulence conditions and more robust against misalignment at the receiver.

Measurements of the internal magnetic field on DIII-D using intensity and spacing of the motional Stark multiplet.

PubMed

Pablant, N A; Burrell, K H; Groebner, R J; Kaplan, D H; Holcomb, C T

2008-10-01

We describe a version of a motional Stark effect (MSE) diagnostic based on the relative line intensities and spacing of Stark split D(alpha) emission from the neutral beams. This system, named B-Stark, has been recently installed on the DIII-D tokamak. To find the magnetic pitch angle, we use the ratio of the intensities of the pi(3) and sigma(1) lines. These lines originate from the same upper level and so are not dependent on the level populations. In future devices, such as ITER, this technique may have advantages over diagnostics based on MSE polarimetry. We have done an optimization of the viewing direction for the available ports on DIII-D to choose the installation location. With this placement, we have a near optimal viewing angle of 59.6 degrees from the vertical direction. All hardware has been installed for one chord, and we have been routinely taking data since January 2007. We fit the spectra using a simple Stark model in which the upper level populations of the D(alpha) transition are treated as free variables. The magnitude and direction of the magnetic field obtained using this diagnostic technique compare well with measurements from MSE polarimetry and EFIT.

Auto calibration of a cone-beam-CT

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gross, Daniel; Heil, Ulrich; Schulze, Ralf

2012-10-15

Purpose: This paper introduces a novel autocalibration method for cone-beam-CTs (CBCT) or flat-panel CTs, assuming a perfect rotation. The method is based on ellipse-fitting. Autocalibration refers to accurate recovery of the geometric alignment of a CBCT device from projection images alone, without any manual measurements. Methods: The authors use test objects containing small arbitrarily positioned radio-opaque markers. No information regarding the relative positions of the markers is used. In practice, the authors use three to eight metal ball bearings (diameter of 1 mm), e.g., positioned roughly in a vertical line such that their projection image curves on the detector preferablymore » form large ellipses over the circular orbit. From this ellipse-to-curve mapping and also from its inversion the authors derive an explicit formula. Nonlinear optimization based on this mapping enables them to determine the six relevant parameters of the system up to the device rotation angle, which is sufficient to define the geometry of a CBCT-machine assuming a perfect rotational movement. These parameters also include out-of-plane rotations. The authors evaluate their method by simulation based on data used in two similar approaches [L. Smekal, M. Kachelriess, S. E, and K. Wa, 'Geometric misalignment and calibration in cone-beam tomography,' Med. Phys. 31(12), 3242-3266 (2004); K. Yang, A. L. C. Kwan, D. F. Miller, and J. M. Boone, 'A geometric calibration method for cone beam CT systems,' Med. Phys. 33(6), 1695-1706 (2006)]. This allows a direct comparison of accuracy. Furthermore, the authors present real-world 3D reconstructions of a dry human spine segment and an electronic device. The reconstructions were computed from projections taken with a commercial dental CBCT device having two different focus-to-detector distances that were both calibrated with their method. The authors compare their reconstruction with a reconstruction computed by the manufacturer of the CBCT device to demonstrate the achievable spatial resolution of their calibration procedure. Results: Compared to the results published in the most closely related work [K. Yang, A. L. C. Kwan, D. F. Miller, and J. M. Boone, 'A geometric calibration method for cone beam CT systems,' Med. Phys. 33(6), 1695-1706 (2006)], the simulation proved the greater accuracy of their method, as well as a lower standard deviation of roughly 1 order of magnitude. When compared to another similar approach [L. Smekal, M. Kachelriess, S. E, and K. Wa, 'Geometric misalignment and calibration in cone-beam tomography,' Med. Phys. 31(12), 3242-3266 (2004)], their results were roughly of the same order of accuracy. Their analysis revealed that the method is capable of sufficiently calibrating out-of-plane angles in cases of larger cone angles when neglecting these angles negatively affects the reconstruction. Fine details in the 3D reconstruction of the spine segment and an electronic device indicate a high geometric calibration accuracy and the capability to produce state-of-the-art reconstructions. Conclusions: The method introduced here makes no requirements on the accuracy of the test object. In contrast to many previous autocalibration methods their approach also includes out-of-plane rotations of the detector. Although assuming a perfect rotation, the method seems to be sufficiently accurate for a commercial CBCT scanner. For devices which require higher dimensional geometry models, the method could be used as a initial calibration procedure.« less

Critical ionization velocity experiments in space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lai, Shu T.; Murad, Edmond

1989-07-01

Space experiments to test the critical ionization velocity (CIV) theory have, on the whole, yielded negative results, with two notable exceptions. The results of all the experiments are analyzed with a view towards either optimizing or drawing conclusions about the conditions which lead to the propagation of CIV. In particular, four aspects of the conditions are considered: (1) beam injection angle with the ambient magnetic field in the ionosphere; (2) length of a CIV discharge region in a conical beam; (3) collisional ionization of the neutrals; and (4) chemiionization processes. The analysis leads to the conclusion that using the exhaust of the Shuttle engines may be the best way for testing CIV.

Design and fabrication of continuous-profile diffractive micro-optical elements as a beam splitter.

PubMed

Feng, Di; Yan, Yingbai; Jin, Guofan; Fan, Shoushan

2004-10-10

An optimization algorithm that combines a rigorous electromagnetic computation model with an effective iterative method is utilized to design diffractive micro-optical elements that exhibit fast convergence and better design quality. The design example is a two-dimensional 1-to-2 beam splitter that can symmetrically generate two focal lines separated by 80 microm at the observation plane with a small angle separation of +/- 16 degrees. Experimental results are presented for an element with continuous profiles fabricated into a monocrystalline silicon substrate that has a width of 160 microm and a focal length of 140 microm at a free-space wavelength of 10.6 microm.

Production of an 15O beam using a stable oxygen ion beam for in-beam PET imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohammadi, Akram; Yoshida, Eiji; Tashima, Hideaki; Nishikido, Fumihiko; Inaniwa, Taku; Kitagawa, Atsushi; Yamaya, Taiga

2017-03-01

In advanced ion therapy, the 15O ion beam is a promising candidate to treat hypoxic tumors and simultaneously monitor the delivered dose to a patient using PET imaging. This study aimed at production of an 15O beam by projectile fragmentation of a stable 16O beam in an optimal material, followed by in-beam PET imaging using a prototype OpenPET system, which was developed in the authors' group. The study was carried out in three steps: selection of the optimal target based on the highest production rate of 15O fragments; experimental production of the beam using the optimal target in the Heavy Ion Medical Accelerator Chiba (HIMAC) secondary beam course; and realization of in-beam PET imaging for the produced beam. The optimal target evaluations were done using the Monte Carlo simulation code PHITS. The fluence and mean energy of the secondary particles were simulated and the optimal target was selected based on the production rate of 15O fragments. The highest production rate of 15O was observed for a liquid hydrogen target, 3.27% for a 53 cm thick target from the 16O beam of 430 MeV/u. Since liquid hydrogen is not practically applicable in the HIMAC secondary beam course a hydrogen-rich polyethylene material, which was the second optimal target from the simulation results, was selected as the experimental target. Three polyethylene targets with thicknesses of 5, 11 or 14 cm were used to produce the 15O beam without any degrader in the beam course. The highest production rate was measured as around 0.87% for the 11 cm thick polyethylene target from the 16O beam of 430 MeV/u when the angular acceptance and momentum acceptance were set at ±13 mrad and ±2.5%, respectively. The purity of the produced beam for the three targets were around 75%, insufficient for clinical application, but it was increased to 97% by inserting a wedge shape aluminum degrader with a thickness of 1.76 cm into the beam course and that is sufficiently high. In-beam PET imaging was also performed for all produced beams using the OpenPET system. The purity improvement of the produced 15O beams was confirmed from the PET images.

A Missing Puzzle Piece in Murray's Law: the Optimal Angle of Junctions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Ruo-Qian; Taylor, Katherine; Winter, Amos G.; Global Engineering; Research Lab Team

2014-11-01

Branching flows are common in biological systems, such as the circulatory and respiratory systems of animals. The optimal radii of parent and daughter branches can be explained with Murray's law, which dictates that the sum of metabolic and pumping costs is minimized. Murray's Law can be used to determine the diameter of cascading channels but misses an important parameter: the angles of the branches. Past hydraulic studies have investigated the angle effect, but have not focused on whether this geometry follows Murray's Law; while a simple network optimization is able to show that at low Reynolds numbers a branch with a parent channel connecting to n equally distant channels obeying Murray's Law has a minimum total head loss with a branching angle θ, such that cos θ =n-2/3 , but it's not valid for high Reynolds number flows, which may experience separation and turbulence at the branches. The present study is focused on determining the optimal branch angle that complies with Murray's Law for moderate Reynolds numbers. Computational studies using Open FOAM and experiments using 3D printed branched channels will be presented. These results will be used to quantify the effect of Reynolds number on optimal branch geometry.

Ion-beam nanopatterning: experimental results with chemically-assisted beam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pochon, Sebastien C. R.

2018-03-01

The need for forming gratings (for example used in VR headsets) in materials such as SiO2 has seen a recent surge in the use of Ion beam etching techniques. However, when using an argon-only beam, the selectivity is limited as it is a physical process. Typically, gases such as CHF3, SF6, O2 and Cl2 can be added to argon in order to increase selectivity; depending on where the gas is injected, the process is known as Reactive Ion Beam Etching (RIBE) or Chemically Assisted Ion Beam Etching (CAIBE). The substrate holder can rotate in order to provide an axisymmetric etch rate profile. It can also be tilted over a range of angles to the beam direction. This enables control over the sidewall profile as well as radial uniformity optimisation. Ion beam directionality in conjunction with variable incident beam angle via platen angle setting enables profile control and feature shaping during nanopatterning. These hardware features unique to the Ion Beam etching methods can be used to create angled etch features. The CAIBE technique is also well suited to laser diode facet etch (for optoelectronic devices); these typically use III-V materials like InP. Here, we report on materials such as SiO2 etched without rotation and at a fixed platen angle allowing the formation of gratings and InP etched at a fixed angle with rotation allowing the formation of nanopillars and laser facets.

First-order approximation error analysis of Risley-prism-based beam directing system.

PubMed

Zhao, Yanyan; Yuan, Yan

2014-12-01

To improve the performance of a Risley-prism system for optical detection and measuring applications, it is necessary to be able to determine the direction of the outgoing beam with high accuracy. In previous works, error sources and their impact on the performance of the Risley-prism system have been analyzed, but their numerical approximation accuracy was not high. Besides, pointing error analysis of the Risley-prism system has provided results for the case when the component errors, prism orientation errors, and assembly errors are certain. In this work, the prototype of a Risley-prism system was designed. The first-order approximations of the error analysis were derived and compared with the exact results. The directing errors of a Risley-prism system associated with wedge-angle errors, prism mounting errors, and bearing assembly errors were analyzed based on the exact formula and the first-order approximation. The comparisons indicated that our first-order approximation is accurate. In addition, the combined errors produced by the wedge-angle errors and mounting errors of the two prisms together were derived and in both cases were proved to be the sum of errors caused by the first and the second prism separately. Based on these results, the system error of our prototype was estimated. The derived formulas can be implemented to evaluate beam directing errors of any Risley-prism beam directing system with a similar configuration.

Optimization design of the angle detecting system used in the fast steering mirror

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ni, Ying-xue; Wu, Jia-bin; San, Xiao-gang; Gao, Shi-jie; Ding, Shao-hang; Wang, Jing; Wang, Tao; Wang, Hui-xian

2018-01-01

In this paper, in order to design a fast steering mirror (FSM) with large deflection angle and high linearity, a deflection angle detecting system (DADS) using quadrant detector (QD) is developed. And the mathematical model describing DADS is established by analyzing the principle of position detecting and error characteristics of QD. Based on this mathematical model, the variation tendencies of deflection angle and linearity of FSM are simulated. Then, by changing the parameters of the DADS, the optimization of deflection angle and linearity of FSM is demonstrated. Finally, a QD-based FSM is designed based on this method, which achieves ±2° deflection angle and 0.72% and 0.68% linearity along x and y axis, respectively. Moreover, this method will be beneficial to the design of large deflection angle and high linearity FSM.

Probe for measurement of velocity and density of vapor in vapor plume

DOEpatents

Berzins, L.V.; Bratton, B.A.; Fuhrman, P.W.

1997-03-11

A probe is disclosed which directs a light beam through a vapor plume in a first direction at a first angle ranging from greater than 0{degree} to less than 90{degree}, reflecting the light beam back through the vapor plume at a 90{degree} angle, and then reflecting the light beam through the vapor plume a third time at a second angle equal to the first angle, using a series of mirrors to deflect the light beam while protecting the mirrors from the vapor plume with shields. The velocity, density, temperature and flow direction of the vapor plume may be determined by a comparison of the energy from a reference portion of the beam with the energy of the beam after it has passed through the vapor plume. 10 figs.

Probe for measurement of velocity and density of vapor in vapor plume

DOEpatents

Berzins, Leon V.; Bratton, Bradford A.; Fuhrman, Paul W.

1997-01-01

A probe which directs a light beam through a vapor plume in a first direction at a first angle ranging from greater than 0.degree. to less than 90.degree., reflecting the light beam back through the vapor plume at a 90.degree. angle, and then reflecting the light beam through the vapor plume a third time at a second angle equal to the first angle, using a series of mirrors to deflect the light beam while protecting the mirrors from the vapor plume with shields. The velocity, density, temperature and flow direction of the vapor plume may be determined by a comparison of the energy from a reference portion of the beam with the energy of the beam after it has passed through the vapor plume.

Design and analysis of non-polarizing beam splitter in a glass cube

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Jinhui; Wang, Zhengping; Huang, Zongjun; Li, Qingbo

2008-11-01

The reflectance and transmittance of thin films at oblique incident angles exhibit strong polarization effects, particularly for the films inside a glass cube. However, the polarization effects are undesirable in many applications. To solve this problem, non-polarizing beam splitters with unique optical thin films have been achieved employing a method of combination of interference and frustrated total internal reflection, the non-polarizing condition expressions based on frustrated total internal reflection has been derived, and the design examples of non-polarizing beam splitters with an optimization technique have been also presented. The results of Rp=(50+/-0.5)%, Rs=(50+/-0.5)% andΔr=(0+/-0.3) degree in the wavelength range of 400-700nm have been obtained. The thickness sensitivity of NPBSs is also analyzed.

Probing the localization of magnetic dichroism by atomic-size astigmatic and vortex electron beams

DOE PAGES

Negi, Devendra Singh; Idrobo, Juan Carlos; Rusz, Ján

2018-03-05

We report localization of a magnetic dichroic signal on atomic columns in electron magnetic circular dichroism (EMCD), probed by beam distorted by four-fold astigmatism and electron vortex beam. With astigmatic probe, magnetic signal to noise ratio can be enhanced by blocking the intensity from the central part of probe. However, the simulations show that for atomic resolution magnetic measurements, vortex beam is a more effective probe, with much higher magnetic signal to noise ratio. For all considered beam shapes, the optimal SNR constrains the signal detection at low collection angles of approximately 6–8 mrad. Irrespective of the material thickness, themore » magnetic signal remains strongly localized within the probed atomic column with vortex beam, whereas for astigmatic probes, the magnetic signal originates mostly from the nearest neighbor atomic columns. Due to excellent signal localization at probing individual atomic columns, vortex beams are predicted to be a strong candidate for studying the crystal site specific magnetic properties, magnetic properties at interfaces, or magnetism arising from individual atomic impurities.« less

Probing the localization of magnetic dichroism by atomic-size astigmatic and vortex electron beams

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Negi, Devendra Singh; Idrobo, Juan Carlos; Rusz, Ján

We report localization of a magnetic dichroic signal on atomic columns in electron magnetic circular dichroism (EMCD), probed by beam distorted by four-fold astigmatism and electron vortex beam. With astigmatic probe, magnetic signal to noise ratio can be enhanced by blocking the intensity from the central part of probe. However, the simulations show that for atomic resolution magnetic measurements, vortex beam is a more effective probe, with much higher magnetic signal to noise ratio. For all considered beam shapes, the optimal SNR constrains the signal detection at low collection angles of approximately 6–8 mrad. Irrespective of the material thickness, themore » magnetic signal remains strongly localized within the probed atomic column with vortex beam, whereas for astigmatic probes, the magnetic signal originates mostly from the nearest neighbor atomic columns. Due to excellent signal localization at probing individual atomic columns, vortex beams are predicted to be a strong candidate for studying the crystal site specific magnetic properties, magnetic properties at interfaces, or magnetism arising from individual atomic impurities.« less

Optimization of VLf/ELF Wave Generation using Beam Painting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Robinson, A.; Moore, R. C.

2017-12-01

A novel optimized beam painting algorithm (OBP) is used to generate high amplitude very low frequency (VLF) and extremely low frequency (ELF) waves in the D-region of the ionosphere above the High-frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) observatory. The OBP method creates a phased array of sources in the ionosphere by varying the azimuth and zenith angles of the high frequency (HF) transmitter to capitalize on the constructive interference of propagating VLF/ELF waves. OBP generates higher amplitude VLF/ELF signals than any other previously proposed method. From April through June during 2014, OBP was performed at HAARP over 1200 times. We compare the BP generated signals against vertical amplitude modulated transmissions at 50 % duty cycle (V), oblique amplitude modulated transmissions at 15 degrees zenith and 81 degrees azimuth at 50 % duty cycle (O), and geometric (circle-sweep) modulation at 15 degrees off-zenith angle at 1562.5 Hz, 3125 Hz, and 5000 Hz. We present an analysis of the directional dependence of each signal, its polarization, and its dependence on the properties of the different source region elements. We find that BP increases the received signal amplitudes of VLF and ELF waves when compared to V, O, and GM methods over a statistically significant number of trials.

Tracking rare-isotope beams with microchannel plates

DOE PAGES

Rogers, A. M.; Sanetullaev, A.; Lynch, W. G.; ...

2015-06-06

A system of two microchannel-plate detectors has been successfully implemented for tracking projectile-fragmentation beams. The detectors provide interaction positions, angles, and arrival Limes of ions at the reaction target. Furthermore, the current design is an adaptation of an assembly used for low-energy beams (~1.4 MeV/nucleon). In order to improve resolution in tracking high-energy heavy-ion beams, the magnetic field strength between the secondary-electron accelerating foil and the microchannel plate had to be increased substantially. Results from an experiment using a 37-MeV/nucleon 56Ni beam show that the tracking system can achieve sub-nanosecond timing resolution and a position resolution of ~1 mm formore » beam intensities up to 5 x 10 5 pps.« less

Tracking rare-isotope beams with microchannel plates

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rogers, A. M.; Sanetullaev, A.; Lynch, W. G.

A system of two microchannel-plate detectors has been successfully implemented for tracking projectile-fragmentation beams. The detectors provide interaction positions, angles, and arrival Limes of ions at the reaction target. Furthermore, the current design is an adaptation of an assembly used for low-energy beams (~1.4 MeV/nucleon). In order to improve resolution in tracking high-energy heavy-ion beams, the magnetic field strength between the secondary-electron accelerating foil and the microchannel plate had to be increased substantially. Results from an experiment using a 37-MeV/nucleon 56Ni beam show that the tracking system can achieve sub-nanosecond timing resolution and a position resolution of ~1 mm formore » beam intensities up to 5 x 10 5 pps.« less

SU-F-T-177: Impacts of Gantry Angle Dependent Scanning Beam Properties for Proton Treatment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lin, Y; Clasie, B; Lu, H

Purpose: In pencil beam scanning (PBS), the delivered spot MU, position and size are slightly different at different gantry angles. We investigated the level of delivery uncertainty at different gantry angles through a log file analysis. Methods: 34 PBS fields covering full 360 degrees gantry angle spread were collected retrospectively from 28 patients treated at our institution. All fields were delivered at zero gantry angle and the prescribed gantry angle, and measured at isocenter with the MatriXX 2D array detector at the prescribed gantry angle. The machine log files were analyzed to extract the delivered MU per spot and themore » beam position from the strip ionization chambers in the treatment nozzle. The beam size was separately measured as a function of gantry angle and beam energy. Using this information, the dose was calculated in a water phantom at both gantry angles and compared to the measurement using the 3D γ-index at 2mm/2%. Results: The spot-by-spot difference between the beam position in the log files from the delivery at the two gantry angles has a mean of 0.3 and 0.4 mm and a standard deviation of 0.6 and 0.7 mm for × and y directions, respectively. Similarly, the spot-by-spot difference between the MU in the log files from the delivery at the two gantry angles has a mean 0.01% and a standard deviation of 0.7%. These small deviations lead to an excellent agreement in dose calculations with an average γ pass rate for all fields being approximately 99.7%. When each calculation is compared to the measurement, a high correlation in γ was also found. Conclusion: Using machine logs files, we verified that PBS beam delivery at different gantry angles are sufficiently small and the planned spot position and MU. This study brings us one step closer to simplifying our patient-specific QA.« less

Continuous angle steering of an optically- controlled phased array antenna based on differential true time delay constituted by micro-optical components.

PubMed

Wang, Jian; Hou, Peipei; Cai, Haiwen; Sun, Jianfeng; Wang, Shunan; Wang, Lijuan; Yang, Fei

2015-04-06

We propose an optically controlled phased array antenna (PAA) based on differential true time delay constructed optical beamforming network (OBFN). Differential true time delay is realized by stack integrated micro-optical components. Optically-controlled angle steering of radio frequency (RF) beams are realized and demonstrated by this configuration. Experimental results demonstrate that OBFN based PAA can accomplish RF-independent broadband beam steering without beam squint effect and can achieve continuous angle steering. In addition, multi-beams for different steering angles are acquired synchronously.

Design and fabrication of three-dimensional polymer mode multiplexer based on asymmetric waveguide couplers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Guobing; Gao, Yang; Xu, Yan; Ji, Lanting; Sun, Xiaoqiang; Wang, Xibin; Yi, Yunji; Chen, Changming; Wang, Fei; Zhang, Daming; Wu, Yuanda

2018-05-01

A polymer mode multiplexer based on asymmetric couplers is theoretically designed and experimentally demonstrated. The proposed X-junction coupler is formed by waveguides overlapped with different crossing angles in the vertical direction. A beam propagation method is adopted to optimize the dimensional parameters of the mode multiplexer to convert LP01 mode of two lower waveguides to LP11a and LP21a mode of the upper waveguide. The ultraviolet lithography and wet chemical etching are used in the fabrication process. A conversion ratio over 98% for both LP11a and LP21a mode in the wavelength range from 1530 to 1570 nm are experimentally demonstrated. This mode multiplexer has potential in broadband mode-division multiplexing transmission systems.

SU-G-BRC-04: Collimator Angle Optimization in Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Andersen, A; Johnson, C; Bartlett, G

2016-06-15

Purpose: Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) has revolutionized radiation treatment by decreasing treatment time and monitor units, thus reducing scattered and whole body radiation dose. As the collimator angle changes the apparent leaf gap becomes larger which can impact plan quality, organ at risk (OAR) sparing as well as IMRT QA passing rate which is investigated. Methods: Two sites (prostate and head and neck) that have maximum utilization of VMAT were investigated. Two previously treated VMAT patients were chosen. For each patient 10 plans were created by maintaining constant optimization constraints while varying collimator angles from 0-90 deg at anmore » interval of 10 degrees for the first arc and the appropriate complimentary angle for the second arc. Plans were created with AAA algorithm using 6 MV beam on a Varian IX machine with Millennium 120 MLC. The dose-volume histogram (DVH) for each plan was exported and dosimetric parameters (D98, D95, D50, D2) as well homogeneity index (HI) and conformity index (CI) were computed. Each plan was validated for QA using ArcCheck with gamma index passing criteria of 2%/2 mm and 3%/3 mm. Additionally, normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) for each OAR was computed using Uzan-Nahum software. Results: The CI values for both sites had no impact as target volume coverage in every collimator angle were the same since it was optimized for adequate coverage. The HI which is representative of DVH gradient or dose uniformity in PTV showed a clear trend in both sites. The NTCP for OAR (brain and cochlea) in H&N plan and (bladder and rectum) in prostate plan showed a distinct superiority for collimator angles between 15-30 deg. The gamma passing rates were not correlated with angle. Conclusion: Based on CI, HI, NTCP and gamma passing index, it can be concluded that collimator angles should be maintained within 15–30 deg.« less

Dental cone-beam CT reconstruction from limited-angle view data based on compressed-sensing (CS) theory for fast, low-dose X-ray imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Je, Uikyu; Cho, Hyosung; Lee, Minsik; Oh, Jieun; Park, Yeonok; Hong, Daeki; Park, Cheulkyu; Cho, Heemoon; Choi, Sungil; Koo, Yangseo

2014-06-01

Recently, reducing radiation doses has become an issue of critical importance in the broader radiological community. As a possible technical approach, especially, in dental cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), reconstruction from limited-angle view data (< 360°) would enable fast scanning with reduced doses to the patient. In this study, we investigated and implemented an efficient reconstruction algorithm based on compressed-sensing (CS) theory for the scan geometry and performed systematic simulation works to investigate the image characteristics. We also performed experimental works by applying the algorithm to a commercially-available dental CBCT system to demonstrate its effectiveness for image reconstruction in incomplete data problems. We successfully reconstructed CBCT images with incomplete projections acquired at selected scan angles of 120, 150, 180, and 200° with a fixed angle step of 1.2° and evaluated the reconstruction quality quantitatively. Both simulation and experimental demonstrations of the CS-based reconstruction from limited-angle view data show that the algorithm can be applied directly to current dental CBCT systems for reducing the imaging doses and further improving the image quality.

