Using polynomials to simplify fixed pattern noise and photometric correction of logarithmic CMOS image sensors.

PubMed

Li, Jing; Mahmoodi, Alireza; Joseph, Dileepan

2015-10-16

An important class of complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors are those where pixel responses are monotonic nonlinear functions of light stimuli. This class includes various logarithmic architectures, which are easily capable of wide dynamic range imaging, at video rates, but which are vulnerable to image quality issues. To minimize fixed pattern noise (FPN) and maximize photometric accuracy, pixel responses must be calibrated and corrected due to mismatch and process variation during fabrication. Unlike literature approaches, which employ circuit-based models of varying complexity, this paper introduces a novel approach based on low-degree polynomials. Although each pixel may have a highly nonlinear response, an approximately-linear FPN calibration is possible by exploiting the monotonic nature of imaging. Moreover, FPN correction requires only arithmetic, and an optimal fixed-point implementation is readily derived, subject to a user-specified number of bits per pixel. Using a monotonic spline, involving cubic polynomials, photometric calibration is also possible without a circuit-based model, and fixed-point photometric correction requires only a look-up table. The approach is experimentally validated with a logarithmic CMOS image sensor and is compared to a leading approach from the literature. The novel approach proves effective and efficient.

Hot pixel generation in active pixel sensors: dosimetric and micro-dosimetric response

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scheick, Leif; Novak, Frank

2003-01-01

The dosimetric response of an active pixel sensor is analyzed. heavy ions are seen to damage the pixel in much the same way as gamma radiation. The probability of a hot pixel is seen to exhibit behavior that is not typical with other microdose effects.

Photon-counting hexagonal pixel array CdTe detector: Spatial resolution characteristics for image-guided interventional applications

PubMed Central

Shrestha, Suman; Karellas, Andrew; Shi, Linxi; Gounis, Matthew J.; Bellazzini, Ronaldo; Spandre, Gloria; Brez, Alessandro; Minuti, Massimo

2016-01-01

Purpose: High-resolution, photon-counting, energy-resolved detector with fast-framing capability can facilitate simultaneous acquisition of precontrast and postcontrast images for subtraction angiography without pixel registration artifacts and can facilitate high-resolution real-time imaging during image-guided interventions. Hence, this study was conducted to determine the spatial resolution characteristics of a hexagonal pixel array photon-counting cadmium telluride (CdTe) detector. Methods: A 650 μm thick CdTe Schottky photon-counting detector capable of concurrently acquiring up to two energy-windowed images was operated in a single energy-window mode to include photons of 10 keV or higher. The detector had hexagonal pixels with apothem of 30 μm resulting in pixel pitch of 60 and 51.96 μm along the two orthogonal directions. The detector was characterized at IEC-RQA5 spectral conditions. Linear response of the detector was determined over the air kerma rate relevant to image-guided interventional procedures ranging from 1.3 nGy/frame to 91.4 μGy/frame. Presampled modulation transfer was determined using a tungsten edge test device. The edge-spread function and the finely sampled line spread function accounted for hexagonal sampling, from which the presampled modulation transfer function (MTF) was determined. Since detectors with hexagonal pixels require resampling to square pixels for distortion-free display, the optimal square pixel size was determined by minimizing the root-mean-squared-error of the aperture functions for the square and hexagonal pixels up to the Nyquist limit. Results: At Nyquist frequencies of 8.33 and 9.62 cycles/mm along the apothem and orthogonal to the apothem directions, the modulation factors were 0.397 and 0.228, respectively. For the corresponding axis, the limiting resolution defined as 10% MTF occurred at 13.3 and 12 cycles/mm, respectively. Evaluation of the aperture functions yielded an optimal square pixel size of 54 μm. After resampling to 54 μm square pixels using trilinear interpolation, the presampled MTF at Nyquist frequency of 9.26 cycles/mm was 0.29 and 0.24 along the orthogonal directions and the limiting resolution (10% MTF) occurred at approximately 12 cycles/mm. Visual analysis of a bar pattern image showed the ability to resolve close to 12 line-pairs/mm and qualitative evaluation of a neurovascular nitinol-stent showed the ability to visualize its struts at clinically relevant conditions. Conclusions: Hexagonal pixel array photon-counting CdTe detector provides high spatial resolution in single-photon counting mode. After resampling to optimal square pixel size for distortion-free display, the spatial resolution is preserved. The dual-energy capabilities of the detector could allow for artifact-free subtraction angiography and basis material decomposition. The proposed high-resolution photon-counting detector with energy-resolving capability can be of importance for several image-guided interventional procedures as well as for pediatric applications. PMID:27147324

Photon-counting hexagonal pixel array CdTe detector: Spatial resolution characteristics for image-guided interventional applications.

PubMed

Vedantham, Srinivasan; Shrestha, Suman; Karellas, Andrew; Shi, Linxi; Gounis, Matthew J; Bellazzini, Ronaldo; Spandre, Gloria; Brez, Alessandro; Minuti, Massimo

2016-05-01

High-resolution, photon-counting, energy-resolved detector with fast-framing capability can facilitate simultaneous acquisition of precontrast and postcontrast images for subtraction angiography without pixel registration artifacts and can facilitate high-resolution real-time imaging during image-guided interventions. Hence, this study was conducted to determine the spatial resolution characteristics of a hexagonal pixel array photon-counting cadmium telluride (CdTe) detector. A 650 μm thick CdTe Schottky photon-counting detector capable of concurrently acquiring up to two energy-windowed images was operated in a single energy-window mode to include photons of 10 keV or higher. The detector had hexagonal pixels with apothem of 30 μm resulting in pixel pitch of 60 and 51.96 μm along the two orthogonal directions. The detector was characterized at IEC-RQA5 spectral conditions. Linear response of the detector was determined over the air kerma rate relevant to image-guided interventional procedures ranging from 1.3 nGy/frame to 91.4 μGy/frame. Presampled modulation transfer was determined using a tungsten edge test device. The edge-spread function and the finely sampled line spread function accounted for hexagonal sampling, from which the presampled modulation transfer function (MTF) was determined. Since detectors with hexagonal pixels require resampling to square pixels for distortion-free display, the optimal square pixel size was determined by minimizing the root-mean-squared-error of the aperture functions for the square and hexagonal pixels up to the Nyquist limit. At Nyquist frequencies of 8.33 and 9.62 cycles/mm along the apothem and orthogonal to the apothem directions, the modulation factors were 0.397 and 0.228, respectively. For the corresponding axis, the limiting resolution defined as 10% MTF occurred at 13.3 and 12 cycles/mm, respectively. Evaluation of the aperture functions yielded an optimal square pixel size of 54 μm. After resampling to 54 μm square pixels using trilinear interpolation, the presampled MTF at Nyquist frequency of 9.26 cycles/mm was 0.29 and 0.24 along the orthogonal directions and the limiting resolution (10% MTF) occurred at approximately 12 cycles/mm. Visual analysis of a bar pattern image showed the ability to resolve close to 12 line-pairs/mm and qualitative evaluation of a neurovascular nitinol-stent showed the ability to visualize its struts at clinically relevant conditions. Hexagonal pixel array photon-counting CdTe detector provides high spatial resolution in single-photon counting mode. After resampling to optimal square pixel size for distortion-free display, the spatial resolution is preserved. The dual-energy capabilities of the detector could allow for artifact-free subtraction angiography and basis material decomposition. The proposed high-resolution photon-counting detector with energy-resolving capability can be of importance for several image-guided interventional procedures as well as for pediatric applications.

WE-G-204-03: Photon-Counting Hexagonal Pixel Array CdTe Detector: Optimal Resampling to Square Pixels

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

Shrestha, S; Vedantham, S; Karellas, A

Purpose: Detectors with hexagonal pixels require resampling to square pixels for distortion-free display of acquired images. In this work, the presampling modulation transfer function (MTF) of a hexagonal pixel array photon-counting CdTe detector for region-of-interest fluoroscopy was measured and the optimal square pixel size for resampling was determined. Methods: A 0.65mm thick CdTe Schottky sensor capable of concurrently acquiring up to 3 energy-windowed images was operated in a single energy-window mode to include ≥10 KeV photons. The detector had hexagonal pixels with apothem of 30 microns resulting in pixel spacing of 60 and 51.96 microns along the two orthogonal directions.more » Images of a tungsten edge test device acquired under IEC RQA5 conditions were double Hough transformed to identify the edge and numerically differentiated. The presampling MTF was determined from the finely sampled line spread function that accounted for the hexagonal sampling. The optimal square pixel size was determined in two ways; the square pixel size for which the aperture function evaluated at the Nyquist frequencies along the two orthogonal directions matched that from the hexagonal pixel aperture functions, and the square pixel size for which the mean absolute difference between the square and hexagonal aperture functions was minimized over all frequencies up to the Nyquist limit. Results: Evaluation of the aperture functions over the entire frequency range resulted in square pixel size of 53 microns with less than 2% difference from the hexagonal pixel. Evaluation of the aperture functions at Nyquist frequencies alone resulted in 54 microns square pixels. For the photon-counting CdTe detector and after resampling to 53 microns square pixels using quadratic interpolation, the presampling MTF at Nyquist frequency of 9.434 cycles/mm along the two directions were 0.501 and 0.507. Conclusion: Hexagonal pixel array photon-counting CdTe detector after resampling to square pixels provides high-resolution imaging suitable for fluoroscopy.« less

Measurements and simulations of MAPS (Monolithic Active Pixel Sensors) response to charged particles - a study towards a vertex detector at the ILC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maczewski, Lukasz

2010-05-01

The International Linear Collider (ILC) is a project of an electron-positron (e+e-) linear collider with the centre-of-mass energy of 200-500 GeV. Monolithic Active Pixel Sensors (MAPS) are one of the proposed silicon pixel detector concepts for the ILC vertex detector (VTX). Basic characteristics of two MAPS pixel matrices MIMOSA-5 (17 μm pixel pitch) and MIMOSA-18 (10 μm pixel pitch) are studied and compared (pedestals, noises, calibration of the ADC-to-electron conversion gain, detector efficiency and charge collection properties). The e+e- collisions at the ILC will be accompanied by intense beamsstrahlung background of electrons and positrons hitting inner planes of the vertex detector. Tracks of this origin leave elongated clusters contrary to those of secondary hadrons. Cluster characteristics and orientation with respect to the pixels netting are studied for perpendicular and inclined tracks. Elongation and precision of determining the cluster orientation as a function of the angle of incidence were measured. A simple model of signal formation (based on charge diffusion) is proposed and tested using the collected data.

Using Polynomials to Simplify Fixed Pattern Noise and Photometric Correction of Logarithmic CMOS Image Sensors

PubMed Central

Li, Jing; Mahmoodi, Alireza; Joseph, Dileepan

2015-01-01

An important class of complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors are those where pixel responses are monotonic nonlinear functions of light stimuli. This class includes various logarithmic architectures, which are easily capable of wide dynamic range imaging, at video rates, but which are vulnerable to image quality issues. To minimize fixed pattern noise (FPN) and maximize photometric accuracy, pixel responses must be calibrated and corrected due to mismatch and process variation during fabrication. Unlike literature approaches, which employ circuit-based models of varying complexity, this paper introduces a novel approach based on low-degree polynomials. Although each pixel may have a highly nonlinear response, an approximately-linear FPN calibration is possible by exploiting the monotonic nature of imaging. Moreover, FPN correction requires only arithmetic, and an optimal fixed-point implementation is readily derived, subject to a user-specified number of bits per pixel. Using a monotonic spline, involving cubic polynomials, photometric calibration is also possible without a circuit-based model, and fixed-point photometric correction requires only a look-up table. The approach is experimentally validated with a logarithmic CMOS image sensor and is compared to a leading approach from the literature. The novel approach proves effective and efficient. PMID:26501287

Heavy Ion Transient Characterization of a Photobit Hardened-by-Design Active Pixel Sensor Array

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marshall, Paul W.; Byers, Wheaton B.; Conger, Christopher; Eid, El-Sayed; Gee, George; Jones, Michael R.; Marshall, Cheryl J.; Reed, Robert; Pickel, Jim; Kniffin, Scott

2002-01-01

This paper presents heavy ion data on the single event transient (SET) response of a Photobit active pixel sensor (APS) four quadrant test chip with different radiation tolerant designs in a standard 0.35 micron CMOS process. The physical design techniques of enclosed geometry and P-channel guard rings are used to design the four N-type active photodiode pixels as described in a previous paper. Argon transient measurements on the 256 x 256 chip array as a function of incident angle show a significant variation in the amount of charge collected as well as the charge spreading dependent on the pixel type. The results are correlated with processing and design information provided by Photobit. In addition, there is a large degree of statistical variability between individual ion strikes. No latch-up is observed up to an LET of 106 MeV/mg/sq cm.

Measurement of pixel response functions of a fully depleted CCD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kobayashi, Yukiyasu; Niwa, Yoshito; Yano, Taihei; Gouda, Naoteru; Hara, Takuji; Yamada, Yoshiyuki

2014-07-01

We describe the measurement of detailed and precise Pixel Response Functions (PRFs) of a fully depleted CCD. Measurements were performed under different physical conditions, such as different wavelength light sources or CCD operating temperatures. We determined the relations between these physical conditions and the forms of the PRF. We employ two types of PRFs: one is the model PRF (mPRF) that can represent the shape of a PRF with one characteristic parameter and the other is the simulated PRF (sPRF) that is the resultant PRF from simulating physical phenomena. By using measured, model, and simulated PRFs, we determined the relations between operational parameters and the PRFs. Using the obtained relations, we can now estimate a PRF under conditions that will be encountered during the course of Nano-JASMINE observations. These estimated PRFs will be utilized in the analysis of the Nano-JASMINE data.

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

Vedantham, Srinivasan; Shrestha, Suman; Karellas, Andrew, E-mail: andrew.karellas@umassmed.edu

Purpose: High-resolution, photon-counting, energy-resolved detector with fast-framing capability can facilitate simultaneous acquisition of precontrast and postcontrast images for subtraction angiography without pixel registration artifacts and can facilitate high-resolution real-time imaging during image-guided interventions. Hence, this study was conducted to determine the spatial resolution characteristics of a hexagonal pixel array photon-counting cadmium telluride (CdTe) detector. Methods: A 650 μm thick CdTe Schottky photon-counting detector capable of concurrently acquiring up to two energy-windowed images was operated in a single energy-window mode to include photons of 10 keV or higher. The detector had hexagonal pixels with apothem of 30 μm resulting in pixelmore » pitch of 60 and 51.96 μm along the two orthogonal directions. The detector was characterized at IEC-RQA5 spectral conditions. Linear response of the detector was determined over the air kerma rate relevant to image-guided interventional procedures ranging from 1.3 nGy/frame to 91.4 μGy/frame. Presampled modulation transfer was determined using a tungsten edge test device. The edge-spread function and the finely sampled line spread function accounted for hexagonal sampling, from which the presampled modulation transfer function (MTF) was determined. Since detectors with hexagonal pixels require resampling to square pixels for distortion-free display, the optimal square pixel size was determined by minimizing the root-mean-squared-error of the aperture functions for the square and hexagonal pixels up to the Nyquist limit. Results: At Nyquist frequencies of 8.33 and 9.62 cycles/mm along the apothem and orthogonal to the apothem directions, the modulation factors were 0.397 and 0.228, respectively. For the corresponding axis, the limiting resolution defined as 10% MTF occurred at 13.3 and 12 cycles/mm, respectively. Evaluation of the aperture functions yielded an optimal square pixel size of 54 μm. After resampling to 54 μm square pixels using trilinear interpolation, the presampled MTF at Nyquist frequency of 9.26 cycles/mm was 0.29 and 0.24 along the orthogonal directions and the limiting resolution (10% MTF) occurred at approximately 12 cycles/mm. Visual analysis of a bar pattern image showed the ability to resolve close to 12 line-pairs/mm and qualitative evaluation of a neurovascular nitinol-stent showed the ability to visualize its struts at clinically relevant conditions. Conclusions: Hexagonal pixel array photon-counting CdTe detector provides high spatial resolution in single-photon counting mode. After resampling to optimal square pixel size for distortion-free display, the spatial resolution is preserved. The dual-energy capabilities of the detector could allow for artifact-free subtraction angiography and basis material decomposition. The proposed high-resolution photon-counting detector with energy-resolving capability can be of importance for several image-guided interventional procedures as well as for pediatric applications.« less

Highly sensitive and area-efficient CMOS image sensor using a PMOSFET-type photodetector with a built-in transfer gate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seo, Sang-Ho; Kim, Kyoung-Do; Kong, Jae-Sung; Shin, Jang-Kyoo; Choi, Pyung

2007-02-01

In this paper, a new CMOS image sensor is presented, which uses a PMOSFET-type photodetector with a transfer gate that has a high and variable sensitivity. The proposed CMOS image sensor has been fabricated using a 0.35 μm 2-poly 4- metal standard CMOS technology and is composed of a 256 × 256 array of 7.05 × 7.10 μm pixels. The unit pixel has a configuration of a pseudo 3-transistor active pixel sensor (APS) with the PMOSFET-type photodetector with a transfer gate, which has a function of conventional 4-transistor APS. The generated photocurrent is controlled by the transfer gate of the PMOSFET-type photodetector. The maximum responsivity of the photodetector is larger than 1.0 × 10 3 A/W without any optical lens. Fabricated 256 × 256 CMOS image sensor exhibits a good response to low-level illumination as low as 5 lux.

Estimation of proportions in mixed pixels through their region characterization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chittineni, C. B. (Principal Investigator)

1981-01-01

A region of mixed pixels can be characterized through the probability density function of proportions of classes in the pixels. Using information from the spectral vectors of a given set of pixels from the mixed pixel region, expressions are developed for obtaining the maximum likelihood estimates of the parameters of probability density functions of proportions. The proportions of classes in the mixed pixels can then be estimated. If the mixed pixels contain objects of two classes, the computation can be reduced by transforming the spectral vectors using a transformation matrix that simultaneously diagonalizes the covariance matrices of the two classes. If the proportions of the classes of a set of mixed pixels from the region are given, then expressions are developed for obtaining the estmates of the parameters of the probability density function of the proportions of mixed pixels. Development of these expressions is based on the criterion of the minimum sum of squares of errors. Experimental results from the processing of remotely sensed agricultural multispectral imagery data are presented.

Survey of on-road image projection with pixel light systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rizvi, Sadiq; Knöchelmann, Marvin; Ley, Peer-Phillip; Lachmayer, Roland

2017-12-01

HID, LED and laser-based high resolution automotive headlamps, as of late known as `pixel light systems', are at the forefront of the developing technologies paving the way for autonomous driving. In addition to light distribution capabilities that outperform Adaptive Front Lighting and Matrix Beam systems, pixel light systems provide the possibility of image projection directly onto the street. The underlying objective is to improve the driving experience, in any given scenario, in terms of safety, comfort and interaction for all road users. The focus of this work is to conduct a short survey on this state-of-the-art image projection functionality. A holistic research regarding the image projection functionality can be divided into three major categories: scenario selection, technological development and evaluation design. Consequently, the work presented in this paper is divided into three short studies. Section 1 provides a brief introduction to pixel light systems and a justification for the approach adopted for this study. Section 2 deals with the selection of scenarios (and driving maneuvers) where image projection can play a critical role. Section 3 discusses high power LED and LED array based prototypes that are currently under development. Section 4 demonstrates results from an experiment conducted to evaluate the illuminance of an image space projected using a pixel light system prototype developed at the Institute of Product Development (IPeG). Findings from this work can help to identify and advance future research work relating to: further development of pixel light systems, scenario planning, examination of optimal light sources, behavioral response studies etc.

Improving Photometry and Stellar Signal Preservation with Pixel-Level Systematic Error Correction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kolodzijczak, Jeffrey J.; Smith, Jeffrey C.; Jenkins, Jon M.

2013-01-01

The Kepler Mission has demonstrated that excellent stellar photometric performance can be achieved using apertures constructed from optimally selected CCD pixels. The clever methods used to correct for systematic errors, while very successful, still have some limitations in their ability to extract long-term trends in stellar flux. They also leave poorly correlated bias sources, such as drifting moiré pattern, uncorrected. We will illustrate several approaches where applying systematic error correction algorithms to the pixel time series, rather than the co-added raw flux time series, provide significant advantages. Examples include, spatially localized determination of time varying moiré pattern biases, greater sensitivity to radiation-induced pixel sensitivity drops (SPSDs), improved precision of co-trending basis vectors (CBV), and a means of distinguishing the stellar variability from co-trending terms even when they are correlated. For the last item, the approach enables physical interpretation of appropriately scaled coefficients derived in the fit of pixel time series to the CBV as linear combinations of various spatial derivatives of the pixel response function (PRF). We demonstrate that the residuals of a fit of soderived pixel coefficients to various PRF-related components can be deterministically interpreted in terms of physically meaningful quantities, such as the component of the stellar flux time series which is correlated with the CBV, as well as, relative pixel gain, proper motion and parallax. The approach also enables us to parameterize and assess the limiting factors in the uncertainties in these quantities.

CMOS active pixel sensors response to low energy light ions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spiriti, E.; Finck, Ch.; Baudot, J.; Divay, C.; Juliani, D.; Labalme, M.; Rousseau, M.; Salvador, S.; Vanstalle, M.; Agodi, C.; Cuttone, G.; De Napoli, M.; Romano, F.

2017-12-01

Recently CMOS active pixel sensors have been used in Hadrontherapy ions fragmentation cross section measurements. Their main goal is to reconstruct tracks generated by the non interacting primary ions or by the produced fragments. In this framework the sensors, unexpectedly, demonstrated the possibility to obtain also some informations that could contribute to the ion type identification. The present analysis shows a clear dependency in charge and number of pixels per cluster (pixels with a collected amount of charge above a given threshold) with both fragment atomic number Z and energy loss in the sensor. This information, in the FIRST (F ragmentation of I ons R elevant for S pace and T herapy) experiment, has been used in the overall particle identification analysis algorithm. The aim of this paper is to present the data analysis and the obtained results. An empirical model was developed, in this paper, that reproduce the cluster size as function of the deposited energy in the sensor.

Where can pixel counting area estimates meet user-defined accuracy requirements?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Waldner, François; Defourny, Pierre

2017-08-01

Pixel counting is probably the most popular way to estimate class areas from satellite-derived maps. It involves determining the number of pixels allocated to a specific thematic class and multiplying it by the pixel area. In the presence of asymmetric classification errors, the pixel counting estimator is biased. The overarching objective of this article is to define the applicability conditions of pixel counting so that the estimates are below a user-defined accuracy target. By reasoning in terms of landscape fragmentation and spatial resolution, the proposed framework decouples the resolution bias and the classifier bias from the overall classification bias. The consequence is that prior to any classification, part of the tolerated bias is already committed due to the choice of the spatial resolution of the imagery. How much classification bias is affordable depends on the joint interaction of spatial resolution and fragmentation. The method was implemented over South Africa for cropland mapping, demonstrating its operational applicability. Particular attention was paid to modeling a realistic sensor's spatial response by explicitly accounting for the effect of its point spread function. The diagnostic capabilities offered by this framework have multiple potential domains of application such as guiding users in their choice of imagery and providing guidelines for space agencies to elaborate the design specifications of future instruments.

Development of CMOS Active Pixel Image Sensors for Low Cost Commercial Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gee, R.; Kemeny, S.; Kim, Q.; Mendis, S.; Nakamura, J.; Nixon, R.; Ortiz, M.; Pain, B.; Staller, C.; Zhou, Z;

Evaluation of a photon counting Medipix3RX CZT spectral x-ray detector

PubMed Central

Jorgensen, Steven M.; Vercnocke, Andrew J.; Rundle, David S.; Butler, Philip H.; McCollough, Cynthia H.; Ritman, Erik L.

2016-01-01

We assessed the performance of a cadmium zinc telluride (CZT)-based Medipix3RX x-ray detector as a candidate for micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging. This technology was developed at CERN for the Large Hadron Collider. It features an array of 128 by 128, 110 micrometer square pixels, each with eight simultaneous threshold counters, five of which utilize real-time charge summing, significantly reducing the charge sharing between contiguous pixels. Pixel response curves were created by imaging a range of x-ray intensities by varying x-ray tube current and by varying the exposure time with fixed x-ray current. Photon energy-related assessments were made by flooding the detector with the tin foil filtered emission of an I-125 radioisotope brachytherapy seed and sweeping the energy threshold of each of the four charge-summed counters of each pixel in 1 keV steps. Long term stability assessments were made by repeating exposures over the course of one hour. The high properly-functioning pixel yield (99%), long term stability (linear regression of whole-chip response over one hour of acquisitions: y = −0.0038x + 2284; standard deviation: 3.7 counts) and energy resolution (2.5 keV FWHM (single pixel), 3.7 keV FWHM across the full image) make this device suitable for spectral micro-CT. The charge summing performance effectively reduced the measurement corruption caused by charge sharing which, when unaccounted for, shifts the photon energy assignment to lower energies, degrading both count and energy accuracy. Effective charge summing greatly improves the potential for calibrated, energy-specific material decomposition and K edge difference imaging approaches. PMID:27795606

Evaluation of a photon counting Medipix3RX CZT spectral x-ray detector.

PubMed

Jorgensen, Steven M; Vercnocke, Andrew J; Rundle, David S; Butler, Philip H; McCollough, Cynthia H; Ritman, Erik L

2016-08-28

We assessed the performance of a cadmium zinc telluride (CZT)-based Medipix3RX x-ray detector as a candidate for micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging. This technology was developed at CERN for the Large Hadron Collider. It features an array of 128 by 128, 110 micrometer square pixels, each with eight simultaneous threshold counters, five of which utilize real-time charge summing, significantly reducing the charge sharing between contiguous pixels. Pixel response curves were created by imaging a range of x-ray intensities by varying x-ray tube current and by varying the exposure time with fixed x-ray current. Photon energy-related assessments were made by flooding the detector with the tin foil filtered emission of an I-125 radioisotope brachytherapy seed and sweeping the energy threshold of each of the four charge-summed counters of each pixel in 1 keV steps. Long term stability assessments were made by repeating exposures over the course of one hour. The high properly-functioning pixel yield (99%), long term stability (linear regression of whole-chip response over one hour of acquisitions: y = -0.0038x + 2284; standard deviation: 3.7 counts) and energy resolution (2.5 keV FWHM (single pixel), 3.7 keV FWHM across the full image) make this device suitable for spectral micro-CT. The charge summing performance effectively reduced the measurement corruption caused by charge sharing which, when unaccounted for, shifts the photon energy assignment to lower energies, degrading both count and energy accuracy. Effective charge summing greatly improves the potential for calibrated, energy-specific material decomposition and K edge difference imaging approaches.

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

Chumacero, E. Miguel; De Celis Alonso, B.; Martínez Hernández, M. I.

The development in semiconductor CMOS technology has enabled the creation of sensitive detectors for a wide range of ionizing radiation. These devices are suitable for photon counting and can be used in imaging and tomography X-ray diagnostics. The Medipix[1] radiation detection system is a hybrid silicon pixel chip developed for particle tracking applications in High Energy Physics. Its exceptional features (high spatial and energy resolution, embedded ultra fast readout, different operation modes, etc.) make the Medipix an attractive device for applications in medical imaging. In this work the energy characterization of a third-generation Medipix chip (Medipix3) coupled to a siliconmore » sensor is presented. We used different radiation sources (strontium 90, iron 55 and americium 241) to obtain the response curve of the hybrid detector as a function of energy. We also studied the contrast of the Medipix as a measure of pixel noise. Finally we studied the response to fluorescence X rays from different target materials (In, Pd and Cd) for the two data acquisition modes of the chip; single pixel mode and charge summing mode.« less

Development of a 750x750 pixels CMOS imager sensor for tracking applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Larnaudie, Franck; Guardiola, Nicolas; Saint-Pé, Olivier; Vignon, Bruno; Tulet, Michel; Davancens, Robert; Magnan, Pierre; Corbière, Franck; Martin-Gonthier, Philippe; Estribeau, Magali

2017-11-01

Solid-state optical sensors are now commonly used in space applications (navigation cameras, astronomy imagers, tracking sensors...). Although the charge-coupled devices are still widely used, the CMOS image sensor (CIS), which performances are continuously improving, is a strong challenger for Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) systems. This paper describes a 750x750 pixels CMOS image sensor that has been specially designed and developed for star tracker and tracking sensor applications. Such detector, that is featuring smart architecture enabling very simple and powerful operations, is built using the AMIS 0.5μm CMOS technology. It contains 750x750 rectangular pixels with 20μm pitch. The geometry of the pixel sensitive zone is optimized for applications based on centroiding measurements. The main feature of this device is the on-chip control and timing function that makes the device operation easier by drastically reducing the number of clocks to be applied. This powerful function allows the user to operate the sensor with high flexibility: measurement of dark level from masked lines, direct access to the windows of interest… A temperature probe is also integrated within the CMOS chip allowing a very precise measurement through the video stream. A complete electro-optical characterization of the sensor has been performed. The major parameters have been evaluated: dark current and its uniformity, read-out noise, conversion gain, Fixed Pattern Noise, Photo Response Non Uniformity, quantum efficiency, Modulation Transfer Function, intra-pixel scanning. The characterization tests are detailed in the paper. Co60 and protons irradiation tests have been also carried out on the image sensor and the results are presented. The specific features of the 750x750 image sensor such as low power CMOS design (3.3V, power consumption<100mW), natural windowing (that allows efficient and robust tracking algorithms), simple proximity electronics (because of the on-chip control and timing function) enabling a high flexibility architecture, make this imager a good candidate for high performance tracking applications.

Use of high-granularity CdZnTe pixelated detectors to correct response non-uniformities caused by defects in crystals

DOE PAGES

Bolotnikov, A. E.; Camarda, G. S.; Cui, Y.; ...

2015-09-06

Following our successful demonstration of the position-sensitive virtual Frisch-grid detectors, we investigated the feasibility of using high-granularity position sensing to correct response non-uniformities caused by the crystal defects in CdZnTe (CZT) pixelated detectors. The development of high-granularity detectors able to correct response non-uniformities on a scale comparable to the size of electron clouds opens the opportunity of using unselected off-the-shelf CZT material, whilst still assuring high spectral resolution for the majority of the detectors fabricated from an ingot. Here, we present the results from testing 3D position-sensitive 15×15×10 mm 3 pixelated detectors, fabricated with conventional pixel patterns with progressively smallermore » pixel sizes: 1.4, 0.8, and 0.5 mm. We employed the readout system based on the H3D front-end multi-channel ASIC developed by BNL's Instrumentation Division in collaboration with the University of Michigan. We use the sharing of electron clouds among several adjacent pixels to measure locations of interaction points with sub-pixel resolution. By using the detectors with small-pixel sizes and a high probability of the charge-sharing events, we were able to improve their spectral resolutions in comparison to the baseline levels, measured for the 1.4-mm pixel size detectors with small fractions of charge-sharing events. These results demonstrate that further enhancement of the performance of CZT pixelated detectors and reduction of costs are possible by using high spatial-resolution position information of interaction points to correct the small-scale response non-uniformities caused by crystal defects present in most devices.« less

In-flight calibration of the Hitomi Soft X-ray Spectrometer. (2) Point spread function

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maeda, Yoshitomo; Sato, Toshiki; Hayashi, Takayuki; Iizuka, Ryo; Angelini, Lorella; Asai, Ryota; Furuzawa, Akihiro; Kelley, Richard; Koyama, Shu; Kurashima, Sho; Ishida, Manabu; Mori, Hideyuki; Nakaniwa, Nozomi; Okajima, Takashi; Serlemitsos, Peter J.; Tsujimoto, Masahiro; Yaqoob, Tahir

2018-03-01

We present results of inflight calibration of the point spread function of the Soft X-ray Telescope that focuses X-rays onto the pixel array of the Soft X-ray Spectrometer system. We make a full array image of a point-like source by extracting a pulsed component of the Crab nebula emission. Within the limited statistics afforded by an exposure time of only 6.9 ks and limited knowledge of the systematic uncertainties, we find that the raytracing model of 1 {^'.} 2 half-power-diameter is consistent with an image of the observed event distributions across pixels. The ratio between the Crab pulsar image and the raytracing shows scatter from pixel to pixel that is 40% or less in all except one pixel. The pixel-to-pixel ratio has a spread of 20%, on average, for the 15 edge pixels, with an averaged statistical error of 17% (1 σ). In the central 16 pixels, the corresponding ratio is 15% with an error of 6%.

Multi-frame linear regressive filter for the measurement of infrared pixel spatial response and MTF from sparse data.

PubMed

Huard, Edouard; Derelle, Sophie; Jaeck, Julien; Nghiem, Jean; Haïdar, Riad; Primot, Jérôme

2018-03-05

A challenging point in the prediction of the image quality of infrared imaging systems is the evaluation of the detector modulation transfer function (MTF). In this paper, we present a linear method to get a 2D continuous MTF from sparse spectral data. Within the method, an object with a predictable sparse spatial spectrum is imaged by the focal plane array. The sparse data is then treated to return the 2D continuous MTF with the hypothesis that all the pixels have an identical spatial response. The linearity of the treatment is a key point to estimate directly the error bars of the resulting detector MTF. The test bench will be presented along with measurement tests on a 25 μm pitch InGaAs detector.

Visible-regime polarimetric imager: a fully polarimetric, real-time imaging system.

PubMed

Barter, James D; Thompson, Harold R; Richardson, Christine L

2003-03-20

A fully polarimetric optical camera system has been constructed to obtain polarimetric information simultaneously from four synchronized charge-coupled device imagers at video frame rates of 60 Hz and a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels. The imagers view the same scene along the same optical axis by means of a four-way beam-splitting prism similar to ones used for multiple-imager, common-aperture color TV cameras. Appropriate polarizing filters in front of each imager provide the polarimetric information. Mueller matrix analysis of the polarimetric response of the prism, analyzing filters, and imagers is applied to the detected intensities in each imager as a function of the applied state of polarization over a wide range of linear and circular polarization combinations to obtain an average polarimetric calibration consistent to approximately 2%. Higher accuracies can be obtained by improvement of the polarimetric modeling of the splitting prism and by implementation of a pixel-by-pixel calibration.

Performance improvements of wavelength-shifting-fiber neutron detectors using high-resolution positioning algorithms

DOE PAGES

Wang, C. L.

2016-05-17

On the basis of FluoroBancroft linear-algebraic method [S.B. Andersson, Opt. Exp. 16, 18714 (2008)] three highly-resolved positioning methods were proposed for wavelength-shifting fiber (WLSF) neutron detectors. Using a Gaussian or exponential-decay light-response function (LRF), the non-linear relation of photon-number profiles vs. x-pixels was linearized and neutron positions were determined. The proposed algorithms give an average 0.03-0.08 pixel position error, much smaller than that (0.29 pixel) from a traditional maximum photon algorithm (MPA). The new algorithms result in better detector uniformity, less position misassignment (ghosting), better spatial resolution, and an equivalent or better instrument resolution in powder diffraction than the MPA.more » Moreover, these characters will facilitate broader applications of WLSF detectors at time-of-flight neutron powder diffraction beamlines, including single-crystal diffraction and texture analysis.« less

Performance of a Medipix3RX spectroscopic pixel detector with a high resistivity gallium arsenide sensor.

PubMed

Hamann, Elias; Koenig, Thomas; Zuber, Marcus; Cecilia, Angelica; Tyazhev, Anton; Tolbanov, Oleg; Procz, Simon; Fauler, Alex; Baumbach, Tilo; Fiederle, Michael

2015-03-01

High resistivity gallium arsenide is considered a suitable sensor material for spectroscopic X-ray imaging detectors. These sensors typically have thicknesses between a few hundred μm and 1 mm to ensure a high photon detection efficiency. However, for small pixel sizes down to several tens of μm, an effect called charge sharing reduces a detector's spectroscopic performance. The recently developed Medipix3RX readout chip overcomes this limitation by implementing a charge summing circuit, which allows the reconstruction of the full energy information of a photon interaction in a single pixel. In this work, we present the characterization of the first Medipix3RX detector assembly with a 500 μm thick high resistivity, chromium compensated gallium arsenide sensor. We analyze its properties and demonstrate the functionality of the charge summing mode by means of energy response functions recorded at a synchrotron. Furthermore, the imaging properties of the detector, in terms of its modulation transfer functions and signal-to-noise ratios, are investigated. After more than one decade of attempts to establish gallium arsenide as a sensor material for photon counting detectors, our results represent a breakthrough in obtaining detector-grade material. The sensor we introduce is therefore suitable for high resolution X-ray imaging applications.

Modulation transfer function of a triangular pixel array detector.

PubMed

Karimzadeh, Ayatollah

2014-07-01

The modulation transfer function (MTF) is the main parameter that is used to evaluate image quality in electro-optical systems. Detector sampling MTF in most electro-optical systems determines the cutoff frequency of the system. The MTF of the detector depends on its pixel shape. In this work, we calculated the MTF of a detector with an equilateral triangular pixel shape. Some new results were found in deriving the MTF for the equilateral triangular pixel shape.

Nonuniformity correction algorithm with efficient pixel offset estimation for infrared focal plane arrays.

PubMed

Orżanowski, Tomasz

2016-01-01

This paper presents an infrared focal plane array (IRFPA) response nonuniformity correction (NUC) algorithm which is easy to implement by hardware. The proposed NUC algorithm is based on the linear correction scheme with the useful method of pixel offset correction coefficients update. The new approach to IRFPA response nonuniformity correction consists in the use of pixel response change determined at the actual operating conditions in relation to the reference ones by means of shutter to compensate a pixel offset temporal drift. Moreover, it permits to remove any optics shading effect in the output image as well. To show efficiency of the proposed NUC algorithm some test results for microbolometer IRFPA are presented.

Performance of photovoltaic arrays in-vivo and characteristics of prosthetic vision in animals with retinal degeneration

PubMed Central

Lorach, Henri; Goetz, Georges; Mandel, Yossi; Lei, Xin; Kamins, Theodore I.; Mathieson, Keith; Huie, Philip; Dalal, Roopa; Harris, James S.; Palanker, Daniel

2014-01-01

Summary Loss of photoreceptors during retinal degeneration leads to blindness, but information can be reintroduced into the visual system using electrical stimulation of the remaining retinal neurons. Subretinal photovoltaic arrays convert pulsed illumination into pulsed electric current to stimulate the inner retinal neurons. Since required irradiance exceeds the natural luminance levels, an invisible near-infrared (915nm) light is used to avoid photophobic effects. We characterized the thresholds and dynamic range of cortical responses to prosthetic stimulation with arrays of various pixel sizes and with different number of photodiodes. Stimulation thresholds for devices with 140µm pixels were approximately half those of 70µm pixels, and with both pixel sizes, thresholds were lower with 2 diodes than with 3 diodes per pixel. In all cases these thresholds were more than two orders of magnitude below the ocular safety limit. At high stimulation frequencies (>20Hz), the cortical response exhibited flicker fusion. Over one order of magnitude of dynamic range could be achieved by varying either pulse duration or irradiance. However, contrast sensitivity was very limited. Cortical responses could be detected even with only a few illuminated pixels. Finally, we demonstrate that recording of the corneal electric potential in response to patterned illumination of the subretinal arrays allows monitoring the current produced by each pixel, and thereby assessing the changes in the implant performance over time. PMID:25255990

First light from a very large area pixel array for high-throughput x-ray polarimetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bellazzini, R.; Spandre, G.; Minuti, M.; Baldini, L.; Brez, A.; Cavalca, F.; Latronico, L.; Omodei, N.; Massai, M. M.; Sgrò, C.; Costa, E.; Soffitta, P.; Krummenacher, F.; de Oliveira, R.

2006-06-01

We report on a large active area (15x15mm2), high channel density (470 pixels/mm2), self-triggering CMOS analog chip that we have developed as pixelized charge collecting electrode of a Micropattern Gas Detector. This device, which represents a big step forward both in terms of size and performance, is the last version of three generations of custom ASICs of increasing complexity. The CMOS pixel array has the top metal layer patterned in a matrix of 105600 hexagonal pixels at 50μm pitch. Each pixel is directly connected to the underneath full electronics chain which has been realized in the remaining five metal and single poly-silicon layers of a standard 0.18μm CMOS VLSI technology. The chip has customizable self-triggering capability and includes a signal pre-processing function for the automatic localization of the event coordinates. In this way it is possible to reduce significantly the readout time and the data volume by limiting the signal output only to those pixels belonging to the region of interest. The very small pixel area and the use of a deep sub-micron CMOS technology has brought the noise down to 50 electrons ENC. Results from in depth tests of this device when coupled to a fine pitch (50μm on a triangular pattern) Gas Electron Multiplier are presented. The matching of readout and gas amplification pitch allows getting optimal results. The application of this detector for Astronomical X-Ray Polarimetry is discussed. The experimental detector response to polarized and unpolarized X-ray radiation when working with two gas mixtures and two different photon energies is shown. Results from a full MonteCarlo simulation for several galactic and extragalactic astronomical sources are also reported.

Image quality analysis of a color LCD as well as a monochrome LCD using a Foveon color CMOS camera

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dallas, William J.; Roehrig, Hans; Krupinski, Elizabeth A.

2007-09-01

We have combined a CMOS color camera with special software to compose a multi-functional image-quality analysis instrument. It functions as a colorimeter as well as measuring modulation transfer functions (MTF) and noise power spectra (NPS). It is presently being expanded to examine fixed-pattern noise and temporal noise. The CMOS camera has 9 μm square pixels and a pixel matrix of 2268 x 1512 x 3. The camera uses a sensor that has co-located pixels for all three primary colors. We have imaged sections of both a color and a monochrome LCD monitor onto the camera sensor with LCD-pixel-size to camera-pixel-size ratios of both 12:1 and 17.6:1. When used as an imaging colorimeter, each camera pixel is calibrated to provide CIE color coordinates and tristimulus values. This capability permits the camera to simultaneously determine chromaticity in different locations on the LCD display. After the color calibration with a CS-200 colorimeter the color coordinates of the display's primaries determined from the camera's luminance response are very close to those found from the CS-200. Only the color coordinates of the display's white point were in error. For calculating the MTF a vertical or horizontal line is displayed on the monitor. The captured image is color-matrix preprocessed, Fourier transformed then post-processed. For NPS, a uniform image is displayed on the monitor. Again, the image is pre-processed, transformed and processed. Our measurements show that the horizontal MTF's of both displays have a larger negative slope than that of the vertical MTF's. This behavior indicates that the horizontal MTF's are poorer than the vertical MTF's. However the modulations at the Nyquist frequency seem lower for the color LCD than for the monochrome LCD. The spatial noise of the color display in both directions is larger than that of the monochrome display. Attempts were also made to analyze the total noise in terms of spatial and temporal noise by applying subtractions of images taken at exactly the same exposure. Temporal noise seems to be significantly lower than spatial noise.

Carotid Stenosis And Ulcer Detectability As A Function Of Pixel Size

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mintz, Leslie J.; Enzmann, Dieter R.; Keyes, Gary S.; Mainiero, Louis M.; Brody, William R.

1981-11-01

Digital radiography, in conjunction with digital subtraction methods can provide high quality images of the vascular system,1-4 Spatial resolution is one important limiting factor of this imaging technique. Since spatial resolution of a digital image is a function of pixel size, it is important to determine the pixel size threshold necessary to provide information comparable to that of conventional angiograms. This study was designed to establish the pixel size necessary to identify accurately stenotic and ulcerative lesions of the carotid artery.

AEDC Sensor T&E Methodology

DTIC Science & Technology

1995-07-01

designated pixel. OTF analysis will be similar to the analysis discussed previously. Any nonuniformity in the response of the chosen pixel to the...not seen by the trace. Nonuniformity of the pixel response must be also be taken into account. Background measurements of the maximum and minimum...to the background field of regard. To incorporate and support interactive CLDWSG operation and to accommodate simulation of nonuniform anisoplanatic

Functional recognition imaging using artificial neural networks: applications to rapid cellular identification via broadband electromechanical response

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nikiforov, M. P.; Reukov, V. V.; Thompson, G. L.; Vertegel, A. A.; Guo, S.; Kalinin, S. V.; Jesse, S.

2009-10-01

Functional recognition imaging in scanning probe microscopy (SPM) using artificial neural network identification is demonstrated. This approach utilizes statistical analysis of complex SPM responses at a single spatial location to identify the target behavior, which is reminiscent of associative thinking in the human brain, obviating the need for analytical models. We demonstrate, as an example of recognition imaging, rapid identification of cellular organisms using the difference in electromechanical activity over a broad frequency range. Single-pixel identification of model Micrococcus lysodeikticus and Pseudomonas fluorescens bacteria is achieved, demonstrating the viability of the method.

Depth-of-interaction estimates in pixelated scintillator sensors using Monte Carlo techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Diksha; Sze, Christina; Bhandari, Harish; Nagarkar, Vivek; Badano, Aldo

2017-01-01

Image quality in thick scintillator detectors can be improved by minimizing parallax errors through depth-of-interaction (DOI) estimation. A novel sensor for low-energy single photon imaging having a thick, transparent, crystalline pixelated micro-columnar CsI:Tl scintillator structure has been described, with possible future application in small-animal single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging when using thicker structures under development. In order to understand the fundamental limits of this new structure, we introduce cartesianDETECT2, an open-source optical transport package that uses Monte Carlo methods to obtain estimates of DOI for improving spatial resolution of nuclear imaging applications. Optical photon paths are calculated as a function of varying simulation parameters such as columnar surface roughness, bulk, and top-surface absorption. We use scanning electron microscope images to estimate appropriate surface roughness coefficients. Simulation results are analyzed to model and establish patterns between DOI and photon scattering. The effect of varying starting locations of optical photons on the spatial response is studied. Bulk and top-surface absorption fractions were varied to investigate their effect on spatial response as a function of DOI. We investigated the accuracy of our DOI estimation model for a particular screen with various training and testing sets, and for all cases the percent error between the estimated and actual DOI over the majority of the detector thickness was ±5% with a maximum error of up to ±10% at deeper DOIs. In addition, we found that cartesianDETECT2 is computationally five times more efficient than MANTIS. Findings indicate that DOI estimates can be extracted from a double-Gaussian model of the detector response. We observed that our model predicts DOI in pixelated scintillator detectors reasonably well.

Achieving subpixel resolution with time-correlated transient signals in pixelated CdZnTe gamma-ray sensors using a focused laser beam (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ocampo Giraldo, Luis A.; Bolotnikov, Aleksey E.; Camarda, Giuseppe S.; Cui, Yonggang; De Geronimo, Gianluigi; Gul, Rubi; Fried, Jack; Hossain, Anwar; Unlu, Kenan; Vernon, Emerson; Yang, Ge; James, Ralph B.

2017-05-01

High-resolution position-sensitive detectors have been proposed to correct response non-uniformities in Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CZT) crystals by virtually subdividing the detectors area into small voxels and equalizing responses from each voxel. 3D pixelated detectors coupled with multichannel readout electronics are the most advanced type of CZT devices offering many options in signal processing and enhancing detector performance. One recent innovation proposed for pixelated detectors is to use the induced (transient) signals from neighboring pixels to achieve high sub-pixel position resolution while keeping large pixel sizes. The main hurdle in achieving this goal is the relatively low signal induced on the neighboring pixels because of the electrostatic shielding effect caused by the collecting pixel. In addition, to achieve high position sensitivity one should rely on time-correlated transient signals, which means that digitized output signals must be used. We present the results of our studies to measure the amplitude of the pixel signals so that these can be used to measure positions of the interaction points. This is done with the processing of digitized correlated time signals measured from several adjacent pixels taking into account rise-time and charge-sharing effects. In these measurements we used a focused pulsed laser to generate a 10-micron beam at one milliwatt (650-nm wavelength) over the detector surface while the collecting pixel was moved in cardinal directions. The results include measurements that present the benefits of combining conventional pixel geometry with digital pulse processing for the best approach in achieving sub-pixel position resolution with the pixel dimensions of approximately 2 mm. We also present the sub-pixel resolution measurements at comparable energies from various gamma emitting isotopes.