Theory of third-order spectroscopic methods to extract detailed molecular orientational dynamics for planar surfaces and other uniaxial systems

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nishida, Jun; Fayer, Michael D., E-mail: fayer@stanford.edu

Functionalized organic monolayers deposited on planar two-dimensional surfaces are important systems for studying ultrafast orientational motions and structures of interfacial molecules. Several studies have successfully observed the orientational relaxation of functionalized monolayers by fluorescence depolarization experiments and recently by polarization-resolved heterodyne detected vibrational transient grating (HDTG) experiments. In this article we provide a model-independent theory to extract orientational correlation functions unique to interfacial molecules and other uniaxial systems based on polarization-resolved resonant third-order spectroscopies, such as pump-probe spectroscopy, HDTG spectroscopy, and fluorescence depolarization experiment. It will be shown (in the small beam-crossing angle limit) that five measurements are necessary tomore » completely characterize the monolayer's motions: I{sub ∥}(t) and I{sub ⊥}(t) with the incident beams normal to the surface, I{sub ∥}(t) and I{sub ⊥}(t) with a non-zero incident angle, and a time averaged linear dichroism measurement. Once these measurements are performed, two orientational correlation functions corresponding to in-plane and out-of-plane motions are obtained. The procedure is applicable not only for monolayers on flat surfaces, but any samples with uniaxial symmetry such as uniaxial liquid crystals and aligned planar bilayers. The theory is valid regardless of the nature of the actual molecular motions on interface. We then apply the general results to wobbling-in-a-cone model, in which molecular motions are restricted to a limited range of angles. Within the context of the model, the cone angle, the tilt of the cone relative to the surface normal, and the orientational diffusion constant can be determined. The results are extended to describe analysis of experiments where the beams are not crossing in the small angle limit.« less

Performance analysis of a CsI-based flat panel detector in a cone beam variable resolution x-ray system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dahi, Bahram; Keyes, Gary S.; Rendon, David A.; DiBianca, Frank A.

2007-03-01

A new Cone-Beam CT (CBCT) system is introduced that uses the concept of Variable Resolution X-ray (VRX) detection, which has previously been demonstrated to significantly increase spatial resolution for small objects. An amorphous silicon Flat Panel Detector (FPD) with a CsI scintillator (PaxScan 2020, Varian, Salt Lake City, UT) is coupled with a micro-focus x-ray tube (35 - 80 kVp, 10 - 250 μA) to form a CBCT. The FPD is installed on a rotating arm that can be adjusted to any angle θ, called the VRX angle, between 90° and 0° with respect to the x-ray direction. A VRX angle of 90° for the detector corresponds to a conventional CBCT whereas a VRX angle of 30° means that the detector is tilted 90° - 30° = 60° from its perpendicular position. Tilting the FPD in this manner reduces both the line-spread function width and the sampling distance by a factor of sin(θ), thereby increasing detector spatial resolution proportionately. An in-house phantom is used to measure the MTF of the reconstructed CT images using different VRX angles. An increase by a factor of 1.67 +/- 0.007 is observed in the MTF cutoff frequency at 30° compared to 90° in images acquired at 75 kVp. Expected theoretical value for this case is 2.0. The new Cone-Beam Variable Resolution X-ray (CB-VRX) CT system is expected to significantly improve the images acquired from small objects - such as small animals - while exploiting the opportunities offered by a conventional CBCT.

Optimizing the performance of dual-axis confocal microscopes via Monte-Carlo scattering simulations and diffraction theory.

PubMed

Chen, Ye; Liu, Jonathan T C

2013-06-01

Dual-axis confocal (DAC) microscopy has been found to exhibit superior rejection of out-of-focus and multiply scattered background light compared to conventional single-axis confocal microscopy. DAC microscopes rely on the use of separated illumination and collection beam paths that focus and intersect at a single focal volume (voxel) within tissue. While it is generally recognized that the resolution and contrast of a DAC microscope depends on both the crossing angle of the DAC beams, 2θ, and the focusing numerical aperture of the individual beams, α, a detailed study to investigate these dependencies has not been performed. Contrast and resolution are considered as two main criteria to assess the performance of a point-scanned DAC microscope (DAC-PS) and a line-scanned DAC microscope (DAC-LS) as a function of θ and α. The contrast and resolution of these designs are evaluated by Monte-Carlo scattering simulations and diffraction theory calculations, respectively. These results can be used for guiding the optimal designs of DAC-PS and DAC-LS microscopes.

Single beam write and/or replay of spatial heterodyne holograms

DOEpatents

Thomas, Clarence E.; Hanson, Gregory R.

2007-11-20

A method of writing a spatially heterodyne hologram having spatially heterodyne fringes includes: passing a single write beam through a spatial light modulator that digitally modulates said single write beam; and focusing the single write beam at a focal plane of a lens to impose a holographic diffraction grating pattern on the photorefractive crystal, the holographic diffraction grating pattern including the spatially heterodyne hologram having spatially heterodyne fringes, wherein only said single write beam is incident on said photorefractive crystal without a reference beam. A method of replaying a spatially heterodyne hologram having spatially heterodyne fringes at a replay angle includes: illuminating a photorefractive crystal having a holographic diffraction grating with a beam from a laser at an illumination angle, the holographic diffraction grating pattern including the spatially heterodyne hologram having spatially heterodyne fringes, wherein a difference between said illumination angle and said replay angle defines a diffraction angle .alpha. that is a function of a plane wave mathematically added to original object wave phase and amplitude data of said spatially heterodyne hologram having spatially heterodyne fringes.

Optimization of Compton Source Performance through Electron Beam Shaping

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Malyzhenkov, Alexander; Yampolsky, Nikolai

2016-09-26

We investigate a novel scheme for significantly increasing the brightness of x-ray light sources based on inverse Compton scattering (ICS) - scattering laser pulses off relativistic electron beams. The brightness of ICS sources is limited by the electron beam quality since electrons traveling at different angles, and/or having different energies, produce photons with different energies. Therefore, the spectral brightness of the source is defined by the 6d electron phase space shape and size, as well as laser beam parameters. The peak brightness of the ICS source can be maximized then if the electron phase space is transformed in a waymore » so that all electrons scatter off the x-ray photons of same frequency in the same direction, arriving to the observer at the same time. We describe the x-ray photon beam quality through the Wigner function (6d photon phase space distribution) and derive it for the ICS source when the electron and laser rms matrices are arbitrary.« less

Measurement of Rayleigh Wave Beams Using Angle Beam Wedge Transducers as the Transmitter and Receiver with Consideration of Beam Spreading

PubMed Central

Zhang, Shuzeng; Li, Xiongbing; Jeong, Hyunjo

2017-01-01

A theoretical model, along with experimental verification, is developed to describe the generation, propagation and reception of a Rayleigh wave using angle beam wedge transducers. The Rayleigh wave generation process using an angle beam wedge transducer is analyzed, and the actual Rayleigh wave sound source distributions are evaluated numerically. Based on the reciprocity theorem and considering the actual sound source, the Rayleigh wave beams are modeled using an area integral method. The leaky Rayleigh wave theory is introduced to investigate the reception of the Rayleigh wave using the angle beam wedge transducers, and the effects of the wave spreading in the wedge and transducer size are considered in the reception process. The effects of attenuations of the Rayleigh wave and leaky Rayleigh wave are discussed, and the received wave results with different sizes of receivers are compared. The experiments are conducted using two angle beam wedge transducers to measure the Rayleigh wave, and the measurement results are compared with the predictions using different theoretical models. It is shown that the proposed model which considers the wave spreading in both the sample and wedges can be used to interpret the measurements reasonably. PMID:28632183

Measurement of Rayleigh Wave Beams Using Angle Beam Wedge Transducers as the Transmitter and Receiver with Consideration of Beam Spreading.

PubMed

Zhang, Shuzeng; Li, Xiongbing; Jeong, Hyunjo

2017-06-20

A theoretical model, along with experimental verification, is developed to describe the generation, propagation and reception of a Rayleigh wave using angle beam wedge transducers. The Rayleigh wave generation process using an angle beam wedge transducer is analyzed, and the actual Rayleigh wave sound source distributions are evaluated numerically. Based on the reciprocity theorem and considering the actual sound source, the Rayleigh wave beams are modeled using an area integral method. The leaky Rayleigh wave theory is introduced to investigate the reception of the Rayleigh wave using the angle beam wedge transducers, and the effects of the wave spreading in the wedge and transducer size are considered in the reception process. The effects of attenuations of the Rayleigh wave and leaky Rayleigh wave are discussed, and the received wave results with different sizes of receivers are compared. The experiments are conducted using two angle beam wedge transducers to measure the Rayleigh wave, and the measurement results are compared with the predictions using different theoretical models. It is shown that the proposed model which considers the wave spreading in both the sample and wedges can be used to interpret the measurements reasonably.

Angular distributions of reflected and refracted relativistic electron beams crossing a thin planar target at a small angle to its surface

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Serov, A. V., E-mail: serov@x4u.lebedev.ru; Mamonov, I. A.; Kol’tsov, A. V., E-mail: koltsov@x4u.lebedev.ru

2015-10-15

The scattering of electrons by aluminum, copper, and lead foils, as well as by bimetallic aluminum-lead and aluminum-copper foils, has been studied experimentally. A microtron with an energy of particles of 7.4 MeV has been used as a source of electrons. The beam of particles incident on a target at small angles is split into particles reflected from the foil, which constitute a reflected beam, and particles crossing the foil, which constitute a refracted beam. The effect of the material and thickness of the foil, as well as the angle between the initial trajectory of the beam and the planemore » of the target, on the direction of motion and the angular divergence of the beam crossing the foil and the beam reflected from the foil has been analyzed. Furthermore, the effect of the sequence of metal layers in bimetallic films on the angles of refraction and reflection of the beam has been examined.« less

Extra projection data identification method for fast-continuous-rotation industrial cone-beam CT.

PubMed

Yang, Min; Duan, Shengling; Duan, Jinghui; Wang, Xiaolong; Li, Xingdong; Meng, Fanyong; Zhang, Jianhai

2013-01-01

Fast-continuous-rotation is an effective measure to improve the scanning speed and decrease the radiation dose for cone-beam CT. However, because of acceleration and deceleration of the motor, as well as the response lag of the scanning control terminals to the host PC, uneven-distributed and redundant projections are inevitably created, which seriously decrease the quality of the reconstruction images. In this paper, we first analyzed the aspects of the theoretical sequence chart of the fast-continuous-rotation mode. Then, an optimized sequence chart was proposed by extending the rotation angle span to ensure the effective 2π-span projections were situated in the stable rotation stage. In order to match the rotation angle with the projection image accurately, structure similarity (SSIM) index was used as a control parameter for extraction of the effective projection sequence which was exactly the complete projection data for image reconstruction. The experimental results showed that SSIM based method had a high accuracy of projection view locating and was easy to realize.

Angle of Attack Modulation for Mars Entry Terminal State Optimization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lafleur, Jarret M.; Cerimele, Christopher J.

2009-01-01

From the perspective of atmospheric entry, descent, and landing (EDL), one of the most foreboding destinations in the solar system is Mars due in part to its exceedingly thin atmosphere. To benchmark best possible scenarios for evaluation of potential Mars EDL system designs, a study is conducted to optimize the entry-to-terminal-state portion of EDL for a variety of entry velocities and vehicle masses, focusing on the identification of potential benefits of enabling angle of attack modulation. The terminal state is envisioned as one appropriate for the initiation of terminal descent via parachute or other means. A particle swarm optimizer varies entry flight path angle, ten bank profile points, and ten angle of attack profile points to find maximum-final-altitude trajectories for a 10 30 m ellipsled at 180 different combinations of values for entry mass, entry velocity, terminal Mach number, and minimum allowable altitude. Parametric plots of maximum achievable altitude are shown, as are examples of optimized trajectories. It is shown that appreciable terminal state altitude gains (2.5-4.0 km) over pure bank angle control may be possible if angle of attack modulation is enabled for Mars entry vehicles. Gains of this magnitude could prove to be enabling for missions requiring high-altitude landing sites. Conclusions are also drawn regarding trends in the bank and angle of attack profiles that produce the optimal trajectories in this study, and directions for future work are identified.

Imaging based refractometers

DOEpatents

Baba, Justin S.

2015-11-24

Refractometers for simultaneously measuring refractive index of a sample over a range or wavelengths of light include dispersive and focusing optical systems. An optical beam including the rang of wavelengths is spectrally spread along a first axis and focused along a second axis so as to be incident to an interface between the sample and a prism at a range of angles of incidence including a critical angle for at least one wavelength. In some cases, the prism can have a triangle, parallelogram, trapezoid, or other shape. In some cases, the optical beam can be reflected off of multiple interfaces between the prism and the sample. An imaging detector is situated to receive the spectrally spread and focused light from the interface and form an image corresponding to angle of incidence as a function of wavelength. One or more critical angles are indentified and corresponding refractive indices are determined.

FTIR spectrometer with solid-state drive system

DOEpatents

Rajic, Slobodan; Seals, Roland D.; Egert, Charles M.

1999-01-01

An FTIR spectrometer (10) and method using a solid-state drive system with thermally responsive members (27) that are subject to expansion upon heating and to contraction upon cooling. Such members (27) are assembled in the device (10) so as to move an angled, reflective surface (22) a small distance. The sample light beam (13) is received at a detector (24) along with a reference light beam (13) and there it is combined into a resulting signal. This allows the "interference" between the two beams to occur for spectral analysis by a processor (29).

System and method for sonic wave measurements using an acoustic beam source

DOEpatents

Vu, Cung Khac; Sinha, Dipen N.; Pantea, Cristian

2015-08-11

A method and system for investigating structure near a borehole are described herein. The method includes generating an acoustic beam by an acoustic source; directing at one or more azimuthal angles the acoustic beam towards a selected location in a vicinity of a borehole; receiving at one or more receivers an acoustic signal, the acoustic signal originating from a reflection or a refraction of the acoustic wave by a material at the selected location; and analyzing the received acoustic signal to characterize features of the material around the borehole.

Adaptive beam tracking and steering via electrowetting-controlled liquid prism

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cheng, JT; Chen, CL

2011-11-07

We report an electrowetting-controlled optofluidic system for adaptive beam tracking and agile steering. With two immiscible fluids in a transparent cell, we can actively control the contact angle along the fluid-fluid-solid tri-junction line and hence the orientation of the fluid-fluid interface via electrowetting. The naturally formed meniscus between the two liquids can function as an optical prism. We have fabricated a liquid prism module with an aperture size of 10 mm -10mm. With 1 wt.% KCl and 1 wt.% Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate added into deionized water, the orientation of the water-silicone oil interface has been modulated between -26 degrees andmore » 26 degrees that can deflect and steer beam within the incidence angle of 0 degrees-15 degrees. The wide-range beam tracking and steering enables the liquid prism work as an electrowetting solar cell. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.3660578]« less

Adaptive beam tracking and steering via electrowetting-controlled liquid prism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Jiangtao; Chen, Chung-Lung

2011-11-01

We report an electrowetting-controlled optofluidic system for adaptive beam tracking and agile steering. With two immiscible fluids in a transparent cell, we can actively control the contact angle along the fluid-fluid-solid tri-junction line and hence the orientation of the fluid-fluid interface via electrowetting. The naturally formed meniscus between the two liquids can function as an optical prism. We have fabricated a liquid prism module with an aperture size of 10 mm × 10mm. With 1 wt. % KCl and 1 wt. % Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate added into deionized water, the orientation of the water-silicone oil interface has been modulated between -26° and 26° that can deflect and steer beam within the incidence angle of 0°-15°. The wide-range beam tracking and steering enables the liquid prism work as an electrowetting solar cell.

An electron beam linear scanning mode for industrial limited-angle nano-computed tomography.

PubMed

Wang, Chengxiang; Zeng, Li; Yu, Wei; Zhang, Lingli; Guo, Yumeng; Gong, Changcheng

2018-01-01

Nano-computed tomography (nano-CT), which utilizes X-rays to research the inner structure of some small objects and has been widely utilized in biomedical research, electronic technology, geology, material sciences, etc., is a high spatial resolution and non-destructive research technique. A traditional nano-CT scanning model with a very high mechanical precision and stability of object manipulator, which is difficult to reach when the scanned object is continuously rotated, is required for high resolution imaging. To reduce the scanning time and attain a stable and high resolution imaging in industrial non-destructive testing, we study an electron beam linear scanning mode of nano-CT system that can avoid mechanical vibration and object movement caused by the continuously rotated object. Furthermore, to further save the scanning time and study how small the scanning range could be considered with acceptable spatial resolution, an alternating iterative algorithm based on ℓ 0 minimization is utilized to limited-angle nano-CT reconstruction problem with the electron beam linear scanning mode. The experimental results confirm the feasibility of the electron beam linear scanning mode of nano-CT system.

An electron beam linear scanning mode for industrial limited-angle nano-computed tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Chengxiang; Zeng, Li; Yu, Wei; Zhang, Lingli; Guo, Yumeng; Gong, Changcheng

2018-01-01

Nano-computed tomography (nano-CT), which utilizes X-rays to research the inner structure of some small objects and has been widely utilized in biomedical research, electronic technology, geology, material sciences, etc., is a high spatial resolution and non-destructive research technique. A traditional nano-CT scanning model with a very high mechanical precision and stability of object manipulator, which is difficult to reach when the scanned object is continuously rotated, is required for high resolution imaging. To reduce the scanning time and attain a stable and high resolution imaging in industrial non-destructive testing, we study an electron beam linear scanning mode of nano-CT system that can avoid mechanical vibration and object movement caused by the continuously rotated object. Furthermore, to further save the scanning time and study how small the scanning range could be considered with acceptable spatial resolution, an alternating iterative algorithm based on ℓ0 minimization is utilized to limited-angle nano-CT reconstruction problem with the electron beam linear scanning mode. The experimental results confirm the feasibility of the electron beam linear scanning mode of nano-CT system.

Beam dynamic simulations of the CLIC crab cavity and implications on the BDS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shinton, I. R. R.; Burt, G.; Glasman, C. J.; Jones, R. M.; Wolski, A.

2011-11-01

The Compact Linear Collider (CLIC) is a proposed electron positron linear collider design aiming to achieve a centre of mass energy of up to 3 TeV. The main accelerating structures in CLIC operate at an X-band frequency of 11.994 GHz with an accelerating gradient of 100 MV/m. The present design requires the beams to collide at a small crossing angle of 10 mrad per line giving a resultant overall crossing angle of 20 mrad. Transverse deflecting cavities, referred to as "Crab cavities", are installed in the beam delivery system (BDS) of linear collider designs in order to ensure the final luminosity at the interaction point (IP) is comparable to that in a head on collision. We utilise the beam tracking code PLACET combined with the beam-beam code GUINEA-PIG to calculate the resulting luminosity at the IP. We follow a similar tuning procedure to that used for the design of the ILC crab cavities and anitcrab cavities. However an unexpected loss in luminosity of 10% was observed for the 20 mrad design was observed. It was discovered that the action of the crab cavities can affect the geometric aberrations resulting from the sextupoles used to correct chromatic effects in the beam delivery system. This has direct consequences regarding the design of the present CLIC BDS.

Integrated wide-angle scanner based on translating a curved mirror of acylindrical shape.

PubMed

Sabry, Yasser M; Khalil, Diaa; Saadany, Bassam; Bourouina, Tarik

2013-06-17

A wide angle microscanning architecture is presented in which the angular deflection is achieved by displacing the principle axis of a curved silicon micromirror of acylindrical shape, with respect to the incident beam optical axis. The micromirror curvature is designed to overcome the possible deformation of the scanned beam spot size during scanning. In the presented architecture, the optical axis of the beam lays in-plane with respect to the substrate opening the door for a completely integrated and self-aligned miniaturized scanner. A micro-optical bench scanning device, based on translating a 200 μm focal length micromirror by an electrostatic comb-drive actuator, is implemented on a silicon chip. The microelectromechanical system has a resonance frequency of 329 Hz and a quality factor of 22. A single-mode optical fiber is used as the optical source and inserted into a micromachined groove fabricated and lithographically aligned with the microbench. Optical deflection angles up to 110 degrees are demonstrated.

Description and evaluation of the CASA dual-Doppler system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martinez, Matthew

2011-12-01

Long range weather surveillance radars are designed for observing weather events for hundreds of kilometers from the radar and operate over a large coverage domain independently of weather conditions. As a result a loss in spatial resolution and limited temporal sampling of the weather phenomenon occurs. Due to the curvature of the Earth, long-range weather radars tend to make the majority of their precipitation and wind observations in the middle to upper troposphere, resulting in missed features associates with severe weather occurring in the lowest three kilometers of the troposphere. The spacing of long-range weather radars in the United States limits the feasibility of using dual-Doppler wind retrievals that would provide valuable information on the kinematics of weather events to end-users and researchers. The National Science Foundation Center for Collaborative Adapting Sensing of the Atmosphere (CASA) aims to change the current weather sensing model by increasing coverage of the lowest three kilometers of the troposphere by using densely spaced networked short-range weather radars. CASA has deployed a network of these radars in south-western Oklahoma, known as Integrated Project 1 (IP1). The individual radars are adaptively steered by an automated system known as the Meteorological Command and Control (MCC). The geometry of the IP1 network is such that the coverage domains of the individual radars are overlapping. A dual-Doppler system has been developed for the IP1 network which takes advantage of the overlapping coverage domains. The system is comprised of two subsystems, scan optimization and wind field retrieval. The scan strategy subsystem uses the DCAS model and the number of dual-Doppler pairs in the IP1 network to minimizes the normalized standard deviation in the wind field retrieval. The scan strategy subsystem also minimizes the synchronization error between two radars. The retrieval itself is comprised of two steps, data resampling and the retrieval process. The resampling step map data collected in radar coordinates to a common Cartesian grid. The retrieval process uses the radial velocity measurements to estimate the northward, eastward, and vertical component of the wind. The error in the retrieval is related to the beam crossing angle. The best retrievals occur at beam crossing angles greater than 30 degrees. During operations statistics on the scan strategy and wind field retrievals are collected in real-time. For the scan strategy subsystem statistics on the beam crossing angels, maximum elevation angle, number of elevation angles, maximum observable height, and synchronization time between radars in a pair are collected by the MCC. These statistics are used to evaluate the performance of the scan strategy subsystem. Observations of a strong wind event occurring on April 2, 2010 are used to evaluate the decision process associated with the scan strategy optimization. For the retrieval subsystem, the normalized standard deviation for the wind field retrieval is used to evaluate the quality of the retrieval. Wind fields from an EF2 tornado observed on May 14, 2009 are used to evaluate the quality of the wind field retrievals in hazardous wind events. Two techniques for visualizing vector fields are available, streamlines and arrows. Each visualization technique is evaluated based on the task of visualizing small and large scale phenomenon. Applications of the wind field retrievals include the computation of the vorticity and divergence fields. Vorticity and divergence for an EF2 tornado observed on May 14, 2009 are evaluated against vorticity and divergence for other observed tornadoes.

Extreme-UV lithography condenser

DOEpatents

Sweatt, William C.; Sweeney, Donald W.; Shafer, David; McGuire, James

2001-01-01

Condenser system for use with a ringfield camera in projection lithography where the condenser includes a series of segments of a parent aspheric mirror having one foci at a quasi-point source of radiation and the other foci at the radius of a ringfield have all but one or all of their beams translated and rotated by sets of mirrors such that all of the beams pass through the real entrance pupil of a ringfield camera about one of the beams and fall onto the ringfield radius as a coincident image as an arc of the ringfield. The condenser has a set of correcting mirrors with one of the correcting mirrors of each set, or a mirror that is common to said sets of mirrors, from which the radiation emanates, is a concave mirror that is positioned to shape a beam segment having a chord angle of about 25 to 85 degrees into a second beam segment having a chord angle of about 0 to 60 degrees.

Scanning pattern angle effect on the resulting properties of selective laser sintered monolayers of Cu-Sn-Ni powder

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sabelle, Matías; Walczak, Magdalena; Ramos-Grez, Jorge

2018-01-01

Laser-based layer manufacturing of metals, also known as additive manufacturing, is a growing research field of academic and industrial interest. However, in the associated laser-driven processes (i.e. selective laser sintering (SLS) or melting (SLM)), optimization of some parameters has not been fully explored. This research aims at determining how the angle of laser scanning pattern (i.e. build orientation) in SLS affects the mechanical properties and structure of an individual Cu-Sn-Ni alloy metallic layer sintered in the process. Experiments consist in varying the angle of the scanning pattern (0°, 30°, 45° 60° and 90° relative to the transverse dimension of the piece), at constant scanning speed and laser beam power, producing specimens of different thicknesses. A noticeable effect of the scan angle on the mechanical strength and degree of densification of the sintered specimens is found. Thickness of the resulting monolayer correlates negatively with increasing scan angle, whereas relative density correlates positively. A minimum porosity and maximum UTS are found at the angle of 60°. It is concluded that angle of the scanning pattern angle plays a significant role in SLS of metallic monolayers.

A new beam emission polarimetry diagnostic for measuring the magnetic field line angle at the plasma edge of ASDEX Upgrade.

PubMed

Viezzer, E; Dux, R; Dunne, M G

2016-11-01

A new edge beam emission polarimetry diagnostic dedicated to the measurement of the magnetic field line angle has been installed on the ASDEX Upgrade tokamak. The new diagnostic relies on the motional Stark effect and is based on the simultaneous measurement of the polarization direction of the linearly polarized π (parallel to the electric field) and σ (perpendicular to the electric field) lines of the Balmer line D α . The technical properties of the system are described. The calibration procedures are discussed and first measurements are presented.

A new beam emission polarimetry diagnostic for measuring the magnetic field line angle at the plasma edge of ASDEX Upgrade

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Viezzer, E., E-mail: eleonora.viezzer@ipp.mpg.de, E-mail: eviezzer@us.es; Department of Atomic, Molecular, and Nuclear Physics, University of Seville, Avda. Reina Mercedes, 41012 Seville; Dux, R.

2016-11-15

A new edge beam emission polarimetry diagnostic dedicated to the measurement of the magnetic field line angle has been installed on the ASDEX Upgrade tokamak. The new diagnostic relies on the motional Stark effect and is based on the simultaneous measurement of the polarization direction of the linearly polarized π (parallel to the electric field) and σ (perpendicular to the electric field) lines of the Balmer line D{sub α}. The technical properties of the system are described. The calibration procedures are discussed and first measurements are presented.

A fast optimization approach for treatment planning of volumetric modulated arc therapy.

PubMed

Yan, Hui; Dai, Jian-Rong; Li, Ye-Xiong

2018-05-30

Volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) is widely used in clinical practice. It not only significantly reduces treatment time, but also produces high-quality treatment plans. Current optimization approaches heavily rely on stochastic algorithms which are time-consuming and less repeatable. In this study, a novel approach is proposed to provide a high-efficient optimization algorithm for VMAT treatment planning. A progressive sampling strategy is employed for beam arrangement of VMAT planning. The initial beams with equal-space are added to the plan in a coarse sampling resolution. Fluence-map optimization and leaf-sequencing are performed for these beams. Then, the coefficients of fluence-maps optimization algorithm are adjusted according to the known fluence maps of these beams. In the next round the sampling resolution is doubled and more beams are added. This process continues until the total number of beams arrived. The performance of VMAT optimization algorithm was evaluated using three clinical cases and compared to those of a commercial planning system. The dosimetric quality of VMAT plans is equal to or better than the corresponding IMRT plans for three clinical cases. The maximum dose to critical organs is reduced considerably for VMAT plans comparing to those of IMRT plans, especially in the head and neck case. The total number of segments and monitor units are reduced for VMAT plans. For three clinical cases, VMAT optimization takes < 5 min accomplished using proposed approach and is 3-4 times less than that of the commercial system. The proposed VMAT optimization algorithm is able to produce high-quality VMAT plans efficiently and consistently. It presents a new way to accelerate current optimization process of VMAT planning.

Development of a novel optimization tool for electron linacs inspired by artificial intelligence techniques in video games

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meier, E.; Biedron, S. G.; LeBlanc, G.; Morgan, M. J.

2011-03-01

This paper reports the results of an advanced algorithm for the optimization of electron beam parameters in Free Electron Laser (FEL) Linacs. In the novel approach presented in this paper, the system uses state of the art developments in video games to mimic an operator's decisions to perform an optimization task when no prior knowledge, other than constraints on the actuators is available. The system was tested for the simultaneous optimization of the energy spread and the transmission of the Australian Synchrotron Linac. The proposed system successfully increased the transmission of the machine from 90% to 97% and decreased the energy spread of the beam from 1.04% to 0.91%. Results of a control experiment performed at the new FERMI@Elettra FEL is also reported, suggesting the adaptability of the scheme for beam-based control.

Grid-translation beam deflection systems for 5-cm and 30-cm diameter Kaufman thrusters.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lathem, W. C.

1972-01-01

A 5-cm grid translation mechanism has been developed capable of 10-deg beam deflection. A 2026-hour endurance test was run at a preset 10-deg deflection angle, and an extrapolated lifetime of better than 10,000 hours was obtained. Response time data for grid translation are presented. Preliminary results for a 30-cm diameter system are given, and results of a theoretical analysis of a dished grid system are discussed.

Grid-translation beam deflection systems for 5-cm and 30-cm diameter Kaufman thrusters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lathem, W. C.

1972-01-01

A 5-cm grid translation mechanism has been developed capable of 10 deg beam deflection. A 2026-hour endurance test was run at a preset 10 deg deflection angle and an extrapolated lifetime of better than 10,000 hours obtained. Response time data for grid translation are presented. Preliminary results for a 30-cm diameter system are given and results of a theoretical analysis of a dished grid system are discussed.

Quantitative analysis of beam delivery parameters and treatment process time for proton beam therapy.

PubMed

Suzuki, Kazumichi; Gillin, Michael T; Sahoo, Narayan; Zhu, X Ronald; Lee, Andrew K; Lippy, Denise

2011-07-01

To evaluate patient census, equipment clinical availability, maximum daily treatment capacity, use factor for major beam delivery parameters, and treatment process time for actual treatments delivered by proton therapy systems. The authors have been recording all beam delivery parameters, including delivered dose, energy, range, spread-out Bragg peak widths, gantry angles, and couch angles for every treatment field in an electronic medical record system. We analyzed delivery system downtimes that had been recorded for every equipment failure and associated incidents. These data were used to evaluate the use factor of beam delivery parameters, the size of the patient census, and the equipment clinical availability of the facility. The duration of each treatment session from patient walk-in and to patient walk-out of the treatment room was measured for 82 patients with cancers at various sites. The yearly average equipment clinical availability in the last 3 yrs (June 2007-August 2010) was 97%, which exceeded the target of 95%. Approximately 2200 patients had been treated as of August 2010. The major disease sites were genitourinary (49%), thoracic (25%), central nervous system (22%), and gastrointestinal (2%). Beams have been delivered in approximately 8300 treatment fields. The use factor for six beam delivery parameters was also evaluated. Analysis of the treatment process times indicated that approximately 80% of this time was spent for patient and equipment setup. The other 20% was spent waiting for beam delivery and beam on. The total treatment process time can be expressed by a quadratic polynomial of the number of fields per session. The maximum daily treatment capacity of our facility using the current treatment processes was estimated to be 133 +/- 35 patients. This analysis shows that the facility has operated at a high performance level and has treated a large number of patients with a variety of diseases. The use factor of beam delivery parameters varies by disease site. Further improvements in efficiency may be realized in the equipment- and patient-related processes of treatment.

Speckle-metric-optimization-based adaptive optics for laser beam projection and coherent beam combining.

PubMed

Vorontsov, Mikhail; Weyrauch, Thomas; Lachinova, Svetlana; Gatz, Micah; Carhart, Gary

2012-07-15

Maximization of a projected laser beam's power density at a remotely located extended object (speckle target) can be achieved by using an adaptive optics (AO) technique based on sensing and optimization of the target-return speckle field's statistical characteristics, referred to here as speckle metrics (SM). SM AO was demonstrated in a target-in-the-loop coherent beam combining experiment using a bistatic laser beam projection system composed of a coherent fiber-array transmitter and a power-in-the-bucket receiver. SM sensing utilized a 50 MHz rate dithering of the projected beam that provided a stair-mode approximation of the outgoing combined beam's wavefront tip and tilt with subaperture piston phases. Fiber-integrated phase shifters were used for both the dithering and SM optimization with stochastic parallel gradient descent control.

Depth-encoded dual beam phase-resolved Doppler OCT for Doppler-angle-independent flow velocity measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qian, Jie; Cheng, Wei; Cao, Zhaoyuan; Chen, Xinjian; Mo, Jianhua

2017-02-01

Phase-resolved Doppler optical coherence tomography (PR-D-OCT) is a functional OCT imaging technique that can provide high-speed and high-resolution depth-resolved measurement on flow in biological materials. However, a common problem with conventional PR-D-OCT is that this technique often measures the flow motion projected onto the OCT beam path. In other words, it needs the projection angle to extract the absolute velocity from PR-D-OCT measurement. In this paper, we proposed a novel dual-beam PR-D-OCT method to measure absolute flow velocity without separate measurement on the projection angle. Two parallel light beams are created in sample arm and focused into the sample at two different incident angles. The images produced by these two beams are encoded to different depths in single B-scan. Then the Doppler signals picked up by the two beams together with the incident angle difference can be used to calculate the absolute velocity. We validated our approach in vitro on an artificial flow phantom with our home-built 1060 nm swept source OCT. Experimental results demonstrated that our method can provide an accurate measurement of absolute flow velocity with independency on the projection angle.

Dependences of mucosal dose on photon beams in head-and-neck intensity-modulated radiation therapy: a Monte Carlo study

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chow, James C.L., E-mail: james.chow@rmp.uhn.on.ca; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario; Department of Physics, Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario

2012-07-01

Dependences of mucosal dose in the oral or nasal cavity on the beam energy, beam angle, multibeam configuration, and mucosal thickness were studied for small photon fields using Monte Carlo simulations (EGSnrc-based code), which were validated by measurements. Cylindrical mucosa phantoms (mucosal thickness = 1, 2, and 3 mm) with and without the bone and air inhomogeneities were irradiated by the 6- and 18-MV photon beams (field size = 1 Multiplication-Sign 1 cm{sup 2}) with gantry angles equal to 0 Degree-Sign , 90 Degree-Sign , and 180 Degree-Sign , and multibeam configurations using 2, 4, and 8 photon beams inmore » different orientations around the phantom. Doses along the central beam axis in the mucosal tissue were calculated. The mucosal surface doses were found to decrease slightly (1% for the 6-MV photon beam and 3% for the 18-MV beam) with an increase of mucosal thickness from 1-3 mm, when the beam angle is 0 Degree-Sign . The variation of mucosal surface dose with its thickness became insignificant when the beam angle was changed to 180 Degree-Sign , but the dose at the bone-mucosa interface was found to increase (28% for the 6-MV photon beam and 20% for the 18-MV beam) with the mucosal thickness. For different multibeam configurations, the dependence of mucosal dose on its thickness became insignificant when the number of photon beams around the mucosal tissue was increased. The mucosal dose with bone was varied with the beam energy, beam angle, multibeam configuration and mucosal thickness for a small segmental photon field. These dosimetric variations are important to consider improving the treatment strategy, so the mucosal complications in head-and-neck intensity-modulated radiation therapy can be minimized.« less

Monte Carlo study and design of system for implementation of Rotational Total Skin Electron Irradiation technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ansari, M.; Abbasi Davani, F.; Lamehi Rashti, M.; Monadi, Sh.; Emami, H.

2018-05-01

Total skin electron irradiation technique is used in treatment of the mycosis fungoid. The implementation of this technique requires non-standard measurements and complex dosimetry methods. Depending on the linear accelerator (Linac) type, bunker size, room dimensions and dosimetry equipment, the design of instruments for appropriate set up and implementation of TSEI in different radiation therapy centers varies. The studies which have been done in this article provide an introduction to the implementing of this method for the first time in Iran and its results can be used for the centers with similar specifications in the world. This article determined the electron beam characteristic of TSEI for the only electron accelerator, located at the radiation center of the Seyed Alshohada Hospital of Isfahan (NEPTUN 10PC), by performing Monte Carlo simulations and using EGSnrc-based codes (BEAMnrc and DOSXYZnrc). For the best uniformity of the vertical profile, the optimal angle of gantry was defined at SSD=350 cm. The effect of the degrader plane that is located at a distance of 20 cm from the patient surface, was evaluated on the amount of energy reduction of the beam, the opening of the electron beam field and the homogeneity of the dose distribution. The transversal dose distribution from the whole treatment with Stanford technique (six dual fields) and Rotational technique was simulated in a CT-based anthropomorphic phantom. Also, the percentage depth dose in the head, neck, thorax, abdomen and legs was obtained for both methods. The simulation results show that the 20o angle between the horizontal and the beam central axis is optimal in order to provide the best vertical dose uniformity. The mean energy decreases from 6.1 MeV (the exit window) to 3 MeV (the treatment surface) by placing a degrader with 0.8 cm thickness in front of the treatment plane. FWHM of the angular distribution of the electron beam increased from 15o at SSD=100 cm to more than 30o on the treatment surface by traversing the PMMA degrader. The MC calculated percentage depth dose curves in different organs of anthropomorphic phantom for RTSEI indicates that the depth of maximum dose is on the surface of the phantom and Isodose curve of 80% is formed at a depth less than 4 mm. the results also show, with the degrader plane in front of the patient, the degree of homogeneity of the dose distribution for both Stanford and rotational techniques is the same.

THz-pump and X-ray-probe sources based on an electron linac

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Setiniyaz, Sadiq; Park, Seong Hee; Kim, Hyun Woo; Vinokurov, Nikolay A.; Jang, Kyu-Ha; Lee, Kitae; Baek, In Hyung; Jeong, Young Uk

2017-11-01

We describe a compact THz-pump and X-ray-probe beamline, based on an electron linac, for ultrafast time-resolved diffraction applications. Two high-energy electron (γ > 50) bunches, 5 ns apart, impinge upon a single-foil or multifoil radiator and generate THz radiation and X-rays simultaneously. The THz pulse from the first bunch is synchronized to the X-ray beam of the second bunch by using an adjustable optical delay of a THz pulse. The peak power of THz radiation from the multifoil radiator is estimated to be 0.14 GW for a 200 pC well-optimized electron bunch. GEANT4 simulations show that a carbon foil with a thickness of 0.5-1.0 mm has the highest yield of 10-20 keV hard X-rays for a 25 MeV beam, which is approximately 103 photons/(keV pC-electrons) within a few degrees of the polar angle. A carbon multifoil radiator with 35 foils (25 μm thick each) can generate close to 103 hard X-rays/(keV pC-electrons) within a 2° acceptance angle. With 200 pC charge and a 100 Hz repetition rate, we can generate 107 X-rays per 1 keV energy bin per second or 105 X-rays per 1 keV energy bin per pulse. The longitudinal time profile of an X-ray pulse ranges from 400 to 600 fs depending on the acceptance angle. The broadening of the time duration of an X-ray pulse is observed owing to its diverging effect. A double-crystal monochromator will be used to select and transport the desired X-rays to the sample. The heating of the radiators by an electron beam is negligible because of the low beam current.

Measurement and interpretation of electron angle at mabe beam stop

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sanford, T.W.L.; Coleman, P.D.; Poukey, J.W.

1985-10-01

This analysis shows that radiation measurements combined with a sophisticated simulation provides a simple but powerful tool for estimating beam temperature in intense pulsed annular electron-beam accelerators. Specifically, the mean angle of incidence of a 60 kA, 7 MeV annular electron-beam at the beam stop of the MABE accelerator and the transverse beam temperature are determined. The angle is extracted by comparing dose profiles measured downstream of the stop with that expected from a simulation of the electron/photon transport in the stop. By calculating and removing the effect on the trajectories due to the change in electric field near themore » stop, the beam temperature is determined. Such measurements help give insight to beam generation and propagation within the accelerator.« less

Effect of the incidence angle to free space optical communication based on cat-eye modulating retro-reflector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Lai-xian; Sun, Hua-yan; Zhao, Yan-zhong; Zheng, Yong-hui; Shan, Cong-miao

2013-08-01

Based on the cat-eye effect of optical system, free space optical communication based on cat-eye modulating retro-reflector can build communication link rapidly. Compared to classical free space optical communication system, system based on cat-eye modulating retro-reflector has great advantages such as building communication link more rapidly, a passive terminal is smaller, lighter and lower power consuming. The incident angle is an important factor of cat-eye effect, so it will affect the retro-reflecting communication link. In this paper, the principle and work flow of free space optical communication based on cat-eye modulating retro-reflector were introduced. Then, using the theory of geometric optics, the equivalent model of modulating retro-reflector with incidence angle was presented. The analytical solution of active area and retro-reflected light intensity of cat-eye modulating retro-reflector were given. Noise of PIN photodetector was analyzed, based on which, bit error rate of free space optical communication based on cat-eye modulating retro-reflector was presented. Finally, simulations were done to study the effect of incidence angle to the communication. The simulation results show that the incidence angle has little effect on active area and retro-reflected light intensity when the incidence beam is in the active field angle of cat-eye modulating retro-reflector. With certain system and condition, the communication link can rapidly be built when the incidence light beam is in the field angle, and the bit error rate increases greatly with link range. When link range is smaller than 35Km, the bit error rate is less than 10-16.

Neutron beam optimization based on a 7Li(p,n)7Be reaction for treatment of deep-seated brain tumors by BNCT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zahra Ahmadi, Ganjeh; S. Farhad, Masoudi

2014-10-01

Neutron beam optimization for accelerator-based Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) is investigated using a 7Li(p,n)7Be reaction. Design and optimization have been carried out for the target, cooling system, moderator, filter, reflector, and collimator to achieve a high flux of epithermal neutron and satisfy the IAEA criteria. Also, the performance of the designed beam in tissue is assessed by using a simulated Snyder head phantom. The results show that the optimization of the collimator and reflector is critical to finding the best neutron beam based on the 7Li(p,n)7Be reaction. Our designed beam has 2.49×109n/cm2s epithermal neutron flux and is suitable for BNCT of deep-seated brain tumors.

Diffraction measurements using the LHC Beam Loss Monitoring System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalliokoski, Matti

2017-03-01

The Beam Loss Monitoring (BLM) system of the Large Hadron Collider protects the machine from beam induced damage by measuring the absorbed dose rates of beam losses, and by triggering beam dump if the rates increase above the allowed threshold limits. Although the detection time scales are optimized for multi-turn losses, information on fast losses can be recovered from the loss data. In this paper, methods in using the BLM system in diffraction studies are discussed.

Three-parameter error analysis method based on rotating coordinates in rotating birefringent polarizer system

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cao, Junjie; Jia, Hongzhi, E-mail: hzjia@usst.edu.cn

2015-11-15

We propose error analysis using a rotating coordinate system with three parameters of linearly polarized light—incidence angle, azimuth angle on the front surface, and angle between the incidence and vibration planes—and demonstrate the method on a rotating birefringent prism system. The transmittance and angles are calculated plane-by-plane using a birefringence ellipsoid model and the final transmitted intensity equation is deduced. The effects of oblique incidence, light interference, beam convergence, and misalignment of the rotation and prism axes are discussed. We simulate the entire error model using MATLAB and conduct experiments based on a built polarimeter. The simulation and experimental resultsmore » are consistent and demonstrate the rationality and validity of this method.« less

Optimization methodology for the global 10 Hz orbit feedback in RHIC

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, Chuyu; Hulsart, R.; Mernick, K.

To combat beam oscillations induced by triplet vibrations at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC), a global orbit feedback system was developed and applied at injection and top energy in 2011, and during beam acceleration in 2012. Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) was employed to determine the strengths and currents of the applied corrections. The feedback algorithm was optimized for different magnetic configurations (lattices) at fixed beam energies and during beam acceleration. While the orbit feedback performed well since its inception, corrector current transients and feedback-induced beam oscillations were observed during the polarized proton program in 2015. In this paper, wemore » present the feedback algorithm, the optimization of the algorithm for various lattices and the solution adopted to mitigate the observed current transients during beam acceleration.« less

Optimization methodology for the global 10 Hz orbit feedback in RHIC

DOE PAGES

Liu, Chuyu; Hulsart, R.; Mernick, K.; ...

2018-05-08

To combat beam oscillations induced by triplet vibrations at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC), a global orbit feedback system was developed and applied at injection and top energy in 2011, and during beam acceleration in 2012. Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) was employed to determine the strengths and currents of the applied corrections. The feedback algorithm was optimized for different magnetic configurations (lattices) at fixed beam energies and during beam acceleration. While the orbit feedback performed well since its inception, corrector current transients and feedback-induced beam oscillations were observed during the polarized proton program in 2015. In this paper, wemore » present the feedback algorithm, the optimization of the algorithm for various lattices and the solution adopted to mitigate the observed current transients during beam acceleration.« less

Design of collimating and rearrangement systems of laser diode array beam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Runmei; Fang, Tao; Fu, Rulian; Yao, Jianquan

2015-10-01

To improve the laser diode output beam quality, micro-cylindrical lens and the step-type lens combination are designed. The former is used to collimate beam in fast-axis direction, while the latter plays a role in the slow-axis of splitting and the rearrangement. The micro-column semi-elliptical lens is made with the drops of spherical zoom lensin electric field and with the help of the material properties of light-cured production, which can reduce the reflection of the front surface and total reflection loss of the after. The divergence angle in the fast axis is compressed to roughly the same as that in the slow-axis direction; Stepped lens splits compressed long strip beam in the slow axis, with parallelogram style of level equidistant and rearrange in the fast axis direction. The spot in the slow axis gets smaller and the spot becomes larger in the fast axis. At last divergence angle and the beam spot achieve balanced in the fast axis and slow axis, optical parameters BPP integrates approximate the same, and beam quality can be improved.

Secondary radiation measurements for particle therapy applications: nuclear fragmentation produced by 4He ion beams in a PMMA target.

PubMed

Marafini, M; Paramatti, R; Pinci, D; Battistoni, G; Collamati, F; De Lucia, E; Faccini, R; Frallicciardi, P M; Mancini-Terracciano, C; Mattei, I; Muraro, S; Piersanti, L; Rovituso, M; Rucinski, A; Russomando, A; Sarti, A; Sciubba, A; Solfaroli Camillocci, E; Toppi, M; Traini, G; Voena, C; Patera, V

2017-02-21

Nowadays there is a growing interest in particle therapy treatments exploiting light ion beams against tumors due to their enhanced relative biological effectiveness and high space selectivity. In particular promising results are obtained by the use of 4 He projectiles. Unlike the treatments performed using protons, the beam ions can undergo a fragmentation process when interacting with the atomic nuclei in the patient body. In this paper the results of measurements performed at the Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy center are reported. For the first time the absolute fluxes and the energy spectra of the fragments-protons, deuterons, and tritons-produced by 4 He ion beams of 102, 125 and 145 MeV u -1 energies on a poly-methyl methacrylate target were evaluated at different angles. The obtained results are particularly relevant in view of the necessary optimization and review of the treatment planning software being developed for clinical use of 4 He beams in clinical routine and the relative bench-marking of Monte Carlo algorithm predictions.

Secondary radiation measurements for particle therapy applications: nuclear fragmentation produced by 4He ion beams in a PMMA target

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marafini, M.; Paramatti, R.; Pinci, D.; Battistoni, G.; Collamati, F.; De Lucia, E.; Faccini, R.; Frallicciardi, P. M.; Mancini-Terracciano, C.; Mattei, I.; Muraro, S.; Piersanti, L.; Rovituso, M.; Rucinski, A.; Russomando, A.; Sarti, A.; Sciubba, A.; Solfaroli Camillocci, E.; Toppi, M.; Traini, G.; Voena, C.; Patera, V.

2017-02-01

Nowadays there is a growing interest in particle therapy treatments exploiting light ion beams against tumors due to their enhanced relative biological effectiveness and high space selectivity. In particular promising results are obtained by the use of 4He projectiles. Unlike the treatments performed using protons, the beam ions can undergo a fragmentation process when interacting with the atomic nuclei in the patient body. In this paper the results of measurements performed at the Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy center are reported. For the first time the absolute fluxes and the energy spectra of the fragments—protons, deuterons, and tritons—produced by 4He ion beams of 102, 125 and 145 MeV u-1 energies on a poly-methyl methacrylate target were evaluated at different angles. The obtained results are particularly relevant in view of the necessary optimization and review of the treatment planning software being developed for clinical use of 4He beams in clinical routine and the relative bench-marking of Monte Carlo algorithm predictions.