Comparing light sensitivity, linearity and step response of electronic cameras for ophthalmology.

PubMed

Kopp, O; Markert, S; Tornow, R P

2002-01-01

To develop and test a procedure to measure and compare light sensitivity, linearity and step response of electronic cameras. The pixel value (PV) of digitized images as a function of light intensity (I) was measured. The sensitivity was calculated from the slope of the P(I) function, the linearity was estimated from the correlation coefficient of this function. To measure the step response, a short sequence of images was acquired. During acquisition, a light source was switched on and off using a fast shutter. The resulting PV was calculated for each video field of the sequence. A CCD camera optimized for the near-infrared (IR) spectrum showed the highest sensitivity for both, visible and IR light. There are little differences in linearity. The step response depends on the procedure of integration and read out.

Image Edge Extraction via Fuzzy Reasoning

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dominquez, Jesus A. (Inventor); Klinko, Steve (Inventor)

2008-01-01

A computer-based technique for detecting edges in gray level digital images employs fuzzy reasoning to analyze whether each pixel in an image is likely on an edge. The image is analyzed on a pixel-by-pixel basis by analyzing gradient levels of pixels in a square window surrounding the pixel being analyzed. An edge path passing through the pixel having the greatest intensity gradient is used as input to a fuzzy membership function, which employs fuzzy singletons and inference rules to assigns a new gray level value to the pixel that is related to the pixel's edginess degree.

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

Bolotnikov, A. E.; Camarda, G. S.; Cui, Y.

Following our successful demonstration of the position-sensitive virtual Frisch-grid detectors, we investigated the feasibility of using high-granularity position sensing to correct response non-uniformities caused by the crystal defects in CdZnTe (CZT) pixelated detectors. The development of high-granularity detectors able to correct response non-uniformities on a scale comparable to the size of electron clouds opens the opportunity of using unselected off-the-shelf CZT material, whilst still assuring high spectral resolution for the majority of the detectors fabricated from an ingot. Here, we present the results from testing 3D position-sensitive 15×15×10 mm 3 pixelated detectors, fabricated with conventional pixel patterns with progressively smallermore » pixel sizes: 1.4, 0.8, and 0.5 mm. We employed the readout system based on the H3D front-end multi-channel ASIC developed by BNL's Instrumentation Division in collaboration with the University of Michigan. We use the sharing of electron clouds among several adjacent pixels to measure locations of interaction points with sub-pixel resolution. By using the detectors with small-pixel sizes and a high probability of the charge-sharing events, we were able to improve their spectral resolutions in comparison to the baseline levels, measured for the 1.4-mm pixel size detectors with small fractions of charge-sharing events. These results demonstrate that further enhancement of the performance of CZT pixelated detectors and reduction of costs are possible by using high spatial-resolution position information of interaction points to correct the small-scale response non-uniformities caused by crystal defects present in most devices.« less

A detector interferometric calibration experiment for high precision astrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crouzier, A.; Malbet, F.; Henault, F.; Léger, A.; Cara, C.; LeDuigou, J. M.; Preis, O.; Kern, P.; Delboulbe, A.; Martin, G.; Feautrier, P.; Stadler, E.; Lafrasse, S.; Rochat, S.; Ketchazo, C.; Donati, M.; Doumayrou, E.; Lagage, P. O.; Shao, M.; Goullioud, R.; Nemati, B.; Zhai, C.; Behar, E.; Potin, S.; Saint-Pe, M.; Dupont, J.

2016-11-01

Context. Exoplanet science has made staggering progress in the last two decades, due to the relentless exploration of new detection methods and refinement of existing ones. Yet astrometry offers a unique and untapped potential of discovery of habitable-zone low-mass planets around all the solar-like stars of the solar neighborhood. To fulfill this goal, astrometry must be paired with high precision calibration of the detector. Aims: We present a way to calibrate a detector for high accuracy astrometry. An experimental testbed combining an astrometric simulator and an interferometric calibration system is used to validate both the hardware needed for the calibration and the signal processing methods. The objective is an accuracy of 5 × 10-6 pixel on the location of a Nyquist sampled polychromatic point spread function. Methods: The interferometric calibration system produced modulated Young fringes on the detector. The Young fringes were parametrized as products of time and space dependent functions, based on various pixel parameters. The minimization of function parameters was done iteratively, until convergence was obtained, revealing the pixel information needed for the calibration of astrometric measurements. Results: The calibration system yielded the pixel positions to an accuracy estimated at 4 × 10-4 pixel. After including the pixel position information, an astrometric accuracy of 6 × 10-5 pixel was obtained, for a PSF motion over more than five pixels. In the static mode (small jitter motion of less than 1 × 10-3 pixel), a photon noise limited precision of 3 × 10-5 pixel was reached.

In-vivo Fourier domain optical coherence tomography as a new tool for investigation of vasodynamics in the mouse model.

PubMed

Meissner, Sven; Müller, Gregor; Walther, Julia; Morawietz, Henning; Koch, Edmund

2009-01-01

In-vivo imaging of the vascular system can provide novel insight into the dynamics of vasoconstriction and vasodilation. Fourier domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT) is an optical, noncontact imaging technique based on interferometry of short-coherent near-infrared light with axial resolution of less than 10 microm. In this study, we apply FD-OCT as an in-vivo imaging technique to investigate blood vessels in their anatomical context using temporally resolved image stacks. Our chosen model system is the murine saphenous artery and vein, due to their small inner vessel diameters, sensitive response to vasoactive stimuli, and advantageous anatomical position. The vascular function of male wild-type mice (C57BL/6) is determined at the ages of 6 and 20 weeks. Vasoconstriction is analyzed in response to dermal application of potassium (K(+)), and vasodilation in response to sodium nitroprusside (SNP). Vasodynamics are quantified from time series (75 sec, 4 frames per sec, 330 x 512 pixels per frame) of cross sectional images that are analyzed by semiautomated image processing software. The morphology of the saphenous artery and vein is determined by 3-D image stacks of 512 x 512 x 512 pixels. Using the FD-OCT technique, we are able to demonstrate age-dependent differences in vascular function and vasodynamics.

Tutorial on X-ray photon counting detector characterization.

PubMed

Ren, Liqiang; Zheng, Bin; Liu, Hong

2018-01-01

Recent advances in photon counting detection technology have led to significant research interest in X-ray imaging. As a tutorial level review, this paper covers a wide range of aspects related to X-ray photon counting detector characterization. The tutorial begins with a detailed description of the working principle and operating modes of a pixelated X-ray photon counting detector with basic architecture and detection mechanism. Currently available methods and techniques for charactering major aspects including energy response, noise floor, energy resolution, count rate performance (detector efficiency), and charge sharing effect of photon counting detectors are comprehensively reviewed. Other characterization aspects such as point spread function (PSF), line spread function (LSF), contrast transfer function (CTF), modulation transfer function (MTF), noise power spectrum (NPS), detective quantum efficiency (DQE), bias voltage, radiation damage, and polarization effect are also remarked. A cadmium telluride (CdTe) pixelated photon counting detector is employed for part of the characterization demonstration and the results are presented. This review can serve as a tutorial for X-ray imaging researchers and investigators to understand, operate, characterize, and optimize photon counting detectors for a variety of applications.

Reflective coherent spatial light modulator

DOEpatents

Simpson, John T.; Richards, Roger K.; Hutchinson, Donald P.; Simpson, Marcus L.

2003-04-22

A reflective coherent spatial light modulator (RCSLM) includes a subwavelength resonant grating structure (SWS), the SWS including at least one subwavelength resonant grating layer (SWL) have a plurality of areas defining a plurality of pixels. Each pixel represents an area capable of individual control of its reflective response. A structure for modulating the resonant reflective response of at least one pixel is provided. The structure for modulating can include at least one electro-optic layer in optical contact with the SWS. The RCSLM is scalable in both pixel size and wavelength. A method for forming a RCSLM includes the steps of selecting a waveguide material and forming a SWS in the waveguide material, the SWS formed from at least one SWL, the SWL having a plurality of areas defining a plurality of pixels.

Retinal vessel segmentation using the 2-D Gabor wavelet and supervised classification.

PubMed

Soares, João V B; Leandro, Jorge J G; Cesar Júnior, Roberto M; Jelinek, Herbert F; Cree, Michael J

2006-09-01

We present a method for automated segmentation of the vasculature in retinal images. The method produces segmentations by classifying each image pixel as vessel or nonvessel, based on the pixel's feature vector. Feature vectors are composed of the pixel's intensity and two-dimensional Gabor wavelet transform responses taken at multiple scales. The Gabor wavelet is capable of tuning to specific frequencies, thus allowing noise filtering and vessel enhancement in a single step. We use a Bayesian classifier with class-conditional probability density functions (likelihoods) described as Gaussian mixtures, yielding a fast classification, while being able to model complex decision surfaces. The probability distributions are estimated based on a training set of labeled pixels obtained from manual segmentations. The method's performance is evaluated on publicly available DRIVE (Staal et al., 2004) and STARE (Hoover et al., 2000) databases of manually labeled images. On the DRIVE database, it achieves an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.9614, being slightly superior than that presented by state-of-the-art approaches. We are making our implementation available as open source MATLAB scripts for researchers interested in implementation details, evaluation, or development of methods.

Ghost detection and removal based on super-pixel grouping in exposure fusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Shenyu; Xu, Zhihai; Li, Qi; Chen, Yueting; Feng, Huajun

2014-09-01

A novel multi-exposure images fusion method for dynamic scenes is proposed. The commonly used techniques for high dynamic range (HDR) imaging are based on the combination of multiple differently exposed images of the same scene. The drawback of these methods is that ghosting artifacts will be introduced into the final HDR image if the scene is not static. In this paper, a super-pixel grouping based method is proposed to detect the ghost in the image sequences. We introduce the zero mean normalized cross correlation (ZNCC) as a measure of similarity between a given exposure image and the reference. The calculation of ZNCC is implemented in super-pixel level, and the super-pixels which have low correlation with the reference are excluded by adjusting the weight maps for fusion. Without any prior information on camera response function or exposure settings, the proposed method generates low dynamic range (LDR) images which can be shown on conventional display devices directly with details preserving and ghost effects reduced. Experimental results show that the proposed method generates high quality images which have less ghost artifacts and provide a better visual quality than previous approaches.

Image compression technique

DOEpatents

Fu, Chi-Yung; Petrich, Loren I.

1997-01-01

An image is compressed by identifying edge pixels of the image; creating a filled edge array of pixels each of the pixels in the filled edge array which corresponds to an edge pixel having a value equal to the value of a pixel of the image array selected in response to the edge pixel, and each of the pixels in the filled edge array which does not correspond to an edge pixel having a value which is a weighted average of the values of surrounding pixels in the filled edge array which do correspond to edge pixels; and subtracting the filled edge array from the image array to create a difference array. The edge file and the difference array are then separately compressed and transmitted or stored. The original image is later reconstructed by creating a preliminary array in response to the received edge file, and adding the preliminary array to the received difference array. Filling is accomplished by solving Laplace's equation using a multi-grid technique. Contour and difference file coding techniques also are described. The techniques can be used in a method for processing a plurality of images by selecting a respective compression approach for each image, compressing each of the images according to the compression approach selected, and transmitting each of the images as compressed, in correspondence with an indication of the approach selected for the image.

Image compression technique

DOEpatents

Fu, C.Y.; Petrich, L.I.

1997-03-25

An image is compressed by identifying edge pixels of the image; creating a filled edge array of pixels each of the pixels in the filled edge array which corresponds to an edge pixel having a value equal to the value of a pixel of the image array selected in response to the edge pixel, and each of the pixels in the filled edge array which does not correspond to an edge pixel having a value which is a weighted average of the values of surrounding pixels in the filled edge array which do correspond to edge pixels; and subtracting the filled edge array from the image array to create a difference array. The edge file and the difference array are then separately compressed and transmitted or stored. The original image is later reconstructed by creating a preliminary array in response to the received edge file, and adding the preliminary array to the received difference array. Filling is accomplished by solving Laplace`s equation using a multi-grid technique. Contour and difference file coding techniques also are described. The techniques can be used in a method for processing a plurality of images by selecting a respective compression approach for each image, compressing each of the images according to the compression approach selected, and transmitting each of the images as compressed, in correspondence with an indication of the approach selected for the image. 16 figs.

Mapping Capacitive Coupling Among Pixels in a Sensor Array

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Seshadri, Suresh; Cole, David M.; Smith, Roger M.

2010-01-01

An improved method of mapping the capacitive contribution to cross-talk among pixels in an imaging array of sensors (typically, an imaging photodetector array) has been devised for use in calibrating and/or characterizing such an array. The method involves a sequence of resets of subarrays of pixels to specified voltages and measurement of the voltage responses of neighboring non-reset pixels.

Nonlinear time dependence of dark current in charge-coupled devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dunlap, Justin C.; Bodegom, Erik; Widenhorn, Ralf

2011-03-01

It is generally assumed that charge-coupled device (CCD) imagers produce a linear response of dark current versus exposure time except near saturation. We found a large number of pixels with nonlinear dark current response to exposure time to be present in two scientific CCD imagers. These pixels are found to exhibit distinguishable behavior with other analogous pixels and therefore can be characterized in groupings. Data from two Kodak CCD sensors are presented for exposure times from a few seconds up to two hours. Linear behavior is traditionally taken for granted when carrying out dark current correction and as a result, pixels with nonlinear behavior will be corrected inaccurately.

Detecting nonlinear dynamics of functional connectivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

LaConte, Stephen M.; Peltier, Scott J.; Kadah, Yasser; Ngan, Shing-Chung; Deshpande, Gopikrishna; Hu, Xiaoping

2004-04-01

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a technique that is sensitive to correlates of neuronal activity. The application of fMRI to measure functional connectivity of related brain regions across hemispheres (e.g. left and right motor cortices) has great potential for revealing fundamental physiological brain processes. Primarily, functional connectivity has been characterized by linear correlations in resting-state data, which may not provide a complete description of its temporal properties. In this work, we broaden the measure of functional connectivity to study not only linear correlations, but also those arising from deterministic, non-linear dynamics. Here the delta-epsilon approach is extended and applied to fMRI time series. The method of delays is used to reconstruct the joint system defined by a reference pixel and a candidate pixel. The crux of this technique relies on determining whether the candidate pixel provides additional information concerning the time evolution of the reference. As in many correlation-based connectivity studies, we fix the reference pixel. Every brain location is then used as a candidate pixel to estimate the spatial pattern of deterministic coupling with the reference. Our results indicate that measured connectivity is often emphasized in the motor cortex contra-lateral to the reference pixel, demonstrating the suitability of this approach for functional connectivity studies. In addition, discrepancies with traditional correlation analysis provide initial evidence for non-linear dynamical properties of resting-state fMRI data. Consequently, the non-linear characterization provided from our approach may provide a more complete description of the underlying physiology and brain function measured by this type of data.

Microlens performance limits in sub-2mum pixel CMOS image sensors.

PubMed

Huo, Yijie; Fesenmaier, Christian C; Catrysse, Peter B

2010-03-15

CMOS image sensors with smaller pixels are expected to enable digital imaging systems with better resolution. When pixel size scales below 2 mum, however, diffraction affects the optical performance of the pixel and its microlens, in particular. We present a first-principles electromagnetic analysis of microlens behavior during the lateral scaling of CMOS image sensor pixels. We establish for a three-metal-layer pixel that diffraction prevents the microlens from acting as a focusing element when pixels become smaller than 1.4 microm. This severely degrades performance for on and off-axis pixels in red, green and blue color channels. We predict that one-metal-layer or backside-illuminated pixels are required to extend the functionality of microlenses beyond the 1.4 microm pixel node.

Validating An Analytic Completeness Model for Kepler Target Stars Based on Flux-level Transit Injection Experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Catanzarite, Joseph; Burke, Christopher J.; Li, Jie; Seader, Shawn; Haas, Michael R.; Batalha, Natalie; Henze, Christopher; Christiansen, Jessie; Kepler Project, NASA Advanced Supercomputing Division

2016-06-01

The Kepler Mission is developing an Analytic Completeness Model (ACM) to estimate detection completeness contours as a function of exoplanet radius and period for each target star. Accurate completeness contours are necessary for robust estimation of exoplanet occurrence rates.The main components of the ACM for a target star are: detection efficiency as a function of SNR, the window function (WF) and the one-sigma depth function (OSDF). (Ref. Burke et al. 2015). The WF captures the falloff in transit detection probability at long periods that is determined by the observation window (the duration over which the target star has been observed). The OSDF is the transit depth (in parts per million) that yields SNR of unity for the full transit train. It is a function of period, and accounts for the time-varying properties of the noise and for missing or deweighted data.We are performing flux-level transit injection (FLTI) experiments on selected Kepler target stars with the goal of refining and validating the ACM. “Flux-level” injection machinery inserts exoplanet transit signatures directly into the flux time series, as opposed to “pixel-level” injection, which inserts transit signatures into the individual pixels using the pixel response function. See Jie Li's poster: ID #2493668, "Flux-level transit injection experiments with the NASA Pleiades Supercomputer" for details, including performance statistics.Since FLTI is affordable for only a small subset of the Kepler targets, the ACM is designed to apply to most Kepler target stars. We validate this model using “deep” FLTI experiments, with ~500,000 injection realizations on each of a small number of targets and “shallow” FLTI experiments with ~2000 injection realizations on each of many targets. From the results of these experiments, we identify anomalous targets, model their behavior and refine the ACM accordingly.In this presentation, we discuss progress in validating and refining the ACM, and we compare our detection efficiency curves with those derived from the associated pixel-level transit injection experiments.Kepler was selected as the 10th mission of the Discovery Program. Funding for this mission is provided by NASA, Science Mission Directorate.

4.3 μm quantum cascade detector in pixel configuration.

PubMed

Harrer, A; Schwarz, B; Schuler, S; Reininger, P; Wirthmüller, A; Detz, H; MacFarland, D; Zederbauer, T; Andrews, A M; Rothermund, M; Oppermann, H; Schrenk, W; Strasser, G

2016-07-25

We present the design simulation and characterization of a quantum cascade detector operating at 4.3μm wavelength. Array integration and packaging processes were investigated. The device operates in the 4.3μm CO₂ absorption region and consists of 64 pixels. The detector is designed fully compatible to standard processing and material growth methods for scalability to large pixel counts. The detector design is optimized for a high device resistance at elevated temperatures. A QCD simulation model was enhanced for resistance and responsivity optimization. The substrate illuminated pixels utilize a two dimensional Au diffraction grating to couple the light to the active region. A single pixel responsivity of 16mA/W at room temperature with a specific detectivity D^* of 5⋅10⁷ cmHz/W was measured.

A MAP-based image interpolation method via Viterbi decoding of Markov chains of interpolation functions.

PubMed

Vedadi, Farhang; Shirani, Shahram

2014-01-01

A new method of image resolution up-conversion (image interpolation) based on maximum a posteriori sequence estimation is proposed. Instead of making a hard decision about the value of each missing pixel, we estimate the missing pixels in groups. At each missing pixel of the high resolution (HR) image, we consider an ensemble of candidate interpolation methods (interpolation functions). The interpolation functions are interpreted as states of a Markov model. In other words, the proposed method undergoes state transitions from one missing pixel position to the next. Accordingly, the interpolation problem is translated to the problem of estimating the optimal sequence of interpolation functions corresponding to the sequence of missing HR pixel positions. We derive a parameter-free probabilistic model for this to-be-estimated sequence of interpolation functions. Then, we solve the estimation problem using a trellis representation and the Viterbi algorithm. Using directional interpolation functions and sequence estimation techniques, we classify the new algorithm as an adaptive directional interpolation using soft-decision estimation techniques. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm yields images with higher or comparable peak signal-to-noise ratios compared with some benchmark interpolation methods in the literature while being efficient in terms of implementation and complexity considerations.

Data acquisition system

DOEpatents

Shapiro, Stephen L.; Mani, Sudhindra; Atlas, Eugene L.; Cords, Dieter H. W.; Holbrook, Britt

1997-01-01

A data acquisition circuit for a particle detection system that allows for time tagging of particles detected by the system. The particle detection system screens out background noise and discriminate between hits from scattered and unscattered particles. The detection system can also be adapted to detect a wide variety of particle types. The detection system utilizes a particle detection pixel array, each pixel containing a back-biased PIN diode, and a data acquisition pixel array. Each pixel in the particle detection pixel array is in electrical contact with a pixel in the data acquisition pixel array. In response to a particle hit, the affected PIN diodes generate a current, which is detected by the corresponding data acquisition pixels. This current is integrated to produce a voltage across a capacitor, the voltage being related to the amount of energy deposited in the pixel by the particle. The current is also used to trigger a read of the pixel hit by the particle.

Characterisation of GaAs:Cr pixel sensors coupled to Timepix chips in view of synchrotron applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ponchut, C.; Cotte, M.; Lozinskaya, A.; Zarubin, A.; Tolbanov, O.; Tyazhev, A.

2017-12-01

In order to meet the needs of some ESRF beamlines for highly efficient 2D X-ray detectors in the 20-50 keV range, GaAs:Cr pixel sensors coupled to TIMEPIX readout chips were implemented into a MAXIPIX detector. Use of GaAs:Cr sensor material is intended to overcome the limitations of Si (low absorption) and of CdTe (fluorescence) in this energy range The GaAs:Cr sensor assemblies were characterised with both laboratory X-ray sources and monochromatic synchrotron X-ray beams. The sensor response as a function of bias voltage was compared to a theoretical model, leading to an estimation of the μτ product of electrons in GaAs:Cr sensor material of 1.6×10-4 cm2/V. The spatial homogeneity of X-ray images obtained with the sensors was measured in different irradiation conditions, showing a particular sensitivity to small variations in the incident beam spectrum. 2D-resolved elemental mapping of the sensor surface was carried out to investigate a possible relation between the noise pattern observed in X-ray images and local fluctuations in chemical composition. A scanning of the sensor response at subpixel scale revealed that these irregularities can be correlated with a distortion of the effective pixel shapes.

Small pixel cross-talk MTF and its impact on MWIR sensor performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goss, Tristan M.; Willers, Cornelius J.

2017-05-01

As pixel sizes reduce in the development of modern High Definition (HD) Mid Wave Infrared (MWIR) detectors the interpixel cross-talk becomes increasingly difficult to regulate. The diffusion lengths required to achieve the quantum efficiency and sensitivity of MWIR detectors are typically longer than the pixel pitch dimension, and the probability of inter-pixel cross-talk increases as the pixel pitch/diffusion length fraction decreases. Inter-pixel cross-talk is most conveniently quantified by the focal plane array sampling Modulation Transfer Function (MTF). Cross-talk MTF will reduce the ideal sinc square pixel MTF that is commonly used when modelling sensor performance. However, cross-talk MTF data is not always readily available from detector suppliers, and since the origins of inter-pixel cross-talk are uniquely device and manufacturing process specific, no generic MTF models appear to satisfy the needs of the sensor designers and analysts. In this paper cross-talk MTF data has been collected from recent publications and the development for a generic cross-talk MTF model to fit this data is investigated. The resulting cross-talk MTF model is then included in a MWIR sensor model and the impact on sensor performance is evaluated in terms of the National Imagery Interoperability Rating Scale's (NIIRS) General Image Quality Equation (GIQE) metric for a range of fnumber/ detector pitch Fλ/d configurations and operating environments. By applying non-linear boost transfer functions in the signal processing chain, the contrast losses due to cross-talk may be compensated for. Boost transfer functions, however, also reduce the signal to noise ratio of the sensor. In this paper boost function limits are investigated and included in the sensor performance assessments.

How many pixels does it take to make a good 4"×6" print? Pixel count wars revisited

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kriss, Michael A.

2011-01-01

In the early 1980's the future of conventional silver-halide photographic systems was of great concern due to the potential introduction of electronic imaging systems then typified by the Sony Mavica analog electronic camera. The focus was on the quality of film-based systems as expressed in the number of equivalent number pixels and bits-per-pixel, and how many pixels would be required to create an equivalent quality image from a digital camera. It was found that 35-mm frames, for ISO 100 color negative film, contained equivalent pixels of 12 microns for a total of 18 million pixels per frame (6 million pixels per layer) with about 6 bits of information per pixel; the introduction of new emulsion technology, tabular AgX grains, increased the value to 8 bit per pixel. Higher ISO speed films had larger equivalent pixels, fewer pixels per frame, but retained the 8 bits per pixel. Further work found that a high quality 3.5" x 5.25" print could be obtained from a three layer system containing 1300 x 1950 pixels per layer or about 7.6 million pixels in all. In short, it became clear that when a digital camera contained about 6 million pixels (in a single layer using a color filter array and appropriate image processing) that digital systems would challenge and replace conventional film-based system for the consumer market. By 2005 this became the reality. Since 2005 there has been a "pixel war" raging amongst digital camera makers. The question arises about just how many pixels are required and are all pixels equal? This paper will provide a practical look at how many pixels are needed for a good print based on the form factor of the sensor (sensor size) and the effective optical modulation transfer function (optical spread function) of the camera lens. Is it better to have 16 million, 5.7-micron pixels or 6 million 7.8-micron pixels? How does intrinsic (no electronic boost) ISO speed and exposure latitude vary with pixel size? A systematic review of these issues will be provided within the context of image quality and ISO speed models developed over the last 15 years.

Direct reading of charge multipliers with a self-triggering CMOS analog chip with 105 k pixels at 50 μm pitch

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bellazzini, R.; Spandre, G.; Minuti, M.; Baldini, L.; Brez, A.; Cavalca, F.; Latronico, L.; Omodei, N.; Massai, M. M.; Sgro', C.; Costa, E.; Soffitta, P.; Krummenacher, F.; de Oliveira, R.

2006-10-01

We report on a large area (15×15 mm2), high channel density (470 pixel/mm2), self-triggering CMOS analog chip that we have developed as a pixelized charge collecting electrode of a Micropattern Gas Detector. This device represents a big step forward both in terms of size and performance, and is in fact the last version of three generations of custom ASICs of increasing complexity. The top metal layer of the CMOS pixel array is patterned in a matrix of 105,600 hexagonal pixels with a 50 μm pitch. Each pixel is directly connected to the underlying full electronics chain which has been realized in the remaining five metal and single poly-silicon layers of a 0.18 μm VLSI technology. The chip, which has customizable self-triggering capabilities, also includes a signal pre-processing function for the automatic localization of the event coordinates. Thanks to these advances it is possible to significantly reduce the read-out time and the data volume by limiting the signal output only to those pixels belonging to the region of interest. In addition to the reduced read-out time and data volume, the very small pixel area and the use of a deep sub-micron CMOS technology has allowed bringing the noise down to 50 electrons ENC. Results from in depth tests of this device when coupled to a fine pitch (50 μm on a triangular pattern) Gas Electron Multiplier are presented. It was found that matching the read-out and gas amplification pitch allows getting optimal results. The experimental detector response to polarized and unpolarized X-ray radiation when working with two gas mixtures and two different photon energies is shown and the application of this detector for Astronomical X-ray Polarimetry is discussed. Results from a full Monte-Carlo simulation for several galactic and extragalactic astronomical sources are also reported.

Estimation of saturated pixel values in digital color imaging

PubMed Central

Zhang, Xuemei; Brainard, David H.

2007-01-01

Pixel saturation, where the incident light at a pixel causes one of the color channels of the camera sensor to respond at its maximum value, can produce undesirable artifacts in digital color images. We present a Bayesian algorithm that estimates what the saturated channel's value would have been in the absence of saturation. The algorithm uses the non-saturated responses from the other color channels, together with a multivariate Normal prior that captures the correlation in response across color channels. The appropriate parameters for the prior may be estimated directly from the image data, since most image pixels are not saturated. Given the prior, the responses of the non-saturated channels, and the fact that the true response of the saturated channel is known to be greater than the saturation level, the algorithm returns the optimal expected mean square estimate for the true response. Extensions of the algorithm to the case where more than one channel is saturated are also discussed. Both simulations and examples with real images are presented to show that the algorithm is effective. PMID:15603065

Polarized-pixel performance model for DoFP polarimeter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Bin; Shi, Zelin; Liu, Haizheng; Liu, Li; Zhao, Yaohong; Zhang, Junchao

2018-06-01

A division of a focal plane (DoFP) polarimeter is manufactured by placing a micropolarizer array directly onto the focal plane array (FPA) of a detector. Each element of the DoFP polarimeter is a polarized pixel. This paper proposes a performance model for a polarized pixel. The proposed model characterizes the optical and electronic performance of a polarized pixel by three parameters. They are respectively major polarization responsivity, minor polarization responsivity and polarization orientation. Each parameter corresponds to an intuitive physical feature of a polarized pixel. This paper further extends this model to calibrate polarization images from a DoFP (division of focal plane) polarimeter. This calibration work is evaluated quantitatively by a developed DoFP polarimeter under varying illumination intensity and angle of linear polarization. The experiment proves that our model reduces nonuniformity to 6.79% of uncalibrated DoLP (degree of linear polarization) images, and significantly improves the visual effect of DoLP images.

Astronomical Polarimetry with the RIT Polarization Imaging Camera

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vorobiev, Dmitry V.; Ninkov, Zoran; Brock, Neal

2018-06-01

In the last decade, imaging polarimeters based on micropolarizer arrays have been developed for use in terrestrial remote sensing and metrology applications. Micropolarizer-based sensors are dramatically smaller and more mechanically robust than other polarimeters with similar spectral response and snapshot capability. To determine the suitability of these new polarimeters for astronomical applications, we developed the RIT Polarization Imaging Camera to investigate the performance of these devices, with a special attention to the low signal-to-noise regime. We characterized the device performance in the lab, by determining the relative throughput, efficiency, and orientation of every pixel, as a function of wavelength. Using the resulting pixel response model, we developed demodulation procedures for aperture photometry and imaging polarimetry observing modes. We found that, using the current calibration, RITPIC is capable of detecting polarization signals as small as ∼0.3%. The relative ease of data collection, calibration, and analysis provided by these sensors suggest than they may become an important tool for a number of astronomical targets.

Statistical framework and noise sensitivity of the amplitude radial correlation contrast method.

PubMed

Kipervaser, Zeev Gideon; Pelled, Galit; Goelman, Gadi

2007-09-01

A statistical framework for the amplitude radial correlation contrast (RCC) method, which integrates a conventional pixel threshold approach with cluster-size statistics, is presented. The RCC method uses functional MRI (fMRI) data to group neighboring voxels in terms of their degree of temporal cross correlation and compares coherences in different brain states (e.g., stimulation OFF vs. ON). By defining the RCC correlation map as the difference between two RCC images, the map distribution of two OFF states is shown to be normal, enabling the definition of the pixel cutoff. The empirical cluster-size null distribution obtained after the application of the pixel cutoff is used to define a cluster-size cutoff that allows 5% false positives. Assuming that the fMRI signal equals the task-induced response plus noise, an analytical expression of amplitude-RCC dependency on noise is obtained and used to define the pixel threshold. In vivo and ex vivo data obtained during rat forepaw electric stimulation are used to fine-tune this threshold. Calculating the spatial coherences within in vivo and ex vivo images shows enhanced coherence in the in vivo data, but no dependency on the anesthesia method, magnetic field strength, or depth of anesthesia, strengthening the generality of the proposed cutoffs. Copyright (c) 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Initial On-Orbit Spatial Resolution Characterization of OrbView-3 Panchromatic Images

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blonski, Slawomir

2006-01-01

Characterization was conducted under the Memorandum of Understanding among Orbital Sciences Corp., ORBIMAGE, Inc., and NASA Applied Sciences Directorate. Acquired five OrbView-3 panchromatic images of the permanent Stennis Space Center edge targets painted on a concrete surface. Each image is available at two processing levels: Georaw and Basic. Georaw is an intermediate image in which individual pixels are aligned by a nominal shift in the along-scan direction to adjust for the staggered layout of the panchromatic detectors along the focal plane array. Georaw images are engineering data and are not delivered to customers. The Basic product includes a cubic interpolation to align the pixels better along the focal plane and to correct for sensor artifacts, such as smile and attitude smoothing. This product retains satellite geometry - no rectification is performed. Processing of the characterized images did not include image sharpening, which is applied by default to OrbView-3 image products delivered by ORBIMAGE to customers. Edge responses were extracted from images of tilted edges in two directions: along-scan and cross-scan. Each edge response was approximated with a superposition of three sigmoidal functions through a nonlinear least-squares curve-fitting. Line Spread Functions (LSF) were derived by differentiation of the analytical approximation. Modulation Transfer Functions (MTF) were obtained after applying the discrete Fourier transform to the LSF.

Automatic Sub-Pixel Co-Registration of LandSat-8 OLI and Sentinel-2A MSI Images Using Phase Correlation and Machine Learning Based Mapping

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Skakun, Sergii; Roger, Jean-Claude; Vermote, Eric F.; Masek, Jeffrey G.; Justice, Christopher O.

2017-01-01

This study investigates misregistration issues between Landsat-8/OLI and Sentinel-2A/MSI at 30 m resolution, and between multi-temporal Sentinel-2A images at 10 m resolution using a phase correlation approach and multiple transformation functions. Co-registration of 45 Landsat-8 to Sentinel-2A pairs and 37 Sentinel-2A to Sentinel-2A pairs were analyzed. Phase correlation proved to be a robust approach that allowed us to identify hundreds and thousands of control points on images acquired more than 100 days apart. Overall, misregistration of up to 1.6 pixels at 30 m resolution between Landsat-8 and Sentinel-2A images, and 1.2 pixels and 2.8 pixels at 10 m resolution between multi-temporal Sentinel-2A images from the same and different orbits, respectively, were observed. The non-linear Random Forest regression used for constructing the mapping function showed best results in terms of root mean square error (RMSE), yielding an average RMSE error of 0.07+/-0.02 pixels at 30 m resolution, and 0.09+/-0.05 and 0.15+/-0.06 pixels at 10 m resolution for the same and adjacent Sentinel-2A orbits, respectively, for multiple tiles and multiple conditions. A simpler 1st order polynomial function (affine transformation) yielded RMSE of 0.08+/-0.02 pixels at 30 m resolution and 0.12+/-0.06 (same Sentinel-2A orbits) and 0.20+/-0.09 (adjacent orbits) pixels at 10 m resolution.

Design methodology: edgeless 3D ASICs with complex in-pixel processing for pixel detectors

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

Fahim Farah, Fahim Farah; Deptuch, Grzegorz W.; Hoff, James R.

The design methodology for the development of 3D integrated edgeless pixel detectors with in-pixel processing using Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools is presented. A large area 3 tier 3D detector with one sensor layer and two ASIC layers containing one analog and one digital tier, is built for x-ray photon time of arrival measurement and imaging. A full custom analog pixel is 65μm x 65μm. It is connected to a sensor pixel of the same size on one side, and on the other side it has approximately 40 connections to the digital pixel. A 32 x 32 edgeless array withoutmore » any peripheral functional blocks constitutes a sub-chip. The sub-chip is an indivisible unit, which is further arranged in a 6 x 6 array to create the entire 1.248cm x 1.248cm ASIC. Each chip has 720 bump-bond I/O connections, on the back of the digital tier to the ceramic PCB. All the analog tier power and biasing is conveyed through the digital tier from the PCB. The assembly has no peripheral functional blocks, and hence the active area extends to the edge of the detector. This was achieved by using a few flavors of almost identical analog pixels (minimal variation in layout) to allow for peripheral biasing blocks to be placed within pixels. The 1024 pixels within a digital sub-chip array have a variety of full custom, semi-custom and automated timing driven functional blocks placed together. The methodology uses a modified mixed-mode on-top digital implementation flow to not only harness the tool efficiency for timing and floor-planning but also to maintain designer control over compact parasitically aware layout. The methodology uses the Cadence design platform, however it is not limited to this tool.« less

Design methodology: edgeless 3D ASICs with complex in-pixel processing for pixel detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fahim, Farah; Deptuch, Grzegorz W.; Hoff, James R.; Mohseni, Hooman

2015-08-01

The design methodology for the development of 3D integrated edgeless pixel detectors with in-pixel processing using Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools is presented. A large area 3 tier 3D detector with one sensor layer and two ASIC layers containing one analog and one digital tier, is built for x-ray photon time of arrival measurement and imaging. A full custom analog pixel is 65μm x 65μm. It is connected to a sensor pixel of the same size on one side, and on the other side it has approximately 40 connections to the digital pixel. A 32 x 32 edgeless array without any peripheral functional blocks constitutes a sub-chip. The sub-chip is an indivisible unit, which is further arranged in a 6 x 6 array to create the entire 1.248cm x 1.248cm ASIC. Each chip has 720 bump-bond I/O connections, on the back of the digital tier to the ceramic PCB. All the analog tier power and biasing is conveyed through the digital tier from the PCB. The assembly has no peripheral functional blocks, and hence the active area extends to the edge of the detector. This was achieved by using a few flavors of almost identical analog pixels (minimal variation in layout) to allow for peripheral biasing blocks to be placed within pixels. The 1024 pixels within a digital sub-chip array have a variety of full custom, semi-custom and automated timing driven functional blocks placed together. The methodology uses a modified mixed-mode on-top digital implementation flow to not only harness the tool efficiency for timing and floor-planning but also to maintain designer control over compact parasitically aware layout. The methodology uses the Cadence design platform, however it is not limited to this tool.

Quantitative computed tomography of lung parenchyma in patients with emphysema: analysis of higher-density lung regions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lederman, Dror; Leader, Joseph K.; Zheng, Bin; Sciurba, Frank C.; Tan, Jun; Gur, David

2011-03-01

Quantitative computed tomography (CT) has been widely used to detect and evaluate the presence (or absence) of emphysema applying the density masks at specific thresholds, e.g., -910 or -950 Hounsfield Unit (HU). However, it has also been observed that subjects with similar density-mask based emphysema scores could have varying lung function, possibly indicating differences of disease severity. To assess this possible discrepancy, we investigated whether density distribution of "viable" lung parenchyma regions with pixel values > -910 HU correlates with lung function. A dataset of 38 subjects, who underwent both pulmonary function testing and CT examinations in a COPD SCCOR study, was assembled. After the lung regions depicted on CT images were automatically segmented by a computerized scheme, we systematically divided the lung parenchyma into different density groups (bins) and computed a number of statistical features (i.e., mean, standard deviation (STD), skewness of the pixel value distributions) in these density bins. We then analyzed the correlations between each feature and lung function. The correlation between diffusion lung capacity (DLCO) and STD of pixel values in the bin of -910HU <= PV < -750HU was -0.43, as compared with a correlation of -0.49 obtained between the post-bronchodilator ratio (FEV1/FVC) measured by the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) dividing the forced vital capacity (FVC) and the STD of pixel values in the bin of -1024HU <= PV < -910HU. The results showed an association between the distribution of pixel values in "viable" lung parenchyma and lung function, which indicates that similar to the conventional density mask method, the pixel value distribution features in "viable" lung parenchyma areas may also provide clinically useful information to improve assessments of lung disease severity as measured by lung functional tests.

Photodiode area effect on performance of X-ray CMOS active pixel sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, M. S.; Kim, Y.; Kim, G.; Lim, K. T.; Cho, G.; Kim, D.

2018-02-01

Compared to conventional TFT-based X-ray imaging devices, CMOS-based X-ray imaging sensors are considered next generation because they can be manufactured in very small pixel pitches and can acquire high-speed images. In addition, CMOS-based sensors have the advantage of integration of various functional circuits within the sensor. The image quality can also be improved by the high fill-factor in large pixels. If the size of the subject is small, the size of the pixel must be reduced as a consequence. In addition, the fill factor must be reduced to aggregate various functional circuits within the pixel. In this study, 3T-APS (active pixel sensor) with photodiodes of four different sizes were fabricated and evaluated. It is well known that a larger photodiode leads to improved overall performance. Nonetheless, if the size of the photodiode is > 1000 μm2, the degree to which the sensor performance increases as the photodiode size increases, is reduced. As a result, considering the fill factor, pixel-pitch > 32 μm is not necessary to achieve high-efficiency image quality. In addition, poor image quality is to be expected unless special sensor-design techniques are included for sensors with a pixel pitch of 25 μm or less.

Digital Signal Processing Techniques for the GIFTS SM EDU

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tian, Jialin; Reisse, Robert A.; Gazarik, Michael J.

2007-01-01

The Geosynchronous Imaging Fourier Transform Spectrometer (GIFTS) Sensor Module (SM) Engineering Demonstration Unit (EDU) is a high resolution spectral imager designed to measure infrared (IR) radiance using a Fourier transform spectrometer (FTS). The GIFTS instrument employs three Focal Plane Arrays (FPAs), which gather measurements across the long-wave IR (LWIR), short/mid-wave IR (SMWIR), and visible spectral bands. The raw interferogram measurements are radiometrically and spectrally calibrated to produce radiance spectra, which are further processed to obtain atmospheric profiles via retrieval algorithms. This paper describes several digital signal processing (DSP) techniques involved in the development of the calibration model. In the first stage, the measured raw interferograms must undergo a series of processing steps that include filtering, decimation, and detector nonlinearity correction. The digital filtering is achieved by employing a linear-phase even-length FIR complex filter that is designed based on the optimum equiripple criteria. Next, the detector nonlinearity effect is compensated for using a set of pre-determined detector response characteristics. In the next stage, a phase correction algorithm is applied to the decimated interferograms. This is accomplished by first estimating the phase function from the spectral phase response of the windowed interferogram, and then correcting the entire interferogram based on the estimated phase function. In the calibration stage, we first compute the spectral responsivity based on the previous results and the ideal Planck blackbody spectra at the given temperatures, from which, the calibrated ambient blackbody (ABB), hot blackbody (HBB), and scene spectra can be obtained. In the post-calibration stage, we estimate the Noise Equivalent Spectral Radiance (NESR) from the calibrated ABB and HBB spectra. The NESR is generally considered as a measure of the instrument noise performance, and can be estimated as the standard deviation of calibrated radiance spectra from multiple scans. To obtain an estimate of the FPA performance, we developed an efficient method of generating pixel performance assessments. In addition, a random pixel selection scheme is developed based on the pixel performance evaluation. This would allow us to perform the calibration procedures on a random pixel population that is a good statistical representation of the entire FPA. The design and implementation of each individual component will be discussed in details.

Particle tracking with a Timepix based triple GEM detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

George, S. P.; Murtas, F.; Alozy, J.; Curioni, A.; Rosenfeld, A. B.; Silari, M.

2015-11-01

This paper details the response of a triple GEM detector with a 55 μmetre pitch pixelated ASIC for readout. The detector is operated as a micro TPC with 9.5 cm3 sensitive volume and characterized with a mixed beam of 120 GeV protons and positive pions. A process for reconstruction of incident particle tracks from individual ionization clusters is described and scans of the gain and drift fields are performed. The angular resolution of the measured tracks is characterized. Also, the readout was operated in a mixed mode where some pixels measure drift time and others charge. This was used to measure the energy deposition in the detector and the charge cloud size as a function of interaction depth. The future uses of the device, including in microdosimetry are discussed.

A focal plane metrology system and PSF centroiding experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Haitao; Li, Baoquan; Cao, Yang; Li, Ligang

2016-10-01

In this paper, we present an overview of a detector array equipment metrology testbed and a micro-pixel centroiding experiment currently under development at the National Space Science Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences. We discuss on-going development efforts aimed at calibrating the intra-/inter-pixel quantum efficiency and pixel positions for scientific grade CMOS detector, and review significant progress in achieving higher precision differential centroiding for pseudo star images in large area back-illuminated CMOS detector. Without calibration of pixel positions and intrapixel response, we have demonstrated that the standard deviation of differential centroiding is below 2.0e-3 pixels.

Spatial light modulator array with heat minimization and image enhancement features

DOEpatents

Jain, Kanti [Briarcliff Manor, NY; Sweatt, William C [Albuquerque, NM; Zemel, Marc [New Rochelle, NY

2007-01-30

An enhanced spatial light modulator (ESLM) array, a microelectronics patterning system and a projection display system using such an ESLM for heat-minimization and resolution enhancement during imaging, and the method for fabricating such an ESLM array. The ESLM array includes, in each individual pixel element, a small pixel mirror (reflective region) and a much larger pixel surround. Each pixel surround includes diffraction-grating regions and resolution-enhancement regions. During imaging, a selected pixel mirror reflects a selected-pixel beamlet into the capture angle of a projection lens, while the diffraction grating of the pixel surround redirects heat-producing unused radiation away from the projection lens. The resolution-enhancement regions of selected pixels provide phase shifts that increase effective modulation-transfer function in imaging. All of the non-selected pixel surrounds redirect all radiation energy away from the projection lens. All elements of the ESLM are fabricated by deposition, patterning, etching and other microelectronic process technologies.

ASIC Readout Circuit Architecture for Large Geiger Photodiode Arrays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vasile, Stefan; Lipson, Jerold

2012-01-01

The objective of this work was to develop a new class of readout integrated circuit (ROIC) arrays to be operated with Geiger avalanche photodiode (GPD) arrays, by integrating multiple functions at the pixel level (smart-pixel or active pixel technology) in 250-nm CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) processes. In order to pack a maximum of functions within a minimum pixel size, the ROIC array is a full, custom application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) design using a mixed-signal CMOS process with compact primitive layout cells. The ROIC array was processed to allow assembly in bump-bonding technology with photon-counting infrared detector arrays into 3-D imaging cameras (LADAR). The ROIC architecture was designed to work with either common- anode Si GPD arrays or common-cathode InGaAs GPD arrays. The current ROIC pixel design is hardwired prior to processing one of the two GPD array configurations, and it has the provision to allow soft reconfiguration to either array (to be implemented into the next ROIC array generation). The ROIC pixel architecture implements the Geiger avalanche quenching, bias, reset, and time to digital conversion (TDC) functions in full-digital design, and uses time domain over-sampling (vernier) to allow high temporal resolution at low clock rates, increased data yield, and improved utilization of the laser beam.

Analysis of identification of digital images from a map of cosmic microwaves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skeivalas, J.; Turla, V.; Jurevicius, M.; Viselga, G.

2018-04-01

This paper discusses identification of digital images from the cosmic microwave background radiation map formed according to the data of the European Space Agency "Planck" telescope by applying covariance functions and wavelet theory. The estimates of covariance functions of two digital images or single images are calculated according to the random functions formed of the digital images in the form of pixel vectors. The estimates of pixel vectors are formed on expansion of the pixel arrays of the digital images by a single vector. When the scale of a digital image is varied, the frequencies of single-pixel color waves remain constant and the procedure for calculation of covariance functions is not affected. For identification of the images, the RGB format spectrum has been applied. The impact of RGB spectrum components and the color tensor on the estimates of covariance functions was analyzed. The identity of digital images is assessed according to the changes in the values of the correlation coefficients in a certain range of values by applying the developed computer program.

A Multipixel Time Series Analysis Method Accounting for Ground Motion, Atmospheric Noise, and Orbital Errors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jolivet, R.; Simons, M.

2018-02-01

Interferometric synthetic aperture radar time series methods aim to reconstruct time-dependent ground displacements over large areas from sets of interferograms in order to detect transient, periodic, or small-amplitude deformation. Because of computational limitations, most existing methods consider each pixel independently, ignoring important spatial covariances between observations. We describe a framework to reconstruct time series of ground deformation while considering all pixels simultaneously, allowing us to account for spatial covariances, imprecise orbits, and residual atmospheric perturbations. We describe spatial covariances by an exponential decay function dependent of pixel-to-pixel distance. We approximate the impact of imprecise orbit information and residual long-wavelength atmosphere as a low-order polynomial function. Tests on synthetic data illustrate the importance of incorporating full covariances between pixels in order to avoid biased parameter reconstruction. An example of application to the northern Chilean subduction zone highlights the potential of this method.

Crosstalk Cancellation for a Simultaneous Phase Shifting Interferometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Olczak, Eugene (Inventor)

2014-01-01

A method of minimizing fringe print-through in a phase-shifting interferometer, includes the steps of: (a) determining multiple transfer functions of pixels in the phase-shifting interferometer; (b) computing a crosstalk term for each transfer function; and (c) displaying, to a user, a phase-difference map using the crosstalk terms computed in step (b). Determining a transfer function in step (a) includes measuring intensities of a reference beam and a test beam at the pixels, and measuring an optical path difference between the reference beam and the test beam at the pixels. Computing crosstalk terms in step (b) includes computing an N-dimensional vector, where N corresponds to the number of transfer functions, and the N-dimensional vector is obtained by minimizing a variance of a modulation function in phase shifted images.

JUNGFRAU 0.2: prototype characterization of a gain-switching, high dynamic range imaging system for photon science at SwissFEL and synchrotrons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jungmann-Smith, J. H.; Bergamaschi, A.; Cartier, S.; Dinapoli, R.; Greiffenberg, D.; Johnson, I.; Maliakal, D.; Mezza, D.; Mozzanica, A.; Ruder, Ch; Schaedler, L.; Schmitt, B.; Shi, X.; Tinti, G.

2014-12-01

JUNGFRAU (adJUstiNg Gain detector FoR the Aramis User station) is a two-dimensional pixel detector for photon science applications at free electron lasers and synchrotron light sources. It is developed for the SwissFEL currently under construction at the Paul Scherrer Institute, Switzerland. Characteristics of this application-specific integrating circuit readout chip include single photon sensitivity and low noise over a dynamic range of over four orders of magnitude of photon input signal. These characteristics are achieved by a three-fold gain-switching preamplifier in each pixel, which automatically adjusts its gain to the amount of charge deposited on the pixel. The final JUNGFRAU chip comprises 256 × 256 pixels of 75 × 75 μm2 each. Arrays of 2 × 4 chips are bump-bonded to monolithic detector modules of about 4 × 8 cm2. Multi-module systems up to 16 Mpixels are planned for the end stations at SwissFEL. A readout rate in excess of 2 kHz is anticipated, which serves the readout requirements of SwissFEL and enables high count rate synchrotron experiments with a linear count rate capability of > 20 MHz/pixel. Promising characterization results from a 3.6 × 3.6 mm2 prototype (JUNGFRAU 0.2) with fluorescence X-ray, infrared laser and synchrotron irradiation are shown. The results include an electronic noise as low as 100 electrons root-mean-square, which enables single photon detection down to X-ray energies of about 2 keV. Noise below the Poisson fluctuation of the photon number and a linearity error of the pixel response of about 1% are demonstrated. First imaging experiments successfully show automatic gain switching. The edge spread function of the imaging system proves to be comparable in quality to single photon counting hybrid pixel detectors.

Self-adjusting threshold mechanism for pixel detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heim, Timon; Garcia-Sciveres, Maurice

2017-09-01

Readout chips of hybrid pixel detectors use a low power amplifier and threshold discrimination to process charge deposited in semiconductor sensors. Due to transistor mismatch each pixel circuit needs to be calibrated individually to achieve response uniformity. Traditionally this is addressed by programmable threshold trimming in each pixel, but requires robustness against radiation effects, temperature, and time. In this paper a self-adjusting threshold mechanism is presented, which corrects the threshold for both spatial inequality and time variation and maintains a constant response. It exploits the electrical noise as relative measure for the threshold and automatically adjust the threshold of each pixel to always achieve a uniform frequency of noise hits. A digital implementation of the method in the form of an up/down counter and combinatorial logic filter is presented. The behavior of this circuit has been simulated to evaluate its performance and compare it to traditional calibration results. The simulation results show that this mechanism can perform equally well, but eliminates instability over time and is immune to single event upsets.

CMOS image sensor with lateral electric field modulation pixels for fluorescence lifetime imaging with sub-nanosecond time response

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Zhuo; Seo, Min-Woong; Kagawa, Keiichiro; Yasutomi, Keita; Kawahito, Shoji

2016-04-01

This paper presents the design and implementation of a time-resolved CMOS image sensor with a high-speed lateral electric field modulation (LEFM) gating structure for time domain fluorescence lifetime measurement. Time-windowed signal charge can be transferred from a pinned photodiode (PPD) to a pinned storage diode (PSD) by turning on a pair of transfer gates, which are situated beside the channel. Unwanted signal charge can be drained from the PPD to the drain by turning on another pair of gates. The pixel array contains 512 (V) × 310 (H) pixels with 5.6 × 5.6 µm2 pixel size. The imager chip was fabricated using 0.11 µm CMOS image sensor process technology. The prototype sensor has a time response of 150 ps at 374 nm. The fill factor of the pixels is 5.6%. The usefulness of the prototype sensor is demonstrated for fluorescence lifetime imaging through simulation and measurement results.

Reality and Surreality of 3-D Displays: Holodeck and Beyond

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-01-01

are 2-D interference patterns and may, in principal, be written on a 2-D recording medium whose response is a function of intensity (e.g. photographic...devices based on reflective digital micromirror devices ( DMD ), or 1-D grading light valves. Photorefractive crystals include tantalum dioxide, lithium...Hologram readout is a diffractive interference phenomenon, which becomes significant when electromagnetic radiation encounters structures (e.g. pixels of

A fast and efficient segmentation scheme for cell microscopic image.

PubMed

Lebrun, G; Charrier, C; Lezoray, O; Meurie, C; Cardot, H

2007-04-27

Microscopic cellular image segmentation schemes must be efficient for reliable analysis and fast to process huge quantity of images. Recent studies have focused on improving segmentation quality. Several segmentation schemes have good quality but processing time is too expensive to deal with a great number of images per day. For segmentation schemes based on pixel classification, the classifier design is crucial since it is the one which requires most of the processing time necessary to segment an image. The main contribution of this work is focused on how to reduce the complexity of decision functions produced by support vector machines (SVM) while preserving recognition rate. Vector quantization is used in order to reduce the inherent redundancy present in huge pixel databases (i.e. images with expert pixel segmentation). Hybrid color space design is also used in order to improve data set size reduction rate and recognition rate. A new decision function quality criterion is defined to select good trade-off between recognition rate and processing time of pixel decision function. The first results of this study show that fast and efficient pixel classification with SVM is possible. Moreover posterior class pixel probability estimation is easy to compute with Platt method. Then a new segmentation scheme using probabilistic pixel classification has been developed. This one has several free parameters and an automatic selection must dealt with, but criteria for evaluate segmentation quality are not well adapted for cell segmentation, especially when comparison with expert pixel segmentation must be achieved. Another important contribution in this paper is the definition of a new quality criterion for evaluation of cell segmentation. The results presented here show that the selection of free parameters of the segmentation scheme by optimisation of the new quality cell segmentation criterion produces efficient cell segmentation.

Pixel electronic noise as a function of position in an active matrix flat panel imaging array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yazdandoost, Mohammad Y.; Wu, Dali; Karim, Karim S.

2010-04-01

We present an analysis of output referred pixel electronic noise as a function of position in the active matrix array for both active and passive pixel architectures. Three different noise sources for Active Pixel Sensor (APS) arrays are considered: readout period noise, reset period noise and leakage current noise of the reset TFT during readout. For the state-of-the-art Passive Pixel Sensor (PPS) array, the readout noise of the TFT switch is considered. Measured noise results are obtained by modeling the array connections with RC ladders on a small in-house fabricated prototype. The results indicate that the pixels in the rows located in the middle part of the array have less random electronic noise at the output of the off-panel charge amplifier compared to the ones in rows at the two edges of the array. These results can help optimize for clearer images as well as help define the region-of-interest with the best signal-to-noise ratio in an active matrix digital flat panel imaging array.

High throughput reconfigurable data analysis system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bearman, Greg (Inventor); Pelletier, Michael J. (Inventor); Seshadri, Suresh (Inventor); Pain, Bedabrata (Inventor)

2008-01-01

The present invention relates to a system and method for performing rapid and programmable analysis of data. The present invention relates to a reconfigurable detector comprising at least one array of a plurality of pixels, where each of the plurality of pixels can be selected to receive and read-out an input. The pixel array is divided into at least one pixel group for conducting a common predefined analysis. Each of the pixels has a programmable circuitry programmed with a dynamically configurable user-defined function to modify the input. The present detector also comprises a summing circuit designed to sum the modified input.

Supervised pixel classification using a feature space derived from an artificial visual system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baxter, Lisa C.; Coggins, James M.

1991-01-01

Image segmentation involves labelling pixels according to their membership in image regions. This requires the understanding of what a region is. Using supervised pixel classification, the paper investigates how groups of pixels labelled manually according to perceived image semantics map onto the feature space created by an Artificial Visual System. Multiscale structure of regions are investigated and it is shown that pixels form clusters based on their geometric roles in the image intensity function, not by image semantics. A tentative abstract definition of a 'region' is proposed based on this behavior.

Simulation of Small-Pitch HgCdTe Photodetectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vallone, Marco; Goano, Michele; Bertazzi, Francesco; Ghione, Giovanni; Schirmacher, Wilhelm; Hanna, Stefan; Figgemeier, Heinrich

2017-09-01

Recent studies indicate as an important technological step the development of infrared HgCdTe-based focal plane arrays (FPAs) with sub-wavelength pixel pitch, with the advantage of smaller volume, lower weight, and potentially lower cost. In order to assess the limits of pixel pitch scaling, we present combined three-dimensional optical and electrical simulations of long-wavelength infrared HgCdTe FPAs, with 3 μm, 5 μm, and 10 μm pitch. Numerical simulations predict significant cavity effects, brought by the array periodicity. The optical and electrical contributions to spectral inter-pixel crosstalk are investigated as functions of pixel pitch, by illuminating the FPAs with Gaussian beams focused on the central pixel. Despite the FPAs being planar with 100% pixel duty cycle, our calculations suggest that the total crosstalk with nearest-neighbor pixels could be kept acceptably small also with pixels only 3 μ m wide and a diffraction-limited optical system.

Modeling the frequency-dependent detective quantum efficiency of photon-counting x-ray detectors.

PubMed

Stierstorfer, Karl

2018-01-01

To find a simple model for the frequency-dependent detective quantum efficiency (DQE) of photon-counting detectors in the low flux limit. Formula for the spatial cross-talk, the noise power spectrum and the DQE of a photon-counting detector working at a given threshold are derived. Parameters are probabilities for types of events like single counts in the central pixel, double counts in the central pixel and a neighboring pixel or single count in a neighboring pixel only. These probabilities can be derived in a simple model by extensive use of Monte Carlo techniques: The Monte Carlo x-ray propagation program MOCASSIM is used to simulate the energy deposition from the x-rays in the detector material. A simple charge cloud model using Gaussian clouds of fixed width is used for the propagation of the electric charge generated by the primary interactions. Both stages are combined in a Monte Carlo simulation randomizing the location of impact which finally produces the required probabilities. The parameters of the charge cloud model are fitted to the spectral response to a polychromatic spectrum measured with our prototype detector. Based on the Monte Carlo model, the DQE of photon-counting detectors as a function of spatial frequency is calculated for various pixel sizes, photon energies, and thresholds. The frequency-dependent DQE of a photon-counting detector in the low flux limit can be described with an equation containing only a small set of probabilities as input. Estimates for the probabilities can be derived from a simple model of the detector physics. © 2017 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Estimating neighborhood variability with a binary comparison matrix.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Murphy, D.L.

1985-01-01

A technique which utilizes a binary comparison matrix has been developed to implement a neighborhood function for a raster format data base. The technique assigns an index value to the center pixel of 3- by 3-pixel neighborhoods. The binary comparison matrix provides additional information not found in two other neighborhood variability statistics; the function is sensitive to both the number of classes within the neighborhood and the frequency of pixel occurrence in each of the classes. Application of the function to a spatial data base from the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska, demonstrates 1) the numerical distribution of the index values, and 2) the spatial patterns exhibited by the numerical values. -Author

In vivo performance of photovoltaic subretinal prosthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mandel, Yossi; Goetz, George; Lavinsky, Daniel; Huie, Phil; Mathieson, Keith; Wang, Lele; Kamins, Theodore; Manivanh, Richard; Harris, James; Palanker, Daniel

2013-02-01

We have developed a photovoltaic retinal prosthesis, in which camera-captured images are projected onto the retina using pulsed near-IR light. Each pixel in the subretinal implant directly converts pulsed light into local electric current to stimulate the nearby inner retinal neurons. 30 μm-thick implants with pixel sizes of 280, 140 and 70 μm were successfully implanted in the subretinal space of wild type (WT, Long-Evans) and degenerate (Royal College of Surgeons, RCS) rats. Optical Coherence Tomography and fluorescein angiography demonstrated normal retinal thickness and healthy vasculature above the implants upon 6 months follow-up. Stimulation with NIR pulses over the implant elicited robust visual evoked potentials (VEP) at safe irradiance levels. Thresholds increased with decreasing pulse duration and pixel size: with 10 ms pulses it went from 0.5 mW/mm2 on 280 μm pixels to 1.1 mW/mm2 on 140 μm pixels, to 2.1 mW/mm2 on 70 μm pixels. Latency of the implant-evoked VEP was at least 30 ms shorter than in response evoked by the visible light, due to lack of phototransduction. Like with the visible light stimulation in normal sighted animals, amplitude of the implant-induced VEP increased logarithmically with peak irradiance and pulse duration. It decreased with increasing frequency similar to the visible light response in the range of 2 - 10 Hz, but decreased slower than the visible light response at 20 - 40 Hz. Modular design of the photovoltaic arrays allows scalability to a large number of pixels, and combined with the ease of implantation, offers a promising approach to restoration of sight in patients blinded by retinal degenerative diseases.

Dual-band QWIP MWIR/LWIR focal plane array test results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goldberg, Arnold C.; Fischer, Theodore; Kennerly, Stephen; Wang, Samuel C.; Sundaram, Mani; Uppal, Parvez; Winn, Michael L.; Milne, Gregory L.; Stevens, Mark A.

2000-07-01

We report on the results of laboratory and field tests on a pixel-registered, 2-color MWIR/LWIR 256 X 256 QWIP FPA with simultaneous integrating capability. The FPA studied contained stacked QWIP structures with spectral peaks at 5.1 micrometer and 9.0 micrometer. Normally incident radiation was coupled into the devices using a diffraction grating designed to operate in both spectral bands. Each pixel is connected to the read-out integrated circuit by three bumps to permit the application of separate bias levels to each QWIP stack and allow simultaneous integration of the signal current in each band. We found the FPA to have high pixel operability, well balanced response, good imaging performance, high optical fill factor, and low spectral crosstalk. We present data on measurements of the noise-equivalent temperature difference of the FPA in both bands as functions of temperature and bias. The FPA data are compared to single-pixel data taken on devices from the same wafer. We also present data on the sensitivity of this FPA to polarized light. It is found that the LWIR portion of the device is very sensitive to the direction of polarization of the incident light. The MWIR part of the device is relatively insensitive to the polarization. In addition, imagery was taken with this FPA of military targets in the field. Image fusion techniques were applied to the resulting images.

Spectral response characterization of CdTe sensors of different pixel size with the IBEX ASIC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zambon, P.; Radicci, V.; Trueb, P.; Disch, C.; Rissi, M.; Sakhelashvili, T.; Schneebeli, M.; Broennimann, C.

2018-06-01

We characterized the spectral response of CdTe sensors with different pixel sizes - namely 75, 150 and 300 μm - bonded to the latest generation IBEX single photon counting ASIC developed at DECTRIS, to detect monochromatic X-ray energy in the range 10-60 keV. We present a comparison of pulse height spectra recorded for several energies, showing the dependence on the pixel size of the non-trivial atomic fluorescence and charge sharing effects that affect the detector response. The extracted energy resolution, in terms of full width at half maximum or FWHM, ranges from 1.5 to 4 keV according to the pixel size and chip configuration. We devoted a careful analysis to the Quantum Efficiency and to the Spectral Efficiency - a newly-introduced measure that quantifies the impact of fluorescence and escape phenomena on the spectrum integrity in high- Z material based detectors. We then investigated the influence of the photon flux on the aforementioned quantities up to 180 ṡ 106 cts/s/mm2 and 50 ṡ 106 cts/s/mm2 for the 150 μm and 300 μm pixel case, respectively. Finally, we complemented the experimental data with analytical and with Monte Carlo simulations - taking into account the stochastic nature of atomic fluorescence - with an excellent agreement.

Breadboard stellar tracker system test report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kollodge, J. C.; Parrish, K. A.

1984-01-01

BASD has, in the past, developed several unique position tracking algorithms for charge transfer device (CTD) sensors. These algorithms provide an interpixel transfer function with the following characteristics: (1) high linearity; (2) simplified track logic; (3) high gain; and (4) high noise rejection. A previous test program using the GE charge injection device (CID) showed that accuracy for BASD's breadboard was limited to approximately 2% of a pixel (1 sigma) whereas analysis and simulation indicated the limit should be less than 0.5% of a pixel, assuming the limit to be detector response and dark current noise. The test program was conducted under NASA contract No. NAS8-34263. The test approach for that program did not provide sufficient data to identify the sources of error and left open the amount of contribution from parameters such as image distribution, geometric distortion and system alignment errors.

Techniques for precise energy calibration of particle pixel detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kroupa, M.; Campbell-Ricketts, T.; Bahadori, A.; Empl, A.

2017-03-01

We demonstrate techniques to improve the accuracy of the energy calibration of Timepix pixel detectors, used for the measurement of energetic particles. The typical signal from such particles spreads among many pixels due to charge sharing effects. As a consequence, the deposited energy in each pixel cannot be reconstructed unless the detector is calibrated, limiting the usability of such signals for calibration. To avoid this shortcoming, we calibrate using low energy X-rays. However, charge sharing effects still occur, resulting in part of the energy being deposited in adjacent pixels and possibly lost. This systematic error in the calibration process results in an error of about 5% in the energy measurements of calibrated devices. We use FLUKA simulations to assess the magnitude of charge sharing effects, allowing a corrected energy calibration to be performed on several Timepix pixel detectors and resulting in substantial improvement in energy deposition measurements. Next, we address shortcomings in calibration associated with the huge range (from kiloelectron-volts to megaelectron-volts) of energy deposited per pixel which result in a nonlinear energy response over the full range. We introduce a new method to characterize the non-linear response of the Timepix detectors at high input energies. We demonstrate improvement using a broad range of particle types and energies, showing that the new method reduces the energy measurement errors, in some cases by more than 90%.

Techniques for precise energy calibration of particle pixel detectors.

PubMed

Kroupa, M; Campbell-Ricketts, T; Bahadori, A; Empl, A

2017-03-01

We demonstrate techniques to improve the accuracy of the energy calibration of Timepix pixel detectors, used for the measurement of energetic particles. The typical signal from such particles spreads among many pixels due to charge sharing effects. As a consequence, the deposited energy in each pixel cannot be reconstructed unless the detector is calibrated, limiting the usability of such signals for calibration. To avoid this shortcoming, we calibrate using low energy X-rays. However, charge sharing effects still occur, resulting in part of the energy being deposited in adjacent pixels and possibly lost. This systematic error in the calibration process results in an error of about 5% in the energy measurements of calibrated devices. We use FLUKA simulations to assess the magnitude of charge sharing effects, allowing a corrected energy calibration to be performed on several Timepix pixel detectors and resulting in substantial improvement in energy deposition measurements. Next, we address shortcomings in calibration associated with the huge range (from kiloelectron-volts to megaelectron-volts) of energy deposited per pixel which result in a nonlinear energy response over the full range. We introduce a new method to characterize the non-linear response of the Timepix detectors at high input energies. We demonstrate improvement using a broad range of particle types and energies, showing that the new method reduces the energy measurement errors, in some cases by more than 90%.

Linear dynamic range enhancement in a CMOS imager

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pain, Bedabrata (Inventor)

2008-01-01

A CMOS imager with increased linear dynamic range but without degradation in noise, responsivity, linearity, fixed-pattern noise, or photometric calibration comprises a linear calibrated dual gain pixel in which the gain is reduced after a pre-defined threshold level by switching in an additional capacitance. The pixel may include a novel on-pixel latch circuit that is used to switch in the additional capacitance.

Low temperature performance of a commercially available InGaAs image sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakaya, Hidehiko; Komiyama, Yutaka; Kashikawa, Nobunari; Uchida, Tomohisa; Nagayama, Takahiro; Yoshida, Michitoshi

2016-08-01

We report the evaluation results of a commercially available InGaAs image sensor manufactured by Hamamatsu Photonics K. K., which has sensitivity between 0.95μm and 1.7μm at a room temperature. The sensor format was 128×128 pixels with 20 μm pitch. It was tested with our original readout electronics and cooled down to 80 K by a mechanical cooler to minimize the dark current. Although the readout noise and dark current were 200 e- and 20 e- /sec/pixel, respectively, we found no serious problems for the linearity, wavelength response, and intra-pixel response.

A new display stream compression standard under development in VESA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jacobson, Natan; Thirumalai, Vijayaraghavan; Joshi, Rajan; Goel, James

2017-09-01

The Advanced Display Stream Compression (ADSC) codec project is in development in response to a call for technologies from the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA). This codec targets visually lossless compression of display streams at a high compression rate (typically 6 bits/pixel) for mobile/VR/HDR applications. Functionality of the ADSC codec is described in this paper, and subjective trials results are provided using the ISO 29170-2 testing protocol.

Single Particle Damage Events in Candidate Star Camera Sensors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marshall, Paul; Marshall, Cheryl; Polidan, Elizabeth; Wacyznski, Augustyn; Johnson, Scott

2005-01-01

Si charge coupled devices (CCDs) are currently the preeminent detector in star cameras as well as in the near ultraviolet (uv) to visible wavelength region for astronomical observations in space and in earth-observing space missions. Unfortunately, the performance of CCDs is permanently degraded by total ionizing dose (TID) and displacement damage effects. TID produces threshold voltage shifts on the CCD gates and displacement damage reduces the charge transfer efficiency (CTE), increases the dark current, produces dark current nonuniformities and creates random telegraph noise in individual pixels. In addition to these long term effects, cosmic ray and trapped proton transients also interfere with device operation on orbit. In the present paper, we investigate the dark current behavior of CCDs - in particular the formation and annealing of hot pixels. Such pixels degrade the ability of a CCD to perform science and also can present problems to the performance of star camera functions (especially if their numbers are not correctly anticipated). To date, most dark current radiation studies have been performed by irradiating the CCDs at room temperature but this can result in a significantly optimistic picture of the hot pixel count. We know from the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) that high dark current pixels (so-called hot pixels or hot spikes) accumulate as a function of time on orbit. For example, the HST Advanced Camera for Surveys/Wide Field Camera instrument performs monthly anneals despite the loss of observational time, in order to partially anneal the hot pixels. Note that the fact that significant reduction in hot pixel populations occurs for room temperature anneals is not presently understood since none of the commonly expected defects in Si (e.g. divacancy, E center, and A-center) anneal at such a low temperature. A HST Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) CCD manufactured by E2V was irradiated while operating at -83C and the dark current studied as a function of temperature while the CCD was warmed to a sequence of temperatures up to a maximum of +30C. The device was then cooled back down to -83 and re-measured. Hot pixel populations were tracked during the warm-up and cool-down. Hot pixel annealing began below 40C and the anneal process was largely completed before the detector reached +3OC. There was no apparent sharp temperature dependence in the annealing. Although a large fraction of the hot pixels fell below the threshold to be counted as a hot pixel, they nevertheless remained warmer than the remaining population. The details of the mechanism for the formation and annealing of hot pixels is not presently understood, but it appears likely that hot pixels are associated with displacement damage occurring in high electric field regions.

Matrix light and pixel light: optical system architecture and requirements to the light source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spinger, Benno; Timinger, Andreas L.

2015-09-01

Modern Automotive headlamps enable improved functionality for more driving comfort and safety. Matrix or Pixel light headlamps are not restricted to either pure low beam functionality or pure high beam. Light in direction of oncoming traffic is selectively switched of, potential hazard can be marked via an isolated beam and the illumination on the road can even follow a bend. The optical architectures that enable these advanced functionalities are diverse. Electromechanical shutters and lens units moved by electric motors were the first ways to realize these systems. Switching multiple LED light sources is a more elegant and mechanically robust solution. While many basic functionalities can already be realized with a limited number of LEDs, an increasing number of pixels will lead to more driving comfort and better visibility. The required optical system needs not only to generate a desired beam distribution with a high angular dynamic, but also needs to guarantee minimal stray light and cross talk between the different pixels. The direct projection of the LED array via a lens is a simple but not very efficient optical system. We discuss different optical elements for pre-collimating the light with minimal cross talk and improved contrast between neighboring pixels. Depending on the selected optical system, we derive the basic light source requirements: luminance, surface area, contrast, flux and color homogeneity.

Text image authenticating algorithm based on MD5-hash function and Henon map

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, Jinqiao; Wang, Ying; Ma, Xiaoxue

2017-07-01

In order to cater to the evidentiary requirements of the text image, this paper proposes a fragile watermarking algorithm based on Hash function and Henon map. The algorithm is to divide a text image into parts, get flippable pixels and nonflippable pixels of every lump according to PSD, generate watermark of non-flippable pixels with MD5-Hash, encrypt watermark with Henon map and select embedded blocks. The simulation results show that the algorithm with a good ability in tampering localization can be used to authenticate and forensics the authenticity and integrity of text images

Study of sub-pixel position resolution with time-correlated transient signals in 3D pixelated CdZnTe detectors with varying pixel sizes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ocampo Giraldo, L.; Bolotnikov, A. E.; Camarda, G. S.; De Geronimo, G.; Fried, J.; Gul, R.; Hodges, D.; Hossain, A.; Ünlü, K.; Vernon, E.; Yang, G.; James, R. B.

2018-03-01

We evaluated the sub-pixel position resolution achievable in large-volume CdZnTe pixelated detectors with conventional pixel patterns and for several different pixel sizes: 2.8 mm, 1.72 mm, 1.4 mm and 0.8 mm. Achieving position resolution below the physical dimensions of pixels (sub-pixel resolution) is a practical path for making high-granularity position-sensitive detectors, <100 μm, using a limited number of pixels dictated by the mechanical constraints and multi-channel readout electronics. High position sensitivity is important for improving the imaging capability of CZT gamma cameras. It also allows for making more accurate corrections of response non-uniformities caused by crystal defects, thus enabling use of standard-grade (unselected) and less expensive CZT crystals for producing large-volume position-sensitive CZT detectors feasible for many practical applications. We analyzed the digitized charge signals from a representative 9 pixels and the cathode, generated using a pulsed-laser light beam focused down to 10 μm (650 nm) to scan over a selected 3 × 3 pixel area. We applied our digital pulse processing technique to the time-correlated signals captured from adjacent pixels to achieve and evaluate the capability for sub-pixel position resolution. As an example, we also demonstrated an application of 3D corrections to improve the energy resolution and positional information of the events for the tested detectors.

Study of sub-pixel position resolution with time-correlated transient signals in 3D pixelated CdZnTe detectors with varying pixel sizes

DOE PAGES

Giraldo, L. Ocampo; Bolotnikov, A. E.; Camarda, G. S.; ...

2017-12-18

Here, we evaluated the sub-pixel position resolution achievable in large-volume CdZnTe pixelated detectors with conventional pixel patterns and for several different pixel sizes: 2.8 mm, 1.72 mm, 1.4 mm and 0.8 mm. Achieving position resolution below the physical dimensions of pixels (sub-pixel resolution) is a practical path for making high-granularity position-sensitive detectors, <100 μμm, using a limited number of pixels dictated by the mechanical constraints and multi-channel readout electronics. High position sensitivity is important for improving the imaging capability of CZT gamma cameras. It also allows for making more accurate corrections of response non-uniformities caused by crystal defects, thus enablingmore » use of standard-grade (unselected) and less expensive CZT crystals for producing large-volume position-sensitive CZT detectors feasible for many practical applications. We analyzed the digitized charge signals from a representative 9 pixels and the cathode, generated using a pulsed-laser light beam focused down to 10 m (650 nm) to scan over a selected 3×3 pixel area. We applied our digital pulse processing technique to the time-correlated signals captured from adjacent pixels to achieve and evaluate the capability for sub-pixel position resolution. As an example, we also demonstrated an application of 3D corrections to improve the energy resolution and positional information of the events for the tested detectors.« less

Study of sub-pixel position resolution with time-correlated transient signals in 3D pixelated CdZnTe detectors with varying pixel sizes

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

Giraldo, L. Ocampo; Bolotnikov, A. E.; Camarda, G. S.

Here, we evaluated the sub-pixel position resolution achievable in large-volume CdZnTe pixelated detectors with conventional pixel patterns and for several different pixel sizes: 2.8 mm, 1.72 mm, 1.4 mm and 0.8 mm. Achieving position resolution below the physical dimensions of pixels (sub-pixel resolution) is a practical path for making high-granularity position-sensitive detectors, <100 μμm, using a limited number of pixels dictated by the mechanical constraints and multi-channel readout electronics. High position sensitivity is important for improving the imaging capability of CZT gamma cameras. It also allows for making more accurate corrections of response non-uniformities caused by crystal defects, thus enablingmore » use of standard-grade (unselected) and less expensive CZT crystals for producing large-volume position-sensitive CZT detectors feasible for many practical applications. We analyzed the digitized charge signals from a representative 9 pixels and the cathode, generated using a pulsed-laser light beam focused down to 10 m (650 nm) to scan over a selected 3×3 pixel area. We applied our digital pulse processing technique to the time-correlated signals captured from adjacent pixels to achieve and evaluate the capability for sub-pixel position resolution. As an example, we also demonstrated an application of 3D corrections to improve the energy resolution and positional information of the events for the tested detectors.« less

Evaluation of RCA thinned buried channel charge-coupled devices /CCDs/ for scientific applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zucchino, P.; Long, D.; Lowrance, J. L.; Renda, G.; Crawshaw, D. D.; Battson, D. F.

1981-01-01

An experimental version of a thinned illuminated buried-channel 512 x 320 pixel CCD with reduced amplifier input capacitance has been produced which is characterized by lower readout noise. Changes made to the amplifier are discussed, and readout noise measurements obtained by several different techniques are presented. The single energetic electron response of the CCD in the electron-bombarded mode and the single 5.9 keV X-ray pulse height distribution are reported. Results are also given on the dark current versus temperature and the spatial frequency response as a function of signal level.

A Hopfield neural network for image change detection.

PubMed

Pajares, Gonzalo

2006-09-01

This paper outlines an optimization relaxation approach based on the analog Hopfield neural network (HNN) for solving the image change detection problem between two images. A difference image is obtained by subtracting pixel by pixel both images. The network topology is built so that each pixel in the difference image is a node in the network. Each node is characterized by its state, which determines if a pixel has changed. An energy function is derived, so that the network converges to stable states. The analog Hopfield's model allows each node to take on analog state values. Unlike most widely used approaches, where binary labels (changed/unchanged) are assigned to each pixel, the analog property provides the strength of the change. The main contribution of this paper is reflected in the customization of the analog Hopfield neural network to derive an automatic image change detection approach. When a pixel is being processed, some existing image change detection procedures consider only interpixel relations on its neighborhood. The main drawback of such approaches is the labeling of this pixel as changed or unchanged according to the information supplied by its neighbors, where its own information is ignored. The Hopfield model overcomes this drawback and for each pixel allows a tradeoff between the influence of its neighborhood and its own criterion. This is mapped under the energy function to be minimized. The performance of the proposed method is illustrated by comparative analysis against some existing image change detection methods.

Automated determination of arterial input function for DCE-MRI of the prostate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Yingxuan; Chang, Ming-Ching; Gupta, Sandeep

2011-03-01

Prostate cancer is one of the commonest cancers in the world. Dynamic contrast enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) provides an opportunity for non-invasive diagnosis, staging, and treatment monitoring. Quantitative analysis of DCE-MRI relies on determination of an accurate arterial input function (AIF). Although several methods for automated AIF detection have been proposed in literature, none are optimized for use in prostate DCE-MRI, which is particularly challenging due to large spatial signal inhomogeneity. In this paper, we propose a fully automated method for determining the AIF from prostate DCE-MRI. Our method is based on modeling pixel uptake curves as gamma variate functions (GVF). First, we analytically compute bounds on GVF parameters for more robust fitting. Next, we approximate a GVF for each pixel based on local time domain information, and eliminate the pixels with false estimated AIFs using the deduced upper and lower bounds. This makes the algorithm robust to signal inhomogeneity. After that, according to spatial information such as similarity and distance between pixels, we formulate the global AIF selection as an energy minimization problem and solve it using a message passing algorithm to further rule out the weak pixels and optimize the detected AIF. Our method is fully automated without training or a priori setting of parameters. Experimental results on clinical data have shown that our method obtained promising detection accuracy (all detected pixels inside major arteries), and a very good match with expert traced manual AIF.

Pixelated Geiger-Mode Avalanche Photo-Diode Characterization Through Dark Current Measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amaudruz, Pierre-Andre; Bishop, Daryl; Gilhully, Colleen; Goertzen, Andrew; James, Lloyd; Kozlowski, Piotr; Retiere, Fabrice; Shams, Ehsan; Sossi, Vesna; Stortz, Greg; Thiessen, Jonathan D.; Thompson, Christopher J.

2014-06-01

PIXELATED geiger-mode avalanche photodiodes (PPDs), often called silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) are emerging as an excellent replacement for traditional photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) in a variety of detectors, especially those for subatomic physics experiments, which requires extensive test and operation procedures in order to achieve uniform responses from all the devices. In this paper, we show for two PPD brands, Hamamatsu MPPC and SensL SPM, that at room temperature, the dark noise rate, breakdown voltage and rate of correlated avalanches can be inferred from the sole measure of dark current as a function of operating voltage, hence greatly simplifying the characterization procedure. We introduce a custom electronics system that allows measurement for many devices concurrently, hence allowing rapid testing and monitoring of many devices at low cost. Finally, we show that the dark current of Hamamastu Multi-Pixel Photon Counter (MPPC) is rather independent of temperature at constant operating voltage, hence the current measure cannot be used to probe temperature variations. On the other hand, the MPPC current can be used to monitor light source conditions in DC mode without requiring strong temperature stability, as long as the integrated source brightness is comparable to the dark noise rate.

Human vision-based algorithm to hide defective pixels in LCDs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kimpe, Tom; Coulier, Stefaan; Van Hoey, Gert

2006-02-01

Producing displays without pixel defects or repairing defective pixels is technically not possible at this moment. This paper presents a new approach to solve this problem: defects are made invisible for the user by using image processing algorithms based on characteristics of the human eye. The performance of this new algorithm has been evaluated using two different methods. First of all the theoretical response of the human eye was analyzed on a series of images and this before and after applying the defective pixel compensation algorithm. These results show that indeed it is possible to mask a defective pixel. A second method was to perform a psycho-visual test where users were asked whether or not a defective pixel could be perceived. The results of these user tests also confirm the value of the new algorithm. Our "defective pixel correction" algorithm can be implemented very efficiently and cost-effectively as pixel-dataprocessing algorithms inside the display in for instance an FPGA, a DSP or a microprocessor. The described techniques are also valid for both monochrome and color displays ranging from high-quality medical displays to consumer LCDTV applications.

Area estimation of environmental phenomena from NOAA-n satellite data. [TIROS N satellite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tappan, G. (Principal Investigator); Miller, G. E.

1982-01-01

A technique for documenting changes in size of NOAA-n pixels in order to calibrate the data for use in performing area calculations is described. Based on Earth-satellite geometry, a function for calculating the effective pixel size, measured in terms of ground area, on any given pixel was derived. The equation is an application of the law of sines plus an arclength formula. Effective pixel dimensions for NOAA 6 and 7 satellites for all pixels between nadir and the extreme view angles are presented. The NOAA 6 data were used to estimate the areas of several lakes, with an accuracy within 5%. Sources of error are discussed.

Image quality evaluation of color displays using a Fovean color camera

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roehrig, Hans; Dallas, William J.; Fan, Jiahua; Krupinski, Elizabeth A.; Redford, Gary R.; Yoneda, Takahiro

2007-03-01

This paper presents preliminary data on the use of a color camera for the evaluation of Quality Control (QC) and Quality Analysis (QA) of a color LCD in comparison with that of a monochrome LCD. The color camera is a C-MOS camera with a pixel size of 9 µm and a pixel matrix of 2268 × 1512 × 3. The camera uses a sensor that has co-located pixels for all three primary colors. The imaging geometry used mostly was 12 × 12 camera pixels per display pixel even though it appears that an imaging geometry of 17.6 might provide results which are more accurate. The color camera is used as an imaging colorimeter, where each camera pixel is calibrated to serve as a colorimeter. This capability permits the camera to determine chromaticity of the color LCD at different sections of the display. After the color calibration with a CS-200 colorimeter the color coordinates of the display's primaries determined from the camera's luminance response are very close to those found from the CS-200. Only the color coordinates of the display's white point were in error. Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) as well as Noise in terms of the Noise Power Spectrum (NPS) of both LCDs were evaluated. The horizontal MTFs of both displays have a larger negative slope than the vertical MTFs, indicating that the horizontal MTFs are poorer than the vertical MTFs. However the modulations at the Nyquist frequency seem lower for the color LCD than for the monochrome LCD. These results contradict simulations regarding MTFs in the vertical direction. The spatial noise of the color display in both directions are larger than that of the monochrome display. Attempts were also made to analyze the total noise in terms of spatial and temporal noise by applying subtractions of images taken at exactly the same exposure. Temporal noise seems to be significantly lower than spatial noise.

Commercial CMOS image sensors as X-ray imagers and particle beam monitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Castoldi, A.; Guazzoni, C.; Maffessanti, S.; Montemurro, G. V.; Carraresi, L.

2015-01-01

CMOS image sensors are widely used in several applications such as mobile handsets webcams and digital cameras among others. Furthermore they are available across a wide range of resolutions with excellent spectral and chromatic responses. In order to fulfill the need of cheap systems as beam monitors and high resolution image sensors for scientific applications we exploited the possibility of using commercial CMOS image sensors as X-rays and proton detectors. Two different sensors have been mounted and tested. An Aptina MT9v034, featuring 752 × 480 pixels, 6μm × 6μm pixel size has been mounted and successfully tested as bi-dimensional beam profile monitor, able to take pictures of the incoming proton bunches at the DeFEL beamline (1-6 MeV pulsed proton beam) of the LaBeC of INFN in Florence. The naked sensor is able to successfully detect the interactions of the single protons. The sensor point-spread-function (PSF) has been qualified with 1MeV protons and is equal to one pixel (6 mm) r.m.s. in both directions. A second sensor MT9M032, featuring 1472 × 1096 pixels, 2.2 × 2.2 μm pixel size has been mounted on a dedicated board as high-resolution imager to be used in X-ray imaging experiments with table-top generators. In order to ease and simplify the data transfer and the image acquisition the system is controlled by a dedicated micro-processor board (DM3730 1GHz SoC ARM Cortex-A8) on which a modified LINUX kernel has been implemented. The paper presents the architecture of the sensor systems and the results of the experimental measurements.

A Chip and Pixel Qualification Methodology on Imaging Sensors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, Yuan; Guertin, Steven M.; Petkov, Mihail; Nguyen, Duc N.; Novak, Frank

2004-01-01

This paper presents a qualification methodology on imaging sensors. In addition to overall chip reliability characterization based on sensor s overall figure of merit, such as Dark Rate, Linearity, Dark Current Non-Uniformity, Fixed Pattern Noise and Photon Response Non-Uniformity, a simulation technique is proposed and used to project pixel reliability. The projected pixel reliability is directly related to imaging quality and provides additional sensor reliability information and performance control.

High responsivity CMOS imager pixel implemented in SOI technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zheng, X.; Wrigley, C.; Yang, G.; Pain, B.

2000-01-01

Availability of mature sub-micron CMOS technology and the advent of the new low noise active pixel sensor (APS) concept have enabled the development of low power, miniature, single-chip, CMOS digital imagers in the decade of the 1990's.

Phase holograms in PMMA with proximity effect correction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maker, Paul D.; Muller, R. E.

1993-01-01

Complex computer generated phase holograms (CGPH's) have been fabricated in PMMA by partial e-beam exposure and subsequent partial development. The CGPH was encoded as a sequence of phase delay pixels and written by the JEOL JBX-5D2 E-beam lithography system, a different dose being assigned to each value of phase delay. Following carefully controlled partial development, the pattern appeared rendered in relief in the PMMA, which then acts as the phase-delay medium. The exposure dose was in the range 20-200 micro-C/sq cm, and very aggressive development in pure acetone led to low contrast. This enabled etch depth control to better than plus or minus lambda(sub vis)/60. That result was obtained by exposing isolated 50 micron square patches and measuring resist removal over the central area where the proximity effect dose was uniform and related only to the local exposure. For complex CGPH's with pixel size of the order of the e-beam proximity effect radius, the patterns must be corrected for the extra exposure caused by electrons scattered back up out of the substrate. This has been accomplished by deconvolving the two-dimensional dose deposition function with the desired dose pattern. The deposition function, which plays much the same role as an instrument response function, was carefully measured under the exact conditions used to expose the samples. The devices fabricated were designed with 16 equal phase steps per retardation cycle, were up to 1 cm square, and consisted of up to 100 million 0.3-2.0 micron square pixels. Data files were up to 500 MB long and exposure times ranged to tens of hours. A Fresnel phase lens was fabricated that had diffraction limited optical performance with better than 85 percent efficiency.

Calculation of the static in-flight telescope-detector response by deconvolution applied to point-spread function for the geostationary earth radiation budget experiment.

PubMed

Matthews, Grant

2004-12-01

The Geostationary Earth Radiation Budget (GERB) experiment is a broadband satellite radiometer instrument program intended to resolve remaining uncertainties surrounding the effect of cloud radiative feedback on future climate change. By use of a custom-designed diffraction-aberration telescope model, the GERB detector spatial response is recovered by deconvolution applied to the ground calibration point-spread function (PSF) measurements. An ensemble of randomly generated white-noise test scenes, combined with the measured telescope transfer function results in the effect of noise on the deconvolution being significantly reduced. With the recovered detector response as a base, the same model is applied in construction of the predicted in-flight field-of-view response of each GERB pixel to both short- and long-wave Earth radiance. The results of this study can now be used to simulate and investigate the instantaneous sampling errors incurred by GERB. Also, the developed deconvolution method may be highly applicable in enhancing images or PSF data for any telescope system for which a wave-front error measurement is available.

Self-amplified CMOS image sensor using a current-mode readout circuit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Santos, Patrick M.; de Lima Monteiro, Davies W.; Pittet, Patrick

2014-05-01

The feature size of the CMOS processes decreased during the past few years and problems such as reduced dynamic range have become more significant in voltage-mode pixels, even though the integration of more functionality inside the pixel has become easier. This work makes a contribution on both sides: the possibility of a high signal excursion range using current-mode circuits together with functionality addition by making signal amplification inside the pixel. The classic 3T pixel architecture was rebuild with small modifications to integrate a transconductance amplifier providing a current as an output. The matrix with these new pixels will operate as a whole large transistor outsourcing an amplified current that will be used for signal processing. This current is controlled by the intensity of the light received by the matrix, modulated pixel by pixel. The output current can be controlled by the biasing circuits to achieve a very large range of output signal levels. It can also be controlled with the matrix size and this permits a very high degree of freedom on the signal level, observing the current densities inside the integrated circuit. In addition, the matrix can operate at very small integration times. Its applications would be those in which fast imaging processing, high signal amplification are required and low resolution is not a major problem, such as UV image sensors. Simulation results will be presented to support: operation, control, design, signal excursion levels and linearity for a matrix of pixels that was conceived using this new concept of sensor.

A study of response of a LuYAP:Ce array with innovative assembling for PET

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pani, Roberto; Cinti, Maria Nerina; Scafè, Raffaele; Bennati, Paolo; Lo Meo, Sergio; Preziosi, Enrico; Pellegrini, Rosanna; De Vincentis, Giuseppe; Sacco, Donatella; Fabbri, Andrea

2015-09-01

We propose the characterization of a first array of 10×10 Lutetium Yttrium Orthoaluminate Perovskite (LuYAP:Ce) crystals, 2 mm×2 mm×10 mm pixel size, with an innovative assembling designed to enhance light output, uniformity and detection efficiency. The innovation consists of the use of 0.015 mm thick dielectric coating as inter-pixel light-insulators, manufactured by Crytur (Czech Republic) intended to improve crystal insulation and then light collection. Respect to the traditional treatment with 0.2 mm of white epoxy, a thinner pixel gap enhances packing fraction up to 98% with a consequent improvement of detection efficiency. Spectroscopic characterization of the array was performed by a Hamamatsu R6231 photomultiplier tube. A pixel-by-pixel scanning with a collimated 99mTc radioisotope (140 keV photon energy) highlighted a deviation in pulse height close to 3.5% respect to the overall mean value. Meanwhile, in term of energy resolution a difference between the response of single pixel and the array of about 10% was measured. Results were also supported and validated by Monte Carlo simulations performed with GEANT4. Although the dielectric coating pixel insulator cannot overcome the inherent limitations of LuYAP crystal due to its self-absorption of light (still present), this study demonstrated that the new coating treatment allows better light collection (nearly close to the expected one) with in addition a very good uniformity between different pixels. These results confirm the high potentiality of this coating for any other crystal array suited for imaging application and new expectations for the use of LuYAP for PET systems.

The fabrication of small molecule organic light-emitting diode pixels by laser-induced forward transfer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shaw-Stewart, J. R. H.; Mattle, T.; Lippert, T. K.; Nagel, M.; Nüesch, F. A.; Wokaun, A.

2013-01-01

Laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT) is a versatile organic light-emitting diode (OLED) pixel deposition process, but has hitherto been applied exclusively to polymeric materials. Here, a modified LIFT process has been used to fabricate small molecule Alq3 organic light-emitting diodes (SMOLEDs). Small molecule thin films are considerably more mechanically brittle than polymeric thin films, which posed significant challenges for LIFT of these materials. The LIFT process presented here uses a polymeric dynamic release layer, a reduced environmental pressure, and a well-defined receiver-donor gap. The Alq3 pixels demonstrate good morphology and functionality, even when compared to conventionally fabricated OLEDs. The Alq3 SMOLED pixel performances show a significant amount of fluence dependence, not observed with polymerical OLED pixels made in previous studies. A layer of tetrabutyl ammonium hydroxide has been deposited on top of the aluminium cathode, as part of the donor substrate, to improve electron injection to the Alq3, by over 600%. These results demonstrate that this variant of LIFT is applicable for the deposition of functional small molecule OLEDs as well as polymeric OLEDs.

Monte Carlo Optimization of Crystal Configuration for Pixelated Molecular SPECT Scanners

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahani, Hojjat; Raisali, Gholamreza; Kamali-Asl, Alireza; Ay, Mohammad Reza

2017-02-01

Resolution-sensitivity-PDA tradeoff is the most challenging problem in design and optimization of pixelated preclinical SPECT scanners. In this work, we addressed such a challenge from a crystal point-of-view by looking for an optimal pixelated scintillator using GATE Monte Carlo simulation. Various crystal configurations have been investigated and the influence of different pixel sizes, pixel gaps, and three scintillators on tomographic resolution, sensitivity, and PDA of the camera were evaluated. The crystal configuration was then optimized using two objective functions: the weighted-sum and the figure-of-merit methods. The CsI(Na) reveals the highest sensitivity of the order of 43.47 cps/MBq in comparison to the NaI(Tl) and the YAP(Ce), for a 1.5×1.5 mm2 pixel size and 0.1 mm gap. The results show that the spatial resolution, in terms of FWHM, improves from 3.38 to 2.21 mm while the sensitivity simultaneously deteriorates from 42.39 cps/MBq to 27.81 cps/MBq when pixel size varies from 2×2 mm2 to 0.5×0.5 mm2 for a 0.2 mm gap, respectively. The PDA worsens from 0.91 to 0.42 when pixel size decreases from 0.5×0.5 mm2 to 1×1 mm2 for a 0.2 mm gap at 15° incident-angle. The two objective functions agree that the 1.5×1.5 mm2 pixel size and 0.1 mm Epoxy gap CsI(Na) configuration provides the best compromise for small-animal imaging, using the HiReSPECT scanner. Our study highlights that crystal configuration can significantly affect the performance of the camera, and thereby Monte Carlo optimization of pixelated detectors is mandatory in order to achieve an optimal quality tomogram.