Optimized x-ray source scanning trajectories for iterative reconstruction in high cone-angle tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kingston, Andrew M.; Myers, Glenn R.; Latham, Shane J.; Li, Heyang; Veldkamp, Jan P.; Sheppard, Adrian P.

2016-10-01

With the GPU computing becoming main-stream, iterative tomographic reconstruction (IR) is becoming a com- putationally viable alternative to traditional single-shot analytical methods such as filtered back-projection. IR liberates one from the continuous X-ray source trajectories required for analytical reconstruction. We present a family of novel X-ray source trajectories for large-angle CBCT. These discrete (sparsely sampled) trajectories optimally fill the space of possible source locations by maximising the degree of mutually independent information. They satisfy a discrete equivalent of Tuy's sufficiency condition and allow high cone-angle (high-flux) tomog- raphy. The highly isotropic nature of the trajectory has several advantages: (1) The average source distance is approximately constant throughout the reconstruction volume, thus avoiding the differential-magnification artefacts that plague high cone-angle helical computed tomography; (2) Reduced streaking artifacts due to e.g. X-ray beam-hardening; (3) Misalignment and component motion manifests as blur in the tomogram rather than double-edges, which is easier to automatically correct; (4) An approximately shift-invariant point-spread-function which enables filtering as a pre-conditioner to speed IR convergence. We describe these space-filling trajectories and demonstrate their above-mentioned properties compared with a traditional helical trajectories.

Micro X-ray diffraction analysis of thin films using grazing-exit conditions.

PubMed

Noma, T; Iida, A

1998-05-01

An X-ray diffraction technique using a hard X-ray microbeam for thin-film analysis has been developed. To optimize the spatial resolution and the surface sensitivity, the X-ray microbeam strikes the sample surface at a large glancing angle while the diffracted X-ray signal is detected with a small (grazing) exit angle. Kirkpatrick-Baez optics developed at the Photon Factory were used, in combination with a multilayer monochromator, for focusing X-rays. The focused beam size was about 10 x 10 micro m. X-ray diffraction patterns of Pd, Pt and their layered structure were measured. Using a small exit angle, the signal-to-background ratio was improved due to a shallow escape depth. Under the grazing-exit condition, the refraction effect of diffracted X-rays was observed, indicating the possibility of surface sensitivity.

Low-energy beam transport studies supporting the spallation neutron source 1-MW beam operation.

PubMed

Han, B X; Kalvas, T; Tarvainen, O; Welton, R F; Murray, S N; Pennisi, T R; Santana, M; Stockli, M P

2012-02-01

The H(-) injector consisting of a cesium enhanced RF-driven ion source and a 2-lens electrostatic low-energy beam transport (LEBT) system supports the spallation neutron source 1 MW beam operation with ∼38 mA beam current in the linac at 60 Hz with a pulse length of up to ∼1.0 ms. In this work, two important issues associated with the low-energy beam transport are discussed: (1) inconsistent dependence of the post-radio frequency quadrupole accelerator beam current on the ion source tilt angle and (2) high power beam losses on the LEBT electrodes under some off-nominal conditions compromising their reliability.

Muon tomography imaging improvement using optimized limited angle data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bai, Chuanyong; Simon, Sean; Kindem, Joel; Luo, Weidong; Sossong, Michael J.; Steiger, Matthew

2014-05-01

Image resolution of muon tomography is limited by the range of zenith angles of cosmic ray muons and the flux rate at sea level. Low flux rate limits the use of advanced data rebinning and processing techniques to improve image quality. By optimizing the limited angle data, however, image resolution can be improved. To demonstrate the idea, physical data of tungsten blocks were acquired on a muon tomography system. The angular distribution and energy spectrum of muons measured on the system was also used to generate simulation data of tungsten blocks of different arrangement (geometry). The data were grouped into subsets using the zenith angle and volume images were reconstructed from the data subsets using two algorithms. One was a distributed PoCA (point of closest approach) algorithm and the other was an accelerated iterative maximal likelihood/expectation maximization (MLEM) algorithm. Image resolution was compared for different subsets. Results showed that image resolution was better in the vertical direction for subsets with greater zenith angles and better in the horizontal plane for subsets with smaller zenith angles. The overall image resolution appeared to be the compromise of that of different subsets. This work suggests that the acquired data can be grouped into different limited angle data subsets for optimized image resolution in desired directions. Use of multiple images with resolution optimized in different directions can improve overall imaging fidelity and the intended applications.

Agile wide-angle beam steering with electrowetting microprisms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, Neil R.; Abeysinghe, Don C.; Haus, Joseph W.; Heikenfeld, Jason

2006-07-01

A novel basis for beam steering with electrowetting microprisms (EMPs) is reported. EMPs utilize electrowetting modulation of liquid contact angle in order to mimic the refractive behavior for various classical prism geometries. Continuous beam steering through an angle of 14° (±7°) has been demonstrated with a liquid index of n=1.359. Experimental results are well-matched to theoretical behavior up to the point of electrowetting contact-angle saturation. Projections show that use of higher index liquids (n~1.6) will result in steering through ~30° (±15°). Fundamental factors defining achievable deflection range, and issues for Ladar use, are reviewed. This approach is capable of good switching speed (~ms), polarization independent operation, modulation of beam field-of-view (lensing), and high steering efficiency that is independent of deflection angle.

Dynamic statistical optimization of GNSS radio occultation bending angles: advanced algorithm and performance analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Y.; Kirchengast, G.; Scherllin-Pirscher, B.; Norman, R.; Yuan, Y. B.; Fritzer, J.; Schwaerz, M.; Zhang, K.

2015-08-01

We introduce a new dynamic statistical optimization algorithm to initialize ionosphere-corrected bending angles of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-based radio occultation (RO) measurements. The new algorithm estimates background and observation error covariance matrices with geographically varying uncertainty profiles and realistic global-mean correlation matrices. The error covariance matrices estimated by the new approach are more accurate and realistic than in simplified existing approaches and can therefore be used in statistical optimization to provide optimal bending angle profiles for high-altitude initialization of the subsequent Abel transform retrieval of refractivity. The new algorithm is evaluated against the existing Wegener Center Occultation Processing System version 5.6 (OPSv5.6) algorithm, using simulated data on two test days from January and July 2008 and real observed CHAllenging Minisatellite Payload (CHAMP) and Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate (COSMIC) measurements from the complete months of January and July 2008. The following is achieved for the new method's performance compared to OPSv5.6: (1) significant reduction of random errors (standard deviations) of optimized bending angles down to about half of their size or more; (2) reduction of the systematic differences in optimized bending angles for simulated MetOp data; (3) improved retrieval of refractivity and temperature profiles; and (4) realistically estimated global-mean correlation matrices and realistic uncertainty fields for the background and observations. Overall the results indicate high suitability for employing the new dynamic approach in the processing of long-term RO data into a reference climate record, leading to well-characterized and high-quality atmospheric profiles over the entire stratosphere.

Measurement and interpretation of electron angle at MABE beam stop

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sanford, T. W. L.; Coleman, P. D.; Poukey, J. W.

1985-02-01

The mean angle of incidence at the beam stop of a 60 kA, 7 MV annular electron beam, in the 20 kG guide field of the MABE accelerator, was determined. Radiation dose measured in TLD arrays mounted downstream of the stop is compared with the radiation dose expected using a CYLTRAN Monte Carlo simulation of the electron/photon transport in the stop as a function of incident angles and energies. All radiation profiles measured are well fit, if the electrons are assumed to be incident with a polar angle theta of 15(0) + or - 2(0). A comparison of theta with that expected from the Adler-Miller model, and a MAGIC code simulation of beam behavior at the stop enables the mean transverse beam velocity to be estimated.

Measurement of electron angle at MABE beam stop

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sanford, T.W.L.; Coleman, P.D.; Poukey, J.W.

1984-01-01

The mean angle of incidence at the beam stop of a 60 KA, 7 MV annular electron beam, in the 20 kg guide field of the MABE accelerator, is determined. Radiation measured in TLD arrays mounted downstream of the stop is compared with the radiation expected using a CYLTRAN Monte Carlo simulation of the electron/photon transport in the stop as a function of incident angles and energies. All radiation profiles measured are well fit, if the electrons are assumed to be incident with a polar angle theta of 15/sup 0/ +- 2/sup 0/. Comparing theta with that expected from themore » Adler-Miller model, and a MAGIC code simulation of beam behavior at the stop enables the mean transverse beam velocity to be estimated.« less

Design of an omnidirectional single-point photodetector for large-scale spatial coordinate measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Hongbo; Mao, Chensheng; Ren, Yongjie; Zhu, Jigui; Wang, Chao; Yang, Lei

2017-10-01

In high precision and large-scale coordinate measurement, one commonly used approach to determine the coordinate of a target point is utilizing the spatial trigonometric relationships between multiple laser transmitter stations and the target point. A light receiving device at the target point is the key element in large-scale coordinate measurement systems. To ensure high-resolution and highly sensitive spatial coordinate measurement, a high-performance and miniaturized omnidirectional single-point photodetector (OSPD) is greatly desired. We report one design of OSPD using an aspheric lens, which achieves an enhanced reception angle of -5 deg to 45 deg in vertical and 360 deg in horizontal. As the heart of our OSPD, the aspheric lens is designed in a geometric model and optimized by LightTools Software, which enables the reflection of a wide-angle incident light beam into the single-point photodiode. The performance of home-made OSPD is characterized with working distances from 1 to 13 m and further analyzed utilizing developed a geometric model. The experimental and analytic results verify that our device is highly suitable for large-scale coordinate metrology. The developed device also holds great potential in various applications such as omnidirectional vision sensor, indoor global positioning system, and optical wireless communication systems.

Dependence of reflection and transmission of soliton on angle of incidence at an interface between chalcogenide fibre and gallium nanoparticle film by phase plane trajectories

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Naruka, Preeti, E-mail: preety-naruka@Yyahoo.co.in; Bissa, Shivangi; Nagar, A. K.

In the present paper, we study propagation of a soliton at an interface formed between special type of chalcogenide fibre and gallium in three different phases with the help of equivalent particle theory. Critical angle of incidence and critical power required for transmission and reflection of soliton beam have investigated. Here it is found that if the incident angle of the beam or initial velocity of the equivalent particle is insufficient to overcome the maximum increase in potential energy then the particle (light beam) is reflected by the interface and if this incident angle is greater than a critical anglemore » then light beam will be transmitted by the interface. From an equation these critical angles for α-gallium, one of a metastable phase and liquid gallium are calculated and concluded that at large incident angles, the soliton is transmitted through the boundary, whereas at small incidence angles the soliton get reflected on keeping the power of incident beam constant. These results are explained by phase plane trajectories of the effective potential which are experimentally as well as theoretically proved.« less

Diffractive beam shaping for enhanced laser polymer welding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rauschenberger, J.; Vogler, D.; Raab, C.; Gubler, U.

2015-03-01

Laser welding of polymers increasingly finds application in a large number of industries such as medical technology, automotive, consumer electronics, textiles or packaging. More and more, it replaces other welding technologies for polymers, e. g. hot-plate, vibration or ultrasonic welding. At the same rate, demands on the quality of the weld, the flexibility of the production system and on processing speed have increased. Traditionally, diode lasers were employed for plastic welding with flat-top beam profiles. With the advent of fiber lasers with excellent beam quality, the possibility to modify and optimize the beam profile by beam-shaping elements has opened. Diffractive optical elements (DOE) can play a crucial role in optimizing the laser intensity profile towards the optimal M-shape beam for enhanced weld seam quality. We present results on significantly improved weld seam width constancy and enlarged process windows compared to Gaussian or flat-top beam profiles. Configurations in which the laser beam diameter and shape can be adapted and optimized without changing or aligning the laser, fiber-optic cable or optical head are shown.

A FDTD solution of scattering of laser beam with orbital angular momentum by dielectric particles: Far-field characteristics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Wenbo; Hu, Yongxiang; Weimer, Carl; Ayers, Kirk; Baize, Rosemary R.; Lee, Tsengdar

2017-02-01

Electromagnetic (EM) beams with orbital angular momentum (OAM) may have great potential applications in communication technology and in remote sensing of the Earth-atmosphere system and outer planets. Study of their interaction with optical lenses and dielectric or metallic objects, or scattering of them by particles in the Earth-atmosphere system, is a necessary step to explore the advantage of the OAM EM beams. In this study, the 3-dimensional (3D) scattered-field (SF) finite-difference time domain (FDTD) technique with the convolutional perfectly matched layer (CPML) absorbing boundary conditions (ABC) is applied to calculate the scattering of the purely azimuthal (the radial mode number is assumed to be zero) Laguerre-Gaussian (LG) beams with the OAM by dielectric particles. We found that for OAM beam's interaction with dielectric particles, the forward-scattering peak in the conventional phase function (P11) disappears, and light scattering peak occurs at a scattering angle of 15° to 45°. The disappearance of forward-scattering peak means that, in laser communications most of the particle-scattered noise cannot enter the receiver, thus the received light is optimally the original OAM-encoded signal. This feature of the OAM beam also implies that in lidar remote sensing of the atmospheric particulates, most of the multiple-scattering energy will be off lidar sensors, and this may result in an accurate profiling of particle layers in the atmosphere or in the oceans by lidar, or even in the ground when a ground penetration radar (GPR) with the OAM is applied. This far-field characteristics of the scattered OAM light also imply that the optical theorem, which is derived from plane-parallel wave scattering case and relates the forward scattering amplitude to the total cross section of the scatterer, is invalid for the scattering of OAM beams by dielectric particles.

SU-E-I-56: Scan Angle Reduction for a Limited-Angle Intrafraction Verification (LIVE) System

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ren, L; Zhang, Y; Yin, F

Purpose: To develop a novel adaptive reconstruction strategy to further reduce the scanning angle required by the limited-angle intrafraction verification (LIVE) system for intrafraction verification. Methods: LIVE acquires limited angle MV projections from the exit fluence of the arc treatment beam or during gantry rotation between static beams. Orthogonal limited-angle kV projections are also acquired simultaneously to provide additional information. LIVE considers the on-board 4D-CBCT images as a deformation of the prior 4D-CT images, and solves the deformation field based on deformation models and data fidelity constraint. LIVE reaches a checkpoint after a limited-angle scan, and reconstructs 4D-CBCT for intrafractionmore » verification at the checkpoint. In adaptive reconstruction strategy, a larger scanning angle of 30° is used for the first checkpoint, and smaller scanning angles of 15° are used for subsequent checkpoints. The onboard images reconstructed at the previous adjacent checkpoint are used as the prior images for reconstruction at the current checkpoint. As the algorithm only needs to reconstruct the small deformation occurred between adjacent checkpoints, projections from a smaller scan angle provide enough information for the reconstruction. XCAT was used to simulate tumor motion baseline drift of 2mm along sup-inf direction at every subsequent checkpoint, which are 15° apart. Adaptive reconstruction strategy was used to reconstruct the images at each checkpoint using orthogonal 15° kV and MV projections. Results: Results showed that LIVE reconstructed the tumor volumes accurately using orthogonal 15° kV-MV projections. Volume percentage differences (VPDs) were within 5% and center of mass shifts (COMS) were within 1mm for reconstruction at all checkpoints. Conclusion: It's feasible to use an adaptive reconstruction strategy to further reduce the scan angle needed by LIVE to allow faster and more frequent intrafraction verification to minimize the treatment errors in lung cancer treatments. Grant from Varian Medical System.« less

Integrating respiratory gating into a megavoltage cone-beam CT system

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chang Jenghwa; Sillanpaa, Jussi; Ling, Clifton C.

2006-07-15

We have previously described a low-dose megavoltage cone beam computed tomography (MV CBCT) system capable of producing projection image using one beam pulse. In this study, we report on its integration with respiratory gating for gated radiotherapy. The respiratory gating system tracks a reflective marker on the patient's abdomen midway between the xiphoid and umbilicus, and disables radiation delivery when the marker position is outside predefined thresholds. We investigate two strategies for acquiring gated scans. In the continuous rotation-gated acquisition, the linear accelerator (LINAC) is set to the fixed x-ray mode and the gantry makes a 5 min, 360 deg.continuousmore » rotation, during which the gating system turns the radiation beam on and off, resulting in projection images with an uneven distribution of projection angles (e.g., in 70 arcs each covering 2 deg.). In the gated rotation-continuous acquisition, the LINAC is set to the dynamic arc mode, which suspends the gantry rotation when the gating system inhibits the beam, leading to a slightly longer (6-7 min) scan time, but yielding projection images with more evenly distributed projection angles (e.g., {approx}0.8 deg.between two consecutive projection angles). We have tested both data acquisition schemes on stationary (a contrast detail and a thoracic) phantoms and protocol lung patients. For stationary phantoms, a separate motion phantom not visible in the images is used to trigger the RPM system. Frame rate is adjusted so that approximately 450 images (13 MU) are acquired for each scan and three-dimensional tomographic images reconstructed using a Feldkamp filtered backprojection algorithm. The gated rotation-continuous acquisition yield reconstructions free of breathing artifacts. The tumor in parenchymal lung and normal tissues are easily discernible and the boundary between the diaphragm and the lung sharply defined. Contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) is not degraded relative to nongated scans of stationary phantoms. The continuous rotation-gated acquisition scan also yields tomographic images with discernible anatomic features; however, streak artifacts are observed and CNR is reduced by approximately a factor of 4. In conclusion, we have successfully developed a gated MV CBCT system to verify the patient positioning for gated radiotherapy.« less

A small-angle x-ray scattering system with a vertical layout

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Zhen; Chen, Xiaowei; Meng, Lingpu

A small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) system with a vertical layout (V-SAXS) has been designed and constructed for in situ detection on nanostructures, which is well suitable for in situ study on self-assembly of nanoparticles at liquid interface and polymer processing. A steel-tower frame on a reinforced basement is built as the supporting skeleton for scattering beam path and detector platform, ensuring the system a high working stability and a high operating accuracy. A micro-focus x-ray source combining parabolic three-dimensional multi-layer mirror and scatteringless collimation system provides a highly parallel beam, which allows us to detect the very small angle range.more » With a sample-to-detector distance of 7 m, the largest measurable length scale is 420 nm in real space. With a large sample zone, it is possible to install different experimental setups such as film stretching machine, which makes the system perfect to follow the microstructures evolution of materials during processing. The capability of the V-SAXS on in situ study is tested with a drying experiment of a free latex droplet, which confirms our initial design.« less

High-throughput and automated SAXS/USAXS experiment for industrial use at BL19B2 in SPring-8

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Osaka, Keiichi, E-mail: k-osaka@spring8.or.jp; Inoue, Daisuke; Sato, Masugu

A highly automated system combining a sample transfer robot with focused SR beam has been established for small-angle and ultra small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS/USAXS) measurement at BL19B2 for industrial use of SPring-8. High-throughput data collection system can be realized by means of X-ray beam of high photon flux density concentrated by a cylindrical mirror, and a two-dimensional pixel detector PILATUS-2M. For SAXS measurement, we can obtain high-quality data within 1 minute for one exposure using this system. The sample transfer robot has a capacity of 90 samples with a large variety of shapes. The fusion of high-throughput and robotic systemmore » has enhanced the usability of SAXS/USAXS capability for industrial application.« less

Development of a simultaneous SANS / FTIR measuring system and its application to polymer cocrystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaneko, F.; Seto, N.; Sato, S.; Radulescu, A.; Schiavone, M. M.; Allgaier, J.; Ute, K.

2016-09-01

In order to provide plenty of structure information which would assist in the analysis and interpretation of small angle neutron scattering (SANS) profile, a novel method for the simultaneous time-resolved measurement of SANS and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has been developed. The method was realized by building a device consisting of a portable FTIR spectrometer and an optical system equipped with two aluminum coated quartz plates that are fully transparent to neutron beams but play as mirrors for infrared radiation. The optical system allows both a neutron beam and an infrared beam pass through the same position of a test specimen coaxially. The device was installed on a small angle neutron diffractometer, KWS2 of the Jülich Centre for Neutron Science (JCNS) outstation at Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Center (MLZ) in Garching, Germany. In order to check the performance of this simultaneous measuring system, the structural changes in the cocrystals of syndiotactic polystyrene during the course of heating were followed. It has been confirmed that FTIR spectra measured in parallel are able to provide information about the behavior of each component and also useful to grasp in real time what is actually happening in the sample system.

Stationary Digital Tomosynthesis System for Early Detection of Breast Tumors

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-05-01

Vol. 5745. 2005. 14. Y. Zhang, et al., A comparative study of limited-angle cone-beam reconstruction methods 505 for breast tomosynthesis. Med...opening angl em integratio designed line nia Dimension determine the try calibration th the detector ain is sent fro between XC urce not fou here...screening mammography. AJR, 2007. 189: p. 616. 12. P. Baldelli, et al., A prototype of a quasi-monochromatic system for mammography applications . Phys

A study of optical design and optimization applied to lens module of laser beam shaping of advanced modern optical device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsai, Cheng-Mu; Fang, Yi-Chin; Chen, Zhen Hsiang

2011-10-01

This study used the aspheric lens to realize the laser flat-top optimization, and applied the genetic algorithm (GA) to find the optimal results. Using the characteristics of aspheric lens to obtain the optimized high quality Nd: YAG 355 waveband laser flat-top optical system, this study employed the Light tools LDS (least damped square) and the GA of artificial intelligence optimization method to determine the optimal aspheric coefficient and obtain the optimal solution. This study applied the aspheric lens with GA for the flattening of laser beams using two aspheric lenses in the aspheric surface optical system to complete 80% spot narrowing under standard deviation of 0.6142.

Single-mode waveguides for GRAVITY. I. The cryogenic 4-telescope integrated optics beam combiner

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perraut, K.; Jocou, L.; Berger, J. P.; Chabli, A.; Cardin, V.; Chamiot-Maitral, G.; Delboulbé, A.; Eisenhauer, F.; Gambérini, Y.; Gillessen, S.; Guieu, S.; Guerrero, J.; Haug, M.; Hausmann, F.; Joulain, F.; Kervella, P.; Labeye, P.; Lacour, S.; Lanthermann, C.; Lapras, V.; Le Bouquin, J. B.; Lippa, M.; Magnard, Y.; Moulin, T.; Noël, P.; Nolot, A.; Patru, F.; Perrin, G.; Pfuhl, O.; Pocas, S.; Poulain, S.; Scibetta, C.; Stadler, E.; Templier, R.; Ventura, N.; Vizioz, C.; Amorim, A.; Brandner, W.; Straubmeier, C.

2018-06-01

Context. Within the framework of the second-generation instrumentation of the Very Large Telescope Interferometer of the European Southern Observatory we have developed the four-telescope beam combiner in integrated optics. Aims: We optimized the performance of such beam combiners, for the first time in the near-infrared K band, for the GRAVITY instrument dedicated to the study of the close environment of the galactic centre black hole by precision narrow-angle astrometry and interferometric imaging. Methods: We optimized the design of the integrated optics chip and the manufacturing technology as well, to fulfil the very demanding throughput specification. We also designed an integrated optics assembly able to operate at 200 K in the GRAVITY cryostat to reduce thermal emission. Results: We manufactured about 50 beam combiners by silica-on-silicon etching technology. We glued the best combiners to single-mode fluoride fibre arrays that inject the VLTI light into the integrated optics beam combiners. The final integrated optics assemblies have been fully characterized in the laboratory and through on-site calibrations: their global throughput over the K band is higher than 55% and the instrumental contrast reaches more than 95% in polarized light, which is well within the GRAVITY specifications. Conclusions: While integrated optics technology is known to be mature enough to provide efficient and reliable beam combiners for astronomical interferometry in the H band, we managed to successfully extend it to the longest wavelengths of the K band and to manufacture the most complex integrated optics beam combiner in this specific spectral band.

Electro-optic high voltage sensor

DOEpatents

Davidson, James R.; Seifert, Gary D.