Comparison of region-of-interest-averaged and pixel-averaged analysis of DCE-MRI data based on simulations and pre-clinical experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Dianning; Zamora, Marta; Oto, Aytekin; Karczmar, Gregory S.; Fan, Xiaobing

2017-09-01

Differences between region-of-interest (ROI) and pixel-by-pixel analysis of dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) MRI data were investigated in this study with computer simulations and pre-clinical experiments. ROIs were simulated with 10, 50, 100, 200, 400, and 800 different pixels. For each pixel, a contrast agent concentration as a function of time, C(t), was calculated using the Tofts DCE-MRI model with randomly generated physiological parameters (K trans and v e) and the Parker population arterial input function. The average C(t) for each ROI was calculated and then K trans and v e for the ROI was extracted. The simulations were run 100 times for each ROI with new K trans and v e generated. In addition, white Gaussian noise was added to C(t) with 3, 6, and 12 dB signal-to-noise ratios to each C(t). For pre-clinical experiments, Copenhagen rats (n  =  6) with implanted prostate tumors in the hind limb were used in this study. The DCE-MRI data were acquired with a temporal resolution of ~5 s in a 4.7 T animal scanner, before, during, and after a bolus injection (<5 s) of Gd-DTPA for a total imaging duration of ~10 min. K trans and v e were calculated in two ways: (i) by fitting C(t) for each pixel, and then averaging the pixel values over the entire ROI, and (ii) by averaging C(t) over the entire ROI, and then fitting averaged C(t) to extract K trans and v e. The simulation results showed that in heterogeneous ROIs, the pixel-by-pixel averaged K trans was ~25% to ~50% larger (p  <  0.01) than the ROI-averaged K trans. At higher noise levels, the pixel-averaged K trans was greater than the ‘true’ K trans, but the ROI-averaged K trans was lower than the ‘true’ K trans. The ROI-averaged K trans was closer to the true K trans than pixel-averaged K trans for high noise levels. In pre-clinical experiments, the pixel-by-pixel averaged K trans was ~15% larger than the ROI-averaged K trans. Overall, with the Tofts model, the extracted physiological parameters from the pixel-by-pixel averages were larger than the ROI averages. These differences were dependent on the heterogeneity of the ROI.

A database system to support image algorithm evaluation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lien, Y. E.

1977-01-01

The design is given of an interactive image database system IMDB, which allows the user to create, retrieve, store, display, and manipulate images through the facility of a high-level, interactive image query (IQ) language. The query language IQ permits the user to define false color functions, pixel value transformations, overlay functions, zoom functions, and windows. The user manipulates the images through generic functions. The user can direct images to display devices for visual and qualitative analysis. Image histograms and pixel value distributions can also be computed to obtain a quantitative analysis of images.

Monitoring anti-angiogenic therapy in colorectal cancer murine model using dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI: comparing pixel-by-pixel with region of interest analysis.

PubMed

Haney, C R; Fan, X; Markiewicz, E; Mustafi, D; Karczmar, G S; Stadler, W M

2013-02-01

Sorafenib is a multi-kinase inhibitor that blocks cell proliferation and angiogenesis. It is currently approved for advanced hepatocellular and renal cell carcinomas in humans, where its major mechanism of action is thought to be through inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor receptors. The purpose of this study was to determine whether pixel-by-pixel analysis of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) is better able to capture the heterogeneous response of Sorafenib in a murine model of colorectal tumor xenografts (as compared with region of interest analysis). MRI was performed on a 9.4 T pre-clinical scanner on the initial treatment day. Then either vehicle or drug were gavaged daily (3 days) up to the final image. Four days later, the mice were again imaged. The two-compartment model and reference tissue method of DCE-MRI were used to analyze the data. The results demonstrated that the contrast agent distribution rate constant (K(trans)) were significantly reduced (p < 0.005) at day-4 of Sorafenib treatment. In addition, the K(trans) of nearby muscle was also reduced after Sorafenib treatment. The pixel-by-pixel analysis (compared to region of interest analysis) was better able to capture the heterogeneity of the tumor and the decrease in K(trans) four days after treatment. For both methods, the volume of the extravascular extracellular space did not change significantly after treatment. These results confirm that parameters such as K(trans), could provide a non-invasive biomarker to assess the response to anti-angiogenic therapies such as Sorafenib, but that the heterogeneity of response across a tumor requires a more detailed analysis than has typically been undertaken.

SU-F-SPS-06: Implementation of a Back-Projection Algorithm for 2D in Vivo Dosimetry with An EPID System

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

Hernandez Reyes, B; Rodriguez Perez, E; Sosa Aquino, M

Purpose: To implement a back-projection algorithm for 2D dose reconstructions for in vivo dosimetry in radiation therapy using an Electronic Portal Imaging Device (EPID) based on amorphous silicon. Methods: An EPID system was used to calculate dose-response function, pixel sensitivity map, exponential scatter kernels and beam hardenig correction for the back-projection algorithm. All measurements were done with a 6 MV beam. A 2D dose reconstruction for an irradiated water phantom (30×30×30 cm{sup 3}) was done to verify the algorithm implementation. Gamma index evaluation between the 2D reconstructed dose and the calculated with a treatment planning system (TPS) was done. Results:more » A linear fit was found for the dose-response function. The pixel sensitivity map has a radial symmetry and was calculated with a profile of the pixel sensitivity variation. The parameters for the scatter kernels were determined only for a 6 MV beam. The primary dose was estimated applying the scatter kernel within EPID and scatter kernel within the patient. The beam hardening coefficient is σBH= 3.788×10{sup −4} cm{sup 2} and the effective linear attenuation coefficient is µAC= 0.06084 cm{sup −1}. The 95% of points evaluated had γ values not longer than the unity, with gamma criteria of ΔD = 3% and Δd = 3 mm, and within the 50% isodose surface. Conclusion: The use of EPID systems proved to be a fast tool for in vivo dosimetry, but the implementation is more complex that the elaborated for pre-treatment dose verification, therefore, a simplest method must be investigated. The accuracy of this method should be improved modifying the algorithm in order to compare lower isodose curves.« less

Kepler Commissioning Data for Measurement of the Pixel Response Function and Focal Plane Geometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bryson, Stephen T.

2017-01-01

This document describes the Kepler PRF/FPG data release. This data was taken on April 27-29, 2009, during Kepler's commissioning phase in order to measure the pixel response function (PRF) (Bryson et al., 2010a) and focal plane geometry (FPG) (Tenenbaum and Jenkins, 2010). 33,424 stellar targets were observed for 243 long cadences, each with a duration of 14.7 minutes (half the duration of a normal Kepler long cadence). During these 243 cadences the Kepler photometer was moved, pointing in a dither pattern to facilitate PRF measurement. Motion occurred during the even cadences (second, fourth, etc.), with the telescope in stable fine point at each pointing in the dither pattern during the odd cadences (first, third, etc.). The first and last cadences were at the center of the dither pattern. Motion cadences are included in this release, but they do not contain any data. For details on how this data was used to derive the Kepler PRF and FPG models, see Bryson et al. (2010a) and Tenenbaum and Jenkins (2010). Descriptions of the PRF and FPG models are found in Thompson et al. (2016), x2.3.5.17 and x2.3.5.16 respectively. The data in this release can be used to recompute the Kepler PRF and FPG. Such a reconstruction, however, would not reflect measured seasonal changes in the PRF described in Van Cleve et al. (2016b), x5.2.The dither pattern is shown in Figure 1. The crosses show the commanded pointings and the circles show the measured pointings. Measured pointings are different from the commanded pointings due to the early state of calibration of the fine guidance sensors during commissioning (Van Cleve et al., 2016a). The measured offsets from the center of the pattern are given in RADEC offsets and pixel offsets in Table 1. The order of the offsets was randomized during data collection to avoid time-dependent systematics.

Fast Fiber-Coupled Imaging Devices

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

Brockington, Samuel; Case, Andrew; Witherspoon, Franklin Douglas

HyperV Technologies Corp. has successfully designed, built and experimentally demonstrated a full scale 1024 pixel 100 MegaFrames/s fiber coupled camera with 12 or 14 bits, and record lengths of 32K frames, exceeding our original performance objectives. This high-pixel-count, fiber optically-coupled, imaging diagnostic can be used for investigating fast, bright plasma events. In Phase 1 of this effort, a 100 pixel fiber-coupled fast streak camera for imaging plasma jet profiles was constructed and successfully demonstrated. The resulting response from outside plasma physics researchers emphasized development of increased pixel performance as a higher priority over increasing pixel count. In this Phase 2more » effort, HyperV therefore focused on increasing the sample rate and bit-depth of the photodiode pixel designed in Phase 1, while still maintaining a long record length and holding the cost per channel to levels which allowed up to 1024 pixels to be constructed. Cost per channel was 53.31 dollars, very close to our original target of $50 per channel. The system consists of an imaging "camera head" coupled to a photodiode bank with an array of optical fibers. The output of these fast photodiodes is then digitized at 100 Megaframes per second and stored in record lengths of 32,768 samples with bit depths of 12 to 14 bits per pixel. Longer record lengths are possible with additional memory. A prototype imaging system with up to 1024 pixels was designed and constructed and used to successfully take movies of very fast moving plasma jets as a demonstration of the camera performance capabilities. Some faulty electrical components on the 64 circuit boards resulted in only 1008 functional channels out of 1024 on this first generation prototype system. We experimentally observed backlit high speed fan blades in initial camera testing and then followed that with full movies and streak images of free flowing high speed plasma jets (at 30-50 km/s). Jet structure and jet collisions onto metal pillars in the path of the plasma jets were recorded in a single shot. This new fast imaging system is an attractive alternative to conventional fast framing cameras for applications and experiments where imaging events using existing techniques are inefficient or impossible. The development of HyperV's new diagnostic was split into two tracks: a next generation camera track, in which HyperV built, tested, and demonstrated a prototype 1024 channel camera at its own facility, and a second plasma community beta test track, where selected plasma physics programs received small systems of a few test pixels to evaluate the expected performance of a full scale camera on their experiments. These evaluations were performed as part of an unfunded collaboration with researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory and the University of California at Davis. Results from the prototype 1024-pixel camera are discussed, as well as results from the collaborations with test pixel system deployment sites.« less

Spatiotemporal characteristics of retinal response to network-mediated photovoltaic stimulation.

PubMed

Ho, Elton; Smith, Richard; Goetz, Georges; Lei, Xin; Galambos, Ludwig; Kamins, Theodore I; Harris, James; Mathieson, Keith; Palanker, Daniel; Sher, Alexander

2018-02-01

Subretinal prostheses aim at restoring sight to patients blinded by photoreceptor degeneration using electrical activation of the surviving inner retinal neurons. Today, such implants deliver visual information with low-frequency stimulation, resulting in discontinuous visual percepts. We measured retinal responses to complex visual stimuli delivered at video rate via a photovoltaic subretinal implant and by visible light. Using a multielectrode array to record from retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in the healthy and degenerated rat retina ex vivo, we estimated their spatiotemporal properties from the spike-triggered average responses to photovoltaic binary white noise stimulus with 70-μm pixel size at 20-Hz frame rate. The average photovoltaic receptive field size was 194 ± 3 μm (mean ± SE), similar to that of visual responses (221 ± 4 μm), but response latency was significantly shorter with photovoltaic stimulation. Both visual and photovoltaic receptive fields had an opposing center-surround structure. In the healthy retina, ON RGCs had photovoltaic OFF responses, and vice versa. This reversal is consistent with depolarization of photoreceptors by electrical pulses, as opposed to their hyperpolarization under increasing light, although alternative mechanisms cannot be excluded. In degenerate retina, both ON and OFF photovoltaic responses were observed, but in the absence of visual responses, it is not clear what functional RGC types they correspond to. Degenerate retina maintained the antagonistic center-surround organization of receptive fields. These fast and spatially localized network-mediated ON and OFF responses to subretinal stimulation via photovoltaic pixels with local return electrodes raise confidence in the possibility of providing more functional prosthetic vision. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Retinal prostheses currently in clinical use have struggled to deliver visual information at naturalistic frequencies, resulting in discontinuous percepts. We demonstrate modulation of the retinal ganglion cells (RGC) activity using complex spatiotemporal stimuli delivered via subretinal photovoltaic implant at 20 Hz in healthy and in degenerate retina. RGCs exhibit fast and localized ON and OFF network-mediated responses, with antagonistic center-surround organization of their receptive fields.

[Techniques for pixel response nonuniformity correction of CCD in interferential imaging spectrometer].

PubMed

Yao, Tao; Yin, Shi-Min; Xiangli, Bin; Lü, Qun-Bo

2010-06-01

Based on in-depth analysis of the relative radiation scaling theorem and acquired scaling data of pixel response nonuniformity correction of CCD (charge-coupled device) in spaceborne visible interferential imaging spectrometer, a pixel response nonuniformity correction method of CCD adapted to visible and infrared interferential imaging spectrometer system was studied out, and it availably resolved the engineering technical problem of nonuniformity correction in detector arrays for interferential imaging spectrometer system. The quantitative impact of CCD nonuniformity on interferogram correction and recovery spectrum accuracy was given simultaneously. Furthermore, an improved method with calibration and nonuniformity correction done after the instrument is successfully assembled was proposed. The method can save time and manpower. It can correct nonuniformity caused by other reasons in spectrometer system besides CCD itself's nonuniformity, can acquire recalibration data when working environment is changed, and can also more effectively improve the nonuniformity calibration accuracy of interferential imaging

A compressed sensing X-ray camera with a multilayer architecture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zhehui; Iaroshenko, O.; Li, S.; Liu, T.; Parab, N.; Chen, W. W.; Chu, P.; Kenyon, G. T.; Lipton, R.; Sun, K.-X.

2018-01-01

Recent advances in compressed sensing theory and algorithms offer new possibilities for high-speed X-ray camera design. In many CMOS cameras, each pixel has an independent on-board circuit that includes an amplifier, noise rejection, signal shaper, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), and optional in-pixel storage. When X-ray images are sparse, i.e., when one of the following cases is true: (a.) The number of pixels with true X-ray hits is much smaller than the total number of pixels; (b.) The X-ray information is redundant; or (c.) Some prior knowledge about the X-ray images exists, sparse sampling may be allowed. Here we first illustrate the feasibility of random on-board pixel sampling (ROPS) using an existing set of X-ray images, followed by a discussion about signal to noise as a function of pixel size. Next, we describe a possible circuit architecture to achieve random pixel access and in-pixel storage. The combination of a multilayer architecture, sparse on-chip sampling, and computational image techniques, is expected to facilitate the development and applications of high-speed X-ray camera technology.

Design, optimization and evaluation of a "smart" pixel sensor array for low-dose digital radiography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Kai; Liu, Xinghui; Ou, Hai; Chen, Jun

2016-04-01

Amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) thin-film transistors (TFTs) have been widely used to build flat-panel X-ray detectors for digital radiography (DR). As the demand for low-dose X-ray imaging grows, a detector with high signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) pixel architecture emerges. "Smart" pixel is intended to use a dual-gate photosensitive TFT for sensing, storage, and switch. It differs from a conventional passive pixel sensor (PPS) and active pixel sensor (APS) in that all these three functions are combined into one device instead of three separate units in a pixel. Thus, it is expected to have high fill factor and high spatial resolution. In addition, it utilizes the amplification effect of the dual-gate photosensitive TFT to form a one-transistor APS that leads to a potentially high SNR. This paper addresses the design, optimization and evaluation of the smart pixel sensor and array for low-dose DR. We will design and optimize the smart pixel from the scintillator to TFT levels and validate it through optical and electrical simulation and experiments of a 4x4 sensor array.

Random On-Board Pixel Sampling (ROPS) X-Ray Camera

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

Wang, Zhehui; Iaroshenko, O.; Li, S.

Recent advances in compressed sensing theory and algorithms offer new possibilities for high-speed X-ray camera design. In many CMOS cameras, each pixel has an independent on-board circuit that includes an amplifier, noise rejection, signal shaper, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), and optional in-pixel storage. When X-ray images are sparse, i.e., when one of the following cases is true: (a.) The number of pixels with true X-ray hits is much smaller than the total number of pixels; (b.) The X-ray information is redundant; or (c.) Some prior knowledge about the X-ray images exists, sparse sampling may be allowed. Here we first illustratemore » the feasibility of random on-board pixel sampling (ROPS) using an existing set of X-ray images, followed by a discussion about signal to noise as a function of pixel size. Next, we describe a possible circuit architecture to achieve random pixel access and in-pixel storage. The combination of a multilayer architecture, sparse on-chip sampling, and computational image techniques, is expected to facilitate the development and applications of high-speed X-ray camera technology.« less

Roughness effects on thermal-infrared emissivities estimated from remotely sensed images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mushkin, Amit; Danilina, Iryna; Gillespie, Alan R.; Balick, Lee K.; McCabe, Matthew F.

2007-10-01

Multispectral thermal-infrared images from the Mauna Loa caldera in Hawaii, USA are examined to study the effects of surface roughness on remotely retrieved emissivities. We find up to a 3% decrease in spectral contrast in ASTER (Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer) 90-m/pixel emissivities due to sub-pixel surface roughness variations on the caldera floor. A similar decrease in spectral contrast of emissivities extracted from MASTER (MODIS/ASTER Airborne Simulator) ~12.5-m/pixel data can be described as a function of increasing surface roughness, which was measured remotely from ASTER 15-m/pixel stereo images. The ratio between ASTER stereo images provides a measure of sub-pixel surface-roughness variations across the scene. These independent roughness estimates complement a radiosity model designed to quantify the unresolved effects of multiple scattering and differential solar heating due to sub-pixel roughness elements and to compensate for both sub-pixel temperature dispersion and cavity radiation on TIR measurements.

Point spread function based classification of regions for linear digital tomosynthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Israni, Kenny; Avinash, Gopal; Li, Baojun

2007-03-01

In digital tomosynthesis, one of the limitations is the presence of out-of-plane blur due to the limited angle acquisition. The point spread function (PSF) characterizes blur in the imaging volume, and is shift-variant in tomosynthesis. The purpose of this research is to classify the tomosynthesis imaging volume into four different categories based on PSF-driven focus criteria. We considered linear tomosynthesis geometry and simple back projection algorithm for reconstruction. The three-dimensional PSF at every pixel in the imaging volume was determined. Intensity profiles were computed for every pixel by integrating the PSF-weighted intensities contained within the line segment defined by the PSF, at each slice. Classification rules based on these intensity profiles were used to categorize image regions. At background and low-frequency pixels, the derived intensity profiles were flat curves with relatively low and high maximum intensities respectively. At in-focus pixels, the maximum intensity of the profiles coincided with the PSF-weighted intensity of the pixel. At out-of-focus pixels, the PSF-weighted intensity of the pixel was always less than the maximum intensity of the profile. We validated our method using human observer classified regions as gold standard. Based on the computed and manual classifications, the mean sensitivity and specificity of the algorithm were 77+/-8.44% and 91+/-4.13% respectively (t=-0.64, p=0.56, DF=4). Such a classification algorithm may assist in mitigating out-of-focus blur from tomosynthesis image slices.

Improving Kepler Pipeline Sensitivity with Pixel Response Function Photometry.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morris, Robert L.; Bryson, Steve; Jenkins, Jon Michael; Smith, Jeffrey C

2014-06-01

We present the results of our investigation into the feasibility and expected benefits of implementing PRF-fitting photometry in the Kepler Science Processing Pipeline. The Kepler Pixel Response Function (PRF) describes the expected system response to a point source at infinity and includes the effects of the optical point spread function, the CCD detector responsivity function, and spacecraft pointing jitter. Planet detection in the Kepler pipeline is currently based on simple aperture photometry (SAP), which is most effective when applied to uncrowded bright stars. Its effectiveness diminishes rapidly as target brightness decreases relative to the effects of noise sources such as detector electronics, background stars, and image motion. In contrast, PRF photometry is based on fitting an explicit model of image formation to the data and naturally accounts for image motion and contributions of background stars. The key to obtaining high-quality photometry from PRF fitting is a high-quality model of the system's PRF, while the key to efficiently processing the large number of Kepler targets is an accurate catalog and accurate mapping of celestial coordinates onto the focal plane. If the CCD coordinates of stellar centroids are known a priori then the problem of PRF fitting becomes linear. A model of the Kepler PRF was constructed at the time of spacecraft commissioning by fitting piecewise polynomial surfaces to data from dithered full frame images. While this model accurately captured the initial state of the system, the PRF has evolved dynamically since then and has been seen to deviate significantly from the initial (static) model. We construct a dynamic PRF model which is then used to recover photometry for all targets of interest. Both simulation tests and results from Kepler flight data demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach. Kepler was selected as the 10th mission of the Discovery Program. Funding for this mission is provided by NASA’s Science Mission Directorate.Kepler was selected as the 10th mission of the Discovery Program. Funding for this mission is provided by NASA’s Science Mission Directorate.

Germanium ``hexa'' detector: production and testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarajlić, M.; Pennicard, D.; Smoljanin, S.; Hirsemann, H.; Struth, B.; Fritzsch, T.; Rothermund, M.; Zuvic, M.; Lampert, M. O.; Askar, M.; Graafsma, H.

2017-01-01

Here we present new result on the testing of a Germanium sensor for X-ray radiation. The system is made of 3 × 2 Medipix3RX chips, bump-bonded to a monolithic sensor, and is called ``hexa''. Its dimensions are 45 × 30 mm2 and the sensor thickness was 1.5 mm. The total number of the pixels is 393216 in the matrix 768 × 512 with pixel pitch 55 μ m. Medipix3RX read-out chip provides photon counting read-out with single photon sensitivity. The sensor is cooled to -126°C and noise levels together with flat field response are measured. For -200 V polarization bias, leakage current was 4.4 mA (3.2 μ A/mm2). Due to higher leakage around 2.5% of all pixels stay non-responsive. More than 99% of all pixels are bump bonded correctly. In this paper we present the experimental set-up, threshold equalization procedure, image acquisition and the technique for bump bond quality estimate.

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

Altunbas, Cem, E-mail: caltunbas@gmail.com; Lai, Chao-Jen; Zhong, Yuncheng

Purpose: In using flat panel detectors (FPD) for cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), pixel gain variations may lead to structured nonuniformities in projections and ring artifacts in CBCT images. Such gain variations can be caused by change in detector entrance exposure levels or beam hardening, and they are not accounted by conventional flat field correction methods. In this work, the authors presented a method to identify isolated pixel clusters that exhibit gain variations and proposed a pixel gain correction (PGC) method to suppress both beam hardening and exposure level dependent gain variations. Methods: To modulate both beam spectrum and entrancemore » exposure, flood field FPD projections were acquired using beam filters with varying thicknesses. “Ideal” pixel values were estimated by performing polynomial fits in both raw and flat field corrected projections. Residuals were calculated by taking the difference between measured and ideal pixel values to identify clustered image and FPD artifacts in flat field corrected and raw images, respectively. To correct clustered image artifacts, the ratio of ideal to measured pixel values in filtered images were utilized as pixel-specific gain correction factors, referred as PGC method, and they were tabulated as a function of pixel value in a look-up table. Results: 0.035% of detector pixels lead to clustered image artifacts in flat field corrected projections, where 80% of these pixels were traced back and linked to artifacts in the FPD. The performance of PGC method was tested in variety of imaging conditions and phantoms. The PGC method reduced clustered image artifacts and fixed pattern noise in projections, and ring artifacts in CBCT images. Conclusions: Clustered projection image artifacts that lead to ring artifacts in CBCT can be better identified with our artifact detection approach. When compared to the conventional flat field correction method, the proposed PGC method enables characterization of nonlinear pixel gain variations as a function of change in x-ray spectrum and intensity. Hence, it can better suppress image artifacts due to beam hardening as well as artifacts that arise from detector entrance exposure variation.« less

Attenuating Stereo Pixel-Locking via Affine Window Adaptation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stein, Andrew N.; Huertas, Andres; Matthies, Larry H.

2006-01-01

For real-time stereo vision systems, the standard method for estimating sub-pixel stereo disparity given an initial integer disparity map involves fitting parabolas to a matching cost function aggregated over rectangular windows. This results in a phenomenon known as 'pixel-locking,' which produces artificially-peaked histograms of sub-pixel disparity. These peaks correspond to the introduction of erroneous ripples or waves in the 3D reconstruction of truly Rat surfaces. Since stereo vision is a common input modality for autonomous vehicles, these inaccuracies can pose a problem for safe, reliable navigation. This paper proposes a new method for sub-pixel stereo disparity estimation, based on ideas from Lucas-Kanade tracking and optical flow, which substantially reduces the pixel-locking effect. In addition, it has the ability to correct much larger initial disparity errors than previous approaches and is more general as it applies not only to the ground plane.

Realistic full wave modeling of focal plane array pixels

DOE PAGES

Campione, Salvatore; Warne, Larry K.; Jorgenson, Roy E.; ...

2017-11-01

Here, we investigate full-wave simulations of realistic implementations of multifunctional nanoantenna enabled detectors (NEDs). We focus on a 2x2 pixelated array structure that supports two wavelengths of operation. We design each resonating structure independently using full-wave simulations with periodic boundary conditions mimicking the whole infinite array. We then construct a supercell made of a 2x2 pixelated array with periodic boundary conditions mimicking the full NED; in this case, however, each pixel comprises 10-20 antennas per side. In this way, the cross-talk between contiguous pixels is accounted for in our simulations. We observe that, even though there are finite extent effects,more » the pixels work as designed, each responding at the respective wavelength of operation. This allows us to stress that realistic simulations of multifunctional NEDs need to be performed to verify the design functionality by taking into account finite extent and cross-talk effects.« less

High resolution, multiple-energy linear sweep detector for x-ray imaging

DOEpatents

Perez-Mendez, Victor; Goodman, Claude A.

1996-01-01

Apparatus for generating plural electrical signals in a single scan in response to incident X-rays received from an object. Each electrical signal represents an image of the object at a different range of energies of the incident X-rays. The apparatus comprises a first X-ray detector, a second X-ray detector stacked upstream of the first X-ray detector, and an X-ray absorber stacked upstream of the first X-ray detector. The X-ray absorber provides an energy-dependent absorption of the incident X-rays before they are incident at the first X-ray detector, but provides no absorption of the incident X-rays before they are incident at the second X-ray detector. The first X-ray detector includes a linear array of first pixels, each of which produces an electrical output in response to the incident X-rays in a first range of energies. The first X-ray detector also includes a circuit that generates a first electrical signal in response to the electrical output of each of the first pixels. The second X-ray detector includes a linear array of second pixels, each of which produces an electrical output in response to the incident X-rays in a second range of energies, broader than the first range of energies. The second X-ray detector also includes a circuit that generates a second electrical signal in response to the electrical output of each of the second pixels.

High resolution, multiple-energy linear sweep detector for x-ray imaging

DOEpatents

Perez-Mendez, V.; Goodman, C.A.

1996-08-20

Apparatus is disclosed for generating plural electrical signals in a single scan in response to incident X-rays received from an object. Each electrical signal represents an image of the object at a different range of energies of the incident X-rays. The apparatus comprises a first X-ray detector, a second X-ray detector stacked upstream of the first X-ray detector, and an X-ray absorber stacked upstream of the first X-ray detector. The X-ray absorber provides an energy-dependent absorption of the incident X-rays before they are incident at the first X-ray detector, but provides no absorption of the incident X-rays before they are incident at the second X-ray detector. The first X-ray detector includes a linear array of first pixels, each of which produces an electrical output in response to the incident X-rays in a first range of energies. The first X-ray detector also includes a circuit that generates a first electrical signal in response to the electrical output of each of the first pixels. The second X-ray detector includes a linear array of second pixels, each of which produces an electrical output in response to the incident X-rays in a second range of energies, broader than the first range of energies. The second X-ray detector also includes a circuit that generates a second electrical signal in response to the electrical output of each of the second pixels. 12 figs.

Design of a High-resolution Optoelectronic Retinal Prosthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palanker, Daniel

2005-03-01

It has been demonstrated that electrical stimulation of the retina can produce visual percepts in blind patients suffering from macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. So far retinal implants have had just a few electrodes, whereas at least several thousand pixels would be required for any functional restoration of sight. We will discuss physical limitations on the number of stimulating electrodes and on delivery of information and power to the retinal implant. Using a model of extracellular stimulation we derive the threshold values of current and voltage as a function of electrode size and distance to the target cell. Electrolysis, tissue heating, and cross-talk between neighboring electrodes depend critically on separation between electrodes and cells, thus strongly limiting the pixels size and spacing. Minimal pixel density required for 20/80 visual acuity (2500 pixels/mm2, pixel size 20 um) cannot be achieved unless the target neurons are within 7 um of the electrodes. At a separation of 50 um, the density drops to 44 pixels/mm2, and at 100 um it is further reduced to 10 pixels/mm2. We will present designs of subretinal implants that provide close proximity of electrodes to cells using migration of retinal cells to target areas. Two basic implant geometries will be described: perforated membranes and protruding electrode arrays. In addition, we will discuss delivery of information to the implant that allows for natural eye scanning of the scene, rather than scanning with a head-mounted camera. It operates similarly to ``virtual reality'' imaging devices where an image from a video camera is projected by a goggle-mounted collimated infrared LED-LCD display onto the retina, activating an array of powered photodiodes in the retinal implant. Optical delivery of visual information to the implant allows for flexible control of the image processing algorithms and stimulation parameters. In summary, we will describe solutions to some of the major problems facing the realization of a functional retinal implant: high pixel density, proximity of electrodes to target cells, natural eye scanning capability, and real-time image processing adjustable to retinal architecture.

Modeling and analysis of hybrid pixel detector deficiencies for scientific applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fahim, Farah; Deptuch, Grzegorz W.; Hoff, James R.; Mohseni, Hooman

2015-08-01

Semiconductor hybrid pixel detectors often consist of a pixellated sensor layer bump bonded to a matching pixelated readout integrated circuit (ROIC). The sensor can range from high resistivity Si to III-V materials, whereas a Si CMOS process is typically used to manufacture the ROIC. Independent, device physics and electronic design automation (EDA) tools are used to determine sensor characteristics and verify functional performance of ROICs respectively with significantly different solvers. Some physics solvers provide the capability of transferring data to the EDA tool. However, single pixel transient simulations are either not feasible due to convergence difficulties or are prohibitively long. A simplified sensor model, which includes a current pulse in parallel with detector equivalent capacitor, is often used; even then, spice type top-level (entire array) simulations range from days to weeks. In order to analyze detector deficiencies for a particular scientific application, accurately defined transient behavioral models of all the functional blocks are required. Furthermore, various simulations, such as transient, noise, Monte Carlo, inter-pixel effects, etc. of the entire array need to be performed within a reasonable time frame without trading off accuracy. The sensor and the analog front-end can be modeling using a real number modeling language, as complex mathematical functions or detailed data can be saved to text files, for further top-level digital simulations. Parasitically aware digital timing is extracted in a standard delay format (sdf) from the pixel digital back-end layout as well as the periphery of the ROIC. For any given input, detector level worst-case and best-case simulations are performed using a Verilog simulation environment to determine the output. Each top-level transient simulation takes no more than 10-15 minutes. The impact of changing key parameters such as sensor Poissonian shot noise, analog front-end bandwidth, jitter due to clock distribution etc. can be accurately analyzed to determine ROIC architectural viability and bottlenecks. Hence the impact of the detector parameters on the scientific application can be studied.

Experimental realization of a metamaterial detector focal plane array.

PubMed

Shrekenhamer, David; Xu, Wangren; Venkatesh, Suresh; Schurig, David; Sonkusale, Sameer; Padilla, Willie J

2012-10-26

We present a metamaterial absorber detector array that enables room-temperature, narrow-band detection of gigahertz (GHz) radiation in the S band (2-4 GHz). The system is implemented in a commercial printed circuit board process and we characterize the detector sensitivity and angular dependence. A modified metamaterial absorber geometry allows for each unit cell to act as an isolated detector pixel and to collectively form a focal plane array . Each pixel can have a dedicated microwave receiver chain and functions together as a hybrid device tuned to maximize the efficiency of detected power. The demonstrated subwavelength pixel shows detected sensitivity of -77 dBm, corresponding to a radiation power density of 27 nW/m(2), with pixel to pixel coupling interference below -14 dB at 2.5 GHz.

Investigation of several aspects of LANDSAT 4/5 data quality. [California, Texas, Arkansas, Alabama, and Pacific Ocean

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wrigley, R. C. (Principal Investigator)

1984-01-01

A second quadrant from the Sacramento, CA scene 44/33 acquired by LANDSAT-4 was tested for band to band resolution. Results show that all measured misregistrations are within 0.03 pixels for similar band pairs. Two LANDSAT-5 scenes (one from Corpus Christi, TX and the other from Huntsville, AL) were also tested for band to band resolution. All measured misregistrations in the Texas scene are less than 0.03 pixels. The across scan misregistration Alabama scene is -0.66 pixels and thus needs correction. A 512 x 512 pixel area of the Pacific Ocean was corrected for the pixel offsets. Modulation transfer function analysis of the San Mateo Bridge using data from the San Francisco scene was accomplished.

A 7 ke-SD-FWC 1.2 e-RMS Temporal Random Noise 128×256 Time-Resolved CMOS Image Sensor With Two In-Pixel SDs for Biomedical Applications.

PubMed

Seo, Min-Woong; Kawahito, Shoji

2017-12-01

A large full well capacity (FWC) for wide signal detection range and low temporal random noise for high sensitivity lock-in pixel CMOS image sensor (CIS) embedded with two in-pixel storage diodes (SDs) has been developed and presented in this paper. For fast charge transfer from photodiode to SDs, a lateral electric field charge modulator (LEFM) is used for the developed lock-in pixel. As a result, the time-resolved CIS achieves a very large SD-FWC of approximately 7ke-, low temporal random noise of 1.2e-rms at 20 fps with true correlated double sampling operation and fast intrinsic response less than 500 ps at 635 nm. The proposed imager has an effective pixel array of and a pixel size of . The sensor chip is fabricated by Dongbu HiTek 1P4M 0.11 CIS process.

Effects of autocorrelation upon LANDSAT classification accuracy. [Richmond, Virginia and Denver, Colorado

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Craig, R. G. (Principal Investigator)

1983-01-01

Richmond, Virginia and Denver, Colorado were study sites in an effort to determine the effect of autocorrelation on the accuracy of a parallelopiped classifier of LANDSAT digital data. The autocorrelation was assumed to decay to insignificant levels when sampled at distances of at least ten pixels. Spectral themes developed using blocks of adjacent pixels, and using groups of pixels spaced at least 10 pixels apart were used. Effects of geometric distortions were minimized by using only pixels from the interiors of land cover sections. Accuracy was evaluated for three classes; agriculture, residential and "all other"; both type 1 and type 2 errors were evaluated by means of overall classification accuracy. All classes give comparable results. Accuracy is approximately the same in both techniques; however, the variance in accuracy is significantly higher using the themes developed from autocorrelated data. The vectors of mean spectral response were nearly identical regardless of sampling method used. The estimated variances were much larger when using autocorrelated pixels.

A Spectralon BRF Data Base for MISR Calibration Application

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bruegge, C.; Chrien, N.; Haner, D.

1999-01-01

The Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) is an Earth observing sensor which will provide global retrievals of aerosols, clouds, and land surface parameters. Instrument specifications require high accuracy absolute calibration, as well as accurate camera-to-camera, band-to-band and pixel-to-pixel relative response determinations.

Road safety enhancement: an investigation on the visibility of on-road image projections using DMD-based pixel light systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rizvi, Sadiq; Ley, Peer-Phillip; Knöchelmann, Marvin; Lachmayer, Roland

2018-02-01

Research reveals that visual information forms the major portion of the received data for driving. At night -owing to the, sometimes scarcity, sometime inhomogeneity of light- the human physiology and psychology experiences a dramatic alteration. It is found that although the likelihood of accident occurrence is higher during the day due to heavier traffic, the most fatal accidents still occur during night time. How can road safety be improved in limited lighting conditions using DMD-based high resolution headlamps? DMD-based pixel light systems, utilizing HID and LED light sources, are able to address hundreds of thousands of pixels individually. Using camera information, this capability allows 'glare-free' light distributions that perfectly adapt to the needs of all road users. What really enables these systems to stand out however, is their on-road image projection capability. This projection functionality may be used in co-operation with other driver assistance systems as an assist feature for the projection of navigation data, warning signs, car status information etc. Since contrast sensitivity constitutes a decisive measure of the human visual function, here is then a core question: what distributions of luminance in the projection space produce highly visible on-road image projections? This work seeks to address this question. Responses on sets of differently illuminated projections are collected from a group of participants and later interpreted using statistical data obtained using a luminance camera. Some aspects regarding the correlation between contrast ratio, symbol form and attention capture are also discussed.

Backside illuminated CMOS-TDI line scanner for space applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cohen, O.; Ben-Ari, N.; Nevo, I.; Shiloah, N.; Zohar, G.; Kahanov, E.; Brumer, M.; Gershon, G.; Ofer, O.

2017-09-01

A new multi-spectral line scanner CMOS image sensor is reported. The backside illuminated (BSI) image sensor was designed for continuous scanning Low Earth Orbit (LEO) space applications including A custom high quality CMOS Active Pixels, Time Delayed Integration (TDI) mechanism that increases the SNR, 2-phase exposure mechanism that increases the dynamic Modulation Transfer Function (MTF), very low power internal Analog to Digital Converters (ADC) with resolution of 12 bit per pixel and on chip controller. The sensor has 4 independent arrays of pixels where each array is arranged in 2600 TDI columns with controllable TDI depth from 8 up to 64 TDI levels. A multispectral optical filter with specific spectral response per array is assembled at the package level. In this paper we briefly describe the sensor design and present some electrical and electro-optical recent measurements of the first prototypes including high Quantum Efficiency (QE), high MTF, wide range selectable Full Well Capacity (FWC), excellent linearity of approximately 1.3% in a signal range of 5-85% and approximately 1.75% in a signal range of 2-95% out of the signal span, readout noise of approximately 95 electrons with 64 TDI levels, negligible dark current and power consumption of less than 1.5W total for 4 bands sensor at all operation conditions .

Model-based optimization of near-field binary-pixelated beam shapers

DOE PAGES

Dorrer, C.; Hassett, J.

2017-01-23

The optimization of components that rely on spatially dithered distributions of transparent or opaque pixels and an imaging system with far-field filtering for transmission control is demonstrated. The binary-pixel distribution can be iteratively optimized to lower an error function that takes into account the design transmission and the characteristics of the required far-field filter. Simulations using a design transmission chosen in the context of high-energy lasers show that the beam-fluence modulation at an image plane can be reduced by a factor of 2, leading to performance similar to using a non-optimized spatial-dithering algorithm with pixels of size reduced by amore » factor of 2 without the additional fabrication complexity or cost. The optimization process preserves the pixel distribution statistical properties. Analysis shows that the optimized pixel distribution starting from a high-noise distribution defined by a random-draw algorithm should be more resilient to fabrication errors than the optimized pixel distributions starting from a low-noise, error-diffusion algorithm, while leading to similar beamshaping performance. Furthermore, this is confirmed by experimental results obtained with various pixel distributions and induced fabrication errors.« less

A compressed sensing X-ray camera with a multilayer architecture

DOE PAGES

Wang, Zhehui; Laroshenko, O.; Li, S.; ...

2018-01-25

Recent advances in compressed sensing theory and algorithms offer new possibilities for high-speed X-ray camera design. In many CMOS cameras, each pixel has an independent on-board circuit that includes an amplifier, noise rejection, signal shaper, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), and optional in-pixel storage. When X-ray images are sparse, i.e., when one of the following cases is true: (a.) The number of pixels with true X-ray hits is much smaller than the total number of pixels; (b.) The X-ray information is redundant; or (c.) Some prior knowledge about the X-ray images exists, sparse sampling may be allowed. In this work, wemore » first illustrate the feasibility of random on-board pixel sampling (ROPS) using an existing set of X-ray images, followed by a discussion about signal to noise as a function of pixel size. Next, we describe a possible circuit architecture to achieve random pixel access and in-pixel storage. The combination of a multilayer architecture, sparse on-chip sampling, and computational image techniques, is expected to facilitate the development and applications of high-speed X-ray camera technology.« less

A compressed sensing X-ray camera with a multilayer architecture

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

Wang, Zhehui; Laroshenko, O.; Li, S.

Recent advances in compressed sensing theory and algorithms offer new possibilities for high-speed X-ray camera design. In many CMOS cameras, each pixel has an independent on-board circuit that includes an amplifier, noise rejection, signal shaper, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), and optional in-pixel storage. When X-ray images are sparse, i.e., when one of the following cases is true: (a.) The number of pixels with true X-ray hits is much smaller than the total number of pixels; (b.) The X-ray information is redundant; or (c.) Some prior knowledge about the X-ray images exists, sparse sampling may be allowed. In this work, wemore » first illustrate the feasibility of random on-board pixel sampling (ROPS) using an existing set of X-ray images, followed by a discussion about signal to noise as a function of pixel size. Next, we describe a possible circuit architecture to achieve random pixel access and in-pixel storage. The combination of a multilayer architecture, sparse on-chip sampling, and computational image techniques, is expected to facilitate the development and applications of high-speed X-ray camera technology.« less

Test apparatus to monitor time-domain signals from semiconductor-detector pixel arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haston, Kyle; Barber, H. Bradford; Furenlid, Lars R.; Salçin, Esen; Bora, Vaibhav

2011-10-01

Pixellated semiconductor detectors, such as CdZnTe, CdTe, or TlBr, are used for gamma-ray imaging in medicine and astronomy. Data analysis for these detectors typically estimates the position (x, y, z) and energy (E) of each interacting gamma ray from a set of detector signals {Si} corresponding to completed charge transport on the hit pixel and any of its neighbors that take part in charge sharing, plus the cathode. However, it is clear from an analysis of signal induction, that there are transient signal on all pixel electrodes during the charge transport and, when there is charge trapping, small negative residual signals on all electrodes. If we wish to optimally obtain the event parameters, we should take all these signals into account. We wish to estimate x,y,z and E from the set of all electrode signals, {Si(t)}, including time dependence, using maximum-likelihood techniques[1]. To do this, we need to determine the probability of the electrode signals, given the event parameters {x, y, z, E}, i.e. Pr( {Si(t)} | {x, y, z, E} ). Thus we need to map the detector response of all pixels, {Si(t)}, for a large number of events with known x,y,z and E.In this paper we demonstrate the existence of the transient signals and residual signals and determine their magnitudes. They are typically 50-100 times smaller than the hit-pixel signals. We then describe development of an apparatus to measure the response of a 16-pixel semiconductor detector and show some preliminary results. We also discuss techniques for measuring the event parameters for individual gamma-ray interactions, a requirement for determining Pr( {Si(t)} | {x, y, z, E}).

QLog Solar-Cell Mode Photodiode Logarithmic CMOS Pixel Using Charge Compression and Readout †

PubMed Central

Ni, Yang

2018-01-01

In this paper, we present a new logarithmic pixel design currently under development at New Imaging Technologies SA (NIT). This new logarithmic pixel design uses charge domain logarithmic signal compression and charge-transfer-based signal readout. This structure gives a linear response in low light conditions and logarithmic response in high light conditions. The charge transfer readout efficiently suppresses the reset (KTC) noise by using true correlated double sampling (CDS) in low light conditions. In high light conditions, thanks to charge domain logarithmic compression, it has been demonstrated that 3000 electrons should be enough to cover a 120 dB dynamic range with a mobile phone camera-like signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) over the whole dynamic range. This low electron count permits the use of ultra-small floating diffusion capacitance (sub-fF) without charge overflow. The resulting large conversion gain permits a single photon detection capability with a wide dynamic range without a complex sensor/system design. A first prototype sensor with 320 × 240 pixels has been implemented to validate this charge domain logarithmic pixel concept and modeling. The first experimental results validate the logarithmic charge compression theory and the low readout noise due to the charge-transfer-based readout. PMID:29443903

QLog Solar-Cell Mode Photodiode Logarithmic CMOS Pixel Using Charge Compression and Readout.

PubMed

Ni, Yang

2018-02-14

In this paper, we present a new logarithmic pixel design currently under development at New Imaging Technologies SA (NIT). This new logarithmic pixel design uses charge domain logarithmic signal compression and charge-transfer-based signal readout. This structure gives a linear response in low light conditions and logarithmic response in high light conditions. The charge transfer readout efficiently suppresses the reset (KTC) noise by using true correlated double sampling (CDS) in low light conditions. In high light conditions, thanks to charge domain logarithmic compression, it has been demonstrated that 3000 electrons should be enough to cover a 120 dB dynamic range with a mobile phone camera-like signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) over the whole dynamic range. This low electron count permits the use of ultra-small floating diffusion capacitance (sub-fF) without charge overflow. The resulting large conversion gain permits a single photon detection capability with a wide dynamic range without a complex sensor/system design. A first prototype sensor with 320 × 240 pixels has been implemented to validate this charge domain logarithmic pixel concept and modeling. The first experimental results validate the logarithmic charge compression theory and the low readout noise due to the charge-transfer-based readout.

A Versatile Image Processor For Digital Diagnostic Imaging And Its Application In Computed Radiography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blume, H.; Alexandru, R.; Applegate, R.; Giordano, T.; Kamiya, K.; Kresina, R.

1986-06-01

In a digital diagnostic imaging department, the majority of operations for handling and processing of images can be grouped into a small set of basic operations, such as image data buffering and storage, image processing and analysis, image display, image data transmission and image data compression. These operations occur in almost all nodes of the diagnostic imaging communications network of the department. An image processor architecture was developed in which each of these functions has been mapped into hardware and software modules. The modular approach has advantages in terms of economics, service, expandability and upgradeability. The architectural design is based on the principles of hierarchical functionality, distributed and parallel processing and aims at real time response. Parallel processing and real time response is facilitated in part by a dual bus system: a VME control bus and a high speed image data bus, consisting of 8 independent parallel 16-bit busses, capable of handling combined up to 144 MBytes/sec. The presented image processor is versatile enough to meet the video rate processing needs of digital subtraction angiography, the large pixel matrix processing requirements of static projection radiography, or the broad range of manipulation and display needs of a multi-modality diagnostic work station. Several hardware modules are described in detail. For illustrating the capabilities of the image processor, processed 2000 x 2000 pixel computed radiographs are shown and estimated computation times for executing the processing opera-tions are presented.

Modulation Transfer Function of Infrared Focal Plane Arrays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gunapala, S. D.; Rafol, S. B.; Ting, D. Z.; Soibel, A.; Hill, C. J.; Khoshakhlagh, A.; Liu, J. K.; Mumolo, J. M.; Hoglund, L.; Luong, E. M.