2002-01-01

A small sized electro-optic voltage sensor capable of accurate measurement of high levels of voltages without contact with a conductor or voltage source is provided. When placed in the presence of an electric field, the sensor receives an input beam of electromagnetic radiation into the sensor. A polarization beam displacer serves as a filter to separate the input beam into two beams with orthogonal linear polarizations. The beam displacer is oriented in such a way as to rotate the linearly polarized beams such that they enter a Pockels crystal having at a preferred angle of 45 degrees. The beam displacer is therefore capable of causing a linearly polarized beam to impinge a crystal at a desired angle independent of temperature. The Pockels electro-optic effect induces a differential phase shift on the major and minor axes of the input beam as it travels through the Pockels crystal, which causes the input beam to be elliptically polarized. A reflecting prism redirects the beam back through the crystal and the beam displacer. On the return path, the polarization beam displacer separates the elliptically polarized beam into two output beams of orthogonal linear polarization representing the major and minor axes. The system may include a detector for converting the output beams into electrical signals, and a signal processor for determining the voltage based on an analysis of the output beams. The output beams are amplitude modulated by the frequency of the electric field and the amplitude of the output beams is proportional to the magnitude of the electric field, which is related to the voltage being measured.

Ponderomotive phase plate for transmission electron microscopes

DOEpatents

Reed, Bryan W [Livermore, CA

2012-07-10

A ponderomotive phase plate system and method for controllably producing highly tunable phase contrast transfer functions in a transmission electron microscope (TEM) for high resolution and biological phase contrast imaging. The system and method includes a laser source and a beam transport system to produce a focused laser crossover as a phase plate, so that a ponderomotive potential of the focused laser crossover produces a scattering-angle-dependent phase shift in the electrons of the post-sample electron beam corresponding to a desired phase contrast transfer function.

TH-EF-BRB-03: Significant Cord and Esophagus Dose Reduction by 4π Non-Coplanar Spine Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy and Stereotactic Radiosurgery

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yu, V; Tran, A; Nguyen, D

Purpose: To demonstrate significant organ-at-risk (OAR) sparing achievable with 4π non-coplanar radiotherapy on spine SBRT and SRS patients. Methods: Twenty-five stereotactic spine cases previously treated with VMAT (n = 23) or IMRT (n = 2) were included in this study. A computer-aided-design model of a Linac with a 3D-scanned human surface was utilized to determine the feasible beam space throughout the 4π steradian and beam specific source-to-target-distances (STD) required for collision avoidance. 4π radiotherapy plans integrating beam orientation and fluence map optimization were then created using a column-generation algorithm. Twenty optimal beams were selected for each case. To evaluate themore » tradeoff between dosimetric benefit and treatment complexity, 4π plans including only isocentrically deliverable beams were also created. Beam angles of all standard and isocentric 4π plans were imported into Eclipse to recalculate the dose using the same calculation engine as the clinical plans for unbiased comparison. OAR and PTV dose statistics for the clinical, standard-4π, and isocentric-4π plans were compared. Results: Comparing standard-4π to clinical plans, particularly significant average percent reduction in the [mean, maximum] dose of the cord and esophagus of [41%, 21.7%], and [38.7%, 36.4%] was observed, along with global decrease in all other OAR dose statistics. The average cord volume receiving more than 50% prescription dose was substantially decreased by 76%. In addition, improved PTV coverage was demonstrated with a maximum dose reduction of 0.93% and 1.66% increase in homogeneity index (D95/D5). All isocentric-4π plans achieved dosimetric performance equivalent to that of the standard-4π plans with higher delivery complexity. Conclusion: 4π radiotherapy significantly improves stereotactic spine treatment dosimetry. With the substantial OAR dose sparing, PTV dose escalation is considerably safer. Isocentric-4π is sufficient to achieve the dosimetric gain. The successful implementation of 4π using an FDA approved planning system paves the way for a prospective clinical trial. Varian Medical Systems, NIH R43CA183390 and R01CA188300, NSF graduate research fellowship DGE-1144087.« less

Laser-driven deflection arrangements and methods involving charged particle beams

DOEpatents

Plettner, Tomas [San Ramon, CA; Byer, Robert L [Stanford, CA

2011-08-09

Systems, methods, devices and apparatus are implemented for producing controllable charged particle beams. In one implementation, an apparatus provides a deflection force to a charged particle beam. A source produces an electromagnetic wave. A structure, that is substantially transparent to the electromagnetic wave, includes a physical structure having a repeating pattern with a period L and a tilted angle .alpha., relative to a direction of travel of the charged particle beam, the pattern affects the force of the electromagnetic wave upon the charged particle beam. A direction device introduces the electromagnetic wave to the structure to provide a phase-synchronous deflection force to the charged particle beam.

Measurement and interpretation of electron angle at MABE beam stop

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sanford, T.W.L.; Coleman, P.D.; Poukey, J.W.

1985-01-01

This analysis shows that radiation measurements combined with a sophisticated simulation provides a simple but powerful tool for estimating beam temperature in intense pulsed annular electron-beam accelerators. Specifically, the mean angle of incidence of a 60 kA, 7 MeV annular electron-beam at the beam stop of the MABE accelerator and the transverse beam temperature are determined. The angle is extracted by comparing dose profiles measured downstream of the stop with that expected from a simulation of the electron/photon transport in the stop. By calculating and removing the effect on the trajectories due to the change in electric field near themore » stop, the beam temperature is determined. Such measurements help give insight to beam generation and propagation within the accelerator. 9 refs., 6 figs., 1 tab.« less

RESONEUT: A detector system for spectroscopy with (d,n) reactions in inverse kinematics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baby, L. T.; Kuvin, S. A.; Wiedenhöver, I.; Anastasiou, M.; Caussyn, D.; Colbert, K.; Quails, N.; Gay, D.

2018-01-01

The RESONEUT detector setup is described, which was developed for resonance spectroscopy using (d,n) reactions with radioactive beams in inverse kinematics and at energies around the Coulomb barrier. The goal of experiments with this setup is to determine the spectrum and proton-transfer strengths of the low-lying resonances, which have an impact on astrophysical reaction rates. The setup is optimized for l = 0 proton transfers in inverse kinematics, for which most neutrons are emitted at backward angles with energies in the 80-300 keV range. The detector system is comprised of 9 p-terphenyl scintillators as neutron detectors, two annular silicon-strip detectors for light charged particles, one position-resolving gas ionization chamber for heavy ion detection, and a barrel of NaI-detectors for the detection of γ-rays. The detector commissioning and performance characteristics are described with an emphasis on the neutron-detector components.

Optical system storage design with diffractive optical elements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kostuk, Raymond K.; Haggans, Charles W.

1993-01-01

Optical data storage systems are gaining widespread acceptance due to their high areal density and the ability to remove the high capacity hard disk from the system. In magneto-optical read-write systems, a small rotation of the polarization state in the return signal from the MO media is the signal which must be sensed. A typical arrangement used for detecting these signals and correcting for errors in tracking and focusing on the disk is illustrated. The components required to achieve these functions are listed. The assembly and alignment of this complex system has a direct impact on cost, and also affects the size, weight, and corresponding data access rates. As a result, integrating these optical components and improving packaging techniques is an active area of research and development. Most designs of binary optic elements have been concerned with optimizing grating efficiency. However, rigorous coupled wave models for vector field diffraction from grating surfaces can be extended to determine the phase and polarization state of the diffracted field, and the design of polarization components. A typical grating geometry and the phase and polarization angles associated with the incident and diffracted fields are shown. In our current stage of work, we are examining system configurations which cascade several polarization functions on a single substrate. In this design, the beam returning from the MO disk illuminates a cascaded grating element which first couples light into the substrate, then introduces a quarter wave retardation, then a polarization rotation, and finally separates s- and p-polarized fields through a polarization beam splitter. The input coupler and polarization beam splitter are formed in volume gratings, and the two intermediate elements are zero-order elements.

The motional stark effect with laser-induced fluorescence diagnostic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Foley, E. L.; Levinton, F. M.

2010-05-01

The motional Stark effect (MSE) diagnostic is the worldwide standard technique for internal magnetic field pitch angle measurements in magnetized plasmas. Traditionally, it is based on using polarimetry to measure the polarization direction of light emitted from a hydrogenic species in a neutral beam. As the beam passes through the magnetized plasma at a high velocity, in its rest frame it perceives a Lorentz electric field. This field causes the H-alpha emission to be split and polarized. A new technique under development adds laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) to a diagnostic neutral beam (DNB) for an MSE measurement that will enable radially resolved magnetic field magnitude as well as pitch angle measurements in even low-field (<1 T) experiments. An MSE-LIF system will be installed on the National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX) at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory. It will enable reconstructions of the plasma pressure, q-profile and current as well as, in conjunction with the existing MSE system, measurements of radial electric fields.

Remote steering of laser beams by radar- and laser-induced refractive-index gradients in the atmosphere Remote steering of laser beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheltikov, A. M.; Shneider, M. N.; Voronin, A. A.; Sokolov, A. V.; Scully, M. O.

2012-01-01

Refractive-index gradients induced in the atmospheric air by properly tailored laser and microwave fields are shown to enable a remote steering of laser beams. Heating-assisted modulation of the refractive index of the air by microwave radiation is shown to support small-angle laser-beam bending with bending angles on the order of 10-2. Ionization of the atmospheric air by dyads of femto- and nanosecond laser pulses, on the other hand, can provide beam deflection angles in excess of π/5, offering an attractive strategy for radiation transfer, free-space communications, and laser-based standoff detection.

Simultaneous Multi-angle Observations of Strong Langmuir Turbulence at HAARP

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watanabe, Naomi; Golkowski, Mark; Sheerin, James P.; Watkins, Brenton J.

2015-10-01

We report results from a recent series of experiments employing the HF transmitter of the High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) to generate and study strong Langmuir turbulence (SLT) in the interaction region of overdense ionospheric plasma. The Modular UHF Ionospheric Radar (MUIR) located at the HAARP facility is used as the primary diagnostic. Short pulse, low duty cycle experiments are used to avoid generation of artificial field-aligned irregularities and isolate ponderomotive plasma turbulence effects. The HF pump frequency is close to the 3rd gyro-harmonic frequency and the HF pointing angle and MUIR look angle are between the HF Spitze angle and Magnetic Zenith angle. Plasma line spectra measured simultaneously in different spots of the interaction region display differences dependent on the aspect angle of the HF pump beam in the boresight direction and the pointing angle of the MUIR diagnostic radar. Outshifted Plasma Lines, cascade, collapse, coexistence, spectra are observed in agreement with existing theory and simulation results of Strong Langmuir Turbulence in ionospheric interaction experiments. It is found that SLT at HAARP is most readily observed at a HF pointing angle of 11° and UHF observation angle of 15°, which is consistent with the magnetic zenith effect as documented in previous works and optimal orientation of the refracted HF electric field vector.

Angle amplifier based on multiplexed volume holographic gratings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Liangcai; Zhao, Yifei; He, Qingsheng; Jin, Guofan

2008-03-01

Angle amplifier of laser beam scanner is a widely used device in optical systems. Volume holographic optical elements can be applied in the angle amplifier. Compared with the traditional angle amplifier, it has the advantages of high angle resolution, high diffraction efficiency, small size, and high angle magnification and flexible design. Bragg anglewavelength- compensating recording method is introduced. Because of the Bragg compensatory relation between angle and wavelength, this device could be recorded at another wavelength. The design of the angle amplifier recording at the wavelength of 514.2nm for the working wavelength of 632.8nm is described. An optical setup for recording the angle amplifier device is designed and discussed. Experimental results in the photorefractive crystal Fe:LiNbO 3 demonstrate the feasibility of the angle amplifier scheme.

Measurement and interpretation of electron angle at MABE beam stop

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sanford, T.W.L.; Coleman, P.D.; Poukey, J.W.

1985-02-01

The mean angle of incidence at the beam stop of a 60 kA, 7 MV annular electron beam, in the 20 kG guide field of the MABE accelerator, is determined. Radiation dose measured in TLD arrays mounted downstream of the stop is compared with the radiation dose expected using a CYLTRAN Monte Carlo simulation of the electron/photon transport in the stop as a function of incident angles and energies. All radiation profiles measured are well fit, if the electrons are assumed to be incident with a polar angle theta of 15/sup 0/ +- 2/sup 0/. Comparing this theta with thatmore » expected from the Adler-Miller model, and a MAGIC code simulation of beam behavior at the stop enables the mean transverse beam velocity to be estimated.« less

Study on laser welding of austenitic stainless steel by varying incident angle of pulsed laser beam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Nikhil; Mukherjee, Manidipto; Bandyopadhyay, Asish

2017-09-01

In the present work, AISI 304 stainless steel sheets are laser welded in butt joint configuration using a robotic control 600 W pulsed Nd:YAG laser system. The objective of the work is of twofold. Firstly, the study aims to find out the effect of incident angle on the weld pool geometry, microstructure and tensile property of the welded joints. Secondly, a set of experiments are conducted, according to response surface design, to investigate the effects of process parameters, namely, incident angle of laser beam, laser power and welding speed, on ultimate tensile strength by developing a second order polynomial equation. Study with three different incident angle of laser beam 89.7 deg, 85.5 deg and 83 deg has been presented in this work. It is observed that the weld pool geometry has been significantly altered with the deviation in incident angle. The weld pool shape at the top surface has been altered from semispherical or nearly spherical shape to tear drop shape with decrease in incident angle. Simultaneously, planer, fine columnar dendritic and coarse columnar dendritic structures have been observed at 89.7 deg, 85.5 deg and 83 deg incident angle respectively. Weld metals with 85.5 deg incident angle has higher fraction of carbide and δ-ferrite precipitation in the austenitic matrix compared to other weld conditions. Hence, weld metal of 85.5 deg incident angle achieved higher micro-hardness of ∼280 HV and tensile strength of 579.26 MPa followed by 89.7 deg and 83 deg incident angle welds. Furthermore, the predicted maximum value of ultimate tensile strength of 580.50 MPa has been achieved for 85.95 deg incident angle using the developed equation where other two optimum parameter settings have been obtained as laser power of 455.52 W and welding speed of 4.95 mm/s. This observation has been satisfactorily validated by three confirmatory tests.

Multispectral scanner optical system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stokes, R. C.; Koch, N. G. (Inventor)

1980-01-01

An optical system for use in a multispectral scanner of the type used in video imaging devices is disclosed. Electromagnetic radiation reflected by a rotating scan mirror is focused by a concave primary telescope mirror and collimated by a second concave mirror. The collimated beam is split by a dichroic filter which transmits radiant energy in the infrared spectrum and reflects visible and near infrared energy. The long wavelength beam is filtered and focused on an infrared detector positioned in a cryogenic environment. The short wavelength beam is dispersed by a pair of prisms, then projected on an array of detectors also mounted in a cryogenic environment and oriented at an angle relative to the optical path of the dispersed short wavelength beam.

Suppressing ghost beams: Backlink options for LISA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Isleif, K.-S.; Gerberding, O.; Penkert, D.; Fitzsimons, E.; Ward, H.; Robertson, D.; Livas, J.; Mueller, G.; Reiche, J.; Heinzel, G.; Danzmann, K.

2017-05-01

In this article we discuss possible design options for the optical phase reference system, the so called backlink, between two moving optical benches in a LISA satellite. The candidates are based on two approaches: Fiber backlinks, with additional features like mode cleaning cavities and Faraday isolators, and free beam backlinks with angle compensation techniques. We will indicate dedicated ghost beam mitigation strategies for the design options and we will point out critical aspects in case of an implementation in LISA.

Systems and methods for detecting an image of an object by use of an X-ray beam having a polychromatic distribution

DOEpatents

Parham, Christopher; Zhong, Zhong; Pisano, Etta; Connor, Dean; Chapman, Leroy D.

2010-06-22

Systems and methods for detecting an image of an object using an X-ray beam having a polychromatic energy distribution are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method can include detecting an image of an object. The method can include generating a first X-ray beam having a polychromatic energy distribution. Further, the method can include positioning a single monochromator crystal in a predetermined position to directly intercept the first X-ray beam such that a second X-ray beam having a predetermined energy level is produced. Further, an object can be positioned in the path of the second X-ray beam for transmission of the second X-ray beam through the object and emission from the object as a transmitted X-ray beam. The transmitted X-ray beam can be directed at an angle of incidence upon a crystal analyzer. Further, an image of the object can be detected from a beam diffracted from the analyzer crystal.

Study and optimization of key parameters of a laser ablation ion mobility spectrometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ni, Kai; Li, Jianan; Tang, Binchao; Shi, Yuan; Yu, Quan; Qian, Xiang; Wang, Xiaohao

2016-11-01

Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS), having an advantage in real-time and on-line detection, is an atmospheric pressure detecting technique. LA-IMS (Laser Ablation Ion Mobility Spectrometry) uses Nd-YAG laser as ionization source, whose energy is high enough to ionize metal. In this work, we tested the signal in different electric field intensity by a home-made ion mobility spectrometer, using silicon wafers the sample. The transportation of metal ions was match with the formula: Td = d/K • 1/E, when the electric field intensity is greater than 350v/cm. The relationship between signal intensity and collection angle (the angle between drift tube and the surface of the sample) was studied. With the increasing of the collection angle, signal intensity had a significant increase; while the variation of incident angle of the laser had no significant influence. The signal intensity had a 140% increase when the collection angle varied from 0 to 45 degree, while the angle between the drift tube and incident laser beam keeping the same as 90 degree. The position of ion gate in LA-IMS(Laser Ablation Ion Mobility Spectrometry) is different from the traditional ones for the kinetic energy of the ions is too big, if the distance between ion gate and sampling points less than 2.5cm the ion gate will not work, the ions could go through ion gate when it closed. The SNR had been improved by define the signal when the ion gate is closed as background signal, the signal noise including shock wave and electrical field perturbation produced during the interaction between laser beam and samples is eliminated when the signal that the ion gate opened minus the background signal.

Enabling High Fidelity Measurements of Energy and Pitch Angle for Escaping Energetic Ions with a Fast Ion Loss Detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chaban, R.; Pace, D. C.; Marcy, G. R.; Taussig, D.

2016-10-01

Energetic ion losses must be minimized in burning plasmas to maintain fusion power, and existing tokamaks provide access to energetic ion parameter regimes that are relevant to burning machines. A new Fast Ion Loss Detector (FILD) probe on the DIII-D tokamak has been optimized to resolve beam ion losses across a range of 30 - 90 keV in energy and 40° to 80° in pitch angle, thereby providing valuable measurements during many different experiments. The FILD is a magnetic spectrometer; once inserted into the tokamak, the magnetic field allows energetic ions to pass through a collimating aperture and strike a scintillator plate that is imaged by a wide view camera and narrow view photomultiplier tubes (PMTs). The design involves calculating scintillator strike patterns while varying probe geometry. Calculated scintillator patterns are then used to design an optical system that allows adjustment of the focus regions for the 1 MS/s resolved PMTs. A synthetic diagnostic will be used to determine the energy and pitch angle resolution that can be attained in DIII-D experiments. Work supported in part by US DOE under the Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI) program and under DE-FC02-04ER54698.

Metasurface for multi-channel terahertz beam splitters and polarization rotators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zang, XiaoFei; Gong, HanHong; Li, Zhen; Xie, JingYa; Cheng, QingQing; Chen, Lin; Shkurinov, Alexander P.; Zhu, YiMing; Zhuang, SongLin

2018-04-01

Terahertz beam splitters and polarization rotators are two typical devices with wide applications ranging from terahertz communication to system integration. However, they are faced with severe challenges in manipulating THz waves in multiple channels, which is desirable for system integration and device miniaturization. Here, we propose a method to design ultra-thin multi-channel THz beam splitters and polarization rotators simultaneously. The reflected beams are divided into four beams with nearly the same density under illumination of linear-polarized THz waves, while the polarization of reflected beams in each channel is modulated with a rotation angle or invariable with respect to the incident THz waves, leading to the multi-channel polarization rotator (multiple polarization rotation in the reflective channels) and beam splitter, respectively. Reflective metasurfaces, created by patterning metal-rods with different orientations on a polyimide film, were fabricated and measured to demonstrate these characteristics. The proposed approach provides an efficient way of controlling polarization of THz waves in various channels, which significantly simplifies THz functional devices and the experimental system.

Broadband beam steering using chalcogenide-based Risley prisms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Florea, Catalin; Sanghera, Jasbinder; Aggarwal, Ishwar

2011-03-01

In this paper, we propose using chalcogenide glasses for improved, large-angle, beam steering of infrared radiation, with minimal spectral dispersion and improved thermal performance over wavelength intervals covering the 2 to 12-μm range. For example, we evaluate that full-angle dispersion in the 2 to 5 μm region for LiF/As2S3 combination should be three times smaller than in the case of LiF/ZnS combination. We also evaluate that using the ZnSe/As2Se3 combination will provide twice as small thermal walk-off than a similar ZnS/Ge system in the 8 to 12-μm region.

TU-H-BRC-05: Stereotactic Radiosurgery Optimized with Orthovoltage Beams

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fagerstrom, J; Culberson, W; Bender, E

2016-06-15

Purpose: To achieve improved stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) dose distributions using orthovoltage energy fluence modulation with inverse planning optimization techniques. Methods: A pencil beam model was used to calculate dose distributions from the institution’s orthovoltage unit at 250 kVp. Kernels for the model were derived using Monte Carlo methods as well as measurements with radiochromic film. The orthovoltage photon spectra, modulated by varying thicknesses of attenuating material, were approximated using open-source software. A genetic algorithm search heuristic routine was used to optimize added tungsten filtration thicknesses to approach rectangular function dose distributions at depth. Optimizations were performed for depths of 2.5,more » 5.0, and 7.5 cm, with cone sizes of 8, 10, and 12 mm. Results: Circularly-symmetric tungsten filters were designed based on the results of the optimization, to modulate the orthovoltage beam across the aperture of an SRS cone collimator. For each depth and cone size combination examined, the beam flatness and 80–20% and 90–10% penumbrae were calculated for both standard, open cone-collimated beams as well as for the optimized, filtered beams. For all configurations tested, the modulated beams were able to achieve improved penumbra widths and flatness statistics at depth, with flatness improving between 33 and 52%, and penumbrae improving between 18 and 25% for the modulated beams compared to the unmodulated beams. Conclusion: A methodology has been described that may be used to optimize the spatial distribution of added filtration material in an orthovoltage SRS beam to result in dose distributions at depth with improved flatness and penumbrae compared to standard open cones. This work provides the mathematical foundation for a novel, orthovoltage energy fluence-modulated SRS system.« less

Improvements, upgrades, and plans for Thomson scattering on DIII-D

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carlstrom, T. N.; Du, D.; Glass, F.; Liu, C.; Watkins, M.; McLean, A. G.

2016-10-01

The Thomson scattering diagnostic on DIII-D consists of 3 beam lines that probe vertically, horizontally, and in the divertor region of the tokamak, with 54 spatial locations, edge spatial resolution down to 5 mm, and 10 Nd:YAG lasers. In its 25-year history, the collection lens optics and interference filters degraded and have been replaced, restoring previous performance. In addition, improved calibrations and detector temperature control (+/- 0.1 C) have reduced systematic errors. Cross calibration with the CO2 interferometer and ECE cut-off have improved the density calibration. Improvements to the beam line and lasers have increased the laser energy delivered to the scattering volume in the plasma. Future plans include moving the divertor system to measure regions of high triangularity using in-vessel mirrors to redirect the laser beam; adding a wide angle lens to the horizontal system to view the entire plasma radius near the plasma mid plane; and reversing the direction of the laser beam on the horizontal system to reduce the scattering angle and compressing the spectrum in wavelength space so that higher central Te measurements (<5 KeV) can be made with improved accuracy. Work supported by the US DOE under DE-FC02-04ER54698 and by LLNL under DE-AC52-07NA27344.

Load monitoring of aerospace structures utilizing micro-electro-mechanical systems for static and quasi-static loading conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martinez, M.; Rocha, B.; Li, M.; Shi, G.; Beltempo, A.; Rutledge, R.; Yanishevsky, M.

2012-11-01

The National Research Council Canada (NRC) has worked on the development of structural health monitoring (SHM) test platforms for assessing the performance of sensor systems for load monitoring applications. The first SHM platform consists of a 5.5 m cantilever aluminum beam that provides an optimal scenario for evaluating the ability of a load monitoring system to measure bending, torsion and shear loads. The second SHM platform contains an added level of structural complexity, by consisting of aluminum skins with bonded/riveted stringers, typical of an aircraft lower wing structure. These two load monitoring platforms are well characterized and documented, providing loading conditions similar to those encountered during service. In this study, a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) for acquiring data from triads of gyroscopes, accelerometers and magnetometers is described. The system was used to compute changes in angles at discrete stations along the platforms. The angles obtained from the MEMS were used to compute a second, third or fourth order degree polynomial surface from which displacements at every point could be computed. The use of a new Kalman filter was evaluated for angle estimation, from which displacements in the structure were computed. The outputs of the newly developed algorithms were then compared to the displacements obtained from the linear variable displacement transducers connected to the platforms. The displacement curves were subsequently post-processed either analytically, or with the help of a finite element model of the structure, to estimate strains and loads. The estimated strains were compared with baseline strain gauge instrumentation installed on the platforms. This new approach for load monitoring was able to provide accurate estimates of applied strains and shear loads.

Development of the scintillator-based probe for fast-ion losses in the HL-2A tokamak

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Y. P.; Liu, Yi; Luo, X. B.; Isobe, M.; Yuan, G. L.; Liu, Y. Q.; Hua, Y.; Song, X. Y.; Yang, J. W.; Li, X.; Chen, W.; Li, Y.; Yan, L. W.; Song, X. M.; Yang, Q. W.; Duan, X. R.

2014-05-01

A new scintillator-based lost fast-ion probe (SLIP) has been developed and operated in the HL-2A tokamak [L. W. Yan, X. R. Duan, X. T. Ding, J. Q. Dong, Q. W. Yang, Yi Liu, X. L. Zou, D. Q. Liu, W. M. Xuan, L. Y. Chen, J. Rao, X. M. Song, Y. Huang, W. C. Mao, Q. M. Wang, Q. Li, Z. Cao, B. Li, J. Y. Cao, G. J. Lei, J. H. Zhang, X. D. Li, W. Chen, J. Chen, C. H. Cui, Z. Y. Cui, Z. C. Deng, Y. B. Dong, B. B. Feng, Q. D. Gao, X. Y. Han, W. Y. Hong, M. Huang, X. Q. Ji, Z. H. Kang, D. F. Kong, T. Lan, G. S. Li, H. J. Li, Qing Li, W. Li, Y. G. Li, A. D. Liu, Z. T. Liu, C. W. Luo, X. H. Mao, Y. D. Pan, J. F. Peng, Z. B. Shi, S. D. Song, X. Y. Song, H. J. Sun, A. K. Wang, M. X. Wang, Y. Q. Wang, W. W. Xiao, Y. F. Xie, L. H. Yao, D. L. Yu, B. S. Yuan, K. J. Zhao, G. W. Zhong, J. Zhou, J. C. Yan, C. X. Yu, C. H. Pan, Y. Liu, and the HL-2A Team, Nucl. Fusion 51, 094016 (2011)] to measure the losses of neutral beam ions. The design of the probe is based on the concept of the α-particle detectors on Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR) using scintillator plates. The probe is capable of traveling across an equatorial plane port and sweeping the aperture angle rotationally with respect to the axis of the probe shaft by two step motors, in order to optimize the radial position and the collimator angle. The energy and the pitch angle of the lost fast ions can be simultaneously measured if the two-dimensional image of scintillation light intensity due to the impact of the lost fast ions is detected. Measurements of the fast-ion losses using the probe have been performed during HL-2A neutral beam injection discharges. The clear experimental evidence of enhanced losses of beam ions during disruptions has been obtained by means of the SLIP system. A detailed description of the probe system and the first experimental results are reported.

Development of the scintillator-based probe for fast-ion losses in the HL-2A tokamak

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Y. P., E-mail: zhangyp@swip.ac.cn; Liu, Yi; Yuan, G. L.

A new scintillator-based lost fast-ion probe (SLIP) has been developed and operated in the HL-2A tokamak [L. W. Yan, X. R. Duan, X. T. Ding, J. Q. Dong, Q. W. Yang, Yi Liu, X. L. Zou, D. Q. Liu, W. M. Xuan, L. Y. Chen, J. Rao, X. M. Song, Y. Huang, W. C. Mao, Q. M. Wang, Q. Li, Z. Cao, B. Li, J. Y. Cao, G. J. Lei, J. H. Zhang, X. D. Li, W. Chen, J. Chen, C. H. Cui, Z. Y. Cui, Z. C. Deng, Y. B. Dong, B. B. Feng, Q. D. Gao, X. Y.more » Han, W. Y. Hong, M. Huang, X. Q. Ji, Z. H. Kang, D. F. Kong, T. Lan, G. S. Li, H. J. Li, Qing Li, W. Li, Y. G. Li, A. D. Liu, Z. T. Liu, C. W. Luo, X. H. Mao, Y. D. Pan, J. F. Peng, Z. B. Shi, S. D. Song, X. Y. Song, H. J. Sun, A. K. Wang, M. X. Wang, Y. Q. Wang, W. W. Xiao, Y. F. Xie, L. H. Yao, D. L. Yu, B. S. Yuan, K. J. Zhao, G. W. Zhong, J. Zhou, J. C. Yan, C. X. Yu, C. H. Pan, Y. Liu, and the HL-2A Team , Nucl. Fusion 51, 094016 (2011)] to measure the losses of neutral beam ions. The design of the probe is based on the concept of the α-particle detectors on Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR) using scintillator plates. The probe is capable of traveling across an equatorial plane port and sweeping the aperture angle rotationally with respect to the axis of the probe shaft by two step motors, in order to optimize the radial position and the collimator angle. The energy and the pitch angle of the lost fast ions can be simultaneously measured if the two-dimensional image of scintillation light intensity due to the impact of the lost fast ions is detected. Measurements of the fast-ion losses using the probe have been performed during HL-2A neutral beam injection discharges. The clear experimental evidence of enhanced losses of beam ions during disruptions has been obtained by means of the SLIP system. A detailed description of the probe system and the first experimental results are reported.« less

Design of a modulated orthovoltage stereotactic radiosurgery system.

PubMed

Fagerstrom, Jessica M; Bender, Edward T; Lawless, Michael J; Culberson, Wesley S

2017-07-01

To achieve stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) dose distributions with sharp gradients using orthovoltage energy fluence modulation with inverse planning optimization techniques. A pencil beam model was used to calculate dose distributions from an orthovoltage unit at 250 kVp. Kernels for the model were derived using Monte Carlo methods. A Genetic Algorithm search heuristic was used to optimize the spatial distribution of added tungsten filtration to achieve dose distributions with sharp dose gradients. Optimizations were performed for depths of 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 cm, with cone sizes of 5, 6, 8, and 10 mm. In addition to the beam profiles, 4π isocentric irradiation geometries were modeled to examine dose at 0.07 mm depth, a representative skin depth, for the low energy beams. Profiles from 4π irradiations of a constant target volume, assuming maximally conformal coverage, were compared. Finally, dose deposition in bone compared to tissue in this energy range was examined. Based on the results of the optimization, circularly symmetric tungsten filters were designed to modulate the orthovoltage beam across the apertures of SRS cone collimators. For each depth and cone size combination examined, the beam flatness and 80-20% and 90-10% penumbrae were calculated for both standard, open cone-collimated beams as well as for optimized, filtered beams. For all configurations tested, the modulated beam profiles had decreased penumbra widths and flatness statistics at depth. Profiles for the optimized, filtered orthovoltage beams also offered decreases in these metrics compared to measured linear accelerator cone-based SRS profiles. The dose at 0.07 mm depth in the 4π isocentric irradiation geometries was higher for the modulated beams compared to unmodulated beams; however, the modulated dose at 0.07 mm depth remained <0.025% of the central, maximum dose. The 4π profiles irradiating a constant target volume showed improved statistics for the modulated, filtered distribution compared to the standard, open cone-collimated distribution. Simulations of tissue and bone confirmed previously published results that a higher energy beam (≥ 200 keV) would be preferable, but the 250 kVp beam was chosen for this work because it is available for future measurements. A methodology has been described that may be used to optimize the spatial distribution of added filtration material in an orthovoltage SRS beam to result in dose distributions with decreased flatness and penumbra statistics compared to standard open cones. This work provides the mathematical foundation for a novel, orthovoltage energy fluence-modulated SRS system. © 2017 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Considerations for NSLS-II Synchrotron Radiation Protection When Operating Damping Wigglers at Low Machine Energy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Seletskiy, S.; Podobedov, B.

2015-12-30

The NSLS-II storage ring vacuum chamber, including frontends (FE) and beamlines (BL), is protected from possible damage from synchrotron radiation (SR) emitted from insertion devices (IDs) by a dedicated active interlock system (AIS). The system monitors electron beam position and angle and triggers a beam dump if the beam orbit is outside of the active interlock envelope (AIE). The AIE was calculated under the assumptions of 3 GeV beam energy and ID gaps set to their minimum operating values (i.e. “fully closed”). Recently it was proposed to perform machine studies that would ramp the stored beam energy significantly below themore » nominal operational value of 3 GeV. These studies may potentially include the use of NSLS-II damping wigglers (DWs) for electron beam emittance reduction and control.« less

Energy exchange between a laser beam and charged particles using inverse transition radiation and method for its use

DOEpatents

Kimura, Wayne D.; Romea, Richard D.; Steinhauer, Loren C.

1998-01-01

A method and apparatus for exchanging energy between relativistic charged particles and laser radiation using inverse diffraction radiation or inverse transition radiation. The beam of laser light is directed onto a particle beam by means of two optical elements which have apertures or foils through which the particle beam passes. The two apertures or foils are spaced by a predetermined distance of separation and the angle of interaction between the laser beam and the particle beam is set at a specific angle. The separation and angle are a function of the wavelength of the laser light and the relativistic energy of the particle beam. In a diffraction embodiment, the interaction between the laser and particle beams is determined by the diffraction effect due to the apertures in the optical elements. In a transition embodiment, the interaction between the laser and particle beams is determined by the transition effect due to pieces of foil placed in the particle beam path.

Nonuniformity for rotated beam illumination in directly driven heavy-ion fusion

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Runge, J.; Logan, B.G.

A key issue in heavy-ion beam inertial confinement fusion is target interaction, especially implosion symmetry. In this paper the 2D beam irradiation nonuniformity on the surface of a spherical target is studied. This is a first step to studies of 3D dynamical effects on target implosion. So far non-rotated beams have been studied. Because normal incidence may increase Rayleigh-Taylor instabilities, it has been suggested to rotate beams (to increase average uniformity) and hit the target tangentially. The level of beam irradiation uniformity, beam spill and normal incidence is calculated in this paper. In Mathematica the rotated beams are modeled asmore » an annular integrated Gaussian beam. To simplify the chamber geometry, the illumination scheme is not a 4{pi} system, but the beams are arranged on few polar rings around the target. The position of the beam spot rings is efficiently optimized using the analytical model. The number of rings and beams, rotation radii and widths are studied to optimize uniformity and spilled intensity. The results demonstrate that for a 60-beam system on four rings Peak-To-Valley nonuniformities of under 0.5% are possible.« less

The PADME calorimeters for missing mass dark photon searches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferrarotto, F.

2018-03-01

In this paper we will present the design and expected performance for the Electromagnetic and Small Angle Calorimeters (ECAL, SAC) of the PADME experiment. The design of the calorimeters has been optimized for the detection of the final state γ from the annihilation production (and subsequent "invisible" decay) of a "Dark Photon" produced by a positron beam on a thin, low Z target. Beam tests have been made in 2016 and 2017 at the INFN Frascati National Laboratories Linac Beam Test Facility (BTF) with positron beams of energy 100–400 MeV and results are presented. The PADME experiment will be built at the INFN Frascati National Laboratories by the end of 2017 and will be taking data in 2018 (and possibly also 2019). At the moment the collaboration is composed by the following institutions: INFN Roma and "La Sapienza" University of Roma, INFN Frascati, INFN Lecce and University of Salento, MTA Atomki Debrecen, University of Sofia, Cornell University, U.S. William and Mary College.

Optical activity via Kerr nonlinearity in a spinning chiral medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khan, Anwar Ali; Bacha, Bakht Amin; Khan, Rahmat Ali

2016-11-01

Optical activity is investigated in a chiral medium by employing the four level cascade atomic model, in which the optical responses of the atomic medium are studied with Kerr nonlinearity. Light entering into a chiral medium splits into circular birefringent beams. The angle of divergence between the circular birefringent beams and the polarization states of the two light beams is manipulated with Kerr nonlinearity. In the stationary chiral medium the angle of divergence between the circular birefringent beams is calculated to be 1.3 radian. Furthermore, circular birefringence is optically controlled in a spinning chiral medium, where the maximum rotary photon drag angle for left (right) circularly polarized beam is ±1.1 (±1.5) microradian. The change in the angle of divergence between circular birefringent beams by rotary photon drag is calculated to be 0.4 microradian. The numerical results may help to understand image designing, image coding, discovery of photonic crystals and optical sensing technology.

Real-time adaptive optics testbed to investigate point-ahead angle in pre-compensation of Earth-to-GEO optical communication.

PubMed

Leonhard, Nina; Berlich, René; Minardi, Stefano; Barth, Alexander; Mauch, Steffen; Mocci, Jacopo; Goy, Matthias; Appelfelder, Michael; Beckert, Erik; Reinlein, Claudia

2016-06-13

We explore adaptive optics (AO) pre-compensation for optical communication between Earth and geostationary (GEO) satellites in a laboratory experiment. Thus, we built a rapid control prototyping breadboard with an adjustable point-ahead angle where downlink and uplink can operate both at 1064 nm and 1550 nm wavelength. With our real-time system, beam wander resulting from artificial turbulence was reduced such that the beam hits the satellite at least 66% of the time as compared to merely 3% without correction. A seven-fold increase of the average Strehl ratio to (28 ± 15)% at 18 μrad point-ahead angle leads to a considerable reduction of the calculated fading probability. These results make AO pre-compensation a viable technique to enhance Earth-to-GEO optical communication.

Potential of dosage reduction in cone-beam-computed tomography (CBCT) for radiological diagnostics of the paranasal sinuses.

PubMed

Güldner, C; Ningo, A; Voigt, J; Diogo, I; Heinrichs, J; Weber, R; Wilhelm, T; Fiebich, M

2013-03-01

More than 10 years ago, cone-beam-computed tomography (CBCT) was introduced in ENT radiology. Until now, the focus of research was to evaluate clinical limits of this technique. The aim of this work is the evaluation of specific dosages and the identification of potential optimization in the performance of CBCT of the paranasal sinuses. Based on different tube parameters (tube current, tube voltage, and rotation angles), images of the nose and the paranasal sinuses were taken on a phantom head with the Accu-I-tomo F17 (Morita, Kyoto, Japan). The dosages applied to the lens and parotid gland were measured with OSL dosimetry. The imaging quality was evaluated by independent observers. All datasets were reviewed according to a checklist of surgically important anatomic structures. Even for lowest radiation exposure (4 mA, 76 kV, 180°, computed tomography dosage index (CTDI) = 1.8 mGy), the imaging quality was sufficient. Of course a significant reduction of the imaging quality could be seen, so a reliable mean was set for 4 mA, 84 kV, and 180° rotation angle (CTDI = 2.4 mGy). In this combination, a reduction of 92 % in lens-dose and of 77 % of dosage at the parotid gland was observed in comparison to the maximal possible adjustments (8 mA, 90 kV, 360°, CTDI = 10.9 mGy). There is potential for optimization in CBCT. Changing the rotation angle (180° instead of 360°) leads to a dose reduction of 50 %. Furthermore from clinical point of view in case of chronic rhinosinusitis a relevant reduction of dosage is possible. Therefore, it is necessary to intensify the interdisciplinary discussion about the disease specifics required quality of imaging.

Narrow-stripe broad-area lasers with distributed-feedback surface gratings as brilliant sources for high power spectral beam combining systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Decker, J.; Crump, P.; Fricke, J.; Wenzel, H.; Maaβdorf, A.; Erbert, G.; Tränkle, G.

2014-03-01

Laser systems based on spectral beam combining (SBC) of broad-area (BA) diode lasers are promising tools for material processing applications. However, the system brightness is limited by the in-plane beam param- eter product, BPP, of the BA lasers, which operate with a BPP of < 3mm-mrad. The EU project BRIDLE (www.bridle.eu) is developing novel diode laser sources for such systems, and several technological advances are sought. For increased system brightness and optimal ber-coupling the diode lasers should operate with reduced BPP and vertical far eld angle (95% power content), μV 95. The resulting diode lasers are fabricated as mini- bars for reduced assembly costs. Gratings are integrated into the mini-bar, with each laser stripe emitting at a different wavelength. In this way, each emitter can be directed into a single bre via low-cost dielectric filters. Distributed-feedback narrow-stripe broad-area (DFB-NBA) lasers are promising candidates for these SBC sys- tems. We review here the design process and performance achieved, showing that DFB-NBA lasers with stripe width, W = 30 μm, successfully cut of higher-order lateral modes, improving BPP. Uniform, surface-etched, 80th-order Bragg gratings are used, with weak gratings essential for high e ciency. To date, such DFB-NBA sources operate with < 50% effciency at output power, Pout < 6 W, with BPP < 1.8 mm-mrad and offV 95 36 . The emission wavelength is about 970 nm and the spectral width is < 0.7 nm (95% power). The BPP is half that of a DFB-BA lasers with W = 90 um. We conclude with a review of options for further performance improvements.

Wind measurement system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cliff, W. C.; Huffaker, R. M.; Dahm, W. K.; Thomson, J. A. L.; Lawrence, T. R.; Krause, M. C.; Wilson, D. J. (Inventor)

1976-01-01

A system for remotely measuring vertical and horizontal winds present in discrete volumes of air at selected locations above the ground is described. A laser beam is optically focused in range by a telescope, and the output beam is conically scanned at an angle about a vertical axis. The backscatter, or reflected light, from the ambient particulates in a volume of air, the focal volume, is detected for shifts in wavelength, and from these, horizontal and vertical wind components are computed.

SU-F-T-649: Dosimetric Evaluation of Non-Coplanar Arc Therapy Using a Novel Rotating Gamma Ray System

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Eldib, A; Chibani, O; Jin, L

2016-06-15

Purpose: Stereotactic intra and extra-cranial body radiation therapy has evolved with advances in treatment accuracy, effective radiation dose, and parameters necessary to maximize machine capabilities. Novel gamma systems with a ring type gantry were developed having the ability to perform oblique arcs. The aim of this study is to explore the dosimetric advantages of this new system. Methods: The rotating Gamma system is named CybeRay (Cyber Medical Corp., Xian, China). It has a treatment head of 16 cobalt-60 sources focused to the isocenter, which can rotate 360° on the ring gantry and swing 35° in the superior direction. Treatment plansmore » were generated utilizing our in-house Monte Carlo treatment planning system. A cylindrical phantom was modeled with 2mm voxel size. Dose inside the cylindrical phantom was calculated for coplanar and non-coplanar arcs. Dosimetric differences between CybeRay cobalt beams and CyberKnife 6MV beams were compared in a lung phantom and for previously treated SBRT patients. Results: The full width at half maxima of cross profiles in the S-I direction for the coplanar setup matched the cone sizes, while for the non-coplanar setup, FWHM was larger by 2mm for a 10mm cone and about 5mm for larger cones. In the coronal and sagittal view, coplanar beams showed elliptical shaped isodose lines, while non-coplanar beams showed circular isodose lines. Thus proper selection of the oblique angle and cone size can aid optimal dose matching to the target volume. Comparing a single 5mm cone from CybeRay to that from CyberKnife showed similar penumbra in a lung phantom but CybeRay had significant lower doses beyond lung tissues. Comparable treatment plans were obtained with CybeRay as that from CyberKnife.ConclusionThe noncoplanar multiple source arrangement of CybeRay will be of great clinical benefits for stereotactic intra and extra-cranial radiation therapy.« less

Advanced launch system trajectory optimization using suboptimal control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shaver, Douglas A.; Hull, David G.

1993-01-01

The maximum-final mass trajectory of a proposed configuration of the Advanced Launch System is presented. A model for the two-stage rocket is given; the optimal control problem is formulated as a parameter optimization problem; and the optimal trajectory is computed using a nonlinear programming code called VF02AD. Numerical results are presented for the controls (angle of attack and velocity roll angle) and the states. After the initial rotation, the angle of attack goes to a positive value to keep the trajectory as high as possible, returns to near zero to pass through the transonic regime and satisfy the dynamic pressure constraint, returns to a positive value to keep the trajectory high and to take advantage of minimum drag at positive angle of attack due to aerodynamic shading of the booster, and then rolls off to negative values to satisfy the constraints. Because the engines cannot be throttled, the maximum dynamic pressure occurs at a single point; there is no maximum dynamic pressure subarc. To test approximations for obtaining analytical solutions for guidance, two additional optimal trajectories are computed: one using untrimmed aerodynamics and one using no atmospheric effects except for the dynamic pressure constraint. It is concluded that untrimmed aerodynamics has a negligible effect on the optimal trajectory and that approximate optimal controls should be able to be obtained by treating atmospheric effects as perturbations.

The effect of contact stresses in four-point bend testing of graphite/epoxy and graphite/PMR-15 composite beams

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Binienda, Wieslaw K.; Roberts, Gary D.; Papadopoulos, Demetrios S.

1992-01-01

The results of in-plane four-point bend experiments on unidirectionally reinforced composite beams are presented for graphite/epoxy (T300/934) and graphite/polyimide (G30-500/PMR-15) composites. The maximum load and the location of cracks formed during failure were measured for testpieces with fibers oriented at various angles to the beam axis. Since most of the beams failed near one or more of the load points, the strength of the beams was evaluated in terms of a proposed model, for the local stress distribution. In this model, an exact solution to the problem of a localized contact force acting on a unidirectionally reinforced half plane is used to describe the local stress field. The stress singularity at the load points is treated in a manner similar to the stress singularity at a crack tip in fracture mechanisms problems. Using this approach, the effect of fiber angle and elastic material properties on the strength of the beam is described in terms of a load intensity factor. For fiber angles less than 45 deg from the beam axis, a single crack is initiated near one of the load points at a critical value of the load intensity factor. The critical load intensity factor decreases with the increasing fiber angle. For larger fiber angles, multiple cracks occur at locations both near and away from the load points, and the load intensity factor at failure increases sharply with increasing fiber angle.

Effect of contact stresses in four-point bend testing of graphite/epoxy and graphite/PMR-15 composite beams

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Binienda, W. K.; Roberts, G. D.; Papadopoulos, D. S.

1992-01-01

The results of in-plane four-point bend experiments on unidirectionally reinforced composite beams are presented for graphite/epoxy (T300/934) and graphite/polyimide (G30-500/PMR-15) composites. The maximum load and the location of cracks formed during failure were measured for testpieces with fibers oriented at various angles to the beam axis. Since most of the beams failed near one or more of the load points, the strength of the beams was evaluated in terms of a proposed model for the local stress distribution. In this model, an exact solution to the problem of a localized contact force acting on a unidirectionally reinforced half plane is used to describe the local stress field. The stress singularity at the load points is treated in a manner similar to the stress singularity at a crack tip in fracture mechanisms problems. Using this approach, the effect of fiber angle and elastic material properties on the strength of the beam is described in terms of a load intensity factor. For fiber angles less than 45 deg from the beam axis, a single crack is initiated near one of the load points at a critical value of the load intensity factor. The critical load intensity factor decreases with increasing fiber angle. For larger fiber angles, multiple cracks occur at locations both near and away from the load points, and the load intensity factor at failure increases sharply with increasing fiber angle.

Research on large spatial coordinate automatic measuring system based on multilateral method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miao, Dongjing; Li, Jianshuan; Li, Lianfu; Jiang, Yuanlin; Kang, Yao; He, Mingzhao; Deng, Xiangrui

2015-10-01

To measure the spatial coordinate accurately and efficiently in large size range, a manipulator automatic measurement system which based on multilateral method is developed. This system is divided into two parts: The coordinate measurement subsystem is consists of four laser tracers, and the trajectory generation subsystem is composed by a manipulator and a rail. To ensure that there is no laser beam break during the measurement process, an optimization function is constructed by using the vectors between the laser tracers measuring center and the cat's eye reflector measuring center, then an orientation automatically adjust algorithm for the reflector is proposed, with this algorithm, the laser tracers are always been able to track the reflector during the entire measurement process. Finally, the proposed algorithm is validated by taking the calibration of laser tracker for instance: the actual experiment is conducted in 5m × 3m × 3.2m range, the algorithm is used to plan the orientations of the reflector corresponding to the given 24 points automatically. After improving orientations of some minority points with adverse angles, the final results are used to control the manipulator's motion. During the actual movement, there are no beam break occurs. The result shows that the proposed algorithm help the developed system to measure the spatial coordinates over a large range with efficiency.

Deployment of a multi-link flexible structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Na, Kyung-Su; Kim, Ji-Hwan

2006-06-01

Deployment of a multi-link beam structure undergoing locking is analyzed in the Timoshenko beam theory. In the modeling of the system, dynamic forces are assumed to be torques and restoring forces due to the torsion spring at each joint. Hamilton's principle is used to determine the equations of motion and the finite element method is adopted to analyze the system. Newmark time integration and Newton-Raphson iteration methods are used to solve for the non-linear equations of motion at each time step. The locking at the joints of the multi-link flexible structure is analyzed by the momentum balance method. Numerical results are compared with the previous experimental data. The angles and angular velocities of each joint, tip displacement, and velocity of each link are investigated to study the motions of the links at each time step. To analyze the effect of thickness on the motion of the link, the angle and the tip displacement of each link are compared according to the various slenderness ratios. Additionally, in order to investigate the effect of shear, the tip displacements of a Timoshenko beam are compared with those of an Euler-Bernoulli beam.