2015-01-01

Modulation transfer function (MTF) is the ability of an imaging system to faithfully image a given object. The MTF of an imaging system quantifies the ability of the system to resolve or transfer spatial frequencies. In this presentation we will discuss the detail MTF measurements of 1024x1024 pixels mid -wavelength and long- wavelength quantum well infrared photodetector, and 320x256 pixels long- wavelength InAs/GaSb superlattice infrared focal plane arrays (FPAs). Long wavelength Complementary Barrier Infrared Detector (CBIRD) based on InAs/GaSb superlattice material is hybridized to recently designed and fabricated 320x256 pixel format ROIC. The n-type CBIRD was characterized in terms of performance and thermal stability. The experimentally measured NE delta T of the 8.8 micron cutoff n-CBIRD FPA was 18.6 mK with 300 K background and f/2 cold stop at 78K FPA operating temperature. The horizontal and vertical MTFs of this pixel fully delineated CBIRD FPA at Nyquist frequency are 49% and 52%, respectively.

Spatial and spectral simulation of LANDSAT images of agricultural areas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pont, W. F., Jr. (Principal Investigator)

1982-01-01

A LANDSAT scene simulation capability was developed to study the effects of small fields and misregistration on LANDSAT-based crop proportion estimation procedures. The simulation employs a pattern of ground polygons each with a crop ID, planting date, and scale factor. Historical greenness/brightness crop development profiles generate the mean signal values for each polygon. Historical within-field covariances add texture to pixels in each polygon. The planting dates and scale factors create between-field/within-crop variation. Between field and crop variation is achieved by the above and crop profile differences. The LANDSAT point spread function is used to add correlation between nearby pixels. The next effect of the point spread function is to blur the image. Mixed pixels and misregistration are also simulated.

Luminance compensation for AMOLED displays using integrated MIS sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vygranenko, Yuri; Fernandes, Miguel; Louro, Paula; Vieira, Manuela

2017-05-01

Active-matrix organic light-emitting diodes (AMOLEDs) are ideal for future TV applications due to their ability to faithfully reproduce real images. However, pixel luminance can be affected by instability of driver TFTs and aging effect in OLEDs. This paper reports on a pixel driver utilizing a metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) sensor for luminance control of the OLED element. In the proposed pixel architecture for bottom-emission AMOLEDs, the embedded MIS sensor shares the same layer stack with back-channel etched a Si:H TFTs to maintain the fabrication simplicity. The pixel design for a large-area HD display is presented. The external electronics performs image processing to modify incoming video using correction parameters for each pixel in the backplane, and also sensor data processing to update the correction parameters. The luminance adjusting algorithm is based on realistic models for pixel circuit elements to predict the relation between the programming voltage and OLED luminance. SPICE modeling of the sensing part of the backplane is performed to demonstrate its feasibility. Details on the pixel circuit functionality including the sensing and programming operations are also discussed.

Photovoltaic restoration of sight in rodents with retinal degeneration (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palanker, Daniel V.

2017-02-01

To restore vision in patients who lost their photoreceptors due to retinal degeneration, we developed a photovoltaic subretinal prosthesis which converts light into pulsed electric current, stimulating the nearby inner retinal neurons. Visual information is projected onto the retina by video goggles using pulsed near-infrared ( 900nm) light. This design avoids the use of bulky electronics and wiring, thereby greatly reducing the surgical complexity. Optical activation of the photovoltaic pixels allows scaling the implants to thousands of electrodes, and multiple modules can be tiled under the retina to expand the visual field. We found that similarly to normal vision, retinal response to prosthetic stimulation exhibits flicker fusion at high frequencies (>20Hz), adaptation to static images, and non-linear summation of subunits in the receptive fields. Photovoltaic arrays with 70um pixels restored visual acuity up to a single pixel pitch, which is only two times lower than natural acuity in rats. If these results translate to human retina, such implants could restore visual acuity up to 20/250. With eye scanning and perceptual learning, human patients might even cross the 20/200 threshold of legal blindness. In collaboration with Pixium Vision, we are preparing this system (PRIMA) for a clinical trial. To further improve visual acuity, we are developing smaller pixels - down to 40um, and on 3-D interface to improve proximity to the target neurons. Scalability, ease of implantation and tiling of these wireless modules to cover a large visual field, combined with high resolution opens the door to highly functional restoration of sight.

Rapid Damage Assessment. Volume II. Development and Testing of Rapid Damage Assessment System.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-02-01

pixels/s Camera Line Rate 732.4 lines/s Pixels per Line 1728 video 314 blank 4 line number (binary) 2 run number (BCD) 2048 total Pixel Resolution 8 bits...sists of an LSI-ll microprocessor, a VDI -200 video display processor, an FD-2 dual floppy diskette subsystem, an FT-I function key-trackball module...COMPONENT LIST FOR IMAGE PROCESSOR SYSTEM IMAGE PROCESSOR SYSTEM VIEWS I VDI -200 Display Processor Racks, Table FD-2 Dual Floppy Diskette Subsystem FT-l

Neuromorphic infrared focal plane performs sensor fusion on-plane local-contrast-enhancement spatial and temporal filtering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Massie, Mark A.; Woolaway, James T., II; Curzan, Jon P.; McCarley, Paul L.

1993-08-01

An infrared focal plane has been simulated, designed and fabricated which mimics the form and function of the vertebrate retina. The `Neuromorphic' focal plane has the capability of performing pixel-based sensor fusion and real-time local contrast enhancement, much like the response of the human eye. The device makes use of an indium antimonide detector array with a 3 - 5 micrometers spectral response, and a switched capacitor resistive network to compute a real-time 2D spatial average. This device permits the summation of other sensor outputs to be combined on-chip with the infrared detections of the focal plane itself. The resulting real-time analog processed information thus represents the combined information of many sensors with the advantage that analog spatial and temporal signal processing is performed at the focal plane. A Gaussian subtraction method is used to produce the pixel output which when displayed produces an image with enhanced edges, representing spatial and temporal derivatives in the scene. The spatial and temporal responses of the device are tunable during operation, permitting the operator to `peak up' the response of the array to spatial and temporally varying signals. Such an array adapts to ambient illumination conditions without loss of detection performance. This paper reviews the Neuromorphic infrared focal plane from initial operational simulations to detailed design characteristics, and concludes with a presentation of preliminary operational data for the device as well as videotaped imagery.

The CAOS camera platform: ushering in a paradigm change in extreme dynamic range imager design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Riza, Nabeel A.

2017-02-01

Multi-pixel imaging devices such as CCD, CMOS and Focal Plane Array (FPA) photo-sensors dominate the imaging world. These Photo-Detector Array (PDA) devices certainly have their merits including increasingly high pixel counts and shrinking pixel sizes, nevertheless, they are also being hampered by limitations in instantaneous dynamic range, inter-pixel crosstalk, quantum full well capacity, signal-to-noise ratio, sensitivity, spectral flexibility, and in some cases, imager response time. Recently invented is the Coded Access Optical Sensor (CAOS) Camera platform that works in unison with current Photo-Detector Array (PDA) technology to counter fundamental limitations of PDA-based imagers while providing high enough imaging spatial resolution and pixel counts. Using for example the Texas Instruments (TI) Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) to engineer the CAOS camera platform, ushered in is a paradigm change in advanced imager design, particularly for extreme dynamic range applications.

Downsampling Photodetector Array with Windowing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Patawaran, Ferze D.; Farr, William H.; Nguyen, Danh H.; Quirk, Kevin J.; Sahasrabudhe, Adit

2012-01-01

In a photon counting detector array, each pixel in the array produces an electrical pulse when an incident photon on that pixel is detected. Detection and demodulation of an optical communication signal that modulated the intensity of the optical signal requires counting the number of photon arrivals over a given interval. As the size of photon counting photodetector arrays increases, parallel processing of all the pixels exceeds the resources available in current application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and gate array (GA) technology; the desire for a high fill factor in avalanche photodiode (APD) detector arrays also precludes this. Through the use of downsampling and windowing portions of the detector array, the processing is distributed between the ASIC and GA. This allows demodulation of the optical communication signal incident on a large photon counting detector array, as well as providing architecture amenable to algorithmic changes. The detector array readout ASIC functions as a parallel-to-serial converter, serializing the photodetector array output for subsequent processing. Additional downsampling functionality for each pixel is added to this ASIC. Due to the large number of pixels in the array, the readout time of the entire photodetector is greater than the time between photon arrivals; therefore, a downsampling pre-processing step is done in order to increase the time allowed for the readout to occur. Each pixel drives a small counter that is incremented at every detected photon arrival or, equivalently, the charge in a storage capacitor is incremented. At the end of a user-configurable counting period (calculated independently from the ASIC), the counters are sampled and cleared. This downsampled photon count information is then sent one counter word at a time to the GA. For a large array, processing even the downsampled pixel counts exceeds the capabilities of the GA. Windowing of the array, whereby several subsets of pixels are designated for processing, is used to further reduce the computational requirements. The grouping of the designated pixel frame as the photon count information is sent one word at a time to the GA, the aggregation of the pixels in a window can be achieved by selecting only the designated pixel counts from the serial stream of photon counts, thereby obviating the need to store the entire frame of pixel count in the gate array. The pixel count se quence from each window can then be processed, forming lower-rate pixel statistics for each window. By having this processing occur in the GA rather than in the ASIC, future changes to the processing algorithm can be readily implemented. The high-bandwidth requirements of a photon counting array combined with the properties of the optical modulation being detected by the array present a unique problem that has not been addressed by current CCD or CMOS sensor array solutions.

Optimisation of the imaging and dosimetric characteristics of an electronic portal imaging device employing plastic scintillating fibres using Monte Carlo simulations.

PubMed

Blake, S J; McNamara, A L; Vial, P; Holloway, L; Kuncic, Z

2014-11-21

A Monte Carlo model of a novel electronic portal imaging device (EPID) has been developed using Geant4 and its performance for imaging and dosimetry applications in radiotherapy has been characterised. The EPID geometry is based on a physical prototype under ongoing investigation and comprises an array of plastic scintillating fibres in place of the metal plate/phosphor screen in standard EPIDs. Geometrical and optical transport parameters were varied to investigate their impact on imaging and dosimetry performance. Detection efficiency was most sensitive to variations in fibre length, achieving a peak value of 36% at 50 mm using 400 keV x-rays for the lengths considered. Increases in efficiency for longer fibres were partially offset by reductions in sensitivity. Removing the extra-mural absorber surrounding individual fibres severely decreased the modulation transfer function (MTF), highlighting its importance in maximising spatial resolution. Field size response and relative dose profile simulations demonstrated a water-equivalent dose response and thus the prototype's suitability for dosimetry applications. Element-to-element mismatch between scintillating fibres and underlying photodiode pixels resulted in a reduced MTF for high spatial frequencies and quasi-periodic variations in dose profile response. This effect is eliminated when fibres are precisely matched to underlying pixels. Simulations strongly suggest that with further optimisation, this prototype EPID may be capable of simultaneous imaging and dosimetry in radiotherapy.

Edge Response and NIIRS Estimates for Commercial Remote Sensing Satellites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blonski, Slawomir; Ryan, Robert E.; Pagnutti, mary; Stanley, Thomas

2006-01-01

Spatial resolution of panchromatic imagery from commercial remote sensing satellites was characterized based on edge response measurements using edge targets and the tilted-edge technique. Relative Edge Response (RER) was estimated as a geometric mean of normalized edge response differences measured in two directions of image pixels at points distanced from the edge by -0.5 and 0.5 of ground sample distance. RER is one of the engineering parameters used in the General Image Quality Equation to provide predictions of imaging system performance expressed in terms of the National Imagery Interpretability Rating Scale (NIIRS). By assuming a plausible range of signal-to-noise ratio and assessing the effects of Modulation Transfer Function compensation, the NIIRS estimates were made and then compared with vendor-provided values and evaluations conducted by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.

SVGA AMOLED with world's highest pixel pitch

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prache, Olivier; Wacyk, Ihor

2006-05-01

We present the design and early evaluation results of the world's highest pixel pitch full-color 800x3x600- pixel, active matrix organic light emitting diode (AMOLED) color microdisplay for consumer and environmentally demanding applications. The design premises were aimed at improving small area uniformity as well as reducing the pixel size while expanding the functionality found in existing eMagin Corporations' microdisplay products without incurring any power consumption degradation when compared to existing OLED microdisplays produced by eMagin. The initial results of the first silicon prototype presented here demonstrate compliance with all major objectives as well as the validation of a new adaptive gamma correction technique that can operate automatically over temperature.

Dedicated multichannel readout ASIC coupled with single crystal diamond for dosimeter application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fabbri, A.; Falco, M. D.; De Notaristefani, F.; Galasso, M.; Marinelli, M.; Orsolini Cencelli, V.; Tortora, L.; Verona, C.; Verona Rinati, G.

2013-02-01

This paper reports on the tests of a low-noise, multi-channel readout integrated circuit used as a readout electronic front-end for a diamond multi-pixel dosimeter. The system is developed for dose distribution measurement in radiotherapy applications. The first 10-channel prototype chip was designed and fabricated in a 0.18 um CMOS process. Every channel includes a charge integrator with a 10 pF capacitor and a double slope A/D converter. The diamond multi-pixel detector, based on CVD synthetic single crystal diamond Schottky diodes, is made by a 3 × 3 sensor matrix. The overall device has been tested under irradiation with 6 MeV radio therapeutic photon beams at the Policlinico ``Tor Vergata'' (PTV) hospital. Measurements show a 20 fA RMS leakage current from the front-end input stage and a negligible dark current from the diamond detector, a stable temporal response and a good linear behaviour as a function of both dose and dose rate. These characteristics were common to each tested channel.

Quantitative evaluation method of the threshold adjustment and the flat field correction performances of hybrid photon counting pixel detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Medjoubi, K.; Dawiec, A.

2017-12-01

A simple method is proposed in this work for quantitative evaluation of the quality of the threshold adjustment and the flat-field correction of Hybrid Photon Counting pixel (HPC) detectors. This approach is based on the Photon Transfer Curve (PTC) corresponding to the measurement of the standard deviation of the signal in flat field images. Fixed pattern noise (FPN), easily identifiable in the curve, is linked to the residual threshold dispersion, sensor inhomogeneity and the remnant errors in flat fielding techniques. The analytical expression of the signal to noise ratio curve is developed for HPC and successfully used as a fit function applied to experimental data obtained with the XPAD detector. The quantitative evaluation of the FPN, described by the photon response non-uniformity (PRNU), is measured for different configurations (threshold adjustment method and flat fielding technique) and is demonstrated to be used in order to evaluate the best setting for having the best image quality from a commercial or a R&D detector.

Spectral structure of a polycapillary lens shaped X-ray beam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gogolev, A. S.; Filatov, N. A.; Uglov, S. R.; Hampai, D.; Dabagov, S. B.

2018-04-01

Polycapillary X-ray optics is widely used in X-ray analysis techniques to create a small secondary source, for instance, or to deliver X-rays to the point of interest with minimum intensity losses [1]. The main characteristics of the analytical devices on its base are the size and divergence of the focused or translated beam. In this work, we used the photon-counting pixel detector ModuPIX to study the parameters for polycapillary focused X-ray tube radiation as well as the energy and spatial dependences of radiation at the focus. We have characterized the high-speed spectral camera ModuPIX, which is a single Timepix device with a fast parallel readout allowing up to 850 frames per second with 256 × 256 pixels and a 55 μm pitch defined by the frame frequency. By means of the silicon monochromator the energy response function is measured in clustering mode by the energy scan over total X-ray tube spectrum.

CMOS Active Pixel Sensors for Low Power, Highly Miniaturized Imaging Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fossum, Eric R.

1996-01-01

The complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) active pixel sensor (APS) technology has been developed over the past three years by NASA at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and has reached a level of performance comparable to CCDs with greatly increased functionality but at a very reduced power level.

Evaluation of High Dynamic Range Photography as a Luminance Mapping Technique

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

Inanici, Mehlika; Galvin, Jim

2004-12-30

The potential, limitations, and applicability of the High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography technique is evaluated as a luminance mapping tool. Multiple exposure photographs of static scenes are taken with a Nikon 5400 digital camera to capture the wide luminance variation within the scenes. The camera response function is computationally derived using the Photosphere software, and is used to fuse the multiple photographs into HDR images. The vignetting effect and point spread function of the camera and lens system is determined. Laboratory and field studies have shown that the pixel values in the HDR photographs can correspond to the physical quantitymore » of luminance with reasonable precision and repeatability.« less

Numerical simulation of the modulation transfer function (MTF) in infrared focal plane arrays: simulation methodology and MTF optimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schuster, J.

2018-02-01

Military requirements demand both single and dual-color infrared (IR) imaging systems with both high resolution and sharp contrast. To quantify the performance of these imaging systems, a key measure of performance, the modulation transfer function (MTF), describes how well an optical system reproduces an objects contrast in the image plane at different spatial frequencies. At the center of an IR imaging system is the focal plane array (FPA). IR FPAs are hybrid structures consisting of a semiconductor detector pixel array, typically fabricated from HgCdTe, InGaAs or III-V superlattice materials, hybridized with heat/pressure to a silicon read-out integrated circuit (ROIC) with indium bumps on each pixel providing the mechanical and electrical connection. Due to the growing sophistication of the pixel arrays in these FPAs, sophisticated modeling techniques are required to predict, understand, and benchmark the pixel array MTF that contributes to the total imaging system MTF. To model the pixel array MTF, computationally exhaustive 2D and 3D numerical simulation approaches are required to correctly account for complex architectures and effects such as lateral diffusion from the pixel corners. It is paramount to accurately model the lateral di_usion (pixel crosstalk) as it can become the dominant mechanism limiting the detector MTF if not properly mitigated. Once the detector MTF has been simulated, it is directly decomposed into its constituent contributions to reveal exactly what is limiting the total detector MTF, providing a path for optimization. An overview of the MTF will be given and the simulation approach will be discussed in detail, along with how different simulation parameters effect the MTF calculation. Finally, MTF optimization strategies (crosstalk mitigation) will be discussed.

Effect of Using 2 mm Voxels on Observer Performance for PET Lesion Detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morey, A. M.; Noo, Frédéric; Kadrmas, Dan J.

2016-06-01

Positron emission tomography (PET) images are typically reconstructed with an in-plane pixel size of approximately 4 mm for cancer imaging. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of using smaller pixels on general oncologic lesion-detection. A series of observer studies was performed using experimental phantom data from the Utah PET Lesion Detection Database, which modeled whole-body FDG PET cancer imaging of a 92 kg patient. The data comprised 24 scans over 4 days on a Biograph mCT time-of-flight (TOF) PET/CT scanner, with up to 23 lesions (diam. 6-16 mm) distributed throughout the phantom each day. Images were reconstructed with 2.036 mm and 4.073 mm pixels using ordered-subsets expectation-maximization (OSEM) both with and without point spread function (PSF) modeling and TOF. Detection performance was assessed using the channelized non-prewhitened numerical observer with localization receiver operating characteristic (LROC) analysis. Tumor localization performance and the area under the LROC curve were then analyzed as functions of the pixel size. In all cases, the images with 2 mm pixels provided higher detection performance than those with 4 mm pixels. The degree of improvement from the smaller pixels was larger than that offered by PSF modeling for these data, and provided roughly half the benefit of using TOF. Key results were confirmed by two human observers, who read subsets of the test data. This study suggests that a significant improvement in tumor detection performance for PET can be attained by using smaller voxel sizes than commonly used at many centers. The primary drawback is a 4-fold increase in reconstruction time and data storage requirements.

Design of a 16 gray scales 320 × 240 pixels OLED-on-silicon driving circuit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ran, Huang; Xiaohui, Wang; Wenbo, Wang; Huan, Du; Zhengsheng, Han

2009-01-01

A 320×240 pixel organic-light-emitting-diode-on-silicon (OLEDoS) driving circuit is implemented using the standard 0.5 μm CMOS process of CSMC. It gives 16 gray scales with integrated 4 bit D/A converters. A three-transistor voltage-programmed OLED pixel driver is proposed, which can realize the very small current driving required for the OLEDoS microdisplay. Both the D/A converter and the pixel driver are implemented with pMOS devices. The pass-transistor and capacitance in the OLED pixel driver can be used to sample the output of the D/A converter. An additional pMOS is added to OLED pixel driver, which is used to control the D/A converter operating only when one row is on. This can reduce the circuit's power consumption. This driving circuit can work properly in a frame frequency of 50 Hz, and the final layout of this circuit is given. The pixel area is 28.4 × 28.4 μm2 and the display area is 10.7 × 8.0 mm2 (the diagonal is about 13 mm). The measured pixel gray scale voltage shows that the function of the driver circuit is correct, and the power consumption of the chip is about 350 mW.

Automatic tissue segmentation of breast biopsies imaged by QPI

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Majeed, Hassaan; Nguyen, Tan; Kandel, Mikhail; Marcias, Virgilia; Do, Minh; Tangella, Krishnarao; Balla, Andre; Popescu, Gabriel

2016-03-01

The current tissue evaluation method for breast cancer would greatly benefit from higher throughput and less inter-observer variation. Since quantitative phase imaging (QPI) measures physical parameters of tissue, it can be used to find quantitative markers, eliminating observer subjectivity. Furthermore, since the pixel values in QPI remain the same regardless of the instrument used, classifiers can be built to segment various tissue components without need for color calibration. In this work we use a texton-based approach to segment QPI images of breast tissue into various tissue components (epithelium, stroma or lumen). A tissue microarray comprising of 900 unstained cores from 400 different patients was imaged using Spatial Light Interference Microscopy. The training data were generated by manually segmenting the images for 36 cores and labelling each pixel (epithelium, stroma or lumen.). For each pixel in the data, a response vector was generated by the Leung-Malik (LM) filter bank and these responses were clustered using the k-means algorithm to find the centers (called textons). A random forest classifier was then trained to find the relationship between a pixel's label and the histogram of these textons in that pixel's neighborhood. The segmentation was carried out on the validation set by calculating the texton histogram in a pixel's neighborhood and generating a label based on the model learnt during training. Segmentation of the tissue into various components is an important step toward efficiently computing parameters that are markers of disease. Automated segmentation, followed by diagnosis, can improve the accuracy and speed of analysis leading to better health outcomes.

Modulation transfer function measurement of microbolometer focal plane array by Lloyd's mirror method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Druart, Guillaume; Rommeluere, Sylvain; Viale, Thibault; Guerineau, Nicolas; Ribet-Mohamed, Isabelle; Crastes, Arnaud; Durand, Alain; Taboury, Jean

2014-05-01

Today, both military and civilian applications require miniaturized and cheap optical systems. One way to achieve this trend consists in decreasing the pixel pitch of focal plane arrays (FPA). In order to evaluate the performance of the overall optical systems, it is necessary to measure the modulation transfer function (MTF) of these pixels. However, small pixels lead to higher cut-off frequencies and therefore, original MTF measurements that are able to extract frequencies up to these high cut-off frequencies, are needed. In this paper, we will present a way to extract 1D MTF at high frequencies by projecting fringes on the FPA. The device uses a Lloyd mirror placed near and perpendicular to the focal plane array. Consequently, an interference pattern of fringes can be projected on the detector. By varying the angle of incidence of the light beam, we can tune the period of the interference fringes and, thus, explore a wide range of spatial frequencies, and mainly around the cut-off frequency of the pixel which is one of the most interesting area. Illustration of this method will be applied to a 640×480 microbolometer focal plane array with a pixel pitch of 17µm in the LWIR spectral region.

A Gaussian Mixture Model Representation of Endmember Variability in Hyperspectral Unmixing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Yuan; Rangarajan, Anand; Gader, Paul D.

2018-05-01

Hyperspectral unmixing while considering endmember variability is usually performed by the normal compositional model (NCM), where the endmembers for each pixel are assumed to be sampled from unimodal Gaussian distributions. However, in real applications, the distribution of a material is often not Gaussian. In this paper, we use Gaussian mixture models (GMM) to represent the endmember variability. We show, given the GMM starting premise, that the distribution of the mixed pixel (under the linear mixing model) is also a GMM (and this is shown from two perspectives). The first perspective originates from the random variable transformation and gives a conditional density function of the pixels given the abundances and GMM parameters. With proper smoothness and sparsity prior constraints on the abundances, the conditional density function leads to a standard maximum a posteriori (MAP) problem which can be solved using generalized expectation maximization. The second perspective originates from marginalizing over the endmembers in the GMM, which provides us with a foundation to solve for the endmembers at each pixel. Hence, our model can not only estimate the abundances and distribution parameters, but also the distinct endmember set for each pixel. We tested the proposed GMM on several synthetic and real datasets, and showed its potential by comparing it to current popular methods.

Characterization of chromium compensated GaAs as an X-ray sensor material for charge-integrating pixel array detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Becker, J.; Tate, M. W.; Shanks, K. S.; Philipp, H. T.; Weiss, J. T.; Purohit, P.; Chamberlain, D.; Gruner, S. M.

2018-01-01

We studied the properties of chromium compensated GaAs when coupled to charge integrating ASICs as a function of detector temperature, applied bias and X-ray tube energy. The material is a photoresistor and can be biased to collect either electrons or holes by the pixel circuitry. Both are studied here. Previous studies have shown substantial hole trapping. This trapping and other sensor properties give rise to several non-ideal effects which include an extended point spread function, variations in the effective pixel size, and rate dependent offset shifts. The magnitude of these effects varies with temperature and bias, mandating good temperature uniformity in the sensor and very good temperature stabilization, as well as a carefully selected bias voltage.

Hysteresis of Soil Point Water Retention Functions Determined by Neutron Radiography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perfect, E.; Kang, M.; Bilheux, H.; Willis, K. J.; Horita, J.; Warren, J.; Cheng, C.

2010-12-01

Soil point water retention functions are needed for modeling flow and transport in partially-saturated porous media. Such functions are usually determined by inverse modeling of average water retention data measured experimentally on columns of finite length. However, the resulting functions are subject to the appropriateness of the chosen model, as well as the initial and boundary condition assumptions employed. Soil point water retention functions are rarely measured directly and when they are the focus is invariably on the main drying branch. Previous direct measurement methods include time domain reflectometry and gamma beam attenuation. Here we report direct measurements of the main wetting and drying branches of the point water retention function using neutron radiography. The measurements were performed on a coarse sand (Flint #13) packed into 2.6 cm diameter x 4 cm long aluminum cylinders at the NIST BT-2 (50 μm resolution) and ORNL-HFIR CG1D (70 μm resolution) imaging beamlines. The sand columns were saturated with water and then drained and rewetted under quasi-equilibrium conditions using a hanging water column setup. 2048 x 2048 pixel images of the transmitted flux of neutrons through the column were acquired at each imposed suction (~10-15 suction values per experiment). Volumetric water contents were calculated on a pixel by pixel basis using Beer-Lambert’s law in conjunction with beam hardening and geometric corrections. The pixel rows were averaged and combined with information on the known distribution of suctions within the column to give 2048 point drying and wetting functions for each experiment. The point functions exhibited pronounced hysteresis and varied with column height, possibly due to differences in porosity caused by the packing procedure employed. Predicted point functions, extracted from the hanging water column volumetric data using the TrueCell inverse modeling procedure, showed very good agreement with the range of point functions measured within the column using neutron radiography. Extension of these experiments to 3-dimensions using neutron tomography is planned.

Half-unit weighted bilinear algorithm for image contrast enhancement in capsule endoscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rukundo, Olivier

2018-04-01

This paper proposes a novel enhancement method based exclusively on the bilinear interpolation algorithm for capsule endoscopy images. The proposed method does not convert the original RBG image components to HSV or any other color space or model; instead, it processes directly RGB components. In each component, a group of four adjacent pixels and half-unit weight in the bilinear weighting function are used to calculate the average pixel value, identical for each pixel in that particular group. After calculations, groups of identical pixels are overlapped successively in horizontal and vertical directions to achieve a preliminary-enhanced image. The final-enhanced image is achieved by halving the sum of the original and preliminary-enhanced image pixels. Quantitative and qualitative experiments were conducted focusing on pairwise comparisons between original and enhanced images. Final-enhanced images have generally the best diagnostic quality and gave more details about the visibility of vessels and structures in capsule endoscopy images.

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

Campione, Salvatore; Warne, Larry K.; Jorgenson, Roy E.

Here, we investigate full-wave simulations of realistic implementations of multifunctional nanoantenna enabled detectors (NEDs). We focus on a 2x2 pixelated array structure that supports two wavelengths of operation. We design each resonating structure independently using full-wave simulations with periodic boundary conditions mimicking the whole infinite array. We then construct a supercell made of a 2x2 pixelated array with periodic boundary conditions mimicking the full NED; in this case, however, each pixel comprises 10-20 antennas per side. In this way, the cross-talk between contiguous pixels is accounted for in our simulations. We observe that, even though there are finite extent effects,more » the pixels work as designed, each responding at the respective wavelength of operation. This allows us to stress that realistic simulations of multifunctional NEDs need to be performed to verify the design functionality by taking into account finite extent and cross-talk effects.« less

Improving Science Communication with Responsive Web Design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hilverda, M.

2013-12-01

Effective science communication requires clarity in both content and presentation. Content is increasingly being viewed via the Web across a broad range of devices, which can vary in screen size, resolution, and pixel density. Readers access the same content from desktop computers, tablets, smartphones, and wearable computing devices. Creating separate presentation formats optimized for each device is inefficient and unrealistic as new devices continually enter the marketplace. Responsive web design is an approach that puts content first within a presentation design that responds automatically to its environment. This allows for one platform to be maintained that can be used effectively for every screen. The layout adapts to screens of all sizes ensuring easy viewing of content for readers regardless of their device. Responsive design is accomplished primarily by the use of media queries within style sheets, which allows for changes to layout properties to be defined based on media types (i.e. screen, print) and resolution. Images and other types of multimedia can also be defined to scale automatically to fit different screen dimensions, although some media types require additional effort for proper implementation. Hardware changes, such as high pixel density screens, also present new challenges for effective presentation of content. High pixel density screens contain a greater number of pixels within a screen area increasing the pixels per inch (PPI) compared to standard screens. The result is increased clarity for text and vector media types, but often decreased clarity for standard resolution raster images. Media queries and other custom solutions can assist by specifying higher resolution images for high pixel density screens. Unfortunately, increasing image resolution results in significantly more data being transferred to the device. Web traffic on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets is on a steady growth trajectory and many mobile devices around the world use low-bandwidth connections. Communicating science effectively includes efficient delivery of the information to the reader. To meet this criteria, responsive designs should also incorporate "mobile first" elements such as serving ideal image sizes (a low resolution cell phone does not need to receive a large desktop image) and a focus on fast, readable content delivery. The technical implementation of responsive web design is constantly changing as new web standards and approaches become available. However, fundamental design principles such as grid layouts, clear typography, and proper use of white space should be an important part of content delivery within any responsive design. This presentation will discuss current responsive design approaches for improving scientific communication across multiple devices, operating systems, and bandwidth capacities. The presentation will also include example responsive designs for scientific papers and websites. Implementing a responsive design approach with a focus on content and fundamental design principles is an important step to ensuring scientific information remains clear and accessible as screens and devices continue to evolve.

Homogeneity study of a GaAs:Cr pixelated sensor by means of X-rays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Billoud, T.; Leroy, C.; Papadatos, C.; Pichotka, M.; Pospisil, S.; Roux, J. S.

2018-04-01

Direct conversion semiconductor detectors have become an indispensable tool in radiation detection by now. In order to obtain a high detection efficiency, especially when detecting X or γ rays, high-Z semiconductor sensors are necessary. Like other compound semiconductors GaAs, compensated by chromium (GaAs:Cr), suffers from a number of defects that affect the charge collection efficiency and homogeneity of the material. A precise knowledge of this problem is important to predict the performance of such detectors and eventually correct their response in specific applications. In this study we analyse the homogeneity and mobility-lifetime products (μe τe) of a 500 μ m thick GaAs:Cr pixelated sensor connected to a Timepix chip. The detector is irradiated by 23 keV X-rays, each pixel recording the number of photon interactions and the charge they induce on its electrode. The μe τe products are extracted on a per-pixel basis, using the Hecht equation corrected for the small pixel effect. The detector shows a good time stability in the experimental conditions. Significant inhomogeneities are observed in photon counting and charge collection efficiencies. An average μe τe of 1.0 ṡ 10‑4 cm2V‑1 is found, and compared with values obtained by other methods for the same material. Solutions to improve the response are discussed.

Challenges of small-pixel infrared detectors: a review.

PubMed

Rogalski, A; Martyniuk, P; Kopytko, M

2016-04-01

In the last two decades, several new concepts for improving the performance of infrared detectors have been proposed. These new concepts particularly address the drive towards the so-called high operating temperature focal plane arrays (FPAs), aiming to increase detector operating temperatures, and as a consequence reduce the cost of infrared systems. In imaging systems with the above megapixel formats, pixel dimension plays a crucial role in determining critical system attributes such as system size, weight and power consumption (SWaP). The advent of smaller pixels has also resulted in the superior spatial and temperature resolution of these systems. Optimum pixel dimensions are limited by diffraction effects from the aperture, and are in turn wavelength-dependent. In this paper, the key challenges in realizing optimum pixel dimensions in FPA design including dark current, pixel hybridization, pixel delineation, and unit cell readout capacity are outlined to achieve a sufficiently adequate modulation transfer function for the ultra-small pitches involved. Both photon and thermal detectors have been considered. Concerning infrared photon detectors, the trade-offs between two types of competing technology-HgCdTe material systems and III-V materials (mainly barrier detectors)-have been investigated.

Increasing Linear Dynamic Range of a CMOS Image Sensor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pain, Bedabrata

2007-01-01

A generic design and a corresponding operating sequence have been developed for increasing the linear-response dynamic range of a complementary metal oxide/semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor. The design provides for linear calibrated dual-gain pixels that operate at high gain at a low signal level and at low gain at a signal level above a preset threshold. Unlike most prior designs for increasing dynamic range of an image sensor, this design does not entail any increase in noise (including fixed-pattern noise), decrease in responsivity or linearity, or degradation of photometric calibration. The figure is a simplified schematic diagram showing the circuit of one pixel and pertinent parts of its column readout circuitry. The conventional part of the pixel circuit includes a photodiode having a small capacitance, CD. The unconventional part includes an additional larger capacitance, CL, that can be connected to the photodiode via a transfer gate controlled in part by a latch. In the high-gain mode, the signal labeled TSR in the figure is held low through the latch, which also helps to adapt the gain on a pixel-by-pixel basis. Light must be coupled to the pixel through a microlens or by back illumination in order to obtain a high effective fill factor; this is necessary to ensure high quantum efficiency, a loss of which would minimize the efficacy of the dynamic- range-enhancement scheme. Once the level of illumination of the pixel exceeds the threshold, TSR is turned on, causing the transfer gate to conduct, thereby adding CL to the pixel capacitance. The added capacitance reduces the conversion gain, and increases the pixel electron-handling capacity, thereby providing an extension of the dynamic range. By use of an array of comparators also at the bottom of the column, photocharge voltages on sampling capacitors in each column are compared with a reference voltage to determine whether it is necessary to switch from the high-gain to the low-gain mode. Depending upon the built-in offset in each pixel and in each comparator, the point at which the gain change occurs will be different, adding gain-dependent fixed pattern noise in each pixel. The offset, and hence the fixed pattern noise, is eliminated by sampling the pixel readout charge four times by use of four capacitors (instead of two such capacitors as in conventional design) connected to the bottom of the column via electronic switches SHS1, SHR1, SHS2, and SHR2, respectively, corresponding to high and low values of the signals TSR and RST. The samples are combined in an appropriate fashion to cancel offset-induced errors, and provide spurious-free imaging with extended dynamic range.

Pixelation Effects in Weak Lensing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

High, F. William; Rhodes, Jason; Massey, Richard; Ellis, Richard

2007-01-01

Weak gravitational lensing can be used to investigate both dark matter and dark energy but requires accurate measurements of the shapes of faint, distant galaxies. Such measurements are hindered by the finite resolution and pixel scale of digital cameras. We investigate the optimum choice of pixel scale for a space-based mission, using the engineering model and survey strategy of the proposed Supernova Acceleration Probe as a baseline. We do this by simulating realistic astronomical images containing a known input shear signal and then attempting to recover the signal using the Rhodes, Refregier, and Groth algorithm. We find that the quality of shear measurement is always improved by smaller pixels. However, in practice, telescopes are usually limited to a finite number of pixels and operational life span, so the total area of a survey increases with pixel size. We therefore fix the survey lifetime and the number of pixels in the focal plane while varying the pixel scale, thereby effectively varying the survey size. In a pure trade-off for image resolution versus survey area, we find that measurements of the matter power spectrum would have minimum statistical error with a pixel scale of 0.09' for a 0.14' FWHM point-spread function (PSF). The pixel scale could be increased to 0.16' if images dithered by exactly half-pixel offsets were always available. Some of our results do depend on our adopted shape measurement method and should be regarded as an upper limit: future pipelines may require smaller pixels to overcome systematic floors not yet accessible, and, in certain circumstances, measuring the shape of the PSF might be more difficult than those of galaxies. However, the relative trends in our analysis are robust, especially those of the surface density of resolved galaxies. Our approach thus provides a snapshot of potential in available technology, and a practical counterpart to analytic studies of pixelation, which necessarily assume an idealized shape measurement method.

A pixel read-out architecture implementing a two-stage token ring, zero suppression and compression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heuvelmans, S.; Boerrigter, M.

2011-01-01

Increasing luminosity in high energy physics experiments leads to new challenges in the design of data acquisition systems for pixel detectors. With the upgrade of the LHCb experiment, the data processing will be changed; hit data from every collision will be transported off the pixel chip, without any trigger selection. A read-out architecture is proposed which is able to obtain low hit data loss on limited silicon area by using the logic beneath the pixels as a data buffer. Zero suppression and redundancy reduction ensure that the data rate off chip is minimized. A C++ model has been created for simulation of functionality and data loss, and for system development. A VHDL implementation has been derived from this model.

Modeling misregistration and related effects on multispectral classification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Billingsley, F. C.

1981-01-01

The effects of misregistration on the multispectral classification accuracy when the scene registration accuracy is relaxed from 0.3 to 0.5 pixel are investigated. Noise, class separability, spatial transient response, and field size are considered simultaneously with misregistration in their effects on accuracy. Any noise due to the scene, sensor, or to the analog/digital conversion, causes a finite fraction of the measurements to fall outside of the classification limits, even within nominally uniform fields. Misregistration causes field borders in a given band or set of bands to be closer than expected to a given pixel, causing additional pixels to be misclassified due to the mixture of materials in the pixel. Simplified first order models of the various effects are presented, and are used to estimate the performance to be expected.

A least squares approach to estimating the probability distribution of unobserved data in multiphoton microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salama, Paul

2008-02-01

Multi-photon microscopy has provided biologists with unprecedented opportunities for high resolution imaging deep into tissues. Unfortunately deep tissue multi-photon microscopy images are in general noisy since they are acquired at low photon counts. To aid in the analysis and segmentation of such images it is sometimes necessary to initially enhance the acquired images. One way to enhance an image is to find the maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimate of each pixel comprising an image, which is achieved by finding a constrained least squares estimate of the unknown distribution. In arriving at the distribution it is assumed that the noise is Poisson distributed, the true but unknown pixel values assume a probability mass function over a finite set of non-negative values, and since the observed data also assumes finite values because of low photon counts, the sum of the probabilities of the observed pixel values (obtained from the histogram of the acquired pixel values) is less than one. Experimental results demonstrate that it is possible to closely estimate the unknown probability mass function with these assumptions.

The effect of averaging adjacent planes for artifact reduction in matrix inversion tomosynthesis

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

Godfrey, Devon J.; Page McAdams, H.; Dobbins, James T. III

2013-02-15

Purpose: Matrix inversion tomosynthesis (MITS) uses linear systems theory and knowledge of the imaging geometry to remove tomographic blur that is present in conventional backprojection tomosynthesis reconstructions, leaving in-plane detail rendered clearly. The use of partial-pixel interpolation during the backprojection process introduces imprecision in the MITS modeling of tomographic blur, and creates low-contrast artifacts in some MITS planes. This paper examines the use of MITS slabs, created by averaging several adjacent MITS planes, as a method for suppressing partial-pixel artifacts. Methods: Human chest tomosynthesis projection data, acquired as part of an IRB-approved pilot study, were used to generate MITS planes,more » three-plane MITS slabs (MITSa3), five-plane MITS slabs (MITSa5), and seven-plane MITS slabs (MITSa7). These were qualitatively examined for partial-pixel artifacts and the visibility of normal and abnormal anatomy. Additionally, small (5 mm) subtle pulmonary nodules were simulated and digitally superimposed upon human chest tomosynthesis projection images, and their visibility was qualitatively assessed in the different reconstruction techniques. Simulated images of a thin wire were used to generate modulation transfer function (MTF) and slice-sensitivity profile curves for the different MITS and MITS slab techniques, and these were examined for indications of partial-pixel artifacts and frequency response uniformity. Finally, mean-subtracted, exposure-normalized noise power spectra (ENNPS) estimates were computed and compared for MITS and MITS slab reconstructions, generated from 10 sets of tomosynthesis projection data of an acrylic slab. The simulated in-plane MTF response of each technique was also combined with the square root of the ENNPS estimate to yield stochastic signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) information about the different reconstruction techniques. Results: For scan angles of 20 Degree-Sign and 5 mm plane separation, seven MITS planes must be averaged to sufficiently remove partial-pixel artifacts. MITSa7 does appear to subtly reduce the contrast of high-frequency 'edge' information, but the removal of partial-pixel artifacts makes the appearance of low-contrast, fine-detail anatomy even more conspicuous in MITSa7 slices. MITSa7 also appears to render simulated subtle 5 mm pulmonary nodules with greater visibility than MITS alone, in both the open lung and regions overlying the mediastinum. Finally, the MITSa7 technique reduces stochastic image variance, though the in-plane stochastic SNR (for very thin objects which do not span multiple MITS planes) is only improved at spatial frequencies between 0.05 and 0.20 cycles/mm. Conclusions: The MITSa7 method is an improvement over traditional single-plane MITS for thoracic imaging and the pulmonary nodule detection task, and thus the authors plan to use the MITSa7 approach for all future MITS research at the authors' institution.« less

The effect of averaging adjacent planes for artifact reduction in matrix inversion tomosynthesis.

PubMed

Godfrey, Devon J; McAdams, H Page; Dobbins, James T

2013-02-01

Matrix inversion tomosynthesis (MITS) uses linear systems theory and knowledge of the imaging geometry to remove tomographic blur that is present in conventional backprojection tomosynthesis reconstructions, leaving in-plane detail rendered clearly. The use of partial-pixel interpolation during the backprojection process introduces imprecision in the MITS modeling of tomographic blur, and creates low-contrast artifacts in some MITS planes. This paper examines the use of MITS slabs, created by averaging several adjacent MITS planes, as a method for suppressing partial-pixel artifacts. Human chest tomosynthesis projection data, acquired as part of an IRB-approved pilot study, were used to generate MITS planes, three-plane MITS slabs (MITSa3), five-plane MITS slabs (MITSa5), and seven-plane MITS slabs (MITSa7). These were qualitatively examined for partial-pixel artifacts and the visibility of normal and abnormal anatomy. Additionally, small (5 mm) subtle pulmonary nodules were simulated and digitally superimposed upon human chest tomosynthesis projection images, and their visibility was qualitatively assessed in the different reconstruction techniques. Simulated images of a thin wire were used to generate modulation transfer function (MTF) and slice-sensitivity profile curves for the different MITS and MITS slab techniques, and these were examined for indications of partial-pixel artifacts and frequency response uniformity. Finally, mean-subtracted, exposure-normalized noise power spectra (ENNPS) estimates were computed and compared for MITS and MITS slab reconstructions, generated from 10 sets of tomosynthesis projection data of an acrylic slab. The simulated in-plane MTF response of each technique was also combined with the square root of the ENNPS estimate to yield stochastic signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) information about the different reconstruction techniques. For scan angles of 20° and 5 mm plane separation, seven MITS planes must be averaged to sufficiently remove partial-pixel artifacts. MITSa7 does appear to subtly reduce the contrast of high-frequency "edge" information, but the removal of partial-pixel artifacts makes the appearance of low-contrast, fine-detail anatomy even more conspicuous in MITSa7 slices. MITSa7 also appears to render simulated subtle 5 mm pulmonary nodules with greater visibility than MITS alone, in both the open lung and regions overlying the mediastinum. Finally, the MITSa7 technique reduces stochastic image variance, though the in-plane stochastic SNR (for very thin objects which do not span multiple MITS planes) is only improved at spatial frequencies between 0.05 and 0.20 cycles∕mm. The MITSa7 method is an improvement over traditional single-plane MITS for thoracic imaging and the pulmonary nodule detection task, and thus the authors plan to use the MITSa7 approach for all future MITS research at the authors' institution.

Optical and dark characterization of the PLATO CCD at ESA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verhoeve, Peter; Prod'homme, Thibaut; Oosterbroek, Tim; Duvet, Ludovic; Beaufort, Thierry; Blommaert, Sander; Butler, Bart; Heijnen, Jerko; Lemmel, Frederic; van der Luijt, Cornelis; Smit, Hans; Visser, Ivo

2016-07-01

PLATO - PLAnetary Transits and Oscillations of stars - is the third medium-class mission (M3) to be selected in the European Space Agency (ESA) Science and Robotic Exploration Cosmic Vision programme. It is due for launch in 2025 with the main objective to find and study terrestrial planets in the habitable zone around solar-like stars. The payload consists of >20 cameras; with each camera comprising 4 Charge-Coupled Devices (CCDs), a large number of flight model devices procured by ESA shall ultimately be integrated on the spacecraft. The CCD270 - specially designed and manufactured by e2v for the PLATO mission - is a large format (8 cm x 8 cm) back-illuminated device operating at 4 MHz pixel rate and coming in two variants: full frame and frame transfer. In order to de-risk the PLATO CCD procurement and aid the mission definition process, ESA's Payload Technology Validation section is currently validating the PLATO CCD270. This validation consists in demonstrating that the device achieves its specified electrooptical performance in the relevant environment: operated at 4 MHz, at cold and before and after proton irradiation. As part of this validation, CCD270 devices have been characterized in the dark as well as optically with respect to performance parameters directly relevant for the photometric application of the CCDs. Dark tests comprise the measurement of gain sensitivity to bias voltages, charge injection tests, and measurement of hot and variable pixels after irradiation. In addition, the results of measurements of Quantum Efficiency for a range of angles of incidence, intra- pixel response (non-)uniformity, and response to spot illumination, before and after proton irradiation. In particular, the effect of radiation induced degradation of the charge transfer efficiency on the measured charge in a star-like spot has been studied as a function of signal level and of position on the pixel grid, Also, the effect of various levels of background light on the amount of charge lost from a star image are described. These results can serve as a direct input to the PLATO consortium to study the mission performance and as a basis for further optimization of the CCD operation.

The Dosepix detector—an energy-resolving photon-counting pixel detector for spectrometric measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zang, A.; Anton, G.; Ballabriga, R.; Bisello, F.; Campbell, M.; Celi, J. C.; Fauler, A.; Fiederle, M.; Jensch, M.; Kochanski, N.; Llopart, X.; Michel, N.; Mollenhauer, U.; Ritter, I.; Tennert, F.; Wölfel, S.; Wong, W.; Michel, T.

2015-04-01

The Dosepix detector is a hybrid photon-counting pixel detector based on ideas of the Medipix and Timepix detector family. 1 mm thick cadmium telluride and 300 μm thick silicon were used as sensor material. The pixel matrix of the Dosepix consists of 16 x 16 square pixels with 12 rows of (200 μm)2 and 4 rows of (55 μm)2 sensitive area for the silicon sensor layer and 16 rows of pixels with 220 μm pixel pitch for CdTe. Besides digital energy integration and photon-counting mode, a novel concept of energy binning is included in the pixel electronics, allowing energy-resolved measurements in 16 energy bins within one acquisition. The possibilities of this detector concept range from applications in personal dosimetry and energy-resolved imaging to quality assurance of medical X-ray sources by analysis of the emitted photon spectrum. In this contribution the Dosepix detector, its response to X-rays as well as spectrum measurements with Si and CdTe sensor layer are presented. Furthermore, a first evaluation was carried out to use the Dosepix detector as a kVp-meter, that means to determine the applied acceleration voltage from measured X-ray tubes spectra.