Optical solitons in nematic liquid crystals: model with saturation effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borgna, Juan Pablo; Panayotaros, Panayotis; Rial, Diego; de la Vega, Constanza Sánchez F.

2018-04-01

We study a 2D system that couples a Schrödinger evolution equation to a nonlinear elliptic equation and models the propagation of a laser beam in a nematic liquid crystal. The nonlinear elliptic equation describes the response of the director angle to the laser beam electric field. We obtain results on well-posedness and solitary wave solutions of this system, generalizing results for a well-studied simpler system with a linear elliptic equation for the director field. The analysis of the nonlinear elliptic problem shows the existence of an isolated global branch of solutions with director angles that remain bounded for arbitrary electric field. The results on the director equation are also used to show local and global existence, as well as decay for initial conditions with sufficiently small L 2-norm. For sufficiently large L 2-norm we show the existence of energy minimizing optical solitons with radial, positive and monotone profiles.

Theoretical Study of Large-Angle Bending Transport of Microparticles by 2D Acoustic Half-Bessel Beams.

PubMed

Li, Yixiang; Qiu, Chunyin; Xu, Shengjun; Ke, Manzhu; Liu, Zhengyou

2015-08-17

Conventional microparticle transports by light or sound are realized along a straight line. Recently, this limit has been overcome in optics as the growing up of the self-accelerating Airy beams, which are featured by many peculiar properties, e.g., bending propagation, diffraction-free and self-healing. However, the bending angles of Airy beams are rather small since they are only paraxial solutions of the two-dimensional (2D) Helmholtz equation. Here we propose a novel micromanipulation by using acoustic Half-Bessel beams, which are strict solutions of the 2D Helmholtz equation. Compared with that achieved by Airy beams, the bending angle of the particle trajectory attained here is much steeper (exceeding 90(o)). The large-angle bending transport of microparticles, which is robust to complex scattering environment, enables a wide range of applications from the colloidal to biological sciences.

Laser cutting: industrial relevance, process optimization, and laser safety

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haferkamp, Heinz; Goede, Martin; von Busse, Alexander; Thuerk, Oliver

1998-09-01

Compared to other technological relevant laser machining processes, up to now laser cutting is the application most frequently used. With respect to the large amount of possible fields of application and the variety of different materials that can be machined, this technology has reached a stable position within the world market of material processing. Reachable machining quality for laser beam cutting is influenced by various laser and process parameters. Process integrated quality techniques have to be applied to ensure high-quality products and a cost effective use of the laser manufacturing plant. Therefore, rugged and versatile online process monitoring techniques at an affordable price would be desirable. Methods for the characterization of single plant components (e.g. laser source and optical path) have to be substituted by an omnivalent control system, capable of process data acquisition and analysis as well as the automatic adaptation of machining and laser parameters to changes in process and ambient conditions. At the Laser Zentrum Hannover eV, locally highly resolved thermographic measurements of the temperature distribution within the processing zone using cost effective measuring devices are performed. Characteristic values for cutting quality and plunge control as well as for the optimization of the surface roughness at the cutting edges can be deducted from the spatial distribution of the temperature field and the measured temperature gradients. Main influencing parameters on the temperature characteristic within the cutting zone are the laser beam intensity and pulse duration in pulse operation mode. For continuous operation mode, the temperature distribution is mainly determined by the laser output power related to the cutting velocity. With higher cutting velocities temperatures at the cutting front increase, reaching their maximum at the optimum cutting velocity. Here absorption of the incident laser radiation is drastically increased due to the angle between the normal of the cutting front and the laser beam axis. Beneath process optimization and control further work is focused on the characterization of particulate and gaseous laser generated air contaminants and adequate safety precautions like exhaust and filter systems.

Steep, cheap and deep: an ideotype to optimize water and N acquisition by maize root systems.

PubMed

Lynch, Jonathan P

2013-07-01

A hypothetical ideotype is presented to optimize water and N acquisition by maize root systems. The overall premise is that soil resource acquisition is optimized by the coincidence of root foraging and resource availability in time and space. Since water and nitrate enter deeper soil strata over time and are initially depleted in surface soil strata, root systems with rapid exploitation of deep soil would optimize water and N capture in most maize production environments. • THE IDEOTYPE: Specific phenes that may contribute to rooting depth in maize include (a) a large diameter primary root with few but long laterals and tolerance of cold soil temperatures, (b) many seminal roots with shallow growth angles, small diameter, many laterals, and long root hairs, or as an alternative, an intermediate number of seminal roots with steep growth angles, large diameter, and few laterals coupled with abundant lateral branching of the initial crown roots, (c) an intermediate number of crown roots with steep growth angles, and few but long laterals, (d) one whorl of brace roots of high occupancy, having a growth angle that is slightly shallower than the growth angle for crown roots, with few but long laterals, (e) low cortical respiratory burden created by abundant cortical aerenchyma, large cortical cell size, an optimal number of cells per cortical file, and accelerated cortical senescence, (f) unresponsiveness of lateral branching to localized resource availability, and (g) low K(m) and high Vmax for nitrate uptake. Some elements of this ideotype have experimental support, others are hypothetical. Despite differences in N distribution between low-input and commercial maize production, this ideotype is applicable to low-input systems because of the importance of deep rooting for water acquisition. Many features of this ideotype are relevant to other cereal root systems and more generally to root systems of dicotyledonous crops.

Metamaterial Designs for Photovoltaic and IR Focal-Plane-Imaging Array Applications

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-03-01

incident angles above 17 degrees. There also seems to be no Brewster angle (i.e. the angle at which reflection = 0) for the reflection from the MTM...half- space, while glass has as Brewster angle at 56 degrees incident for TM polarized light. 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9...and incident spot beams from an objective lens . The spot beams hitting the detectors are absorbed, but the power of the spot beams falling in between

Measurements of 12C ions beam fragmentation at large angle with an Emulsion Cloud Chamber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alexandrov, A.; De Lellis, G.; Di Crescenzo, A.; Lauria, A.; Montesi, M. C.; Pastore, A.; Patera, V.; Sarti, A.; Tioukov, V.

2017-08-01

Hadron radiotherapy is a powerful technique for the treatment of deep-seated tumours. The physical dose distribution of hadron beams is characterized by a small dose delivered in the entrance channel and a large dose in the Bragg peak area. Fragmentation of the incident particles and struck nuclei occurs along the hadron path. Knowledge of the fragment energies and angular distributions is crucial for the validation of the models used in treatment planning systems. We report on large angle fragmentation measurements of a 400 MeV/n 12C beam impinging on a composite target at the GSI laboratory in Germany. The detector was made of 300 micron thick nuclear emulsion films, with sub-micrometric spatial resolution and large angle track detection capability, interleaved with passive material. Thanks to newly developed techniques in the automated scanning of emulsions it was possible to extend the angular range of detected particles. This resulted in the first measurement of the angular and momentum spectrum for fragments emitted in the range from 34o to 81o.

Variable laser attenuator

DOEpatents

Foltyn, Stephen R.

1988-01-01

The disclosure relates to low loss, high power variable attenuators comprng one or more transmissive and/or reflective multilayer dielectric filters. The attenuator is particularly suitable to use with unpolarized lasers such as excimer lasers. Beam attenuation is a function of beam polarization and the angle of incidence between the beam and the filter and is controlled by adjusting the angle of incidence the beam makes to the filter or filters. Filters are selected in accordance with beam wavelength.

Large angle nonmechanical laser beam steering at 4.6 μm using a digital micromirror device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lindle, James Ryan; Watnik, Abbie T.

2018-02-01

Large angle, nonmechanical beam steering is demonstrated at 4.62 μm using the digital light processing technology. A 42-deg steering range is demonstrated, limited by the field-of-view of the recollimating lens. The measured diffraction efficiency is 8.1% on-axis and falls-off with a sin2 dependence with the steering angle. However, within the 42-deg steering range, the power varied less than 25%. The profile of the steered laser beam is Gaussian with a divergence of 5.2 mrad. Multibeam, randomly addressable beam steering, is also demonstrated.

SU-F-T-434: Development of a Fan-Beam Optical Scanner Using CMOS Array for Small Field Dosimetry

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Brost, E; Warmington, L; Watanabe, Y

Purpose: To design and construct a second generation optical computed tomography (OCT) system using a fan-beam with a CMOS array detector for the 3D dosimetry with polymer gel and radiochromic solid dosimeters. The system was specifically designed for the small field dosimetry. Methods: The optical scanner used a fan-beam laser, which was produced from a collimated red laser beam (λ=620 nm) with a 15-degree laser-line generating lens. The fan-beam was sent through an index-matching bath which holds the sample stage and a sample. The emerging laser light was detected with a 2.54 cm-long CMOS array detector (512 elements). The samplemore » stage rotated through the full 360 degree projection angles at 0.9-degree increments. Each projection was normalized to the unirradiated sample at the projection angle to correct for imperfections in the dosimeter. A larger sample could be scanned by using a motorized mirror and linearly translating the CMOS detector. The height of the sample stage was varied for a full 3D scanning. The image acquisition and motor motion was controlled by a computer. The 3D image reconstruction was accomplished by a fan-beam reconstruction algorithm. All the software was developed inhouse with MATLAB. Results: The scanner was used on both PRESAGE and PAGAT gel dosimeters. Irreconcilable refraction errors were seen with PAGAT because the fan beam laser line refracted away from the detector when the field was highly varying in 3D. With PRESAGE, this type of error was not seen. Conclusion: We could acquire tomographic images of dose distributions by the new OCT system with both polymer gel and radiochromic solid dosimeters. Preliminary results showed that the system was more suited for radiochromic solid dosimeters since the radiochromic dosimeters exhibited minimal refraction and scattering errors. We are currently working on improving the image quality by thorough characterization of the OCT system.« less

Electron Gun and Collector Design for 94 GHz Gyro-amplifiers.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen, K.; Danly, B.; Levush, B.; Blank, M.; True, D.; Felch, K.; Borchard, P.

1997-05-01

The electrical design of the magnetron injection gun and collector for high average power TE_01 gyro-amplifiers has recently been completed using the EGUN(W.B. Herrmannsfeldt, AIP Conf. Proc. 177, pp. 45-58, 1988.) and DEMEOS(R. True, AIP Conf. Proc. 297, pp. 493-499, 1993.) codes. The gun employs an optimized double-anode geometry and a radical cathode cone angle of 500 to achieve superior beam optics that are relatively insensitive to electrode misalignments and field errors. Perpendicular velocity spread of 1.6% at an perpendicular to axial velocity ratio of 1.52 is obtained for a 6 A, 65 kV beam. The 1.28" diameter collector, which also serves as the output waveguide, has an average power density of < 350 W/cm^2 for a 59 kW average power beam. Details will be presented at the conference.

High contrast laser beam collimation testing using two proximately placed holographic optical elements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rajkumar; Dubey, Rajiv; Debnath, Sanjit K.; Chhachhia, D. P.

2018-05-01

Accuracy in laser beam collimation is very important in systems used for precision measurements. The present work reports a technique for collimation testing of laser beams using two proximately placed holographic optical elements (HOEs). The required HOEs are designed and fabricated such that upon illumination with the test beam, they release two laterally sheared wavefronts, at desired angles from the directly transmitted beam, that superimpose each other to generate straight interference fringes. Deviation from the collimation of the test beam results in orientation of these otherwise horizontal fringes. The novelty of this setup comes from the fact that HOEs are lightweight, as well as easy to fabricate as compared to conventional wedge plates used for collimation testing, and generate high contrast fringes compared to other interferometry, holography, Talbot and Moiré based techniques in a compact manner. The proposed technique is experimentally validated by measuring the orientation of fringes by an angle of 16.4° when a collimating lens of focal length 200 mm is defocused by 600 μm. The accuracy in the setting of this collimation position is obtained to be 10 μm.

Proof of concept demonstration for coherent beam pattern measurements of KID detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davis, Kristina K.; Baryshev, Andrey M.; Jellema, Willem; Yates, Stephen J. C.; Ferrari, Lorenza; Baselmans, Jochem J. A.

2016-07-01

Here we summarize the initial results from a complex field radiation pattern measurement of a kinetic inductance detector instrument. These detectors are phase insensitive and have thus been limited to scalar, or amplitude-only, beam measurements. Vector beam scans, of both amplitude and phase, double the information received in comparison to scalar beam scans. Scalar beam measurements require multiple scans at varying distances along the optical path of the receiver to fully constrain the divergence angle of the optical system and locate the primary focus. Vector scans provide this information with a single scan, reducing the total measurement time required for new systems and also limiting the influence of system instabilities. The vector scan can be taken at any point along the optical axis of the system including the near-field, which makes beam measurements possible for large systems at high frequencies where these measurements may be inconceivable to be tested in-situ. Therefore, the methodology presented here should enable common heterodyne analysis for direct detector instruments. In principle, this coherent measurement strategy allows phase dependent analysis to be performed on any direct-detect receiver instrument.

A customized fixation plate with novel structure designed by topological optimization for mandibular angle fracture based on finite element analysis.

PubMed

Liu, Yun-Feng; Fan, Ying-Ying; Jiang, Xian-Feng; Baur, Dale A

2017-11-15

The purpose of this study was to design a customized fixation plate for mandibular angle fracture using topological optimization based on the biomechanical properties of the two conventional fixation systems, and compare the results of stress, strain and displacement distributions calculated by finite element analysis (FEA). A three-dimensional (3D) virtual mandible was reconstructed from CT images with a mimic angle fracture and a 1 mm gap between two bone segments, and then a FEA model, including volume mesh with inhomogeneous bone material properties, three loading conditions and constraints (muscles and condyles), was created to design a customized plate using topological optimization method, then the shape of the plate was referenced from the stress concentrated area on an initial part created from thickened bone surface for optimal calculation, and then the plate was formulated as "V" pattern according to dimensions of standard mini-plate finally. To compare the biomechanical behavior of the "V" plate and other conventional mini-plates for angle fracture fixation, two conventional fixation systems were used: type A, one standard mini-plate, and type B, two standard mini-plates, and the stress, strain and displacement distributions within the three fixation systems were compared and discussed. The stress, strain and displacement distributions to the angle fractured mandible with three different fixation modalities were collected, respectively, and the maximum stress for each model emerged at the mandibular ramus or screw holes. Under the same loading conditions, the maximum stress on the customized fixation system decreased 74.3, 75.6 and 70.6% compared to type A, and 34.9, 34.1, and 39.6% compared to type B. All maximum von Mises stresses of mandible were well below the allowable stress of human bone, as well as maximum principal strain. And the displacement diagram of bony segments indicated the effect of treatment with different fixation systems. The customized fixation system with topological optimized structure has good biomechanical behavior for mandibular angle fracture because the stress, strain and displacement within the plate could be reduced significantly comparing to conventional "one mini-plate" or "two mini-plates" systems. The design methodology for customized fixation system could be used for other fractures in mandible or other bones to acquire better mechanical behavior of the system and improve stable environment for bone healing. And together with SLM, the customized plate with optimal structure could be designed and fabricated rapidly to satisfy the urgent time requirements for treatment.

Optimum shape control of flexible beams by piezo-electric actuators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baz, A.; Poh, S.

1987-01-01

The utilization of piezoelectric actuators in controlling the static deformation and shape of flexible beams is examined. An optimum design procedure is presented to enable the selection of the optimal location, thickness and excitation voltage of the piezoelectric actuators in a way that would minimize the deflection of the beam to which these actuators are bonded. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the application of the developed optimization procedure in minimizing structural deformation of beams using ceramic and polymeric piezoelectric actuators bonded to the beams with a typical bonding agent. The obtained results emphasize the importance of the devised rational produce in designing beam-actuator systems with minimal elastic distortions.

Properties of solar generators with reflectors and radiators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ebeling, W. D.; Rex, D.; Bierfischer, U.

1980-06-01

Radiation cooled concentrator systems using silicon and GaAs cells were studied. The principle of radiation cooling by the reflector surfaces is discussed for cylindrical parabolic reflectors (SARA), truncated hexagonal pyramids, and a small trough configuration. Beam paths, collection properties for imperfect orientation, and thermal optimization parameters were analyzed. The three concentrating systems with radiation cooling offer advantages over the plane panel and over the large trough. With silicon solar cells they exhibit considerably lower solar cell consumption per Kw and also lower mass per kW. With GaAs cells the SARA system reduces the number of solar cells needed per kW to less than 10%. Also in all other cases SARA offers the best values for alpha and F sub sol, as long as narrow angular tolerances of the panel orientation can be met. Analysis of the energy collecting properties for imperfect orientation shows the superiority of the hexagonal concentrator. This device can produce power for even large angles between the sun and the panel normal.

Simulation study of MEMS piezoelectric vibration energy harvester based on c-axis tilted AlN thin film for performance improvement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kong, Lingfeng; Zhang, Jinhui; Wang, Huiyuan; Ma, Shenglin; Li, Fang; Wang, Qing-Ming; Qin, Lifeng

2016-12-01

In this paper, a MEMS piezoelectric cantilevered vibration energy harvester based on c-axis tilted AlN thin film is investigated. Based on basic piezoelectric equations and static analysis of cantilever beam, the equations for generated energy (E) and open circuit voltage (Vo) were derived, and simulations were carried out to study the effects of geometry parameters and c-axis tilted angle. Results show that E and Vo of energy harvesters are greatly dependent on c-axis tilted angle and geometry parameters, while the coupling between c-axis tilted angle and geometry parameters is not strong. For a given structure size, E and Vo can be almost simultaneously improved by controlling c-axis tilted angle; compared with the case of normal c-axis angle, E with optimal c-axis tilted angle can be amplified by more than 3 times, and the Vo is amplified by about 2 times. E or Vo could be further improved by geometry parameters, while there is trade-off between them. These results can be used for the design and application of piezoelectric cantilevered vibration energy harvester.

Optimization, Characterization and Commissioning of a Novel Uniform Scanning Proton Beam Delivery System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mascia, Anthony Edward

Purpose: To develop and characterize the required detectors for uniform scanning optimization and characterization, and to develop the methodology and assess their efficacy for optimizing, characterizing and commissioning a novel proton beam uniform scanning system. Methods and Materials: The Multi Layer Ion Chamber (MLIC), a 1D array of vented parallel plate ion chambers, was developed in-house for measurement of longitudinal profiles. The Matrixx detector (IBA Dosimetry, Germany) and XOmat V film (Kodak, USA) were characterized for measurement of transverse profiles. The architecture of the uniform scanning system was developed and then optimized and characterized for clinical proton radiotherapy. Results: The MLIC detector significantly increased data collection efficiency without sacrificing data quality. The MLIC was capable of integrating an entire scanned and layer stacked proton field with one measurement, producing results with the equivalent spatial sampling of 1.0mm. The Matrixx detector and modified 1D water phantom jig improved data acquisition efficiency and complemented the film measurements. The proximal, central and distal proton field planes were measured using these methods, yielding better than 3% uniformity. The binary range modulator was programmed, optimized and characterized such that the proton field ranges were separated by approximately 5.0mm modulation width and delivered with an accuracy of 1.0mm in water. Several wobbling magnet scan patterns were evaluated and the raster pattern, spot spacing, scan amplitude and overscan margin were optimized for clinical use. Conclusion: Novel detectors and methods are required for clinically efficient optimization and characterization of proton beam scanning systems. Uniform scanning produces proton beam fields that are suited for clinical proton radiotherapy.

A difference-matrix metaheuristic for intensity map segmentation in step-and-shoot IMRT delivery.

PubMed

Gunawardena, Athula D A; D'Souza, Warren D; Goadrich, Laura D; Meyer, Robert R; Sorensen, Kelly J; Naqvi, Shahid A; Shi, Leyuan

2006-05-21

At an intermediate stage of radiation treatment planning for IMRT, most commercial treatment planning systems for IMRT generate intensity maps that describe the grid of beamlet intensities for each beam angle. Intensity map segmentation of the matrix of individual beamlet intensities into a set of MLC apertures and corresponding intensities is then required in order to produce an actual radiation delivery plan for clinical use. Mathematically, this is a very difficult combinatorial optimization problem, especially when mechanical limitations of the MLC lead to many constraints on aperture shape, and setup times for apertures make the number of apertures an important factor in overall treatment time. We have developed, implemented and tested on clinical cases a metaheuristic (that is, a method that provides a framework to guide the repeated application of another heuristic) that efficiently generates very high-quality (low aperture number) segmentations. Our computational results demonstrate that the number of beam apertures and monitor units in the treatment plans resulting from our approach is significantly smaller than the corresponding values for treatment plans generated by the heuristics embedded in a widely use commercial system. We also contrast the excellent results of our fast and robust metaheuristic with results from an 'exact' method, branch-and-cut, which attempts to construct optimal solutions, but, within clinically acceptable time limits, generally fails to produce good solutions, especially for intensity maps with more than five intensity levels. Finally, we show that in no instance is there a clinically significant change of quality associated with our more efficient plans.

Electro-optic high voltage sensor

DOEpatents

Davidson, James R.; Seifert, Gary D.

2003-09-16

A small sized electro-optic voltage sensor capable of accurate measurement of high voltages without contact with a conductor or voltage source is provided. When placed in the presence of an electric field, the sensor receives an input beam of electromagnetic radiation. A polarization beam displacer separates the input beam into two beams with orthogonal linear polarizations and causes one linearly polarized beam to impinge a crystal at a desired angle independent of temperature. The Pockels effect elliptically polarizes the beam as it travels through the crystal. A reflector redirects the beam back through the crystal and the beam displacer. On the return path, the polarization beam displacer separates the elliptically polarized beam into two output beams of orthogonal linear polarization. The system may include a detector for converting the output beams into electrical signals and a signal processor for determining the voltage based on an analysis of the output beams.

Airborne Laser Polar Nephelometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grams, Gerald W.

1973-01-01

A polar nephelometer has been developed at NCAR to measure the angular variation of the intensity of light scattered by air molecules and particles. The system has been designed for airborne measurements using outside air ducted through a 5-cm diameter airflow tube; the sample volume is that which is common to the intersection of a collimated source beam and the detector field of view within the airflow tube. The source is a linearly polarized helium-neon laser beam. The optical system defines a collimated field-of-view (0.5deg half-angle) through a series of diaphragms located behind a I72-mm focal length objective lens. A photomultiplier tube is located immediately behind an aperture in the focal plane of the objective lens. The laser beam is mechanically chopped (on-off) at a rate of 5 Hz; a two-channel pulse counter, synchronized to the laser output, measures the photomultiplier pulse rate with the light beam both on and off. The difference in these measured pulse rates is directly proportional to the intensity of the scattered light from the volume common to the intersection of the laser beam and the detector field-of-view. Measurements can be made at scattering angles from 15deg to 165deg with reference to the direction of propagation of the light beam. Intermediate angles are obtained by selecting the angular increments desired between these extreme angles (any multiple of 0.1deg can be selected for the angular increment; 5deg is used in normal operation). Pulses provided by digital circuits control a stepping motor which sequentially rotates the detector by pre-selected angular increments. The synchronous photon-counting system automatically begins measurement of the scattered-light intensity immediately after the rotation to a new angle has been completed. The instrument has been flown on the NASA Convair 990 airborne laboratory to obtain data on the complex index of refraction of atmospheric aerosols. A particle impaction device is operated simultaneously to collect particles from the same airflow tube used to make the scattered-light measurements. A size distribution function is obtained by analysis of the particles collected by the impaction device. Calculated values of the angular variation of the scattered-light intensity are obtained by applying Mie scattering theory to the observed size distribution function and assuming different values of the complex index of refraction of the particles. The calculated values are then compared with data on the actual variation of the scattered-light intensity obtained with the polar nephelometer. The most probable value of the complex refractive index is that which provides the best fit between the experimental light scattering data and the parameters calculated from the observed size distribution function.

Noncoplanar VMAT for nasopharyngeal tumors: Plan quality versus treatment time.

PubMed

Wild, Esther; Bangert, Mark; Nill, Simeon; Oelfke, Uwe

2015-05-01

The authors investigated the potential of optimized noncoplanar irradiation trajectories for volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) treatments of nasopharyngeal patients and studied the trade-off between treatment plan quality and delivery time in radiation therapy. For three nasopharyngeal patients, the authors generated treatment plans for nine different delivery scenarios using dedicated optimization methods. They compared these scenarios according to dose characteristics, number of beam directions, and estimated delivery times. In particular, the authors generated the following treatment plans: (1) a 4π plan, which is a not sequenced, fluence optimized plan that uses beam directions from approximately 1400 noncoplanar directions and marks a theoretical upper limit of the treatment plan quality, (2) a coplanar 2π plan with 72 coplanar beam directions as pendant to the noncoplanar 4π plan, (3) a coplanar VMAT plan, (4) a coplanar step and shoot (SnS) plan, (5) a beam angle optimized (BAO) coplanar SnS IMRT plan, (6) a noncoplanar BAO SnS plan, (7) a VMAT plan with rotated treatment couch, (8) a noncoplanar VMAT plan with an optimized great circle around the patient, and (9) a noncoplanar BAO VMAT plan with an arbitrary trajectory around the patient. VMAT using optimized noncoplanar irradiation trajectories reduced the mean and maximum doses in organs at risk compared to coplanar VMAT plans by 19% on average while the target coverage remains constant. A coplanar BAO SnS plan was superior to coplanar SnS or VMAT; however, noncoplanar plans like a noncoplanar BAO SnS plan or noncoplanar VMAT yielded a better plan quality than the best coplanar 2π plan. The treatment plan quality of VMAT plans depended on the length of the trajectory. The delivery times of noncoplanar VMAT plans were estimated to be 6.5 min in average; 1.6 min longer than a coplanar plan but on average 2.8 min faster than a noncoplanar SnS plan with comparable treatment plan quality. The authors' study reconfirms the dosimetric benefits of noncoplanar irradiation of nasopharyngeal tumors. Both SnS using optimized noncoplanar beam ensembles and VMAT using an optimized, arbitrary, noncoplanar trajectory enabled dose reductions in organs at risk compared to coplanar SnS and VMAT. Using great circles or simple couch rotations to implement noncoplanar VMAT, however, was not sufficient to yield meaningful improvements in treatment plan quality. The authors estimate that noncoplanar VMAT using arbitrary optimized irradiation trajectories comes at an increased delivery time compared to coplanar VMAT yet at a decreased delivery time compared to noncoplanar SnS IMRT.

Active control of acoustic field-of-view in a biosonar system.

PubMed

Yovel, Yossi; Falk, Ben; Moss, Cynthia F; Ulanovsky, Nachum

2011-09-01

Active-sensing systems abound in nature, but little is known about systematic strategies that are used by these systems to scan the environment. Here, we addressed this question by studying echolocating bats, animals that have the ability to point their biosonar beam to a confined region of space. We trained Egyptian fruit bats to land on a target, under conditions of varying levels of environmental complexity, and measured their echolocation and flight behavior. The bats modulated the intensity of their biosonar emissions, and the spatial region they sampled, in a task-dependant manner. We report here that Egyptian fruit bats selectively change the emission intensity and the angle between the beam axes of sequentially emitted clicks, according to the distance to the target, and depending on the level of environmental complexity. In so doing, they effectively adjusted the spatial sector sampled by a pair of clicks-the "field-of-view." We suggest that the exact point within the beam that is directed towards an object (e.g., the beam's peak, maximal slope, etc.) is influenced by three competing task demands: detection, localization, and angular scanning-where the third factor is modulated by field-of-view. Our results suggest that lingual echolocation (based on tongue clicks) is in fact much more sophisticated than previously believed. They also reveal a new parameter under active control in animal sonar-the angle between consecutive beams. Our findings suggest that acoustic scanning of space by mammals is highly flexible and modulated much more selectively than previously recognized.

Analysis and manipulation of the induced changes in the state of polarization by mirror scanners.

PubMed

Petrova-Mayor, Anna; Knudsen, Sarah

2017-05-20

The induced polarization effects of metal-coated mirrors were studied in the configurations of one- and two-mirror lidar scanners as a function of azimuth and elevation angles. The theoretical results were verified experimentally for three types of mirrors (custom enhanced gold, off-the-shelf protected gold, and protected aluminum). A method was devised and tested to maintain a desired polarization state (linear or circular) of the transmit beam for all pointing directions by means of rotating wave plates in the transmit and detection paths. Alternatively, the mirror coating can be optimized to preserve the linear polarization state of the transmitted beam. The compensation methods will enable ground-based scanning lidars to produce absolutely calibrated depolarization measurements.

Design and Optimization of AlN based RF MEMS Switches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hasan Ziko, Mehadi; Koel, Ants

2018-05-01

Radio frequency microelectromechanical system (RF MEMS) switch technology might have potential to replace the semiconductor technology in future communication systems as well as communication satellites, wireless and mobile phones. This study is to explore the possibilities of RF MEMS switch design and optimization with aluminium nitride (AlN) thin film as the piezoelectric actuation material. Achieving low actuation voltage and high contact force with optimal geometry using the principle of piezoelectric effect is the main motivation for this research. Analytical and numerical modelling of single beam type RF MEMS switch used to analyse the design parameters and optimize them for the minimum actuation voltage and high contact force. An analytical model using isotropic AlN material properties used to obtain the optimal parameters. The optimized geometry of the device length, width and thickness are 2000 µm, 500 µm and 0.6 µm respectively obtained for the single beam RF MEMS switch. Low actuation voltage and high contact force with optimal geometry are less than 2 Vand 100 µN obtained by analytical analysis. Additionally, the single beam RF MEMS switch are optimized and validated by comparing the analytical and finite element modelling (FEM) analysis.

Linear Stability and Instability Patterns in Ion Bombarded Silicon Surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Madi, Charbel Said

2011-12-01

This thesis is a combined experimental and theoretical study of the fundamental physical mechanisms governing nanoscale surface morphology evolution of Ar + ion bombarded silicon surfaces. I experimentally determined the topographical phase diagram resulting from Ar+ ion irradiation of Si surfaces at room temperature in the linear regime of surface dynamics as we vary the control parameters ion beam energy and incidence angle. At all energies, it is characterized by a diverging wavelength bifurcation from a smooth stable surface to parallel mode ripples (wavevector parallel to the projected ion beam on the surface) as the ion beam incidence angle is varied. At sufficiently high angles theta ≈ 85°, I observed perpendicular mode ripples (wavevector perpendicular to the ion beam). Through real-time Grazing-Incidence Small Angle X-ray Scattering, I have definitively established that ion-induced erosion, which is the consensus predominant cause of pattern formation, is not only of the wrong sign to explain the measured curvature coefficients responsible in driving the surface dynamics, but also is so small in magnitude as to be essentially negligible for pattern formation except possibly at the most grazing angles of incidence where both erosion and redistribution effects converge to zero. That the contribution of ion impact induced prompt atomic redistribution effects entirely overwhelms that of erosion in both the stabilizing and destabilizing regimes is of profound significance, as it overturns the erosion-based paradigm that has dominated the pattern formation field for over two decades. In situ wafer curvature measurements using the Multi-beam Optical Stress Sensor system were performed during amorphization of silicon by normal incidence 250 eV ion irradiation. An average compressive saturation stress built up in the amorphous layer was found to be as large as 1.5 GPa. By assuming the ion-induced amorphization layer to be modeled as a viscoelastic film that is anisotropically stressed by ion beam irradiation, we measure the deformation imparted per ion due to anisotropic deformation to be equal to A =1.15x10-16 cm2/ion. Although compressive stress is being injected into a thin viscoelastic ion-stimulated surface layer, the surface is unconditionally stable to topographic perturbations, corroborating the measured experimental phase diagram.

Variable laser attenuator

DOEpatents

Foltyn, S.R.

1987-05-29

The disclosure relates to low loss, high power variable attenuators comprising one or more transmissive and/or reflective multilayer dielectric filters. The attenuator is particularly suitable to use with unpolarized lasers such as excimer lasers. Beam attenuation is a function of beam polarization and the angle of incidence between the beam and the filter and is controlled by adjusting the angle of incidence the beam makes to the filter or filters. Filters are selected in accordance with beam wavelength. 9 figs.

Three types of planar structure microspring electro-thermal actuators with insulating beam constraints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, J. K.; Flewitt, A. J.; Spearing, S. M.; Fleck, N. A.; Milne, W. I.

2005-08-01

A new concept of using an electrically insulating beam as a constraint is proposed to construct planar spring-like electro-thermal actuators with large displacements. On the basis of this concept, three types of microspring actuators with multi-chevron structures and constraint beams are introduced. The constraint beams in one type (the spring) of these devices are horizontally positioned to restrict the expansion of the active arms in the x-direction, and to produce a displacement in the y-direction only. In the other two types of actuators (the deflector and the contractor), the constraint beams are positioned parallel to the active arms. When the constraint beams are on the inner side of the active arms, the actuator produces an outward deflection in the y-direction. When they are on the outside of the active arms, the actuator produces an inward contraction. Finite-element analysis was used to model the performances. The simulation shows that the displacements of these microspring actuators are all proportional to the number of the chevron sections in series, thus achieving superior displacements to alternative actuators. The displacement of a spring actuator strongly depends on the beam angle, and decreases with increasing the beam angle, the deflector is insensitive to the beam angle, while the displacement of a contractor actuator increases with the beam angle.

Survey of discomfort glare from the headlamps of cars widely used in Iran.

PubMed

Mehri, Ahmad; Farhang Dehghan, Somayeh; Hajizadeh, Roohalah; Zakerian, Seyed Abolfazl; Mohammadi, Hamzeh; Abbasi, Milad

2017-10-03

On 2-lane roads, discomfort glare can cause annoyance, discomfort, inconvenience, stress, and fatigue to drivers, posing a risk of accidents. The aim of this study is to evaluate discomfort glare from the headlamps of cars widely used in Iran. The discomfort glare of new vehicles including Pride Saba model GTX, Pride Model 131SL, Samand Soren, Peugeot 405, Megane, and Peugeot Pars was examined at distances of 5 to 100 m at a background luminance of 50 cd/m 2 (late twilight/early dawn lighting) and 1 cd/m 2 (nighttime) using Schmidt-Clausen and Bindels model and de Boer's subjective scale. According to the de Boer scale, at a background luminance of 50 cd/m 2 , the discomfort glare for all studied vehicles was between 1.98 and 4.05 in high-beam mode and between 3.5 and 5.4 in low-beam mode. At a background luminance of 1 cd/m 2 , discomfort glare was between 0.41 and 2.48 in high-beam mode and between 1.93 and 3.84 in low-beam mode. In high-beam mode, the average levels of discomfort glare of these vehicles gradually increased when the distance between cars was reduced by up to about 20 m. In low-beam mode, there was no discomfort glare up to a vehicle distance of 40 m. In addition, at an angle of 1.15°-5.73° between the line of sight and light of vehicles in high-beam mode, the level of discomfort glare was increased, but at an angle of 5.73°-22.9° the level of discomfort glare was reduced. In low-beam mode at an angle of 2.86°-22.9°, the level of discomfort glare was almost identical. The results show that in high-beam mode and with a 100-m distance between vehicles as well as in low-beam mode at intervals of less than 40 m between cars, discomfort glare is created. It can be concluded that by providing solutions such as installing road lighting system, an increase in luminance of roads, separating or widening road lanes, increasing the lateral distance between vehicles, and increasing the angle between lighted vehicles and drivers can noticeably reduce discomfort glare.

Design challenges of EO polymer based leaky waveguide deflector for 40 Gs/s all-optical analog-to-digital converters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hadjloum, Massinissa; El Gibari, Mohammed; Li, Hongwu; Daryoush, Afshin S.

2016-08-01

Design challenges and performance optimization of an all-optical analog-to-digital converter (AOADC) is presented here. The paper addresses both microwave and optical design of a leaky waveguide optical deflector using electro-optic (E-O) polymer. The optical deflector converts magnitude variation of the applied RF voltage into variation of deflection angle out of a leaky waveguide optical beam using the linear E-O effect (Pockels effect) as part of the E-O polymer based optical waveguide. This variation of deflection angle as result of the applied RF signal is then quantized using optical windows followed by an array of high-speed photodetectors. We optimized the leakage coefficient of the leaky waveguide and its physical length to achieve the best trade-off between bandwidth and the deflected optical beam resolution, by improving the phase velocity matching between lightwave and microwave on one hand and using pre-emphasis technique to compensate for the RF signal attenuation on the other hand. In addition, for ease of access from both optical and RF perspective, a via-hole less broad bandwidth transition is designed between coplanar pads and coupled microstrip (CPW-CMS) driving electrodes. With the best reported E-O coefficient of 350 pm/V, the designed E-O deflector should allow an AOADC operating over 44 giga-samples-per-seconds with an estimated effective resolution of 6.5 bits on RF signals with Nyquist bandwidth of 22 GHz. The overall DC power consumption of all components used in this AOADC is of order of 4 W and is dominated by power consumption in the power amplifier to generate a 20 V RF voltage in 50 Ohm system. A higher sampling rate can be achieved at similar bits of resolution by interleaving a number of this elementary AOADC at the expense of a higher power consumption.

Large-angle production of charged pions with incident pion beams on nuclear targets

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Apollonio, M.; Chimenti, P.; Giannini, G.

2009-12-15

Measurements of the double-differential {pi}{sup {+-}} production cross section in the range of momentum 100{<=}p{<=}800 MeV/c and angle 0.35{<=}{theta}{<=}2.15 rad using {pi}{sup {+-}} beams incident on beryllium, aluminum, carbon, copper, tin, tantalum, and lead targets are presented. The data were taken with the large-acceptance hadron production (HARP) detector in the T9 beam line of the CERN Proton Synchrotron. The secondary pions were produced by beams in a momentum range from 3 to 12.9GeV/c hitting a solid target with a thickness of 5% of a nuclear interaction length. The tracking and identification of the produced particles was performed using a small-radiusmore » cylindrical time projection chamber placed inside a solenoidal magnet. Incident particles were identified by an elaborate system of beam detectors. Results are obtained for the double-differential cross sections d{sup 2}{sigma}/dp d{theta} at six incident-beam momenta. Data at 3,5,8, and 12GeV/c are available for all targets, while additional data at 8.9 and 12.9GeV/c were taken in positive particle beams on Be and Al targets, respectively. The measurements are compared with several generators of GEANT4 and the MARS Monte Carlo simulation.« less

Simple Correctors for Elimination of High-Order Modes in Corrugated Waveguide Transmission Lines

PubMed Central

Kowalski, Elizabeth J.; Shapiro, Michael A.; Temkin, Richard J.

2014-01-01

When using overmoded corrugated waveguide transmission lines for high power applications, it is necessary to control the mode content of the system. Ideally, overmoded corrugated transmission lines operate in the fundamental HE11 mode and provide low losses for long distances. Unwanted higher order modes (HOMs), particularly LP11 and HE12, are often excited in the experimental systems due to practical misalignments in the transmission line system. This paper discusses how the unwanted modes propagate along with the fundamental mode in the transmission line system by formulating an equation that relates the center of power offset and angle of propagation of a beam (for the HE11 and LP11 modes) or the waist size and phase front radius of curvature of a beam (for the HE11 and HE12 modes). By introducing two miter bend correctors into the transmission system—miter bends that have slightly angled or ellipsoidal mirrors—the HOMs can be precisely manipulated in the system. This technique can be used to eliminate small quantities of unwanted modes, thereby creating a nearly pure fundamental mode beam with minimal losses. Examples of these applications are calculated and show the theoretical conversion of up to 10% HOM content into the fundamental HE11 mode with minimal losses. PMID:25067859

Monte Carlo-based assessment of the trade-off between spatial resolution, field-of-view and scattered radiation in the variable resolution X-ray CT scanner.

PubMed

Arabi, Hossein; Kamali Asl, Ali Reza; Ay, Mohammad Reza; Zaidi, Habib

2015-07-01

The purpose of this work is to evaluate the impact of optimization of magnification on performance parameters of the variable resolution X-ray (VRX) CT scanner. A realistic model based on an actual VRX CT scanner was implemented in the GATE Monte Carlo simulation platform. To evaluate the influence of system magnification, spatial resolution, field-of-view (FOV) and scatter-to-primary ratio of the scanner were estimated for both fixed and optimum object magnification at each detector rotation angle. Comparison and inference between these performance parameters were performed angle by angle to determine appropriate object position at each opening half angle. Optimization of magnification resulted in a trade-off between spatial resolution and FOV of the scanner at opening half angles of 90°-12°, where the spatial resolution increased up to 50% and the scatter-to-primary ratio decreased from 4.8% to 3.8% at a detector angle of about 90° for the same FOV and X-ray energy spectrum. The disadvantage of magnification optimization at these angles is the significant reduction of the FOV (up to 50%). Moreover, magnification optimization was definitely beneficial for opening half angles below 12° improving the spatial resolution from 7.5 cy/mm to 20 cy/mm. Meanwhile, the FOV increased by more than 50% at these angles. It can be concluded that optimization of magnification is essential for opening half angles below 12°. For opening half angles between 90° and 12°, the VRX CT scanner magnification should be set according to the desired spatial resolution and FOV. Copyright © 2015 Associazione Italiana di Fisica Medica. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Pyramid beam splitter

DOEpatents

McKeown, Mark H.; Beason, Steven C.; Fairer, George

1992-01-01

The apparatus of the present invention provides means for obtaining accurate, dependable, measurement of bearings and directions for geologic mapping in subterranean shafts, such as, for example, nuclear waste storage investigations. In operation, a laser beam is projected along a reference bearing. A pyramid is mounted such that the laser beam is parallel to the pyramid axis and can impinge on the apex of the pyramid thus splitting the beam several ways into several beams at right angles to each other and at right angles to the reference beam. The pyramid is also translatable and rotatable in a plane perpendicular to the reference beam.

Fundamental limits on isoplanatic correction with multiconjugate adaptive optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lloyd-Hart, Michael; Milton, N. Mark

2003-10-01

We investigate the performance of a general multiconjugate adaptive optics (MCAO) system in which signals from multiple reference beacons are used to drive several deformable mirrors in the optical beam train. Taking an analytic approach that yields a detailed view of the effects of low-order aberration modes defined over the metapupil, we show that in the geometrical optics approximation, N deformable mirrors conjugated to different ranges can be driven to correct these modes through order N with unlimited isoplanatic angle, regardless of the distribution of turbulence along the line of sight. We find, however, that the optimal deformable mirror shapes are functions of target range, so the best compensation for starlight is in general not the correction that minimizes the wave-front aberration in a laser guide beacon. This introduces focal anisoplanatism in the wave-front measurements that can be overcome only through the use of beacons at several ranges. We derive expressions for the number of beacons required to sense the aberration to arbitrary order and establish necessary and sufficient conditions on their geometry for both natural and laser guide stars. Finally, we derive an expression for the residual uncompensated error by mode as a function of field angle, target range, and MCAO system geometry.

Optical characterization of high speed microscanners based on static slit profiling method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alaa Elhady, A.; Sabry, Yasser M.; Khalil, Diaa

2017-01-01

Optical characterization of high-speed microscanners is a challenging task that usually requires special high speed, extremely expensive camera systems. This paper presents a novel simple method to characterize the scanned beam spot profile and size in high-speed optical scanners under operation. It allows measuring the beam profile and the spot sizes at different scanning angles. The method is analyzed theoretically and applied experimentally on the characterization of a Micro Electro Mechanical MEMS scanner operating at 2.6 kHz. The variation of the spot size versus the scanning angle, up to ±15°, is extracted and the dynamic bending curvature effect of the micromirror is predicted.

Characterization of MOSFET Dosimeter Angular Response Using a Spherical Phantom for Fluoroscopic Dosimetry.

PubMed

Wang, Chu; Hill, Kevin; Yoshizumi, Terry

2016-01-01

Metal-Oxide Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor (MOSFET) dosimeters, placed in anthropomorphic phantoms, are a standard method for organ dosimetry in medical x-ray imaging applications. However, many x-ray applications, particularly fluoroscopy procedures, use variable projection angles. During dosimetry, the MOSFET detector active area may not always be perpendicular to the x-ray beam. The goal of this study was to characterize the dosimeter's angular response in the fluoroscopic irradiation involved in pediatric cardiac catheterization procedures, during which a considerable amount of fluoroscopic x-ray irradiation is often applied from various projection angles. A biological x-ray irradiator was used to simulate the beam quality of a biplane fluoroscopy imaging system. A custom-designed acrylic spherical scatter phantom was fabricated to measure dosimeter response (in mV) in two rotational axes, axial (ψ) and normal-to-axial (θ), in 30° increments, as well as four common oblique angles used in cardiac catheterization: a) 90° Left Anterior Oblique (LAO); b) 70° LAO/ 20° Cranial; c) 20° LAO/ 15° Cranial; and d) 30° Right Anterior Oblique (RAO). All results were normalized to the angle where the dosimeter epoxy is perpendicular to the beam or the Posterior-Anterior projection angle in the clinical setup. The relative response in the axial rotation was isotropic (within ± 10% deviation); that in the normal-to-axial rotation was isotropic in all angles except the ψ = 270° angle, where the relative response was 83 ± 9%. No significant deviation in detector response was observed in the four common oblique angles, with their relative responses being: a) 102 ± 3%; b) 90 ± 3%; c) 92 ± 3%; and d) 95 ± 3%, respectively. These angular correction factors will be used in future dosimetry studies for fluoroscopy. The spherical phantom may be useful for other applications, as it allows the measurement of dosimeter response in virtually all angles in the 3-dimensional spherical coordinates.

Vortex gas lens

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bogdanoff, David W.; Berschauer, Andrew; Parker, Timothy W.; Vickers, Jesse E.

1989-01-01

A vortex gas lens concept is presented. Such a lens has a potential power density capability of 10 to the 9th - 10 to the 10th w/sq cm. An experimental prototype was constructed, and the divergence half angle of the exiting beam was measured as a function of the lens operating parameters. Reasonably good agreement is found between the experimental results and theoretical calculations. The expanded beam was observed to be steady, and no strong, potentially beam-degrading jets were found to issue from the ends of the lens. Estimates of random beam deflection angles to be expected due to boundary layer noise are presented; these angles are very small.

Optical levitation of a non-spherical particle in a loosely focused Gaussian beam.

PubMed

Chang, Cheong Bong; Huang, Wei-Xi; Lee, Kyung Heon; Sung, Hyung Jin

2012-10-08

The optical force on a non-spherical particle subjected to a loosely focused laser beam was calculated using the dynamic ray tracing method. Ellipsoidal particles with different aspect ratios, inclination angles, and positions were modeled, and the effects of these parameters on the optical force were examined. The vertical component of the optical force parallel to the laser beam axis decreased as the aspect ratio decreased, whereas the ellipsoid with a small aspect ratio and a large inclination angle experienced a large vertical optical force. The ellipsoids were pulled toward or repelled away from the laser beam axis, depending on the inclination angle, and they experienced a torque near the focal point. The behavior of the ellipsoids in a viscous fluid was examined by analyzing a dynamic simulation based on the penalty immersed boundary method. As the ellipsoids levitated along the direction of the laser beam propagation, they moved horizontally with rotation. Except for the ellipsoid with a small aspect ratio and a zero inclination angle near the focal point, the ellipsoids rotated until the major axis aligned with the laser beam axis.

Analysis of a Chevron Beam Thermal Actuator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joshi, Amey Sanjay; Mohammed, Hussain; Kulkarni, S. M., Dr.

2018-02-01

Thermal MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) actuators and sensors have a wide range of applications. The chevron type thermal actuators comparatively show superior performance over other existing electrostatic and thermal actuators. This paper describes the design and analysis of chevron type thermal actuator. Here standard design of Chevron type thermal actuator is considered which comprises of proof mass at center and array of six beams of a uniform cross section of 3 3 microns and an initial angle of 5°. The thermal actuator was designed and analyzed using analytical and finite element method and the results were compared. The model was also analyzed for initial angles of 2.5° and 7.5°, and the results were compared with FEA model. The cross section of the beam was varied and the finite element analysis of all three models was compared to suggest the best suitable thermal actuator structure.

Focused terahertz waves generated by a phase velocity gradient in a parallel-plate waveguide.

PubMed

McKinney, Robert W; Monnai, Yasuaki; Mendis, Rajind; Mittleman, Daniel

2015-10-19

We demonstrate the focusing of a free-space THz beam emerging from a leaky parallel-plate waveguide (PPWG). Focusing is accomplished by grading the launch angle of the leaky wave using a PPWG with gradient plate separation. Inside the PPWG, the phase velocity of the guided TE1 mode exceeds the vacuum light speed, allowing the wave to leak into free space from a slit cut along the top plate. Since the leaky wave angle changes as the plate separation decreases, the beam divergence can be controlled by grading the plate separation along the propagation axis. We experimentally demonstrate focusing of the leaky wave at a selected location at frequencies of 100 GHz and 170 GHz, and compare our measurements with numerical simulations. The proposed concept can be valuable for implementing a flat and wide-aperture beam-former for THz communications systems.