A smart-pixel holographic competitive learning network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Slagle, Timothy Michael

Neural networks are adaptive classifiers which modify their decision boundaries based on feedback from externally- or internally-generated error signals. Optics is an attractive technology for neural network implementation because it offers the possibility of parallel, nearly instantaneous computation of the weighted neuron inputs by the propagation of light through the optical system. Using current optical device technology, system performance levels of 3 × 1011 connection updates per second can be achieved. This thesis presents an architecture for an optical competitive learning network which offers advantages over previous optical implementations, including smart-pixel-based optical neurons, phase- conjugate self-alignment of a single neuron plane, and high-density, parallel-access weight storage, interconnection, and learning in a volume hologram. The competitive learning algorithm with modifications for optical implementation is described, and algorithm simulations are performed for an example problem. The optical competitive learning architecture is then introduced. The optical system is simulated using the ``beamprop'' algorithm at the level of light propagating through the system components, and results showing competitive learning operation in agreement with the algorithm simulations are presented. The optical competitive learning requires a non-linear, non-local ``winner-take-all'' (WTA) neuron function. Custom-designed smart-pixel WTA neuron arrays were fabricated using CMOS VLSI/liquid crystal technology. Results of laboratory tests of the WTA arrays' switching characteristics, time response, and uniformity are then presented. The system uses a phase-conjugate mirror to write the self-aligning interconnection weight holograms, and energy gain is required from the reflection to minimize erasure of the existing weights. An experimental system for characterizing the PCM response is described. Useful gains of 20 were obtained with a polarization-multiplexed PCM readout, and gains of up to 60 were observed when a time-sequential read-out technique was used. Finally, the optical competitive learning laboratory system is described, including some necessary modifications to the previous architectures, and the data acquisition and control system developed for the system. Experimental results showing phase conjugation of the WTA outputs, holographic interconnect storage, associative storage between input images and WTA neuron outputs, and WTA array switching are presented, demonstrating the functions necessary for the operation of the optical learning system.

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

Fahim, Farah; Deptuch, Grzegorz W.; Hoff, James R.

Semiconductor hybrid pixel detectors often consist of a pixellated sensor layer bump bonded to a matching pixelated readout integrated circuit (ROIC). The sensor can range from high resistivity Si to III-V materials, whereas a Si CMOS process is typically used to manufacture the ROIC. Independent, device physics and electronic design automation (EDA) tools are used to determine sensor characteristics and verify functional performance of ROICs respectively with significantly different solvers. Some physics solvers provide the capability of transferring data to the EDA tool. However, single pixel transient simulations are either not feasible due to convergence difficulties or are prohibitively long.more » A simplified sensor model, which includes a current pulse in parallel with detector equivalent capacitor, is often used; even then, spice type top-level (entire array) simulations range from days to weeks. In order to analyze detector deficiencies for a particular scientific application, accurately defined transient behavioral models of all the functional blocks are required. Furthermore, various simulations, such as transient, noise, Monte Carlo, inter-pixel effects, etc. of the entire array need to be performed within a reasonable time frame without trading off accuracy. The sensor and the analog front-end can be modeling using a real number modeling language, as complex mathematical functions or detailed data can be saved to text files, for further top-level digital simulations. Parasitically aware digital timing is extracted in a standard delay format (sdf) from the pixel digital back-end layout as well as the periphery of the ROIC. For any given input, detector level worst-case and best-case simulations are performed using a Verilog simulation environment to determine the output. Each top-level transient simulation takes no more than 10-15 minutes. The impact of changing key parameters such as sensor Poissonian shot noise, analog front-end bandwidth, jitter due to clock distribution etc. can be accurately analyzed to determine ROIC architectural viability and bottlenecks. Hence the impact of the detector parameters on the scientific application can be studied.« less

Parallel exploitation of a spatial-spectral classification approach for hyperspectral images on RVC-CAL

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lazcano, R.; Madroñal, D.; Fabelo, H.; Ortega, S.; Salvador, R.; Callicó, G. M.; Juárez, E.; Sanz, C.

2017-10-01

Hyperspectral Imaging (HI) assembles high resolution spectral information from hundreds of narrow bands across the electromagnetic spectrum, thus generating 3D data cubes in which each pixel gathers the spectral information of the reflectance of every spatial pixel. As a result, each image is composed of large volumes of data, which turns its processing into a challenge, as performance requirements have been continuously tightened. For instance, new HI applications demand real-time responses. Hence, parallel processing becomes a necessity to achieve this requirement, so the intrinsic parallelism of the algorithms must be exploited. In this paper, a spatial-spectral classification approach has been implemented using a dataflow language known as RVCCAL. This language represents a system as a set of functional units, and its main advantage is that it simplifies the parallelization process by mapping the different blocks over different processing units. The spatial-spectral classification approach aims at refining the classification results previously obtained by using a K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) filtering process, in which both the pixel spectral value and the spatial coordinates are considered. To do so, KNN needs two inputs: a one-band representation of the hyperspectral image and the classification results provided by a pixel-wise classifier. Thus, spatial-spectral classification algorithm is divided into three different stages: a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) algorithm for computing the one-band representation of the image, a Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier, and the KNN-based filtering algorithm. The parallelization of these algorithms shows promising results in terms of computational time, as the mapping of them over different cores presents a speedup of 2.69x when using 3 cores. Consequently, experimental results demonstrate that real-time processing of hyperspectral images is achievable.

Solution processed integrated pixel element for an imaging device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Swathi, K.; Narayan, K. S.

2016-09-01

We demonstrate the implementation of a solid state circuit/structure comprising of a high performing polymer field effect transistor (PFET) utilizing an oxide layer in conjunction with a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) as the dielectric and a bulk-heterostructure based organic photodiode as a CMOS-like pixel element for an imaging sensor. Practical usage of functional organic photon detectors requires on chip components for image capture and signal transfer as in the CMOS/CCD architecture rather than simple photodiode arrays in order to increase speed and sensitivity of the sensor. The availability of high performing PFETs with low operating voltage and photodiodes with high sensitivity provides the necessary prerequisite to implement a CMOS type image sensing device structure based on organic electronic devices. Solution processing routes in organic electronics offers relatively facile procedures to integrate these components, combined with unique features of large-area, form factor and multiple optical attributes. We utilize the inherent property of a binary mixture in a blend to phase-separate vertically and create a graded junction for effective photocurrent response. The implemented design enables photocharge generation along with on chip charge to voltage conversion with performance parameters comparable to traditional counterparts. Charge integration analysis for the passive pixel element using 2D TCAD simulations is also presented to evaluate the different processes that take place in the monolithic structure.

Smile effect detection for dispersive hypersepctral imager based on the doped reflectance panel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Jiankang; Liu, Xiaoli; Ji, Yiqun; Chen, Yuheng; Shen, Weimin

2012-11-01

Hyperspectral imager is now widely used in many regions, such as resource development, environmental monitoring and so on. The reliability of spectral data is based on the instrument calibration. The smile, wavelengths at the center pixels of imaging spectrometer detector array are different from the marginal pixels, is a main factor in the spectral calibration because it can deteriorate the spectral data accuracy. When the spectral resolution is high, little smile can result in obvious signal deviation near weak atmospheric absorption peak. The traditional method of detecting smile is monochromator wavelength scanning which is time consuming and complex and can not be used in the field or at the flying platform. We present a new smile detection method based on the holmium oxide panel which has the rich of absorbed spectral features. The higher spectral resolution spectrometer and the under-test imaging spectrometer acquired the optical signal from the Spectralon panel and the holmium oxide panel respectively. The wavelength absorption peak positions of column pixels are determined by curve fitting method which includes spectral response function sequence model and spectral resampling. The iteration strategy and Pearson coefficient together are used to confirm the correlation between the measured and modeled spectral curve. The present smile detection method is posed on our designed imaging spectrometer and the result shows that it can satisfy precise smile detection requirement of high spectral resolution imaging spectrometer.

Development of a novel direct X-ray detector using photoinduced discharge (PID) readout for digital radiography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heo, D.; Jeon, S.; Kim, J.-S.; Kim, R. K.; Cha, B. K.; Moon, B. J.; Yoon, J.

2013-02-01

We developed a novel direct X-ray detector using photoinduced discharge (PID) readout for digital radiography. The pixel resolution is 512 × 512 with 200 μm pixel and the overall active dimensions of the X-ray imaging panel is 10.24 cm × 10.24 cm. The detector consists of an X-ray absorption layer of amorphous selenium, a charge accumulation layer of metal, and a PID readout layer of amorphous silicon. In particular, the charge accumulation is pixelated because image charges generated by X-ray should be stored pixel by pixel. Here the image charges, or holes, are recombined with electrons generated by the PID method. We used a 405 nm laser diode and cylindrical lens to make a line beam source with a width of 50 μm for PID readout, which generates charges for each pixel lines during the scan. We obtained spatial frequencies of about 1.0 lp/mm for the X-direction (lateral direction) and 0.9 lp/mm for the Y-direction (scanning direction) at 50% modulation transfer function.

Reconstruction of Missing Pixels in Satellite Images Using the Data Interpolating Empirical Orthogonal Function (DINEOF)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, X.; Wang, M.

2016-02-01

For coastal and inland waters, complete (in spatial) and frequent satellite measurements are important in order to monitor and understand coastal biological and ecological processes and phenomena, such as diurnal variations. High-frequency images of the water diffuse attenuation coefficient at the wavelength of 490 nm (Kd(490)) derived from the Korean Geostationary Ocean Color Imager (GOCI) provide a unique opportunity to study diurnal variation of the water turbidity in coastal regions of the Bohai Sea, Yellow Sea, and East China Sea. However, there are lots of missing pixels in the original GOCI-derived Kd(490) images due to clouds and various other reasons. Data Interpolating Empirical Orthogonal Function (DINEOF) is a method to reconstruct missing data in geophysical datasets based on Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF). In this study, the DINEOF is applied to GOCI-derived Kd(490) data in the Yangtze River mouth and the Yellow River mouth regions, the DINEOF reconstructed Kd(490) data are used to fill in the missing pixels, and the spatial patterns and temporal functions of the first three EOF modes are also used to investigate the sub-diurnal variation due to the tidal forcing. In addition, DINEOF method is also applied to the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on board the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (SNPP) satellite to reconstruct missing pixels in the daily Kd(490) and chlorophyll-a concentration images, and some application examples in the Chesapeake Bay and the Gulf of Mexico will be presented.

Harmonics rejection in pixelated interferograms using spatio-temporal demodulation.

PubMed

Padilla, J M; Servin, M; Estrada, J C

2011-09-26

Pixelated phase-mask interferograms have become an industry standard in spatial phase-shifting interferometry. These pixelated interferograms allow full wavefront encoding using a single interferogram. This allows the study of fast dynamic events in hostile mechanical environments. Recently an error-free demodulation method for ideal pixelated interferograms was proposed. However, non-ideal conditions in interferometry may arise due to non-linear response of the CCD camera, multiple light paths in the interferometer, etc. These conditions generate non-sinusoidal fringes containing harmonics which degrade the phase estimation. Here we show that two-dimensional Fourier demodulation of pixelated interferograms rejects most harmonics except the complex ones at {-3(rd), +5(th), -7(th), +9(th), -11(th),…}. We propose temporal phase-shifting to remove these remaining harmonics. In particular, a 2-step phase-shifting algorithm is used to eliminate the -3(rd) and +5(th) complex harmonics, while a 3-step one is used to remove the -3(rd), +5<(th), -7(th) and +9(th) complex harmonics. © 2011 Optical Society of America

Ultrasensitive Kilo-Pixel Imaging Array of Photon Noise-Limited Kinetic Inductance Detectors Over an Octave of Bandwidth for THz Astronomy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bueno, J.; Murugesan, V.; Karatsu, K.; Thoen, D. J.; Baselmans, J. J. A.

2018-05-01

We present the development of a background-limited kilo-pixel imaging array of ultrawide bandwidth kinetic inductance detectors (KIDs) suitable for space-based THz astronomy applications. The array consists of 989 KIDs, in which the radiation is coupled to each KID via a leaky lens antenna, covering the frequency range between 1.4 and 2.8 THz. The single pixel performance is fully characterised using a representative small array in terms of sensitivity, optical efficiency, beam pattern and frequency response, matching very well its expected performance. The kilo-pixel array is characterised electrically, finding a yield larger than 90% and an averaged noise-equivalent power lower than 3 × 10^{-19} W/Hz^{1/2} . The interaction between the kilo-pixel array and cosmic rays is studied, with an expected dead time lower than 0.6% when operated in an L2 or a similar far-Earth orbit.

Dynamic plasmonic colour display

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duan, Xiaoyang; Kamin, Simon; Liu, Na

2017-02-01

Plasmonic colour printing based on engineered metasurfaces has revolutionized colour display science due to its unprecedented subwavelength resolution and high-density optical data storage. However, advanced plasmonic displays with novel functionalities including dynamic multicolour printing, animations, and highly secure encryption have remained in their infancy. Here we demonstrate a dynamic plasmonic colour display technique that enables all the aforementioned functionalities using catalytic magnesium metasurfaces. Controlled hydrogenation and dehydrogenation of the constituent magnesium nanoparticles, which serve as dynamic pixels, allow for plasmonic colour printing, tuning, erasing and restoration of colour. Different dynamic pixels feature distinct colour transformation kinetics, enabling plasmonic animations. Through smart material processing, information encoded on selected pixels, which are indiscernible to both optical and scanning electron microscopies, can only be read out using hydrogen as a decoding key, suggesting a new generation of information encryption and anti-counterfeiting applications.

An RBF-based compression method for image-based relighting.

PubMed

Leung, Chi-Sing; Wong, Tien-Tsin; Lam, Ping-Man; Choy, Kwok-Hung

2006-04-01

In image-based relighting, a pixel is associated with a number of sampled radiance values. This paper presents a two-level compression method. In the first level, the plenoptic property of a pixel is approximated by a spherical radial basis function (SRBF) network. That means that the spherical plenoptic function of each pixel is represented by a number of SRBF weights. In the second level, we apply a wavelet-based method to compress these SRBF weights. To reduce the visual artifact due to quantization noise, we develop a constrained method for estimating the SRBF weights. Our proposed approach is superior to JPEG, JPEG2000, and MPEG. Compared with the spherical harmonics approach, our approach has a lower complexity, while the visual quality is comparable. The real-time rendering method for our SRBF representation is also discussed.

Dynamic plasmonic colour display.

PubMed

Duan, Xiaoyang; Kamin, Simon; Liu, Na

2017-02-24

Plasmonic colour printing based on engineered metasurfaces has revolutionized colour display science due to its unprecedented subwavelength resolution and high-density optical data storage. However, advanced plasmonic displays with novel functionalities including dynamic multicolour printing, animations, and highly secure encryption have remained in their infancy. Here we demonstrate a dynamic plasmonic colour display technique that enables all the aforementioned functionalities using catalytic magnesium metasurfaces. Controlled hydrogenation and dehydrogenation of the constituent magnesium nanoparticles, which serve as dynamic pixels, allow for plasmonic colour printing, tuning, erasing and restoration of colour. Different dynamic pixels feature distinct colour transformation kinetics, enabling plasmonic animations. Through smart material processing, information encoded on selected pixels, which are indiscernible to both optical and scanning electron microscopies, can only be read out using hydrogen as a decoding key, suggesting a new generation of information encryption and anti-counterfeiting applications.

Dynamic plasmonic colour display

PubMed Central

Duan, Xiaoyang; Kamin, Simon; Liu, Na

2017-01-01

Plasmonic colour printing based on engineered metasurfaces has revolutionized colour display science due to its unprecedented subwavelength resolution and high-density optical data storage. However, advanced plasmonic displays with novel functionalities including dynamic multicolour printing, animations, and highly secure encryption have remained in their infancy. Here we demonstrate a dynamic plasmonic colour display technique that enables all the aforementioned functionalities using catalytic magnesium metasurfaces. Controlled hydrogenation and dehydrogenation of the constituent magnesium nanoparticles, which serve as dynamic pixels, allow for plasmonic colour printing, tuning, erasing and restoration of colour. Different dynamic pixels feature distinct colour transformation kinetics, enabling plasmonic animations. Through smart material processing, information encoded on selected pixels, which are indiscernible to both optical and scanning electron microscopies, can only be read out using hydrogen as a decoding key, suggesting a new generation of information encryption and anti-counterfeiting applications. PMID:28232722

Monte Carlo Modeling of VLWIR HgCdTe Interdigitated Pixel Response

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

D'Souza, A. I.; Stapelbroek, M. G.; Wijewarnasuriya, P. S.

2010-07-01

Increasing very long-wave infrared (VLWIR, λ c ≈ 15 μm) pixel operability was approached by subdividing each pixel into four interdigitated subpixels. High response is maintained across the pixel, even if one or two interdigitated subpixels are deselected (turned off), because interdigitation provides that the preponderance of minority carriers photogenerated in the pixel are collected by the selected subpixels. Monte Carlo modeling of the photoresponse of the interdigitated subpixel simulates minority-carrier diffusion from carrier creation to recombination. Each carrier generated at an appropriately weighted random location is assigned an exponentially distributed random lifetime τ i, where < τ i> is the bulk minority-carrier lifetime. The minority carrier is allowed to diffuse for a short time d τ, and the fate of the carrier is decided from its present position and the boundary conditions, i.e., whether the carrier is absorbed in a junction, recombined at a surface, reflected from a surface, or recombined in the bulk because it lived for its designated lifetime. If nothing happens, the process is then repeated until one of the boundary conditions is attained. The next step is to go on to the next carrier and repeat the procedure for all the launches of minority carriers. For each minority carrier launched, the original location and boundary condition at fatality are recorded. An example of the results from Monte Carlo modeling is that, for a 20- μm diffusion length, the calculated quantum efficiency (QE) changed from 85% with no subpixels deselected, to 78% with one subpixel deselected, 67% with two subpixels deselected, and 48% with three subpixels deselected. Demonstration of the interdigitated pixel concept and verification of the Monte Carlo modeling utilized λ c(60 K) ≈ 15 μm HgCdTe pixels in a 96 × 96 array format. The measured collection efficiency for one, two, and three subelements selected, divided by the collection efficiency for all four subelements selected, matched that calculated using Monte Carlo modeling.

A comparative study of linear and nonlinear anomaly detectors for hyperspectral imagery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goldberg, Hirsh; Nasrabadi, Nasser M.

2007-04-01

In this paper we implement various linear and nonlinear subspace-based anomaly detectors for hyperspectral imagery. First, a dual window technique is used to separate the local area around each pixel into two regions - an inner-window region (IWR) and an outer-window region (OWR). Pixel spectra from each region are projected onto a subspace which is defined by projection bases that can be generated in several ways. Here we use three common pattern classification techniques (Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Fisher Linear Discriminant (FLD) Analysis, and the Eigenspace Separation Transform (EST)) to generate projection vectors. In addition to these three algorithms, the well-known Reed-Xiaoli (RX) anomaly detector is also implemented. Each of the four linear methods is then implicitly defined in a high- (possibly infinite-) dimensional feature space by using a nonlinear mapping associated with a kernel function. Using a common machine-learning technique known as the kernel trick all dot products in the feature space are replaced with a Mercer kernel function defined in terms of the original input data space. To determine how anomalous a given pixel is, we then project the current test pixel spectra and the spectral mean vector of the OWR onto the linear and nonlinear projection vectors in order to exploit the statistical differences between the IWR and OWR pixels. Anomalies are detected if the separation of the projection of the current test pixel spectra and the OWR mean spectra are greater than a certain threshold. Comparisons are made using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves.

De-Trending K2 Exoplanet Targets for High Spacecraft Motion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saunders, Nicholas; Luger, Rodrigo; Barnes, Rory

2018-01-01

After the failure of two reaction wheels, the Kepler space telescope lost its fine pointing ability and entered a new phase of observation, K2. Targets observed by K2 have high motion relative to the detector and K2 light curves have higher noise than Kepler observations. Despite the increased noise, systematics removal pipelines such as K2SFF and EVEREST have enabled continued high-precision transiting planet science with the telescope, resulting in the detection of hundreds of new exoplanets. However, as the spacecraft begins to run out of fuel, sputtering will drive large and random variations in pointing that can prevent detection of exoplanets during the remaining 5 campaigns. In general, higher motion will spread the stellar point spread function (PSF) across more pixels during a campaign, which increases the number of degrees of freedom in the noise component and significantly reduces the de-trending power of traditional systematics removal methods. We use a model of the Kepler CCD combined with pixel-level information of a large number of stars across the detector to improve the performance of the EVEREST pipeline at high motion. We also consider the problem of increased crowding for static apertures in the high-motion regime and develop pixel response function (PRF)-fitting techniques to mitigate contamination and maximize the de-trending power. We assess the performance of our code by simulating sputtering events and assessing exoplanet detection efficiency with transit injection/recovery tests. We find that targets with roll amplitudes of up to 8 pixels, approximately 15 times K2 roll, can be de-trended within 2 to 3 factors of current K2 photometric precision for stars up to 14th magnitude. Achieved recovery precision allows detection of small planets around 11th and 12th magnitude stars. These methods can be applied to the light curves of K2 targets for existing and future campaigns to ensure that precision exoplanet science can still be performed despite increased motion. We further discuss how these methods can be applied to upcoming space telescope missions, such as the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), to improve future detection and characterization of exoplanet candidates.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging of visual object construction and shape discrimination : relations among task, hemispheric lateralization, and gender.

PubMed

Georgopoulos, A P; Whang, K; Georgopoulos, M A; Tagaris, G A; Amirikian, B; Richter, W; Kim, S G; Uğurbil, K

2001-01-01

We studied the brain activation patterns in two visual image processing tasks requiring judgements on object construction (FIT task) or object sameness (SAME task). Eight right-handed healthy human subjects (four women and four men) performed the two tasks in a randomized block design while 5-mm, multislice functional images of the whole brain were acquired using a 4-tesla system using blood oxygenation dependent (BOLD) activation. Pairs of objects were picked randomly from a set of 25 oriented fragments of a square and presented to the subjects approximately every 5 sec. In the FIT task, subjects had to indicate, by pushing one of two buttons, whether the two fragments could match to form a perfect square, whereas in the SAME task they had to decide whether they were the same or not. In a control task, preceding and following each of the two tasks above, a single square was presented at the same rate and subjects pushed any of the two keys at random. Functional activation maps were constructed based on a combination of conservative criteria. The areas with activated pixels were identified using Talairach coordinates and anatomical landmarks, and the number of activated pixels was determined for each area. Altogether, 379 pixels were activated. The counts of activated pixels did not differ significantly between the two tasks or between the two genders. However, there were significantly more activated pixels in the left (n = 218) than the right side of the brain (n = 161). Of the 379 activated pixels, 371 were located in the cerebral cortex. The Talairach coordinates of these pixels were analyzed with respect to their overall distribution in the two tasks. These distributions differed significantly between the two tasks. With respect to individual dimensions, the two tasks differed significantly in the anterior--posterior and superior--inferior distributions but not in the left--right (including mediolateral, within the left or right side) distribution. Specifically, the FIT distribution was, overall, more anterior and inferior than that of the SAME task. A detailed analysis of the counts and spatial distributions of activated pixels was carried out for 15 brain areas (all in the cerebral cortex) in which a consistent activation (in > or = 3 subjects) was observed (n = 323 activated pixels). We found the following. Except for the inferior temporal gyrus, which was activated exclusively in the FIT task, all other areas showed activation in both tasks but to different extents. Based on the extent of activation, areas fell within two distinct groups (FIT or SAME) depending on which pixel count (i.e., FIT or SAME) was greater. The FIT group consisted of the following areas, in decreasing FIT/SAME order (brackets indicate ties): GTi, GTs, GC, GFi, GFd, [GTm, GF], GO. The SAME group consisted of the following areas, in decreasing SAME/FIT order : GOi, LPs, Sca, GPrC, GPoC, [GFs, GFm]. These results indicate that there are distributed, graded, and partially overlapping patterns of activation during performance of the two tasks. We attribute these overlapping patterns of activation to the engagement of partially shared processes. Activated pixels clustered to three types of clusters : FIT-only (111 pixels), SAME-only (97 pixels), and FIT + SAME (115 pixels). Pixels contained in FIT-only and SAME-only clusters were distributed approximately equally between the left and right hemispheres, whereas pixels in the SAME + FIT clusters were located mostly in the left hemisphere. With respect to gender, the left-right distribution of activated pixels was very similar in women and men for the SAME-only and FIT + SAME clusters but differed for the FIT-only case in which there was a prominent left side preponderance for women, in contrast to a right side preponderance for men. We conclude that (a) cortical mechanisms common for processing visual object construction and discrimination involve mostly the left hemisphere, (b) cortical mechanisms specific for these tasks engage both hemispheres, and (c) in object construction only, men engage predominantly the right hemisphere whereas women show a left-hemisphere preponderance.

High-resolution photon spectroscopy with a microwave-multiplexed 4-pixel transition edge sensor array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guss, Paul; Rabin, Michael; Croce, Mark; Hoteling, Nathan; Schwellenbach, David; Kruschwitz, Craig; Mocko, Veronika; Mukhopadhyay, Sanjoy

2017-09-01

We demonstrate very high-resolution photon spectroscopy with a microwave-multiplexed 4-pixel transition edge sensor (TES) array. The readout circuit consists of superconducting microwave resonators coupled to radio frequency superconducting-quantum-interference devices (RF-SQUIDs) and transduces changes in input current to changes in phase of a microwave signal. We used a flux-ramp modulation to linearize the response and avoid low-frequency noise. The result is a very high-resolution photon spectroscopy with a microwave-multiplexed 4-pixel transition edge sensor array. We performed and validated a small-scale demonstration and test of all the components of our concept system, which encompassed microcalorimetry, microwave multiplexing, RF-SQUIDs, and software-defined radio (SDR). We shall display data we acquired in the first simultaneous combination of all key innovations in a 4-pixel demonstration, including microcalorimetry, microwave multiplexing, RF-SQUIDs, and SDR. We present the energy spectrum of a gadolinium-153 (153Gd) source we measured using our 4-pixel TES array and the RF-SQUID multiplexer. For each pixel, one can observe the two 97.4 and 103.2 keV photopeaks. We measured the 153Gd photon source with an achieved energy resolution of 70 eV, full width half maximum (FWHM) at 100 keV, and an equivalent readout system noise of 90 pA/pHz at the TES. This demonstration establishes a path for the readout of cryogenic x-ray and gamma ray sensor arrays with more elements and spectral resolving powers. We believe this project has improved capabilities and substantively advanced the science useful for missions such as nuclear forensics, emergency response, and treaty verification through the explored TES developments.

Correction of complex nonlinear signal response from a pixel array detector

PubMed Central

van Driel, Tim Brandt; Herrmann, Sven; Carini, Gabriella; Nielsen, Martin Meedom; Lemke, Henrik Till

2015-01-01

The pulsed free-electron laser light sources represent a new challenge to photon area detectors due to the intrinsic spontaneous X-ray photon generation process that makes single-pulse detection necessary. Intensity fluctuations up to 100% between individual pulses lead to high linearity requirements in order to distinguish small signal changes. In real detectors, signal distortions as a function of the intensity distribution on the entire detector can occur. Here a robust method to correct this nonlinear response in an area detector is presented for the case of exposures to similar signals. The method is tested for the case of diffuse scattering from liquids where relevant sub-1% signal changes appear on the same order as artifacts induced by the detector electronics. PMID:25931072

Correction of complex nonlinear signal response from a pixel array detector.

PubMed

van Driel, Tim Brandt; Herrmann, Sven; Carini, Gabriella; Nielsen, Martin Meedom; Lemke, Henrik Till

2015-05-01

The pulsed free-electron laser light sources represent a new challenge to photon area detectors due to the intrinsic spontaneous X-ray photon generation process that makes single-pulse detection necessary. Intensity fluctuations up to 100% between individual pulses lead to high linearity requirements in order to distinguish small signal changes. In real detectors, signal distortions as a function of the intensity distribution on the entire detector can occur. Here a robust method to correct this nonlinear response in an area detector is presented for the case of exposures to similar signals. The method is tested for the case of diffuse scattering from liquids where relevant sub-1% signal changes appear on the same order as artifacts induced by the detector electronics.

Depolarization in liquid-crystal televisions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pezzaniti, Larry J.; McClain, Stephen C.; Chipman, Russell A.; Lu, Shih-Yau

1993-12-01

TVT-6000 liquid crystal television (LCTV) polarization properties have been mapped as a function of biased voltage to the pixel and angle of incidence by a Mueller-matrix imaging polarimeter at 632.8 nm. Operating without polarizers the LCTV shows between 2% to 9% depolarization depending on angle of incidence, the incident polarization state, and the pixel bias voltage.

340 Ghz Multipixel Transceiver

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chattopadhyay, Goutam (Inventor); Cooper, Ken B. (Inventor); Decrossas, Emmanuel (Inventor); Gill, John J. (Inventor); Jung-Kubiak, Cecile (Inventor); Lee, Choonsup (Inventor); Lin, Robert (Inventor); Mehdi, Imran (Inventor); Peralta, Alejandro (Inventor); Reck, Theodore (Inventor)

2017-01-01

A multi-pixel terahertz transceiver is constructed using a stack of semiconductor layers that communicate using vias defined within the semiconductor layers. By using a stack of semiconductor layers, the various electrical functions of each layer can be tested easily without having to assemble the entire transceiver. In addition, the design allows the production of a transceiver having pixels set 10 mm apart.

A study on rational function model generation for TerraSAR-X imagery.

PubMed

Eftekhari, Akram; Saadatseresht, Mohammad; Motagh, Mahdi

2013-09-09

The Rational Function Model (RFM) has been widely used as an alternative to rigorous sensor models of high-resolution optical imagery in photogrammetry and remote sensing geometric processing. However, not much work has been done to evaluate the applicability of the RF model for Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) image processing. This paper investigates how to generate a Rational Polynomial Coefficient (RPC) for high-resolution TerraSAR-X imagery using an independent approach. The experimental results demonstrate that the RFM obtained using the independent approach fits the Range-Doppler physical sensor model with an accuracy of greater than 10-3 pixel. Because independent RPCs indicate absolute errors in geolocation, two methods can be used to improve the geometric accuracy of the RFM. In the first method, Ground Control Points (GCPs) are used to update SAR sensor orientation parameters, and the RPCs are calculated using the updated parameters. Our experiment demonstrates that by using three control points in the corners of the image, an accuracy of 0.69 pixels in range and 0.88 pixels in the azimuth direction is achieved. For the second method, we tested the use of an affine model for refining RPCs. In this case, by applying four GCPs in the corners of the image, the accuracy reached 0.75 pixels in range and 0.82 pixels in the azimuth direction.

An enhanced fast scanning algorithm for image segmentation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ismael, Ahmed Naser; Yusof, Yuhanis binti

2015-12-01

Segmentation is an essential and important process that separates an image into regions that have similar characteristics or features. This will transform the image for a better image analysis and evaluation. An important benefit of segmentation is the identification of region of interest in a particular image. Various algorithms have been proposed for image segmentation and this includes the Fast Scanning algorithm which has been employed on food, sport and medical images. It scans all pixels in the image and cluster each pixel according to the upper and left neighbor pixels. The clustering process in Fast Scanning algorithm is performed by merging pixels with similar neighbor based on an identified threshold. Such an approach will lead to a weak reliability and shape matching of the produced segments. This paper proposes an adaptive threshold function to be used in the clustering process of the Fast Scanning algorithm. This function used the gray'value in the image's pixels and variance Also, the level of the image that is more the threshold are converted into intensity values between 0 and 1, and other values are converted into intensity values zero. The proposed enhanced Fast Scanning algorithm is realized on images of the public and private transportation in Iraq. Evaluation is later made by comparing the produced images of proposed algorithm and the standard Fast Scanning algorithm. The results showed that proposed algorithm is faster in terms the time from standard fast scanning.

A Study on Rational Function Model Generation for TerraSAR-X Imagery

PubMed Central

Eftekhari, Akram; Saadatseresht, Mohammad; Motagh, Mahdi

2013-01-01

The Rational Function Model (RFM) has been widely used as an alternative to rigorous sensor models of high-resolution optical imagery in photogrammetry and remote sensing geometric processing. However, not much work has been done to evaluate the applicability of the RF model for Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) image processing. This paper investigates how to generate a Rational Polynomial Coefficient (RPC) for high-resolution TerraSAR-X imagery using an independent approach. The experimental results demonstrate that the RFM obtained using the independent approach fits the Range-Doppler physical sensor model with an accuracy of greater than 10−3 pixel. Because independent RPCs indicate absolute errors in geolocation, two methods can be used to improve the geometric accuracy of the RFM. In the first method, Ground Control Points (GCPs) are used to update SAR sensor orientation parameters, and the RPCs are calculated using the updated parameters. Our experiment demonstrates that by using three control points in the corners of the image, an accuracy of 0.69 pixels in range and 0.88 pixels in the azimuth direction is achieved. For the second method, we tested the use of an affine model for refining RPCs. In this case, by applying four GCPs in the corners of the image, the accuracy reached 0.75 pixels in range and 0.82 pixels in the azimuth direction. PMID:24021971

Electron imaging with Medipix2 hybrid pixel detector.

PubMed

McMullan, G; Cattermole, D M; Chen, S; Henderson, R; Llopart, X; Summerfield, C; Tlustos, L; Faruqi, A R

2007-01-01

The electron imaging performance of Medipix2 is described. Medipix2 is a hybrid pixel detector composed of two layers. It has a sensor layer and a layer of readout electronics, in which each 55 microm x 55 microm pixel has upper and lower energy discrimination and MHz rate counting. The sensor layer consists of a 300 microm slab of pixellated monolithic silicon and this is bonded to the readout chip. Experimental measurement of the detective quantum efficiency, DQE(0) at 120 keV shows that it can reach approximately 85% independent of electron exposure, since the detector has zero noise, and the DQE(Nyquist) can reach approximately 35% of that expected for a perfect detector (4/pi(2)). Experimental measurement of the modulation transfer function (MTF) at Nyquist resolution for 120 keV electrons using a 60 keV lower energy threshold, yields a value that is 50% of that expected for a perfect detector (2/pi). Finally, Monte Carlo simulations of electron tracks and energy deposited in adjacent pixels have been performed and used to calculate expected values for the MTF and DQE as a function of the threshold energy. The good agreement between theory and experiment allows suggestions for further improvements to be made with confidence. The present detector is already very useful for experiments that require a high DQE at very low doses.

Fully 3D-Integrated Pixel Detectors for X-Rays

DOE PAGES

Deptuch, Grzegorz W.; Gabriella, Carini; Enquist, Paul; ...

2016-01-01

The vertically integrated photon imaging chip (VIPIC1) pixel detector is a stack consisting of a 500-μm-thick silicon sensor, a two-tier 34-μm-thick integrated circuit, and a host printed circuit board (PCB). The integrated circuit tiers were bonded using the direct bonding technology with copper, and each tier features 1-μm-diameter through-silicon vias that were used for connections to the sensor on one side, and to the host PCB on the other side. The 80-μm-pixel-pitch sensor was the direct bonding technology with nickel bonded to the integrated circuit. The stack was mounted on the board using Sn–Pb balls placed on a 320-μm pitch,more » yielding an entirely wire-bond-less structure. The analog front-end features a pulse response peaking at below 250 ns, and the power consumption per pixel is 25 μW. We successful completed the 3-D integration and have reported here. Additionally, all pixels in the matrix of 64 × 64 pixels were responding on well-bonded devices. Correct operation of the sparsified readout, allowing a single 153-ns bunch timing resolution, was confirmed in the tests on a synchrotron beam of 10-keV X-rays. An equivalent noise charge of 36.2 e - rms and a conversion gain of 69.5 μV/e - with 2.6 e - rms and 2.7 μV/e - rms pixel-to-pixel variations, respectively, were measured.« less

SU-E-P-29: Testing Display Monitors for GSDF Compliance - a Practical Approach

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

Gauntt, D

2015-06-15

Purpose: To develop a simple technique for testing display monitors for compliance with the DICOM Grayscale Standard Display Function (GSDF), in accordance with the recommendations of AAPM Task Group 18. Methods: We have developed a spreadsheet that can be used to compare both the luminance response and contrast response of a display to the GSDF, using luminance measurements of the SMPTE test pattern. The contrast response compares the slope of the GSDF j-index as a function of pixel value to that of the GSDF function, and should lie within the range 0.85 to 1.15. Results: We present the results ofmore » measurements both of primary diagnostic displays and of ultrasound and acquisition workstations, all at a tertiary care hospital. The Barco displays in the radiographic reading rooms are GSDF compliant or nearly so, while those in the ultrasound reading rooms and at the acquisition workstations generally show significantly higher contrast at low luminance levels than they would if GSDF compliant, and lower contrast at high luminance levels. Conclusion: The spreadsheet that we developed allows a simple comparison of measured display contrast response to the GSDF. Although we used the SMPTE pattern, the same technique could be used with other grayscale patterns, such as TG18-QC and TG18-PQC.« less

Optical and Electric Multifunctional CMOS Image Sensors for On-Chip Biosensing Applications.

PubMed

Tokuda, Takashi; Noda, Toshihiko; Sasagawa, Kiyotaka; Ohta, Jun

2010-12-29

In this review, the concept, design, performance, and a functional demonstration of multifunctional complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors dedicated to on-chip biosensing applications are described. We developed a sensor architecture that allows flexible configuration of a sensing pixel array consisting of optical and electric sensing pixels, and designed multifunctional CMOS image sensors that can sense light intensity and electric potential or apply a voltage to an on-chip measurement target. We describe the sensors' architecture on the basis of the type of electric measurement or imaging functionalities.

Pitch Angles Of Artificially Redshifted Galaxies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shields, Douglas W.; Davis, B.; Johns, L.; Berrier, J. C.; Kennefick, D.; Kennefick, J.; Seigar, M.

2012-05-01

We present the pitch angles of several galaxies that have been artificially redshifted using Barden et al’s FERENGI software. The (central black hole mass)-(spiral arm pitch angle) relation has been used on a statistically complete sample of local galaxies to determine the black hole mass function of local spiral galaxies. We now measure the pitch angles at increasing redshifts by operating on the images pixel-by-pixel. The results will be compared to the pitch angle function as measured in the GOODS field. This research was funded in part by NASA / EPScOR.

An Over 90 dB Intra-Scene Single-Exposure Dynamic Range CMOS Image Sensor Using a 3.0 μm Triple-Gain Pixel Fabricated in a Standard BSI Process.

PubMed

Takayanagi, Isao; Yoshimura, Norio; Mori, Kazuya; Matsuo, Shinichiro; Tanaka, Shunsuke; Abe, Hirofumi; Yasuda, Naoto; Ishikawa, Kenichiro; Okura, Shunsuke; Ohsawa, Shinji; Otaka, Toshinori

2018-01-12

To respond to the high demand for high dynamic range imaging suitable for moving objects with few artifacts, we have developed a single-exposure dynamic range image sensor by introducing a triple-gain pixel and a low noise dual-gain readout circuit. The developed 3 μm pixel is capable of having three conversion gains. Introducing a new split-pinned photodiode structure, linear full well reaches 40 ke - . Readout noise under the highest pixel gain condition is 1 e - with a low noise readout circuit. Merging two signals, one with high pixel gain and high analog gain, and the other with low pixel gain and low analog gain, a single exposure dynamic rage (SEHDR) signal is obtained. Using this technology, a 1/2.7", 2M-pixel CMOS image sensor has been developed and characterized. The image sensor also employs an on-chip linearization function, yielding a 16-bit linear signal at 60 fps, and an intra-scene dynamic range of higher than 90 dB was successfully demonstrated. This SEHDR approach inherently mitigates the artifacts from moving objects or time-varying light sources that can appear in the multiple exposure high dynamic range (MEHDR) approach.

Multi-target detection and positioning in crowds using multiple camera surveillance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Jiahu; Zhu, Qiuyu; Xing, Yufeng

2018-04-01

In this study, we propose a pixel correspondence algorithm for positioning in crowds based on constraints on the distance between lines of sight, grayscale differences, and height in a world coordinates system. First, a Gaussian mixture model is used to obtain the background and foreground from multi-camera videos. Second, the hair and skin regions are extracted as regions of interest. Finally, the correspondences between each pixel in the region of interest are found under multiple constraints and the targets are positioned by pixel clustering. The algorithm can provide appropriate redundancy information for each target, which decreases the risk of losing targets due to a large viewing angle and wide baseline. To address the correspondence problem for multiple pixels, we construct a pixel-based correspondence model based on a similar permutation matrix, which converts the correspondence problem into a linear programming problem where a similar permutation matrix is found by minimizing an objective function. The correct pixel correspondences can be obtained by determining the optimal solution of this linear programming problem and the three-dimensional position of the targets can also be obtained by pixel clustering. Finally, we verified the algorithm with multiple cameras in experiments, which showed that the algorithm has high accuracy and robustness.

An Over 90 dB Intra-Scene Single-Exposure Dynamic Range CMOS Image Sensor Using a 3.0 μm Triple-Gain Pixel Fabricated in a Standard BSI Process †

PubMed Central

Takayanagi, Isao; Yoshimura, Norio; Mori, Kazuya; Matsuo, Shinichiro; Tanaka, Shunsuke; Abe, Hirofumi; Yasuda, Naoto; Ishikawa, Kenichiro; Okura, Shunsuke; Ohsawa, Shinji; Otaka, Toshinori

2018-01-01

To respond to the high demand for high dynamic range imaging suitable for moving objects with few artifacts, we have developed a single-exposure dynamic range image sensor by introducing a triple-gain pixel and a low noise dual-gain readout circuit. The developed 3 μm pixel is capable of having three conversion gains. Introducing a new split-pinned photodiode structure, linear full well reaches 40 ke−. Readout noise under the highest pixel gain condition is 1 e− with a low noise readout circuit. Merging two signals, one with high pixel gain and high analog gain, and the other with low pixel gain and low analog gain, a single exposure dynamic rage (SEHDR) signal is obtained. Using this technology, a 1/2.7”, 2M-pixel CMOS image sensor has been developed and characterized. The image sensor also employs an on-chip linearization function, yielding a 16-bit linear signal at 60 fps, and an intra-scene dynamic range of higher than 90 dB was successfully demonstrated. This SEHDR approach inherently mitigates the artifacts from moving objects or time-varying light sources that can appear in the multiple exposure high dynamic range (MEHDR) approach. PMID:29329210

Energy dispersive CdTe and CdZnTe detectors for spectral clinical CT and NDT applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barber, W. C.; Wessel, J. C.; Nygard, E.; Iwanczyk, J. S.

2015-06-01

We are developing room temperature compound semiconductor detectors for applications in energy-resolved high-flux single x-ray photon-counting spectral computed tomography (CT), including functional imaging with nanoparticle contrast agents for medical applications and non-destructive testing (NDT) for security applications. Energy-resolved photon-counting can provide reduced patient dose through optimal energy weighting for a particular imaging task in CT, functional contrast enhancement through spectroscopic imaging of metal nanoparticles in CT, and compositional analysis through multiple basis function material decomposition in CT and NDT. These applications produce high input count rates from an x-ray generator delivered to the detector. Therefore, in order to achieve energy-resolved single photon counting in these applications, a high output count rate (OCR) for an energy-dispersive detector must be achieved at the required spatial resolution and across the required dynamic range for the application. The required performance in terms of the OCR, spatial resolution, and dynamic range must be obtained with sufficient field of view (FOV) for the application thus requiring the tiling of pixel arrays and scanning techniques. Room temperature cadmium telluride (CdTe) and cadmium zinc telluride (CdZnTe) compound semiconductors, operating as direct conversion x-ray sensors, can provide the required speed when connected to application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) operating at fast peaking times with multiple fixed thresholds per pixel provided the sensors are designed for rapid signal formation across the x-ray energy ranges of the application at the required energy and spatial resolutions, and at a sufficiently high detective quantum efficiency (DQE). We have developed high-flux energy-resolved photon-counting x-ray imaging array sensors using pixellated CdTe and CdZnTe semiconductors optimized for clinical CT and security NDT. We have also fabricated high-flux ASICs with a two dimensional (2D) array of inputs for readout from the sensors. The sensors are guard ring free and have a 2D array of pixels and can be tiled in 2D while preserving pixel pitch. The 2D ASICs have four energy bins with a linear energy response across sufficient dynamic range for clinical CT and some NDT applications. The ASICs can also be tiled in 2D and are designed to fit within the active area of the sensors. We have measured several important performance parameters including: the output count rate (OCR) in excess of 20 million counts per second per square mm with a minimum loss of counts due to pulse pile-up, an energy resolution of 7 keV full width at half-maximum (FWHM) across the entire dynamic range, and a noise floor about 20 keV. This is achieved by directly interconnecting the ASIC inputs to the pixels of the CdZnTe sensors incurring very little input capacitance to the ASICs. We present measurements of the performance of the CdTe and CdZnTe sensors including the OCR, FWHM energy resolution, noise floor, as well as the temporal stability and uniformity under the rapidly varying high flux expected in CT and NDT applications.

Energy dispersive CdTe and CdZnTe detectors for spectral clinical CT and NDT applications

PubMed Central

Barber, W. C.; Wessel, J. C.; Nygard, E.; Iwanczyk, J. S.

2014-01-01

We are developing room temperature compound semiconductor detectors for applications in energy-resolved high-flux single x-ray photon-counting spectral computed tomography (CT), including functional imaging with nanoparticle contrast agents for medical applications and non destructive testing (NDT) for security applications. Energy-resolved photon-counting can provide reduced patient dose through optimal energy weighting for a particular imaging task in CT, functional contrast enhancement through spectroscopic imaging of metal nanoparticles in CT, and compositional analysis through multiple basis function material decomposition in CT and NDT. These applications produce high input count rates from an x-ray generator delivered to the detector. Therefore, in order to achieve energy-resolved single photon counting in these applications, a high output count rate (OCR) for an energy-dispersive detector must be achieved at the required spatial resolution and across the required dynamic range for the application. The required performance in terms of the OCR, spatial resolution, and dynamic range must be obtained with sufficient field of view (FOV) for the application thus requiring the tiling of pixel arrays and scanning techniques. Room temperature cadmium telluride (CdTe) and cadmium zinc telluride (CdZnTe) compound semiconductors, operating as direct conversion x-ray sensors, can provide the required speed when connected to application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) operating at fast peaking times with multiple fixed thresholds per pixel provided the sensors are designed for rapid signal formation across the x-ray energy ranges of the application at the required energy and spatial resolutions, and at a sufficiently high detective quantum efficiency (DQE). We have developed high-flux energy-resolved photon-counting x-ray imaging array sensors using pixellated CdTe and CdZnTe semiconductors optimized for clinical CT and security NDT. We have also fabricated high-flux ASICs with a two dimensional (2D) array of inputs for readout from the sensors. The sensors are guard ring free and have a 2D array of pixels and can be tiled in 2D while preserving pixel pitch. The 2D ASICs have four energy bins with a linear energy response across sufficient dynamic range for clinical CT and some NDT applications. The ASICs can also be tiled in 2D and are designed to fit within the active area of the sensors. We have measured several important performance parameters including; the output count rate (OCR) in excess of 20 million counts per second per square mm with a minimum loss of counts due to pulse pile-up, an energy resolution of 7 keV full width at half maximum (FWHM) across the entire dynamic range, and a noise floor about 20keV. This is achieved by directly interconnecting the ASIC inputs to the pixels of the CdZnTe sensors incurring very little input capacitance to the ASICs. We present measurements of the performance of the CdTe and CdZnTe sensors including the OCR, FWHM energy resolution, noise floor, as well as the temporal stability and uniformity under the rapidly varying high flux expected in CT and NDT applications. PMID:25937684

Energy dispersive CdTe and CdZnTe detectors for spectral clinical CT and NDT applications.

PubMed

Barber, W C; Wessel, J C; Nygard, E; Iwanczyk, J S

2015-06-01

We are developing room temperature compound semiconductor detectors for applications in energy-resolved high-flux single x-ray photon-counting spectral computed tomography (CT), including functional imaging with nanoparticle contrast agents for medical applications and non destructive testing (NDT) for security applications. Energy-resolved photon-counting can provide reduced patient dose through optimal energy weighting for a particular imaging task in CT, functional contrast enhancement through spectroscopic imaging of metal nanoparticles in CT, and compositional analysis through multiple basis function material decomposition in CT and NDT. These applications produce high input count rates from an x-ray generator delivered to the detector. Therefore, in order to achieve energy-resolved single photon counting in these applications, a high output count rate (OCR) for an energy-dispersive detector must be achieved at the required spatial resolution and across the required dynamic range for the application. The required performance in terms of the OCR, spatial resolution, and dynamic range must be obtained with sufficient field of view (FOV) for the application thus requiring the tiling of pixel arrays and scanning techniques. Room temperature cadmium telluride (CdTe) and cadmium zinc telluride (CdZnTe) compound semiconductors, operating as direct conversion x-ray sensors, can provide the required speed when connected to application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) operating at fast peaking times with multiple fixed thresholds per pixel provided the sensors are designed for rapid signal formation across the x-ray energy ranges of the application at the required energy and spatial resolutions, and at a sufficiently high detective quantum efficiency (DQE). We have developed high-flux energy-resolved photon-counting x-ray imaging array sensors using pixellated CdTe and CdZnTe semiconductors optimized for clinical CT and security NDT. We have also fabricated high-flux ASICs with a two dimensional (2D) array of inputs for readout from the sensors. The sensors are guard ring free and have a 2D array of pixels and can be tiled in 2D while preserving pixel pitch. The 2D ASICs have four energy bins with a linear energy response across sufficient dynamic range for clinical CT and some NDT applications. The ASICs can also be tiled in 2D and are designed to fit within the active area of the sensors. We have measured several important performance parameters including; the output count rate (OCR) in excess of 20 million counts per second per square mm with a minimum loss of counts due to pulse pile-up, an energy resolution of 7 keV full width at half maximum (FWHM) across the entire dynamic range, and a noise floor about 20keV. This is achieved by directly interconnecting the ASIC inputs to the pixels of the CdZnTe sensors incurring very little input capacitance to the ASICs. We present measurements of the performance of the CdTe and CdZnTe sensors including the OCR, FWHM energy resolution, noise floor, as well as the temporal stability and uniformity under the rapidly varying high flux expected in CT and NDT applications.

Optimum viewing distance for target acquisition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holst, Gerald C.

2015-05-01

Human visual system (HVS) "resolution" (a.k.a. visual acuity) varies with illumination level, target characteristics, and target contrast. For signage, computer displays, cell phones, and TVs a viewing distance and display size are selected. Then the number of display pixels is chosen such that each pixel subtends 1 min-1. Resolution of low contrast targets is quite different. It is best described by Barten's contrast sensitivity function. Target acquisition models predict maximum range when the display pixel subtends 3.3 min-1. The optimum viewing distance is nearly independent of magnification. Noise increases the optimum viewing distance.

Time-series analysis of lung texture on bone-suppressed dynamic chest radiograph for the evaluation of pulmonary function: a preliminary study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanaka, Rie; Matsuda, Hiroaki; Sanada, Shigeru

2017-03-01

The density of lung tissue changes as demonstrated on imagery is dependent on the relative increases and decreases in the volume of air and lung vessels per unit volume of lung. Therefore, a time-series analysis of lung texture can be used to evaluate relative pulmonary function. This study was performed to assess a time-series analysis of lung texture on dynamic chest radiographs during respiration, and to demonstrate its usefulness in the diagnosis of pulmonary impairments. Sequential chest radiographs of 30 patients were obtained using a dynamic flat-panel detector (FPD; 100 kV, 0.2 mAs/pulse, 15 frames/s, SID = 2.0 m; Prototype, Konica Minolta). Imaging was performed during respiration, and 210 images were obtained over 14 seconds. Commercial bone suppression image-processing software (Clear Read Bone Suppression; Riverain Technologies, Miamisburg, Ohio, USA) was applied to the sequential chest radiographs to create corresponding bone suppression images. Average pixel values, standard deviation (SD), kurtosis, and skewness were calculated based on a density histogram analysis in lung regions. Regions of interest (ROIs) were manually located in the lungs, and the same ROIs were traced by the template matching technique during respiration. Average pixel value effectively differentiated regions with ventilatory defects and normal lung tissue. The average pixel values in normal areas changed dynamically in synchronization with the respiratory phase, whereas those in regions of ventilatory defects indicated reduced variations in pixel value. There were no significant differences between ventilatory defects and normal lung tissue in the other parameters. We confirmed that time-series analysis of lung texture was useful for the evaluation of pulmonary function in dynamic chest radiography during respiration. Pulmonary impairments were detected as reduced changes in pixel value. This technique is a simple, cost-effective diagnostic tool for the evaluation of regional pulmonary function.

A novel high electrode count spike recording array using an 81,920 pixel transimpedance amplifier-based imaging chip.

PubMed

Johnson, Lee J; Cohen, Ethan; Ilg, Doug; Klein, Richard; Skeath, Perry; Scribner, Dean A

2012-04-15

Microelectrode recording arrays of 60-100 electrodes are commonly used to record neuronal biopotentials, and these have aided our understanding of brain function, development and pathology. However, higher density microelectrode recording arrays of larger area are needed to study neuronal function over broader brain regions such as in cerebral cortex or hippocampal slices. Here, we present a novel design of a high electrode count picocurrent imaging array (PIA), based on an 81,920 pixel Indigo ISC9809 readout integrated circuit camera chip. While originally developed for interfacing to infrared photodetector arrays, we have adapted the chip for neuron recording by bonding it to microwire glass resulting in an array with an inter-electrode pixel spacing of 30 μm. In a high density electrode array, the ability to selectively record neural regions at high speed and with good signal to noise ratio are both functionally important. A critical feature of our PIA is that each pixel contains a dedicated low noise transimpedance amplifier (∼0.32 pA rms) which allows recording high signal to noise ratio biocurrents comparable to single electrode voltage amplifier recordings. Using selective sampling of 256 pixel subarray regions, we recorded the extracellular biocurrents of rabbit retinal ganglion cell spikes at sampling rates up to 7.2 kHz. Full array local electroretinogram currents could also be recorded at frame rates up to 100 Hz. A PIA with a full complement of 4 readout circuits would span 1cm and could acquire simultaneous data from selected regions of 1024 electrodes at sampling rates up to 9.3 kHz. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Aerosol-jet-printed, 1 volt H-bridge drive circuit on plastic with integrated electrochromic pixel.

PubMed

Ha, Mingjing; Zhang, Wei; Braga, Daniele; Renn, Michael J; Kim, Chris H; Frisbie, C Daniel

2013-12-26

In this report, we demonstrate a printed, flexible, and low-voltage circuit that successfully drives a polymer electrochromic (EC) pixel as large as 4 mm(2) that is printed on the same substrate. All of the key components of the drive circuitry, namely, resistors, capacitors, and transistors, were aerosol-jet-printed onto a plastic foil; metallic electrodes and interconnects were the only components prepatterned on the plastic by conventional photolithography. The large milliampere drive currents necessary to switch a 4 mm(2) EC pixel were controlled by printed electrolyte-gated transistors (EGTs) that incorporate printable ion gels for the gate insulator layers and poly(3-hexylthiophene) for the semiconductor channels. Upon application of a 1 V input pulse, the circuit switches the printed EC pixel ON (red) and OFF (blue) two times in approximately 4 s. The performance of the circuit and the behavior of the individual resistors, capacitors, EGTs, and the EC pixel are analyzed as functions of the printing parameters and operating conditions.

Development of Gentle Slope Light Guide Structure in a 3.4 μm Pixel Pitch Global Shutter CMOS Image Sensor with Multiple Accumulation Shutter Technology.

PubMed

Sekine, Hiroshi; Kobayashi, Masahiro; Onuki, Yusuke; Kawabata, Kazunari; Tsuboi, Toshiki; Matsuno, Yasushi; Takahashi, Hidekazu; Inoue, Shunsuke; Ichikawa, Takeshi

2017-12-09

CMOS image sensors (CISs) with global shutter (GS) function are strongly required in order to avoid image degradation. However, CISs with GS function have generally been inferior to the rolling shutter (RS) CIS in performance, because they have more components. This problem is remarkable in small pixel pitch. The newly developed 3.4 µm pitch GS CIS solves this problem by using multiple accumulation shutter technology and the gentle slope light guide structure. As a result, the developed GS pixel achieves 1.8 e - temporal noise and 16,200 e - full well capacity with charge domain memory in 120 fps operation. The sensitivity and parasitic light sensitivity are 28,000 e - /lx·s and -89 dB, respectively. Moreover, the incident light angle dependence of sensitivity and parasitic light sensitivity are improved by the gentle slope light guide structure.

Reproducibility and calibration of MMC-based high-resolution gamma detectors

DOE PAGES

Bates, C. R.; Pies, C.; Kempf, S.; ...

2016-07-15

Here, we describe a prototype γ-ray detector based on a metallic magnetic calorimeter with an energy resolution of 46 eV at 60 keV and a reproducible response function that follows a simple second-order polynomial. The simple detector calibration allows adding high-resolution spectra from different pixels and different cool-downs without loss in energy resolution to determine γ-ray centroids with high accuracy. As an example of an application in nuclear safeguards enabled by such a γ-ray detector, we discuss the non-destructive assay of 242Pu in a mixed-isotope Pu sample.

Development and Operation of a Material Identification and Discrimination Imaging Spectroradiometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dombrowski, Mark; Willson, paul; LaBaw, Clayton

1997-01-01

Many imaging applications require quantitative determination of a scene's spectral radiance. This paper describes a new system capable of real-time spectroradiometric imagery. Operating at a full-spectrum update rate of 30Hz, this imager is capable of collecting a 30 point spectrum from each of three imaging heads: the first operates from 400 nm to 950 nm, with a 2% bandwidth; the second operates from 1.5 micro-m to 5.5 micro-m with a 1.5% bandwidth; the third operates from 5 micro-m to 12 micro-m, also at a 1.5% bandwidth. Standard image format is 256 x 256, with 512 x 512 possible in the VIS/NIR head. Spectra of up to 256 points are available at proportionately lower frame rates. In order to make such a tremendous amount of data more manageable, internal processing electronics perform four important operations on the spectral imagery data in real-time. First, all data in the spatial/spectral cube of data is spectro-radiometrically calibrated as it is collected. Second, to allow the imager to simulate sensors with arbitrary spectral response, any set of three spectral response functions may be loaded into the imager including delta functions to allow single wavelength viewing; the instrument then evaluates the integral of the product of the scene spectral radiances and the response function. Third, more powerful exploitation of the gathered spectral radiances can be effected by application of various spectral-matched filtering algorithms to identify pixels whose relative spectral radiance distribution matches a sought-after spectral radiance distribution, allowing materials-based identification and discrimination. Fourth, the instrument allows determination of spectral reflectance, surface temperature, and spectral emissivity, also in real-time. The spectral imaging technique used in the instrument allows tailoring of the frame rate and/or the spectral bandwidth to suit the scene radiance levels, i.e., frame rate can be reduced, or bandwidth increased to improve SNR when viewing low radiance scenes. The unique challenges of design and calibration are described. Pixel readout rates of 160 MHz, for full frame readout rates of 1000 Hz (512 x 512 image) present the first challenge; processing rates of nearly 600 million integer operations per second for sensor emulation, or over 2 billion per second for matched filtering, present the second. Spatial and spectral calibration of 66,536 pixels (262,144 for the 512 x 512 version) and up to 1,000 spectral positions mandate novel decoupling methods to keep the required calibration memory to a reasonable size. Large radiometric dynamic range also requires care to maintain precision operation with minimum memory size.

The neuron net method for processing the clear pixels and method of the analytical formulas for processing the cloudy pixels of POLDER instrument images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Melnikova, I.; Mukai, S.; Vasilyev, A.

Data of remote measurements of reflected radiance with the POLDER instrument on board of ADEOS satellite are used for retrieval of the optical thickness, single scattering albedo and phase function parameter of cloudy and clear atmosphere. The method of perceptron neural network that from input values of multiangle radiance and Solar incident angle allows to obtain surface albedo, the optical thickness, single scattering albedo and phase function parameter in case of clear sky. Two last parameters are determined as optical average for atmospheric column. The calculation of solar radiance with using the MODTRAN-3 code with taking into account multiple scattering is accomplished for neural network learning. All mentioned parameters were randomly varied on the base of statistical models of possible measured parameters variation. Results of processing one frame of remote observation that consists from 150,000 pixels are presented. The methodology elaborated allows operative determining optical characteristics as cloudy as clear atmosphere. Further interpretation of these results gives the possibility to extract the information about total contents of atmospheric aerosols and absorbing gases in the atmosphere and create models of the real cloudiness An analytical method of interpretation that based on asymptotic formulas of multiple scattering theory is applied to remote observations of reflected radiance in case of cloudy pixel. Details of the methodology and error analysis were published and discussed earlier. Here we present results of data processing of pixel size 6x6 km In many studies the optical thickness is evaluated earlier in the assumption of the conservative scattering. But in case of true absorption in clouds the large errors in parameter obtained are possible. The simultaneous retrieval of two parameters at every wavelength independently is the advantage comparing with earlier studies. The analytical methodology is based on the transfer theory asymptotic formula inversion for optically thick stratus clouds. The model of horizontally infinite layer is considered. The slight horizontal heterogeneity is approximately taken into account. Formulas containing only the measured values of two-direction radiance and functions of solar and view angles were derived earlier. The 6 azimuth harmonics of reflection function are taken into account. The simple approximation of the cloud top boarder heterogeneity is used. The clouds, projecting upper the cloud top plane causes the increase of diffuse radiation in the incident flux. It is essential for calculation of radiative characteristics, which depends on lighting conditions. Escape and reflection functions describe this dependence for reflected radiance and local albedo of semi-infinite medium - for irradiance. Thus the functions depending on solar incident angle is to replace by their modifications. Firstly optical thickness of every pixel is obtained with simple formula assuming conservative scattering for all available view directions. Deviations between obtained values may be taken as a measure of the cloud top deviation from the plane. The special parameter is obtained, which takes into account the shadowing effect. Then single scattering albedo and optical thickness (with the true absorption assuming) are obtained for pairs of view directions with equal optical thickness. After that the averaging of values obtained and relative error evaluation is accomplished for all viewing directions of every pixel. The procedure is repeated for all wavelengths and pixels independently.

A wireless beta-microprobe based on pixelated silicon for in vivo brain studies in freely moving rats

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Märk, J.; Benoit, D.; Balasse, L.; Benoit, M.; Clémens, J. C.; Fieux, S.; Fougeron, D.; Graber-Bolis, J.; Janvier, B.; Jevaud, M.; Genoux, A.; Gisquet-Verrier, P.; Menouni, M.; Pain, F.; Pinot, L.; Tourvielle, C.; Zimmer, L.; Morel, C.; Laniece, P.

2013-07-01

The investigation of neurophysiological mechanisms underlying the functional specificity of brain regions requires the development of technologies that are well adjusted to in vivo studies in small animals. An exciting challenge remains the combination of brain imaging and behavioural studies, which associates molecular processes of neuronal communications to their related actions. A pixelated intracerebral probe (PIXSIC) presents a novel strategy using a submillimetric probe for beta+ radiotracer detection based on a pixelated silicon diode that can be stereotaxically implanted in the brain region of interest. This fully autonomous detection system permits time-resolved high sensitivity measurements of radiotracers with additional imaging features in freely moving rats. An application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) allows for parallel signal processing of each pixel and enables the wireless operation. All components of the detector were tested and characterized. The beta+ sensitivity of the system was determined with the probe dipped into radiotracer solutions. Monte Carlo simulations served to validate the experimental values and assess the contribution of gamma noise. Preliminary implantation tests on anaesthetized rats proved PIXSIC's functionality in brain tissue. High spatial resolution allows for the visualization of radiotracer concentration in different brain regions with high temporal resolution.

The Area Coverage of Geophysical Fields as a Function of Sensor Field-of View

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Key, Jeffrey R.

1994-01-01

In many remote sensing studies of geophysical fields such as clouds, land cover, or sea ice characteristics, the fractional area coverage of the field in an image is estimated as the proportion of pixels that have the characteristic of interest (i.e., are part of the field) as determined by some thresholding operation. The effect of sensor field-of-view on this estimate is examined by modeling the unknown distribution of subpixel area fraction with the beta distribution, whose two parameters depend upon the true fractional area coverage, the pixel size, and the spatial structure of the geophysical field. Since it is often not possible to relate digital number, reflectance, or temperature to subpixel area fraction, the statistical models described are used to determine the effect of pixel size and thresholding operations on the estimate of area fraction for hypothetical geophysical fields. Examples are given for simulated cumuliform clouds and linear openings in sea ice, whose spatial structures are described by an exponential autocovariance function. It is shown that the rate and direction of change in total area fraction with changing pixel size depends on the true area fraction, the spatial structure, and the thresholding operation used.

Impact of sensor's point spread function on land cover characterization: Assessment and deconvolution

USGS Publications Warehouse

Huang, C.; Townshend, J.R.G.; Liang, S.; Kalluri, S.N.V.; DeFries, R.S.

2002-01-01

Measured and modeled point spread functions (PSF) of sensor systems indicate that a significant portion of the recorded signal of each pixel of a satellite image originates from outside the area represented by that pixel. This hinders the ability to derive surface information from satellite images on a per-pixel basis. In this study, the impact of the PSF of the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) 250 m bands was assessed using four images representing different landscapes. Experimental results showed that though differences between pixels derived with and without PSF effects were small on the average, the PSF generally brightened dark objects and darkened bright objects. This impact of the PSF lowered the performance of a support vector machine (SVM) classifier by 5.4% in overall accuracy and increased the overall root mean square error (RMSE) by 2.4% in estimating subpixel percent land cover. An inversion method based on the known PSF model reduced the signals originating from surrounding areas by as much as 53%. This method differs from traditional PSF inversion deconvolution methods in that the PSF was adjusted with lower weighting factors for signals originating from neighboring pixels than those specified by the PSF model. By using this deconvolution method, the lost classification accuracy due to residual impact of PSF effects was reduced to only 1.66% in overall accuracy. The increase in the RMSE of estimated subpixel land cover proportions due to the residual impact of PSF effects was reduced to 0.64%. Spatial aggregation also effectively reduced the errors in estimated land cover proportion images. About 50% of the estimation errors were removed after applying the deconvolution method and aggregating derived proportion images to twice their dimensional pixel size. ?? 2002 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.

The fundamentals of average local variance--Part II: Sampling simple regular patterns with optical imagery.

PubMed

Bøcher, Peder Klith; McCloy, Keith R

2006-02-01

In this investigation, the characteristics of the average local variance (ALV) function is investigated through the acquisition of images at different spatial resolutions of constructed scenes of regular patterns of black and white squares. It is shown that the ALV plot consistently peaks at a spatial resolution in which the pixels has a size corresponding to half the distance between scene objects, and that, under very specific conditions, it also peaks at a spatial resolution in which the pixel size corresponds to the whole distance between scene objects. It is argued that the peak at object distance when present is an expression of the Nyquist sample rate. The presence of this peak is, hence, shown to be a function of the matching between the phase of the scene pattern and the phase of the sample grid, i.e., the image. When these phases match, a clear and distinct peak is produced on the ALV plot. The fact that the peak at half the distance consistently occurs in the ALV plot is linked to the circumstance that the sampling interval (distance between pixels) and the extent of the sampling unit (size of pixels) are equal. Hence, at twice the Nyquist sampling rate, each fundamental period of the pattern is covered by four pixels; therefore, at least one pixel is always completely embedded within one pattern element, regardless of sample scene phase. If the objects in the scene are scattered with a distance larger than their extent, the peak will be related to the size by a factor larger than 1/2. This is suggested to be the explanation to the results presented by others that the ALV plot is related to scene-object size by a factor of 1/2-3/4.

The effect of imposing 'fractional abundance constraints' onto the multilayer perceptron for sub-pixel land cover classification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heremans, Stien; Suykens, Johan A. K.; Van Orshoven, Jos

2016-02-01

To be physically interpretable, sub-pixel land cover fractions or abundances should fulfill two constraints, the Abundance Non-negativity Constraint (ANC) and the Abundance Sum-to-one Constraint (ASC). This paper focuses on the effect of imposing these constraints onto the MultiLayer Perceptron (MLP) for a multi-class sub-pixel land cover classification of a time series of low resolution MODIS-images covering the northern part of Belgium. Two constraining modes were compared, (i) an in-training approach that uses 'softmax' as the transfer function in the MLP's output layer and (ii) a post-training approach that linearly rescales the outputs of the unconstrained MLP. Our results demonstrate that the pixel-level prediction accuracy is markedly increased by the explicit enforcement, both in-training and post-training, of the ANC and the ASC. For aggregations of pixels (municipalities), the constrained perceptrons perform at least as well as their unconstrained counterparts. Although the difference in performance between the in-training and post-training approach is small, we recommend the former for integrating the fractional abundance constraints into MLPs meant for sub-pixel land cover estimation, regardless of the targeted level of spatial aggregation.

Inverse analysis of non-uniform temperature distributions using multispectral pyrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Tairan; Duan, Minghao; Tian, Jibin; Shi, Congling

2016-05-01

Optical diagnostics can be used to obtain sub-pixel temperature information in remote sensing. A multispectral pyrometry method was developed using multiple spectral radiation intensities to deduce the temperature area distribution in the measurement region. The method transforms a spot multispectral pyrometer with a fixed field of view into a pyrometer with enhanced spatial resolution that can give sub-pixel temperature information from a "one pixel" measurement region. A temperature area fraction function was defined to represent the spatial temperature distribution in the measurement region. The method is illustrated by simulations of a multispectral pyrometer with a spectral range of 8.0-13.0 μm measuring a non-isothermal region with a temperature range of 500-800 K in the spot pyrometer field of view. The inverse algorithm for the sub-pixel temperature distribution (temperature area fractions) in the "one pixel" verifies this multispectral pyrometry method. The results show that an improved Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm is effective for this ill-posed inverse problem with relative errors in the temperature area fractions of (-3%, 3%) for most of the temperatures. The analysis provides a valuable reference for the use of spot multispectral pyrometers for sub-pixel temperature distributions in remote sensing measurements.

Miniaturized LEDs for flat-panel displays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Radauscher, Erich J.; Meitl, Matthew; Prevatte, Carl; Bonafede, Salvatore; Rotzoll, Robert; Gomez, David; Moore, Tanya; Raymond, Brook; Cok, Ronald; Fecioru, Alin; Trindade, António Jose; Fisher, Brent; Goodwin, Scott; Hines, Paul; Melnik, George; Barnhill, Sam; Bower, Christopher A.

2017-02-01

Inorganic light emitting diodes (LEDs) serve as bright pixel-level emitters in displays, from indoor/outdoor video walls with pixel sizes ranging from one to thirty millimeters to micro displays with more than one thousand pixels per inch. Pixel sizes that fall between those ranges, roughly 50 to 500 microns, are some of the most commercially significant ones, including flat panel displays used in smart phones, tablets, and televisions. Flat panel displays that use inorganic LEDs as pixel level emitters (μILED displays) can offer levels of brightness, transparency, and functionality that are difficult to achieve with other flat panel technologies. Cost-effective production of μILED displays requires techniques for precisely arranging sparse arrays of extremely miniaturized devices on a panel substrate, such as transfer printing with an elastomer stamp. Here we present lab-scale demonstrations of transfer printed μILED displays and the processes used to make them. Demonstrations include passive matrix μILED displays that use conventional off-the shelf drive ASICs and active matrix μILED displays that use miniaturized pixel-level control circuits from CMOS wafers. We present a discussion of key considerations in the design and fabrication of highly miniaturized emitters for μILED displays.

Status of use of lunar irradiance for on-orbit calibration

USGS Publications Warehouse

Stone, T.C.; Kieffer, H.H.; Anderson, J.M.; ,

2002-01-01

Routine observations of the Moon have been acquired by the Robotic Lunar Observatory (ROLO) for over four years. The ROLO instruments measure lunar radiance in 23 VNIR (Moon diameter ???500 pixels) and 9 SWIR (???250 pixels) passbands every month when the Moon is at phase angle less than 90 degrees. These are converted to exoatmospheric values at standard distances using an atmospheric extinction model based on observations of standard stars and a NIST-traceable absolute calibration source. Reduction of the stellar images also provides an independent pathway for absolute calibration. Comparison of stellar-based and lamp-based absolute calibrations of the lunar images currently shows unacceptably large differences. An analytic model of lunar irradiance as a function of phase angle and viewing geometry is derived from the calibrated lunar images. Residuals from models which fit hundreds of observations at each wavelength average less than 2%. Comparison with SeaWiFS observations over three years reveals a small quasi-periodic change in SeaWiFS responsivity that correlates with distance from the Sun for the first two years, then departs from this correlation.

Assessment of OLED displays for vision research.

PubMed

Cooper, Emily A; Jiang, Haomiao; Vildavski, Vladimir; Farrell, Joyce E; Norcia, Anthony M

2013-10-23

Vision researchers rely on visual display technology for the presentation of stimuli to human and nonhuman observers. Verifying that the desired and displayed visual patterns match along dimensions such as luminance, spectrum, and spatial and temporal frequency is an essential part of developing controlled experiments. With cathode-ray tubes (CRTs) becoming virtually unavailable on the commercial market, it is useful to determine the characteristics of newly available displays based on organic light emitting diode (OLED) panels to determine how well they may serve to produce visual stimuli. This report describes a series of measurements summarizing the properties of images displayed on two commercially available OLED displays: the Sony Trimaster EL BVM-F250 and PVM-2541. The results show that the OLED displays have large contrast ratios, wide color gamuts, and precise, well-behaved temporal responses. Correct adjustment of the settings on both models produced luminance nonlinearities that were well predicted by a power function ("gamma correction"). Both displays have adjustable pixel independence and can be set to have little to no spatial pixel interactions. OLED displays appear to be a suitable, or even preferable, option for many vision research applications.

Dynamic Janus Metasurfaces in the Visible Spectral Region.

PubMed

Yu, Ping; Li, Jianxiong; Zhang, Shuang; Jin, Zhongwei; Schütz, Gisela; Qiu, Cheng-Wei; Hirscher, Michael; Liu, Na

2018-06-27

Janus monolayers have long been captivated as a popular notion for breaking in-plane and out-of-plane structural symmetry. Originated from chemistry and materials science, the concept of Janus functions have been recently extended to ultrathin metasurfaces by arranging meta-atoms asymmetrically with respect to the propagation or polarization direction of the incident light. However, such metasurfaces are intrinsically static and the information they carry can be straightforwardly decrypted by scanning the incident light directions and polarization states once the devices are fabricated. In this Letter, we present a dynamic Janus metasurface scheme in the visible spectral region. In each super unit cell, three plasmonic pixels are categorized into two sets. One set contains a magnesium nanorod and a gold nanorod that are orthogonally oriented with respect to each other, working as counter pixels. The other set only contains a magnesium nanorod. The effective pixels on the Janus metasurface can be reversibly regulated by hydrogenation/dehydrogenation of the magnesium nanorods. Such dynamic controllability at visible frequencies allows for flat optical elements with novel functionalities including beam steering, bifocal lensing, holographic encryption, and dual optical function switching.

Pixel level optical-transfer-function design based on the surface-wave-interferometry aperture

PubMed Central

Zheng, Guoan; Wang, Yingmin; Yang, Changhuei

2010-01-01

The design of optical transfer function (OTF) is of significant importance for optical information processing in various imaging and vision systems. Typically, OTF design relies on sophisticated bulk optical arrangement in the light path of the optical systems. In this letter, we demonstrate a surface-wave-interferometry aperture (SWIA) that can be directly incorporated onto optical sensors to accomplish OTF design on the pixel level. The whole aperture design is based on the bull’s eye structure. It composes of a central hole (diameter of 300 nm) and periodic groove (period of 560 nm) on a 340 nm thick gold layer. We show, with both simulation and experiment, that different types of optical transfer functions (notch, highpass and lowpass filter) can be achieved by manipulating the interference between the direct transmission of the central hole and the surface wave (SW) component induced from the periodic groove. Pixel level OTF design provides a low-cost, ultra robust, highly compact method for numerous applications such as optofluidic microscopy, wavefront detection, darkfield imaging, and computational photography. PMID:20721038

Active Pixel Sensors: Are CCD's Dinosaurs?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fossum, Eric R.

1993-01-01

Charge-coupled devices (CCD's) are presently the technology of choice for most imaging applications. In the 23 years since their invention in 1970, they have evolved to a sophisticated level of performance. However, as with all technologies, we can be certain that they will be supplanted someday. In this paper, the Active Pixel Sensor (APS) technology is explored as a possible successor to the CCD. An active pixel is defined as a detector array technology that has at least one active transistor within the pixel unit cell. The APS eliminates the need for nearly perfect charge transfer -- the Achilles' heel of CCDs. This perfect charge transfer makes CCD's radiation 'soft,' difficult to use under low light conditions, difficult to manufacture in large array sizes, difficult to integrate with on-chip electronics, difficult to use at low temperatures, difficult to use at high frame rates, and difficult to manufacture in non-silicon materials that extend wavelength response.

In-situ device integration of large-area patterned organic nanowire arrays for high-performance optical sensors

PubMed Central

Wu, Yiming; Zhang, Xiujuan; Pan, Huanhuan; Deng, Wei; Zhang, Xiaohong; Zhang, Xiwei; Jie, Jiansheng

2013-01-01

Single-crystalline organic nanowires (NWs) are important building blocks for future low-cost and efficient nano-optoelectronic devices due to their extraordinary properties. However, it remains a critical challenge to achieve large-scale organic NW array assembly and device integration. Herein, we demonstrate a feasible one-step method for large-area patterned growth of cross-aligned single-crystalline organic NW arrays and their in-situ device integration for optical image sensors. The integrated image sensor circuitry contained a 10 × 10 pixel array in an area of 1.3 × 1.3 mm2, showing high spatial resolution, excellent stability and reproducibility. More importantly, 100% of the pixels successfully operated at a high response speed and relatively small pixel-to-pixel variation. The high yield and high spatial resolution of the operational pixels, along with the high integration level of the device, clearly demonstrate the great potential of the one-step organic NW array growth and device construction approach for large-scale optoelectronic device integration. PMID:24287887

Performance overview of the Euclid infrared focal plane detector subsystems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Waczynski, A.; Barbier, R.; Cagiano, S.; Chen, J.; Cheung, S.; Cho, H.; Cillis, A.; Clémens, J.-C.; Dawson, O.; Delo, G.; Farris, M.; Feizi, A.; Foltz, R.; Hickey, M.; Holmes, W.; Hwang, T.; Israelsson, U.; Jhabvala, M.; Kahle, D.; Kan, Em.; Kan, Er.; Loose, M.; Lotkin, G.; Miko, L.; Nguyen, L.; Piquette, E.; Powers, T.; Pravdo, S.; Runkle, A.; Seiffert, M.; Strada, P.; Tucker, C.; Turck, K.; Wang, F.; Weber, C.; Williams, J.

2016-07-01

In support of the European space agency (ESA) Euclid mission, NASA is responsible for the evaluation of the H2RG mercury cadmium telluride (MCT) detectors and electronics assemblies fabricated by Teledyne imaging systems. The detector evaluation is performed in the detector characterization laboratory (DCL) at the NASA Goddard space flight center (GSFC) in close collaboration with engineers and scientists from the jet propulsion laboratory (JPL) and the Euclid project. The Euclid near infrared spectrometer and imaging photometer (NISP) will perform large area optical and spectroscopic sky surveys in the 0.9-2.02 μm infrared (IR) region. The NISP instrument will contain sixteen detector arrays each coupled to a Teledyne SIDECAR application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The focal plane will operate at 100K and the SIDECAR ASIC will be in close proximity operating at a slightly higher temperature of 137K. This paper will describe the test configuration, performance tests and results of the latest engineering run, also known as pilot run 3 (PR3), consisting of four H2RG detectors operating simultaneously. Performance data will be presented on; noise, spectral quantum efficiency, dark current, persistence, pixel yield, pixel to pixel uniformity, linearity, inter pixel crosstalk, full well and dynamic range, power dissipation, thermal response and unit cell input sensitivity.

First full dynamic range calibration of the JUNGFRAU photon detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Redford, S.; Andrä, M.; Barten, R.; Bergamaschi, A.; Brückner, M.; Dinapoli, R.; Fröjdh, E.; Greiffenberg, D.; Lopez-Cuenca, C.; Mezza, D.; Mozzanica, A.; Ramilli, M.; Ruat, M.; Ruder, C.; Schmitt, B.; Shi, X.; Thattil, D.; Tinti, G.; Vetter, S.; Zhang, J.

2018-01-01

The JUNGFRAU detector is a charge integrating hybrid silicon pixel detector developed at the Paul Scherrer Institut for photon science applications, in particular for the upcoming free electron laser SwissFEL. With a high dynamic range, analogue readout, low noise and three automatically switching gains, JUNGFRAU promises excellent performance not only at XFELs but also at synchrotrons in areas such as protein crystallography, ptychography, pump-probe and time resolved measurements. To achieve its full potential, the detector must be calibrated on a pixel-by-pixel basis. This contribution presents the current status of the JUNGFRAU calibration project, in which a variety of input charge sources are used to parametrise the energy response of the detector across four orders of magnitude of dynamic range. Building on preliminary studies, the first full calibration procedure of a JUNGFRAU 0.5 Mpixel module is described. The calibration is validated using alternative sources of charge deposition, including laboratory experiments and measurements at ESRF and LCLS. The findings from these measurements are presented. Calibrated modules have already been used in proof-of-principle style protein crystallography experiments at the SLS. A first look at selected results is shown. Aspects such as the conversion of charge to number of photons, treatment of multi-size pixels and the origin of non-linear response are also discussed.

Visual search performance on an lcd monitor: effects of color combination of figure and icon background, shape of icon, and line width of icon border.

PubMed

Huang, Kuo-Chen; Chiu, Tsai-Lan

2007-04-01

This study investigated the effects of color combinations for the figure/icon background, icon shape, and line width of the icon border on visual search performance on a liquid crystal display screen. In a circular stimulus array, subjects had to search for a target item which had a diameter of 20 cm and included one target and 19 distractors. Analysis showed that the icon shape significantly affected search performance. The correct response time was significantly shorter for circular icons than for triangular icons, for icon borders with a line width of 3 pixels than for 1 or 2 pixels, and for 2 pixels than for 1 pixel. The color combination also significantly affected the visual search performance: white/yellow, white/blue, black-red, and black/ yellow color combinations for the figure/icon background had shorter correct response times compared to yellow/blue, red/green, yellow/green, and blue/red. However, no effects were found for the line width of the icon border or the icon shape on the error rate. Results have implications for graphics-based design of interfaces, such as for mobile phones, Web sites, and PDAs, as well as complex industrial processes.

Bi-cubic interpolation for shift-free pan-sharpening

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aiazzi, Bruno; Baronti, Stefano; Selva, Massimo; Alparone, Luciano

2013-12-01

Most of pan-sharpening techniques require the re-sampling of the multi-spectral (MS) image for matching the size of the panchromatic (Pan) image, before the geometric details of Pan are injected into the MS image. This operation is usually performed in a separable fashion by means of symmetric digital low-pass filtering kernels with odd lengths that utilize piecewise local polynomials, typically implementing linear or cubic interpolation functions. Conversely, constant, i.e. nearest-neighbour, and quadratic kernels, implementing zero and two degree polynomials, respectively, introduce shifts in the magnified images, that are sub-pixel in the case of interpolation by an even factor, as it is the most usual case. However, in standard satellite systems, the point spread functions (PSF) of the MS and Pan instruments are centered in the middle of each pixel. Hence, commercial MS and Pan data products, whose scale ratio is an even number, are relatively shifted by an odd number of half pixels. Filters of even lengths may be exploited to compensate the half-pixel shifts between the MS and Pan sampling grids. In this paper, it is shown that separable polynomial interpolations of odd degrees are feasible with linear-phase kernels of even lengths. The major benefit is that bi-cubic interpolation, which is known to represent the best trade-off between performances and computational complexity, can be applied to commercial MS + Pan datasets, without the need of performing a further half-pixel registration after interpolation, to align the expanded MS with the Pan image.

A novel fusion method of improved adaptive LTP and two-directional two-dimensional PCA for face feature extraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Yuan; Wang, Bo-yu; Zhang, Yi; Zhao, Li-ming

2018-03-01

In this paper, under different illuminations and random noises, focusing on the local texture feature's defects of a face image that cannot be completely described because the threshold of local ternary pattern (LTP) cannot be calculated adaptively, a local three-value model of improved adaptive local ternary pattern (IALTP) is proposed. Firstly, the difference function between the center pixel and the neighborhood pixel weight is established to obtain the statistical characteristics of the central pixel and the neighborhood pixel. Secondly, the adaptively gradient descent iterative function is established to calculate the difference coefficient which is defined to be the threshold of the IALTP operator. Finally, the mean and standard deviation of the pixel weight of the local region are used as the coding mode of IALTP. In order to reflect the overall properties of the face and reduce the dimension of features, the two-directional two-dimensional PCA ((2D)2PCA) is adopted. The IALTP is used to extract local texture features of eyes and mouth area. After combining the global features and local features, the fusion features (IALTP+) are obtained. The experimental results on the Extended Yale B and AR standard face databases indicate that under different illuminations and random noises, the algorithm proposed in this paper is more robust than others, and the feature's dimension is smaller. The shortest running time reaches 0.329 6 s, and the highest recognition rate reaches 97.39%.

Sub-pixel flood inundation mapping from multispectral remotely sensed images based on discrete particle swarm optimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Linyi; Chen, Yun; Yu, Xin; Liu, Rui; Huang, Chang

2015-03-01

The study of flood inundation is significant to human life and social economy. Remote sensing technology has provided an effective way to study the spatial and temporal characteristics of inundation. Remotely sensed images with high temporal resolutions are widely used in mapping inundation. However, mixed pixels do exist due to their relatively low spatial resolutions. One of the most popular approaches to resolve this issue is sub-pixel mapping. In this paper, a novel discrete particle swarm optimization (DPSO) based sub-pixel flood inundation mapping (DPSO-SFIM) method is proposed to achieve an improved accuracy in mapping inundation at a sub-pixel scale. The evaluation criterion for sub-pixel inundation mapping is formulated. The DPSO-SFIM algorithm is developed, including particle discrete encoding, fitness function designing and swarm search strategy. The accuracy of DPSO-SFIM in mapping inundation at a sub-pixel scale was evaluated using Landsat ETM + images from study areas in Australia and China. The results show that DPSO-SFIM consistently outperformed the four traditional SFIM methods in these study areas. A sensitivity analysis of DPSO-SFIM was also carried out to evaluate its performances. It is hoped that the results of this study will enhance the application of medium-low spatial resolution images in inundation detection and mapping, and thereby support the ecological and environmental studies of river basins.

Coarse Scale In Situ Albedo Observations over Heterogeneous Land Surfaces and Validation Strategy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiao, Q.; Wu, X.; Wen, J.; BAI, J., Sr.

2017-12-01

To evaluate and improve the quality of coarse-pixel land surface albedo products, validation with ground measurements of albedo is crucial over the spatially and temporally heterogeneous land surface. The performance of albedo validation depends on the quality of ground-based albedo measurements at a corresponding coarse-pixel scale, which can be conceptualized as the "truth" value of albedo at coarse-pixel scale. The wireless sensor network (WSN) technology provides access to continuously observe on the large pixel scale. Taking the albedo products as an example, this paper was dedicated to the validation of coarse-scale albedo products over heterogeneous surfaces based on the WSN observed data, which is aiming at narrowing down the uncertainty of results caused by the spatial scaling mismatch between satellite and ground measurements over heterogeneous surfaces. The reference value of albedo at coarse-pixel scale can be obtained through an upscaling transform function based on all of the observations for that pixel. We will devote to further improve and develop new method that that are better able to account for the spatio-temporal characteristic of surface albedo in the future. Additionally, how to use the widely distributed single site measurements over the heterogeneous surfaces is also a question to be answered. Keywords: Remote sensing; Albedo; Validation; Wireless sensor network (WSN); Upscaling; Heterogeneous land surface; Albedo truth at coarse-pixel scale

Regional SAR Image Segmentation Based on Fuzzy Clustering with Gamma Mixture Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, X. L.; Zhao, Q. H.; Li, Y.

2017-09-01

Most of stochastic based fuzzy clustering algorithms are pixel-based, which can not effectively overcome the inherent speckle noise in SAR images. In order to deal with the problem, a regional SAR image segmentation algorithm based on fuzzy clustering with Gamma mixture model is proposed in this paper. First, initialize some generating points randomly on the image, the image domain is divided into many sub-regions using Voronoi tessellation technique. Each sub-region is regarded as a homogeneous area in which the pixels share the same cluster label. Then, assume the probability of the pixel to be a Gamma mixture model with the parameters respecting to the cluster which the pixel belongs to. The negative logarithm of the probability represents the dissimilarity measure between the pixel and the cluster. The regional dissimilarity measure of one sub-region is defined as the sum of the measures of pixels in the region. Furthermore, the Markov Random Field (MRF) model is extended from pixels level to Voronoi sub-regions, and then the regional objective function is established under the framework of fuzzy clustering. The optimal segmentation results can be obtained by the solution of model parameters and generating points. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm can be proved by the qualitative and quantitative analysis from the segmentation results of the simulated and real SAR images.

Kilopixel X-Ray Microcalorimeter Arrays for Astrophysics: Device Performance and Uniformity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eckart, M. E.; Adams, J. S.; Bailey, C. N.; Bandler, S. R.; Chervenak, F. M.

2011-01-01

We are developing kilo-pixel arrays of TES microcalorimeters to enable high-resolution X-ray imaging spectrometers for future X-ray observatories and laboratory astrophysics experiments. Our current array design was targeted as a prototype for the X-ray Microcalorimeter Spectrometer proposed for the International X-ray Observatory, which calls for a 40x40-pixel core array of 300 micron devices with 2.5 e V energy resolution (at 6 keV). Here we present device characterization of our 32x32 arrays, including X-ray spectral performance of individual pixels within the array. We present our results in light of the understanding that our Mo/Au TESs act as weak superconducting links, causing the TES critical current (Ic) and transition shape to oscillate with applied magnetic field (B). We show Ic(B) measurements and discuss the uniformity of these measurements across the array, as well as implications regarding the uniformity of device noise and response. In addition, we are working to reduce pixel-to-pixel electrical and thermal crosstalk; we present recent test results from an array that has microstrip wiring and an angle-evaporated Cu backside heatsinking layer, which provides Cu coverage on the four sidewalls of the silicon wells beneath each pixel.

Extraction of incident irradiance from LWIR hyperspectral imagery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lahaie, Pierre

2014-10-01

The atmospheric correction of thermal hyperspectral imagery can be separated in two distinct processes: Atmospheric Compensation (AC) and Temperature and Emissivity separation (TES). TES requires for input at each pixel, the ground leaving radiance and the atmospheric downwelling irradiance, which are the outputs of the AC process. The extraction from imagery of the downwelling irradiance requires assumptions about some of the pixels' nature, the sensor and the atmosphere. Another difficulty is that, often the sensor's spectral response is not well characterized. To deal with this unknown, we defined a spectral mean operator that is used to filter the ground leaving radiance and a computation of the downwelling irradiance from MODTRAN. A user will select a number of pixels in the image for which the emissivity is assumed to be known. The emissivity of these pixels is assumed to be smooth and that the only spectrally fast varying variable in the downwelling irradiance. Using these assumptions we built an algorithm to estimate the downwelling irradiance. The algorithm is used on all the selected pixels. The estimated irradiance is the average on the spectral channels of the resulting computation. The algorithm performs well in simulation and results are shown for errors in the assumed emissivity and for errors in the atmospheric profiles. The sensor noise influences mainly the required number of pixels.

Optical and Electric Multifunctional CMOS Image Sensors for On-Chip Biosensing Applications

PubMed Central

Tokuda, Takashi; Noda, Toshihiko; Sasagawa, Kiyotaka; Ohta, Jun

2010-01-01

In this review, the concept, design, performance, and a functional demonstration of multifunctional complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors dedicated to on-chip biosensing applications are described. We developed a sensor architecture that allows flexible configuration of a sensing pixel array consisting of optical and electric sensing pixels, and designed multifunctional CMOS image sensors that can sense light intensity and electric potential or apply a voltage to an on-chip measurement target. We describe the sensors’ architecture on the basis of the type of electric measurement or imaging functionalities. PMID:28879978

Front end optimization for the monolithic active pixel sensor of the ALICE Inner Tracking System upgrade

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, D.; Aglieri Rinella, G.; Cavicchioli, C.; Chanlek, N.; Collu, A.; Degerli, Y.; Dorokhov, A.; Flouzat, C.; Gajanana, D.; Gao, C.; Guilloux, F.; Hillemanns, H.; Hristozkov, S.; Junique, A.; Keil, M.; Kofarago, M.; Kugathasan, T.; Kwon, Y.; Lattuca, A.; Mager, M.; Sielewicz, K. M.; Marin Tobon, C. A.; Marras, D.; Martinengo, P.; Mazza, G.; Mugnier, H.; Musa, L.; Pham, T. H.; Puggioni, C.; Reidt, F.; Riedler, P.; Rousset, J.; Siddhanta, S.; Snoeys, W.; Song, M.; Usai, G.; Van Hoorne, J. W.; Yang, P.

2016-02-01

ALICE plans to replace its Inner Tracking System during the second long shut down of the LHC in 2019 with a new 10 m2 tracker constructed entirely with monolithic active pixel sensors. The TowerJazz 180 nm CMOS imaging Sensor process has been selected to produce the sensor as it offers a deep pwell allowing full CMOS in-pixel circuitry and different starting materials. First full-scale prototypes have been fabricated and tested. Radiation tolerance has also been verified. In this paper the development of the charge sensitive front end and in particular its optimization for uniformity of charge threshold and time response will be presented.

A novel digital image sensor with row wise gain compensation for Hyper Spectral Imager (HySI) application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Shengmin; Lin, Chi-Pin; Wang, Weng-Lyang; Hsiao, Feng-Ke; Sikora, Robert

2009-08-01

A 256x512 element digital image sensor has been developed which has a large pixel size, slow scan and low power consumption for Hyper Spectral Imager (HySI) applications. The device is a mixed mode, silicon on chip (SOC) IC. It combines analog circuitry, digital circuitry and optical sensor circuitry into a single chip. This chip integrates a 256x512 active pixel sensor array, a programming gain amplifier (PGA) for row wise gain setting, I2C interface, SRAM, 12 bit analog to digital convertor (ADC), voltage regulator, low voltage differential signal (LVDS) and timing generator. The device can be used for 256 pixels of spatial resolution and 512 bands of spectral resolution ranged from 400 nm to 950 nm in wavelength. In row wise gain readout mode, one can set a different gain on each row of the photo detector by storing the gain setting data on the SRAM thru the I2C interface. This unique row wise gain setting can be used to compensate the silicon spectral response non-uniformity problem. Due to this unique function, the device is suitable for hyper-spectral imager applications. The HySI camera located on-board the Chandrayaan-1 satellite, was successfully launched to the moon on Oct. 22, 2008. The device is currently mapping the moon and sending back excellent images of the moon surface. The device design and the moon image data will be presented in the paper.

The pre-launch characterization of SIMBIO-SYS/VIHI imaging spectrometer for the BepiColombo mission to Mercury. II. Spectral calibrations.

PubMed

Altieri, F; Filacchione, G; Capaccioni, F; Carli, C; Dami, M; Tommasi, L; Aroldi, G; Borrelli, D; Barbis, A; Baroni, M; Pastorini, G; Ficai Veltroni, I; Mugnuolo, R

2017-09-01

The Visible and near Infrared Hyperspectral Imager (VIHI) is the VIS-IR spectrometer with imaging capabilities aboard the ESA BepiColombo mission to Mercury. In this second paper, we report the instrument spectral characterization derived by the calibration campaign carried out before spacecraft integration. Complementary measurements concerning radiometric and linearity responses, as well as geometric performances, are described in Paper I [G. Filacchione et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum. 88, 094502 (2017)]. We have verified the VIHI spectral range, spectral dispersion, spectral response function, and spectral uniformity along the whole slit. Instrumental defects and optical aberrations due to smiling and keystone effects have been evaluated, and they are lower than the design requirement (<1/3 pixel). The instrumental response is uniform along the whole slit, while spectral dispersion is well represented by a second order curve, rather than to be constant along the spectral dimension.

Techniques for recognizing identity of several response functions from the data of visual inspection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nechval, Nicholas A.

1996-08-01

The purpose of this paper is to present some efficient techniques for recognizing from the observed data whether several response functions are identical to each other. For example, in an industrial setting the problem may be to determine whether the production coefficients established in a small-scale pilot study apply to each of several large- scale production facilities. The techniques proposed here combine sensor information from automated visual inspection of manufactured products which is carried out by means of pixel-by-pixel comparison of the sensed image of the product to be inspected with some reference pattern (or image). Let (a1, . . . , am) be p-dimensional parameters associated with m response models of the same type. This study is concerned with the simultaneous comparison of a1, . . . , am. A generalized maximum likelihood ratio (GMLR) test is derived for testing equality of these parameters, where each of the parameters represents a corresponding vector of regression coefficients. The GMLR test reduces to an equivalent test based on a statistic that has an F distribution. The main advantage of the test lies in its relative simplicity and the ease with which it can be applied. Another interesting test for the same problem is an application of Fisher's method of combining independent test statistics which can be considered as a parallel procedure to the GMLR test. The combination of independent test statistics does not appear to have been used very much in applied statistics. There does, however, seem to be potential data analytic value in techniques for combining distributional assessments in relation to statistically independent samples which are of joint experimental relevance. In addition, a new iterated test for the problem defined above is presented. A rejection of the null hypothesis by this test provides some reason why all the parameters are not equal. A numerical example is discussed in the context of the proposed procedures for hypothesis testing.

A multi-pixel InSAR time series analysis method: Simultaneous estimation of atmospheric noise, orbital errors and deformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jolivet, R.; Simons, M.

2016-12-01

InSAR time series analysis allows reconstruction of ground deformation with meter-scale spatial resolution and high temporal sampling. For instance, the ESA Sentinel-1 Constellation is capable of providing 6-day temporal sampling, thereby opening a new window on the spatio-temporal behavior of tectonic processes. However, due to computational limitations, most time series methods rely on a pixel-by-pixel approach. This limitation is a concern because (1) accounting for orbital errors requires referencing all interferograms to a common set of pixels before reconstruction of the time series and (2) spatially correlated atmospheric noise due to tropospheric turbulence is ignored. Decomposing interferograms into statistically independent wavelets will mitigate issues of correlated noise, but prior estimation of orbital uncertainties will still be required. Here, we explore a method that considers all pixels simultaneously when solving for the spatio-temporal evolution of interferometric phase Our method is based on a massively parallel implementation of a conjugate direction solver. We consider an interferogram as the sum of the phase difference between 2 SAR acquisitions and the corresponding orbital errors. In addition, we fit the temporal evolution with a physically parameterized function while accounting for spatially correlated noise in the data covariance. We assume noise is isotropic for any given InSAR pair with a covariance described by an exponential function that decays with increasing separation distance between pixels. We regularize our solution in space using a similar exponential function as model covariance. Given the problem size, we avoid matrix multiplications of the full covariances by computing convolutions in the Fourier domain. We first solve the unregularized least squares problem using the LSQR algorithm to approach the final solution, then run our conjugate direction solver to account for data and model covariances. We present synthetic tests showing the efficiency of our method. We then reconstruct a 20-year continuous time series covering Northern Chile. Without input from any additional GNSS data, we recover the secular deformation rate, seasonal oscillations and the deformation fields from the 2005 Mw 7.8 Tarapaca and 2007 Mw 7.7 Tocopilla earthquakes.

Pixel response-based EPID dosimetry for patient specific QA.

PubMed

Han, Bin; Ding, Aiping; Lu, Minghui; Xing, Lei

2017-01-01

Increasing use of high dose rate, flattening filter free (FFF), and/or small-sized field beams presents a significant challenge to the medical physics community. In this work, we develop a strategy of using a high spatial resolution and high frame rate amorphous silicon flat panel electronic portal imaging device (EPID) for dosimetric measurements of these challenging cases, as well as for conventional external beam therapy. To convert a series of raw EPID-measured radiation field images into water-based dose distribution, a pixel-to-pixel dose-response function of the EPID specific to the linac is essential. The response function was obtained by using a Monte Carlo simulation of the photon transport in the EPID with a comprehensive calibration. After the raw image was converted into the primary incident photon fluence, the fluence was further convolved into a water-based dose distribution of the dynamic field by using a pregenerated pencil-beam kernel. The EPID-based dosimetric measurement technique was validated using beams with and without flattening filter of all energies available in Varian TrueBeam STx™. Both regularly and irregularly shaped fields measured using a PTW 729 ion chamber array in plastic water phantom. The technique was also applied to measure the distribution for a total of 23 treatment plans of different energies to evaluate the accuracy of the proposed approach. The EPID measurements of square fields of 4 × 4 cm 2 to 20 × 20 cm 2 , circular fields of 2-15 cm diameters, rectangular fields of various sizes, and irregular MLC fields were in accordance with measurements using a Farmer chamber and/or ion chamber array. The 2D absolute dose maps generated from EPID raw images agreed with ion chamber measurements to within 1.5% for all fields. For the 23 patient cases examined in this work, the average γ-index passing rate were found to be 99.2 ± 0.6%, 97.4 ± 2.4%, and 72.6 ± 8.4%, respectively, for criterions of 3 mm/3%, 2 mm/2%, and 1 mm/1%. The high spatial resolution and high frame rate EPID provides an accurate and efficient dosimetric tool for QA of modern radiation therapy. Accurate absolute 2D dose maps can be generated from the system for an independent dosimetric verification of treatment delivery. © 2016 The Authors. Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Correction of complex nonlinear signal response from a pixel array detector

DOE PAGES

van Driel, Tim Brandt; Herrmann, Sven; Carini, Gabriella; ...

2015-04-22

The pulsed free-electron laser light sources represent a new challenge to photon area detectors due to the intrinsic spontaneous X-ray photon generation process that makes single-pulse detection necessary. Intensity fluctuations up to 100% between individual pulses lead to high linearity requirements in order to distinguish small signal changes. In real detectors, signal distortions as a function of the intensity distribution on the entire detector can occur. Here a robust method to correct this nonlinear response in an area detector is presented for the case of exposures to similar signals. The method is tested for the case of diffuse scattering frommore » liquids where relevant sub-1% signal changes appear on the same order as artifacts induced by the detector electronics.« less

Eigenvector decomposition of full-spectrum x-ray computed tomography.

PubMed

Gonzales, Brian J; Lalush, David S

2012-03-07

Energy-discriminated x-ray computed tomography (CT) data were projected onto a set of basis functions to suppress the noise in filtered back-projection (FBP) reconstructions. The x-ray CT data were acquired using a novel x-ray system which incorporated a single-pixel photon-counting x-ray detector to measure the x-ray spectrum for each projection ray. A matrix of the spectral response of different materials was decomposed using eigenvalue decomposition to form the basis functions. Projection of FBP onto basis functions created a de facto image segmentation of multiple contrast agents. Final reconstructions showed significant noise suppression while preserving important energy-axis data. The noise suppression was demonstrated by a marked improvement in the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) along the energy axis for multiple regions of interest in the reconstructed images. Basis functions used on a more coarsely sampled energy axis still showed an improved SNR. We conclude that the noise-resolution trade off along the energy axis was significantly improved using the eigenvalue decomposition basis functions.

Hardware Implementation of a Bilateral Subtraction Filter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huertas, Andres; Watson, Robert; Villalpando, Carlos; Goldberg, Steven

2009-01-01

A bilateral subtraction filter has been implemented as a hardware module in the form of a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). In general, a bilateral subtraction filter is a key subsystem of a high-quality stereoscopic machine vision system that utilizes images that are large and/or dense. Bilateral subtraction filters have been implemented in software on general-purpose computers, but the processing speeds attainable in this way even on computers containing the fastest processors are insufficient for real-time applications. The present FPGA bilateral subtraction filter is intended to accelerate processing to real-time speed and to be a prototype of a link in a stereoscopic-machine- vision processing chain, now under development, that would process large and/or dense images in real time and would be implemented in an FPGA. In terms that are necessarily oversimplified for the sake of brevity, a bilateral subtraction filter is a smoothing, edge-preserving filter for suppressing low-frequency noise. The filter operation amounts to replacing the value for each pixel with a weighted average of the values of that pixel and the neighboring pixels in a predefined neighborhood or window (e.g., a 9 9 window). The filter weights depend partly on pixel values and partly on the window size. The present FPGA implementation of a bilateral subtraction filter utilizes a 9 9 window. This implementation was designed to take advantage of the ability to do many of the component computations in parallel pipelines to enable processing of image data at the rate at which they are generated. The filter can be considered to be divided into the following parts (see figure): a) An image pixel pipeline with a 9 9- pixel window generator, b) An array of processing elements; c) An adder tree; d) A smoothing-and-delaying unit; and e) A subtraction unit. After each 9 9 window is created, the affected pixel data are fed to the processing elements. Each processing element is fed the pixel value for its position in the window as well as the pixel value for the central pixel of the window. The absolute difference between these two pixel values is calculated and used as an address in a lookup table. Each processing element has a lookup table, unique for its position in the window, containing the weight coefficients for the Gaussian function for that position. The pixel value is multiplied by the weight, and the outputs of the processing element are the weight and pixel-value weight product. The products and weights are fed to the adder tree. The sum of the products and the sum of the weights are fed to the divider, which computes the sum of products the sum of weights. The output of the divider is denoted the bilateral smoothed image. The smoothing function is a simple weighted average computed over a 3 3 subwindow centered in the 9 9 window. After smoothing, the image is delayed by an additional amount of time needed to match the processing time for computing the bilateral smoothed image. The bilateral smoothed image is then subtracted from the 3 3 smoothed image to produce the final output. The prototype filter as implemented in a commercially available FPGA processes one pixel per clock cycle. Operation at a clock speed of 66 MHz has been demonstrated, and results of a static timing analysis have been interpreted as suggesting that the clock speed could be increased to as much as 100 MHz.

Characterisation methods for the hyperspectral sensor HySpex at DLR's calibration home base

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baumgartner, Andreas; Gege, Peter; Köhler, Claas; Lenhard, Karim; Schwarzmaier, Thomas

2012-09-01

The German Aerospace Center's (DLR) Remote Sensing Technology Institute (IMF) operates a laboratory for the characterisation of imaging spectrometers. Originally designed as Calibration Home Base (CHB) for the imaging spectrometer APEX, the laboratory can be used to characterise nearly every airborne hyperspectral system. Characterisation methods will be demonstrated exemplarily with HySpex, an airborne imaging spectrometer system from Norsk Elektro Optikks A/S (NEO). Consisting of two separate devices (VNIR-1600 and SWIR-320me) the setup covers the spectral range from 400 nm to 2500 nm. Both airborne sensors have been characterised at NEO. This includes measurement of spectral and spatial resolution and misregistration, polarisation sensitivity, signal to noise ratios and the radiometric response. The same parameters have been examined at the CHB and were used to validate the NEO measurements. Additionally, the line spread functions (LSF) in across and along track direction and the spectral response functions (SRF) for certain detector pixels were measured. The high degree of lab automation allows the determination of the SRFs and LSFs for a large amount of sampling points. Despite this, the measurement of these functions for every detector element would be too time-consuming as typical detectors have 105 elements. But with enough sampling points it is possible to interpolate the attributes of the remaining pixels. The knowledge of these properties for every detector element allows the quantification of spectral and spatial misregistration (smile and keystone) and a better calibration of airborne data. Further laboratory measurements are used to validate the models for the spectral and spatial properties of the imaging spectrometers. Compared to the future German spaceborne hyperspectral Imager EnMAP, the HySpex sensors have the same or higher spectral and spatial resolution. Therefore, airborne data will be used to prepare for and validate the spaceborne system's data.

Calibration of the Auger Fluorescence Telescopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klages, H.; Pierre Auger Observatory Collaboration

Thirty fluorescence telescopes in four stations will overlook the detector array of the southern hemisphere experiment of the Pierre Auger project. The main aim of these telescopes is tracking of EHE air showers, measurement of the longitudinal shower development (Xmax) and determination of the absolute energy of EHE events. A telescope camera contains 440 PMTs each covering a 1.5 x 1.5 degree pixel of the sky. The response of every pixel is converted into the number of charged particles at the observed part of the shower. This reconstruction includes the shower/observer geometry and the details of the atmospheric photon production and transport. The remaining experimental task is to convert the ADC counts of the camera pixel electronics into the light flux entering the Schmidt aperture. Three types of calibration and control are necessary : a) Monitoring of time dependent variations has to be performed for all parts of the optics and for all pixels frequently. Common illumination for all pixels of a camera allows the detection of individual deviations. Properties of windows, filters and mirrors have to be measured separately. b) Differences in pixel-to-pixel efficiency are mainly due to PMT gain and to differences in effective area (camera shadow, mirror size limits). Homogeneous and isotropic illumination will enable cross calibration. c) An absolute calibration has to be performed once in a while using trusted light monitors. The calibration methods used for the Pierre Auger FD telescopes in Argentina are discussed.

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

Deptuch, Grzegorz W.; Gabriella, Carini; Enquist, Paul

The vertically integrated photon imaging chip (VIPIC1) pixel detector is a stack consisting of a 500-μm-thick silicon sensor, a two-tier 34-μm-thick integrated circuit, and a host printed circuit board (PCB). The integrated circuit tiers were bonded using the direct bonding technology with copper, and each tier features 1-μm-diameter through-silicon vias that were used for connections to the sensor on one side, and to the host PCB on the other side. The 80-μm-pixel-pitch sensor was the direct bonding technology with nickel bonded to the integrated circuit. The stack was mounted on the board using Sn–Pb balls placed on a 320-μm pitch,more » yielding an entirely wire-bond-less structure. The analog front-end features a pulse response peaking at below 250 ns, and the power consumption per pixel is 25 μW. We successful completed the 3-D integration and have reported here. Additionally, all pixels in the matrix of 64 × 64 pixels were responding on well-bonded devices. Correct operation of the sparsified readout, allowing a single 153-ns bunch timing resolution, was confirmed in the tests on a synchrotron beam of 10-keV X-rays. An equivalent noise charge of 36.2 e - rms and a conversion gain of 69.5 μV/e - with 2.6 e - rms and 2.7 μV/e - rms pixel-to-pixel variations, respectively, were measured.« less

An analysis of the effect of biological and physical parameters of a wetlands grass biome on the spectral modeling of phytomass and primary productivity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Butera, M. K.; Frick, A.

1984-01-01

Aircraft simulated thematic mapper data and field data were acquired in the fall and spring to analyze the relationship of spectral response and biomass for the marsh grass Spartina patens. Regression results indicate no simple relationship exists for TMS spectral response and biomass with a high R sq. However, results show a consistent relationship between spectral response and the percent live vegetation (by weight) and percent interstitial standing surface water (by area) as independent variables. It is suggested that the reflected energy of a pixel represents a mixture of surface constituents. It is recommended that alternative remote sensors be employed to account for the pixel constituents of live and dead vegetation, litter, and standing water.

SpcAudace: Spectroscopic processing and analysis package of Audela software

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mauclaire, Benjamin

2017-11-01

SpcAudace processes long slit spectra with automated pipelines and performs astrophysical analysis of the latter data. These powerful pipelines do all the required steps in one pass: standard preprocessing, masking of bad pixels, geometric corrections, registration, optimized spectrum extraction, wavelength calibration and instrumental response computation and correction. Both high and low resolution long slit spectra are managed for stellar and non-stellar targets. Many types of publication-quality figures can be easily produced: pdf and png plots or annotated time series plots. Astrophysical quantities can be derived from individual or large amount of spectra with advanced functions: from line profile characteristics to equivalent width and periodogram. More than 300 documented functions are available and can be used into TCL scripts for automation. SpcAudace is based on Audela open source software.

Calibration and Compensation of Instrumental Errors in Imaging Polarimeters

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-04-01

procedures for polarimeters 3. Examine impact of focal plane nonuniformity on polarimeters 4. Understand the role of bandwidth in broadband polarimetry. 5... nonuniformity (NU) noise. NU noise is a results from pixel-to-pixel variations in the photodetector response. NU noise is a persistent problem for all... nonuniformity noise in imaging polarimeters," Proc SPIE Vol. 5888: Polarization Science and Remote Sensing 11, pp. 58880J 1 - 10, J. A. Shaw and J. S

The first bump-bonded pixel detectors on CVD diamond

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adam, W.; Bauer, C.; Berdermann, E.; Bergonzo, P.; Bogani, F.; Borchi, E.; Brambilla, A.; Bruzzi, M.; Colledani, C.; Conway, J.; Dabrowski, W.; Delpierre, P.; Deneuville, A.; Dulinski, W.; van Eijk, B.; Fallou, A.; Fizzotti, F.; Foulon, F.; Friedl, M.; Gan, K. K.; Gheeraert, E.; Grigoriev, E.; Hallewell, G.; Hall-Wilton, R.; Han, S.; Hartjes, F.; Hrubec, J.; Husson, D.; Kagan, H.; Kania, D.; Kaplon, J.; Karl, C.; Kass, R.; Krammer, M.; Logiudice, A.; Lu, R.; Manfredi, P. F.; Manfredotti, C.; Marshall, R. D.; Meier, D.; Mishina, M.; Oh, A.; Palmieri, V. G.; Pan, L. S.; Peitz, A.; Pernicka, M.; Pirollo, S.; Polesello, P.; Pretzl, K.; Re, V.; Riester, J. L.; Roe, S.; Roff, D.; Rudge, A.; Schnetzer, S.; Sciortino, S.; Speziali, V.; Stelzer, H.; Steuerer, J.; Stone, R.; Tapper, R. J.; Tesarek, R.; Trawick, M.; Trischuk, W.; Turchetta, R.; Vittone, E.; Wagner, A.; Walsh, A. M.; Wedenig, R.; Weilhammer, P.; Zeuner, W.; Ziock, H.; Zoeller, M.; Charles, E.; Ciocio, A.; Dao, K.; Einsweiler, K.; Fasching, D.; Gilchriese, M.; Joshi, A.; Kleinfelder, S.; Milgrome, O.; Palaio, N.; Richardson, J.; Sinervo, P.; Zizka, G.; RD42 Collaboration

1999-11-01

Diamond is a nearly ideal material for detecting ionising radiation. Its outstanding radiation hardness, fast charge collection and low leakage current allow it to be used in high radiation environments. These characteristics make diamond sensors particularly appealing for use in the next generation of pixel detectors. Over the last year, the RD42 collaboration has worked with several groups that have developed pixel readout electronics in order to optimise diamond sensors for bump-bonding. This effort resulted in an operational diamond pixel sensor that was tested in a pion beam. We demonstrate that greater than 98% of the channels were successfully bump-bonded and functioning. The device shows good overall hit efficiency as well as clear spatial hit correlation to tracks measured in a silicon reference telescope. A position resolution of 14.8 μm was observed, consistent with expectations given the detector pitch.

Multi-parameter Nonlinear Gain Correction of X-ray Transition Edge Sensors for the X-ray Integral Field Unit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cucchetti, E.; Eckart, M. E.; Peille, P.; Porter, F. S.; Pajot, F.; Pointecouteau, E.

2018-04-01

With its array of 3840 Transition Edge Sensors (TESs), the Athena X-ray Integral Field Unit (X-IFU) will provide spatially resolved high-resolution spectroscopy (2.5 eV up to 7 keV) from 0.2 to 12 keV, with an absolute energy scale accuracy of 0.4 eV. Slight changes in the TES operating environment can cause significant variations in its energy response function, which may result in systematic errors in the absolute energy scale. We plan to monitor such changes at pixel level via onboard X-ray calibration sources and correct the energy scale accordingly using a linear or quadratic interpolation of gain curves obtained during ground calibration. However, this may not be sufficient to meet the 0.4 eV accuracy required for the X-IFU. In this contribution, we introduce a new two-parameter gain correction technique, based on both the pulse-height estimate of a fiducial line and the baseline value of the pixels. Using gain functions that simulate ground calibration data, we show that this technique can accurately correct deviations in detector gain due to changes in TES operating conditions such as heat sink temperature, bias voltage, thermal radiation loading and linear amplifier gain. We also address potential optimisations of the onboard calibration source and compare the performance of this new technique with those previously used.

Qualification and calibration tests of detector modules for the CMS Pixel Phase 1 upgrade

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, D.; Backhaus, M.; Berger, P.; Meinhard, M.; Starodumov, A.; Tavolaro, V.

2018-01-01

In high energy particle physics, accelerator- and detector-upgrades always go hand in hand. The instantaneous luminosity of the Large Hadron Collider will increase to up to L = 2×1034cm-2s-1 during Run 2 until 2023. In order to cope with such luminosities, the pixel detector of the CMS experiment has been replaced early 2017. The so-called CMS Pixel phase 1 upgrade detector consists of 1184 modules with new design. An important production step is the module qualification and calibration, ensuring their proper functionality within the detector. This paper summarizes the qualification and calibration tests and results of modules used in the innermost two detector layers with focus on methods using module-internal calibration signals. Extended characterizations on pixel level such as electronic noise and bump bond connectivity, optimization of operational parameters, sensor quality and thermal stress resistance were performed using a customized setup with controlled environment. It could be shown that the selected modules have on average 0.55‰ ± 0.01‰ defective pixels and that all performance parameters stay within their specifications.

Heterogeneity of Particle Deposition by Pixel Analysis of 2D Gamma Scintigraphy Images

PubMed Central

Xie, Miao; Zeman, Kirby; Hurd, Harry; Donaldson, Scott

2015-01-01

Abstract Background: Heterogeneity of inhaled particle deposition in airways disease may be a sensitive indicator of physiologic changes in the lungs. Using planar gamma scintigraphy, we developed new methods to locate and quantify regions of high (hot) and low (cold) particle deposition in the lungs. Methods: Initial deposition and 24 hour retention images were obtained from healthy (n=31) adult subjects and patients with mild cystic fibrosis lung disease (CF) (n=14) following inhalation of radiolabeled particles (Tc99m-sulfur colloid, 5.4 μm MMAD) under controlled breathing conditions. The initial deposition image of the right lung was normalized to (i.e., same median pixel value), and then divided by, a transmission (Tc99m) image in the same individual to obtain a pixel-by-pixel ratio image. Hot spots were defined where pixel values in the deposition image were greater than 2X those of the transmission, and cold spots as pixels where the deposition image was less than 0.5X of the transmission. The number ratio (NR) of the hot and cold pixels to total lung pixels, and the sum ratio (SR) of total counts in hot pixels to total lung counts were compared between healthy and CF subjects. Other traditional measures of regional particle deposition, nC/P and skew of the pixel count histogram distribution, were also compared. Results: The NR of cold spots was greater in mild CF, 0.221±0.047(CF) vs. 0.186±0.038 (healthy) (p<0.005) and was significantly correlated with FEV1 %pred in the patients (R=−0.70). nC/P (central to peripheral count ratio), skew of the count histogram, and hot NR or SR were not different between the healthy and mild CF patients. Conclusions: These methods may provide more sensitive measures of airway function and localization of deposition that might be useful for assessing treatment efficacy in these patients. PMID:25393109

Circuit models applied to the design of a novel uncooled infrared focal plane array structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Shali; Chen, Dapeng; Li, Chaobo; Jiao, Binbin; Ou, Yi; Jing, Yupeng; Ye, Tianchun; Guo, Zheying; Zhang, Qingchuan; Wu, Xiaoping

2007-05-01

This paper describes a circuit model applied to the simulation of the thermal response frequency of a novel substrate-free single-layer bi-material cantilever microstructure used as the focal plane array (FPA) in an uncooled opto-mechanical infrared imaging system. In order to obtain a high detection of the IR object, gold (Au) is coated alternately on the silicon nitride (SiNx) cantilevers of the pixels (Shi S et al Sensors and Actuators A at press), whereas the thermal response frequency decreases (Zhao Y 2002 Dissertation University of California, Berkeley). A circuit model for such a cantilever microstructure is proposed to be applied to evaluate the thermal response performance. The pixel's thermal frequency (1/τth) is calculated to be 10 Hz under the optimized design parameters, which is compatible with the response of optical readout systems and human eyes.

Plasma-panel based detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Friedman, Peter

2017-09-01

The plasma panel sensor (PPS) is a novel micropattern gas detector inspired by plasma display panels (PDPs), the core component of plasma-TVs. A PDP comprises millions of discrete cells per square meter, each of which, when provided with a signal pulse, can initiate and sustain a plasma discharge. Configured as a detector, a pixel or cell is biased to discharge when a free-electron is generated in the gas. The PPS consists of an array of small plasma discharge pixels, and can be configured to have either an ``open-cell'' or ``closed-cell'' structure, operating with high gain in the Geiger region. We describe both configurations and their application to particle physics. The open-cell PPS lends itself to ultra-low-mass, ultrathin structures, whereas the closed-cell microhexcavity PPS is capable of higher performance. For the ultrathin-PPS, we are fabricating 3-inch devices based on two types of extremely thin, inorganic, transparent, substrate materials: one being 8-10 µm thick, and the other 25-27 µm thick. These gas-filled ultrathin devices are designed to operate in a beam-line vacuum environment, yet must be hermetically-sealed and gas-filled in an ambient environment at atmospheric pressure. We have successfully fabricated high resolution, submillimeter pixel electrodes on both types of ultrathin substrates. We will also report on the fabrication, staging and operation of the first microhexcavity detectors (µH-PPS). The first µH-PPS prototype devices have a 16 by 16 matrix of closed packed hexagon pixels, each having a 2 mm width. Initial tests of these detectors, conducted with Ne based gases at atmospheric pressure, indicate that each pixel responds independent of its neighboring cells, producing volt level pulse amplitudes in response to ionizing radiation. Results will include the hit rate response to a radioactive beta source, cosmic ray muons, the background from spontaneous discharge, pixel isolation and uniformity, and efficiency measurements. This work was funded in part by a DOE Office of Nuclear Physics SBIR Phase-II Grant.

Modeling of Pixelated Detector in SPECT Pinhole Reconstruction.

PubMed

Feng, Bing; Zeng, Gengsheng L

2014-04-10

A challenge for the pixelated detector is that the detector response of a gamma-ray photon varies with the incident angle and the incident location within a crystal. The normalization map obtained by measuring the flood of a point-source at a large distance can lead to artifacts in reconstructed images. In this work, we investigated a method of generating normalization maps by ray-tracing through the pixelated detector based on the imaging geometry and the photo-peak energy for the specific isotope. The normalization is defined for each pinhole as the normalized detector response for a point-source placed at the focal point of the pinhole. Ray-tracing is used to generate the ideal flood image for a point-source. Each crystal pitch area on the back of the detector is divided into 60 × 60 sub-pixels. Lines are obtained by connecting between a point-source and the centers of sub-pixels inside each crystal pitch area. For each line ray-tracing starts from the entrance point at the detector face and ends at the center of a sub-pixel on the back of the detector. Only the attenuation by NaI(Tl) crystals along each ray is assumed to contribute directly to the flood image. The attenuation by the silica (SiO 2 ) reflector is also included in the ray-tracing. To calculate the normalization for a pinhole, we need to calculate the ideal flood for a point-source at 360 mm distance (where the point-source was placed for the regular flood measurement) and the ideal flood image for the point-source at the pinhole focal point, together with the flood measurement at 360 mm distance. The normalizations are incorporated in the iterative OSEM reconstruction as a component of the projection matrix. Applications to single-pinhole and multi-pinhole imaging showed that this method greatly reduced the reconstruction artifacts.

Adjoint Methods for Adjusting Three-Dimensional Atmosphere and Surface Properties to Fit Multi-Angle Multi-Pixel Polarimetric Measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Martin, William G.; Cairns, Brian; Bal, Guillaume

2014-01-01

This paper derives an efficient procedure for using the three-dimensional (3D) vector radiative transfer equation (VRTE) to adjust atmosphere and surface properties and improve their fit with multi-angle/multi-pixel radiometric and polarimetric measurements of scattered sunlight. The proposed adjoint method uses the 3D VRTE to compute the measurement misfit function and the adjoint 3D VRTE to compute its gradient with respect to all unknown parameters. In the remote sensing problems of interest, the scalar-valued misfit function quantifies agreement with data as a function of atmosphere and surface properties, and its gradient guides the search through this parameter space. Remote sensing of the atmosphere and surface in a three-dimensional region may require thousands of unknown parameters and millions of data points. Many approaches would require calls to the 3D VRTE solver in proportion to the number of unknown parameters or measurements. To avoid this issue of scale, we focus on computing the gradient of the misfit function as an alternative to the Jacobian of the measurement operator. The resulting adjoint method provides a way to adjust 3D atmosphere and surface properties with only two calls to the 3D VRTE solver for each spectral channel, regardless of the number of retrieval parameters, measurement view angles or pixels. This gives a procedure for adjusting atmosphere and surface parameters that will scale to the large problems of 3D remote sensing. For certain types of multi-angle/multi-pixel polarimetric measurements, this encourages the development of a new class of three-dimensional retrieval algorithms with more flexible parametrizations of spatial heterogeneity, less reliance on data screening procedures, and improved coverage in terms of the resolved physical processes in the Earth?s atmosphere.

Monolithic CMOS imaging x-ray spectrometers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kenter, Almus; Kraft, Ralph; Gauron, Thomas; Murray, Stephen S.

2014-07-01

The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) in collaboration with SRI/Sarnoff is developing monolithic CMOS detectors optimized for x-ray astronomy. The goal of this multi-year program is to produce CMOS x-ray imaging spectrometers that are Fano noise limited over the 0.1-10keV energy band while incorporating the many benefits of CMOS technology. These benefits include: low power consumption, radiation "hardness", high levels of integration, and very high read rates. Small format test devices from a previous wafer fabrication run (2011-2012) have recently been back-thinned and tested for response below 1keV. These devices perform as expected in regards to dark current, read noise, spectral response and Quantum Efficiency (QE). We demonstrate that running these devices at rates ~> 1Mpix/second eliminates the need for cooling as shot noise from any dark current is greatly mitigated. The test devices were fabricated on 15μm, high resistivity custom (~30kΩ-cm) epitaxial silicon and have a 16 by 192 pixel format. They incorporate 16μm pitch, 6 Transistor Pinned Photo Diode (6TPPD) pixels which have ~40μV/electron sensitivity and a highly parallel analog CDS signal chain. Newer, improved, lower noise detectors have just been fabricated (October 2013). These new detectors are fabricated on 9μm epitaxial silicon and have a 1k by 1k format. They incorporate similar 16μm pitch, 6TPPD pixels but have ~ 50% higher sensitivity and much (3×) lower read noise. These new detectors have undergone preliminary testing for functionality in Front Illuminated (FI) form and are presently being prepared for back thinning and packaging. Monolithic CMOS devices such as these, would be ideal candidate detectors for the focal planes of Solar, planetary and other space-borne x-ray astronomy missions. The high through-put, low noise and excellent low energy response, provide high dynamic range and good time resolution; bright, time varying x-ray features could be temporally and spectrally resolved without saturation. We present details of our camera design and device performance with particular emphasis on those aspects of interest to single photon counting x-ray astronomy. These features include read noise, x-ray spectral response and quantum efficiency. Funding for this work has been provided in large part by NASA Grant NNX09AE86G and a grant from the Betty and Gordon Moore Foundation.

Characterization and correction of charge-induced pixel shifts in DECam

DOE PAGES

Gruen, D.; Bernstein, G. M.; Jarvis, M.; ...

2015-05-28

Interaction of charges in CCDs with the already accumulated charge distribution causes both a flux dependence of the point-spread function (an increase of observed size with flux, also known as the brighter/fatter effect) and pixel-to-pixel correlations of the Poissonian noise in flat fields. We describe these effects in the Dark Energy Camera (DECam) with charge dependent shifts of effective pixel borders, i.e. the Antilogus et al. (2014) model, which we fit to measurements of flat-field Poissonian noise correlations. The latter fall off approximately as a power-law r -2.5 with pixel separation r, are isotropic except for an asymmetry in themore » direct neighbors along rows and columns, are stable in time, and are weakly dependent on wavelength. They show variations from chip to chip at the 20% level that correlate with the silicon resistivity. The charge shifts predicted by the model cause biased shape measurements, primarily due to their effect on bright stars, at levels exceeding weak lensing science requirements. We measure the flux dependence of star images and show that the effect can be mitigated by applying the reverse charge shifts at the pixel level during image processing. Differences in stellar size, however, remain significant due to residuals at larger distance from the centroid.« less

Development of monolithic pixel detector with SOI technology for the ILC vertex detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamada, M.; Ono, S.; Tsuboyama, T.; Arai, Y.; Haba, J.; Ikegami, Y.; Kurachi, I.; Togawa, M.; Mori, T.; Aoyagi, W.; Endo, S.; Hara, K.; Honda, S.; Sekigawa, D.

2018-01-01

We have been developing a monolithic pixel sensor for the International Linear Collider (ILC) vertex detector with the 0.2 μm FD-SOI CMOS process by LAPIS Semiconductor Co., Ltd. We aim to achieve a 3 μm single-point resolution required for the ILC with a 20×20 μm2 pixel. Beam bunch crossing at the ILC occurs every 554 ns in 1-msec-long bunch trains with an interval of 200 ms. Each pixel must record the charge and time stamp of a hit to identify a collision bunch for event reconstruction. Necessary functions include the amplifier, comparator, shift register, analog memory and time stamp implementation in each pixel, and column ADC and Zero-suppression logic on the chip. We tested the first prototype sensor, SOFIST ver.1, with a 120 GeV proton beam at the Fermilab Test Beam Facility in January 2017. SOFIST ver.1 has a charge sensitive amplifier and two analog memories in each pixel, and an 8-bit Wilkinson-type ADC is implemented for each column on the chip. We measured the residual of the hit position to the reconstructed track. The standard deviation of the residual distribution fitted by a Gaussian is better than 3 μm.

Detection of Spatially Unresolved (Nominally Sub-Pixel) Submerged and Surface Targets Using Hyperspectral Data

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-09-01

Feasibility (MT Modeling ) a. Continuum of mixture distributions interpolated b. Mixture infeasibilities calculated for each pixel c. Valid detections...Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer BRDF Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function CASI Compact Airborne Spectrographic Imager CCD...filtering (MTMF), and was designed by Healey and Slater (1999) to use “a physical model to generate the set of sensor spectra for a target that will be

Up Scalable Full Colour Plasmonic Pixels with Controllable Hue, Brightness and Saturation.

PubMed

Mudachathi, Renilkumar; Tanaka, Takuo

2017-04-26

It has long been the interests of scientists to develop ink free colour printing technique using nano structured materials inspired by brilliant colours found in many creatures like butterflies and peacocks. Recently isolated metal nano structures exhibiting preferential light absorption and scattering have been explored as a promising candidate for this emerging field. Applying such structures in practical use, however, demands the production of individual colours with distinct reflective peaks, tunable across the visible wavelength region combined with controllable colour attributes and economically feasible fabrication. Herein, we present a simple yet efficient colour printing approach employing sub-micrometer scale plasmonic pixels of single constituent metal structure which supports near unity broadband light absorption at two distinct wavelengths, facilitating the creation of saturated colours. The dependence of these resonances on two different parameters of the same pixel enables controllable colour attributes such as hue, brightness and saturation across the visible spectrum. The linear dependence of colour attributes on the pixel parameters eases the automation; which combined with the use of inexpensive and stable aluminum as functional material will make this colour design strategy relevant for use in various commercial applications like printing micro images for security purposes, consumer product colouration and functionalized decoration to name a few.

Characterizing the response of a scintillator-based detector to single electrons.

PubMed

Sang, Xiahan; LeBeau, James M

2016-02-01

Here we report the response of a high angle annular dark field scintillator-based detector to single electrons. We demonstrate that care must be taken when determining the single electron intensity as significant discrepancies can occur when quantifying STEM images with different methods. To account for the detector response, we first image the detector using very low beam currents (∼8fA), and subsequently model the interval between consecutive single electrons events. We find that single electrons striking the detector present a wide distribution of intensities, which we show is not described by a simple function. Further, we present a method to accurately account for the electrons within the incident probe when conducting quantitative imaging. The role detector settings play on determining the single electron intensity is also explored. Finally, we extend our analysis to describe the response of the detector to multiple electron events within the dwell interval of each pixel. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

SeaWiFS technical report series. Volume 31: Stray light in the SeaWiFS radiometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hooker, Stanford B. (Editor); Firestone, Elaine R. (Editor); Acker, James G. (Editor); Barnes, Robert A.; Holmes, Alan W.; Esaias, Wayne E.

1995-01-01

Some of the measurements from the Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS) will not be useful as ocean measurements. For the ocean data set, there are procedures in place to mask the SeaWiFS measurements of clouds and ice. Land measurements will also be masked using a geographic technique based on each measurment's latitude and longitude. Each of these masks involves a source of light much brighter than the ocean. Because of stray light in the SeaWiFS radiometer, light from these bright sources can contaminate ocean measurements located a variable number of pixels away from a bright source. In this document, the sources of stray light in the sensor are examined, and a method is developed for masking measurements near bright targets for stray light effects. In addition, a procedure is proposed for reducing the effects of stray light in the flight data from SeaWiFS. This correction can also reduce the number of pixels masked for stray light. Without these corrections, local area scenes must be masked 10 pixels before and after bright targets in the along-scan direction. The addition of these corrections reduces the along-scan masks to four pixels before and after bright sources. In the along-track direction, the flight data are not corrected, and are masked two pixels before and after. Laboratory measurements have shown that stray light within the instrument changes in a direct ratio to the intensity of the bright source. The measurements have also shown that none of the bands show peculiarities in their stray light response. In other words, the instrument's response is uniform from band to band. The along-scan correction is based on each band's response to a 1 pixel wide bright sources. Since these results are based solely on preflight laboratory measurements, their successful implementation requires compliance with two additional criteria. First, since SeaWiFS has a large data volume, the correction and masking procedures must be such that they can be converted into computationally fast algorithms. Second, they must be shown to operate properly on flight data. The laboratory results, and the corrections and masking procedures that derive from them, should be considered as zeroeth order estimates of the effects that will be found on orbit.

Characterization of multiport solid state imagers at megahertz data rates

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

Yates, G.J.; Pena, C.R.; Turko, B.T.

1994-08-01

Test results obtained from two recently developed multiport Charge-Coupled Devices (CCDs) operated at pixel rates in the 10-to-100 MHz range will be presented . The CCDs were evaluated in Los Alamos National Laboratory`s High Speed Solid State Imager Test Station (HSTS) which features PC-based programmable clock waveform generation (Tektronix DAS 9200) and synchronously clocked Digital Sampling Oscilloscopes (DSOs) (LeCroy 9424/9314 series) for CCD pixel data acquisition, analysis and storage. The HSTS also provided special designed optical pinhole array test patterns in the 5-to-50 micron diameter range for use with Xenon Strobe and pulsed laser light sources to simultaneously provide multiplemore » single-pixel illumination patterns to study CCD point-spread-function (PSF) and pixel smear characteristics. The two CCDs tested, EEV model CCD-13 and EG&G Reticon model HSO512J, are both 512 {times} 512 pixel arrays with eight (8) and sixteen (16) video output ports respectively. Both devices are generically Frame Transfer CCDs (FT CCDs) designed for parallel bi-directional vertical readout to augment their multiport design for increased pixel rates over common single port serial readout architecture. Although both CCDs were tested similarly, differences in their designs precluded normalization or any direct comparisons of test results. Rate dependent parameters investigated include S/N, PSF, and MTF. The performance observed for the two imagers at various pixel rates from selected typical output ports is discussed.« less

X-ray characterization of a multichannel smart-pixel array detector.

PubMed

Ross, Steve; Haji-Sheikh, Michael; Huntington, Andrew; Kline, David; Lee, Adam; Li, Yuelin; Rhee, Jehyuk; Tarpley, Mary; Walko, Donald A; Westberg, Gregg; Williams, George; Zou, Haifeng; Landahl, Eric

2016-01-01

The Voxtel VX-798 is a prototype X-ray pixel array detector (PAD) featuring a silicon sensor photodiode array of 48 × 48 pixels, each 130 µm × 130 µm × 520 µm thick, coupled to a CMOS readout application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The first synchrotron X-ray characterization of this detector is presented, and its ability to selectively count individual X-rays within two independent arrival time windows, a programmable energy range, and localized to a single pixel is demonstrated. During our first trial run at Argonne National Laboratory's Advance Photon Source, the detector achieved a 60 ns gating time and 700 eV full width at half-maximum energy resolution in agreement with design parameters. Each pixel of the PAD holds two independent digital counters, and the discriminator for X-ray energy features both an upper and lower threshold to window the energy of interest discarding unwanted background. This smart-pixel technology allows energy and time resolution to be set and optimized in software. It is found that the detector linearity follows an isolated dead-time model, implying that megahertz count rates should be possible in each pixel. Measurement of the line and point spread functions showed negligible spatial blurring. When combined with the timing structure of the synchrotron storage ring, it is demonstrated that the area detector can perform both picosecond time-resolved X-ray diffraction and fluorescence spectroscopy measurements.

Small-angle solution scattering using the mixed-mode pixel array detector.

PubMed

Koerner, Lucas J; Gillilan, Richard E; Green, Katherine S; Wang, Suntao; Gruner, Sol M

2011-03-01

Solution small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurements were obtained using a 128 × 128 pixel X-ray mixed-mode pixel array detector (MMPAD) with an 860 µs readout time. The MMPAD offers advantages for SAXS experiments: a pixel full-well of >2 × 10(7) 10 keV X-rays, a maximum flux rate of 10(8) X-rays pixel(-1) s(-1), and a sub-pixel point-spread function. Data from the MMPAD were quantitatively compared with data from a charge-coupled device (CCD) fiber-optically coupled to a phosphor screen. MMPAD solution SAXS data from lysozyme solutions were of equal or better quality than data captured by the CCD. The read-noise (normalized by pixel area) of the MMPAD was less than that of the CCD by an average factor of 3.0. Short sample-to-detector distances were required owing to the small MMPAD area (19.2 mm × 19.2 mm), and were revealed to be advantageous with respect to detector read-noise. As predicted by the Shannon sampling theory and confirmed by the acquisition of lysozyme solution SAXS curves, the MMPAD at short distances is capable of sufficiently sampling a solution SAXS curve for protein shape analysis. The readout speed of the MMPAD was demonstrated by continuously monitoring lysozyme sample evolution as radiation damage accumulated. These experiments prove that a small suitably configured MMPAD is appropriate for time-resolved solution scattering measurements.

Phase Distribution and Selection of Partially Correlated Persistent Scatterers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lien, J.; Zebker, H. A.

2012-12-01

Interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) time-series methods can effectively estimate temporal surface changes induced by geophysical phenomena. However, such methods are susceptible to decorrelation due to spatial and temporal baselines (radar pass separation), changes in orbital geometries, atmosphere, and noise. These effects limit the number of interferograms that can be used for differential analysis and obscure the deformation signal. InSAR decorrelation effects may be ameliorated by exploiting pixels that exhibit phase stability across the stack of interferograms. These so-called persistent scatterer (PS) pixels are dominated by a single point-like scatterer that remains phase-stable over the spatial and temporal baseline. By identifying a network of PS pixels for use in phase unwrapping, reliable deformation measurements may be obtained even in areas of low correlation, where traditional InSAR techniques fail to produce useful observations. Many additional pixels can be added to the PS list if we are able to identify those in which a dominant scatterer exhibits partial, rather than complete, correlation across all radar scenes. In this work, we quantify and exploit the phase stability of partially correlated PS pixels. We present a new system model for producing interferometric pixel values from a complex surface backscatter function characterized by signal-to-clutter ratio (SCR). From this model, we derive the joint probabilistic distribution for PS pixel phases in a stack of interferograms as a function of SCR and spatial baselines. This PS phase distribution generalizes previous results that assume the clutter phase contribution is uncorrelated between radar passes. We verify the analytic distribution through a series of radar scattering simulations. We use the derived joint PS phase distribution with maximum-likelihood SCR estimation to analyze an area of the Hayward Fault Zone in the San Francisco Bay Area. We obtain a series of 38 interferometric images of the area from C-band ERS radar satellite passes between May 1995 and December 2000. We compare the estimated SCRs to those calculated with previously derived PS phase distributions. Finally, we examine the PS network density resulting from varying selection thresholds of SCR and compare to other PS identification techniques.

Spectral characterisation and noise performance of Vanilla—an active pixel sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blue, Andrew; Bates, R.; Bohndiek, S. E.; Clark, A.; Arvanitis, Costas D.; Greenshaw, T.; Laing, A.; Maneuski, D.; Turchetta, R.; O'Shea, V.

2008-06-01

This work will report on the characterisation of a new active pixel sensor, Vanilla. The Vanilla comprises of 512×512 (25μm 2) pixels. The sensor has a 12 bit digital output for full-frame mode, although it can also be readout in analogue mode, whereby it can also be read in a fully programmable region-of-interest (ROI) mode. In full frame, the sensor can operate at a readout rate of more than 100 frames per second (fps), while in ROI mode, the speed depends on the size, shape and number of ROIs. For example, an ROI of 6×6 pixels can be read at 20,000 fps in analogue mode. Using photon transfer curve (PTC) measurements allowed for the calculation of the read noise, shot noise, full-well capacity and camera gain constant of the sensor. Spectral response measurements detailed the quantum efficiency (QE) of the detector through the UV and visible region. Analysis of the ROI readout mode was also performed. Such measurements suggest that the Vanilla APS (active pixel sensor) will be suitable for a wide range of applications including particle physics and medical imaging.

320 x 240 uncooled IRFPA with pixel wise thin film vacuum packaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yon, J.-J.; Dumont, G.; Rabaud, W.; Becker, S.; Carle, L.; Goudon, V.; Vialle, C.; Hamelin, A.; Arnaud, A.

2012-10-01

Silicon based vacuum packaging is a key enabling technology for achieving affordable uncooled Infrared Focal Plane Arrays (IRFPA) as required by the promising mass market for very low cost IR applications, such as automotive driving assistance, energy loss monitoring in buildings, motion sensors… Among the various approaches studied worldwide, the CEA, LETI is developing a unique technology where each bolometer pixel is sealed under vacuum at the wafer level, using an IR transparent thin film deposition. This technology referred to as PLP (Pixel Level Packaging), leads to an array of hermetic micro-caps each containing a single microbolometer. Since the successful demonstration that the PLP technology, when applied on a single microbolometer pixel, can provide the required vacuum < 10-3 mbar, the authors have pushed forward the development of the technology on fully operational QVGA readout circuits CMOS base wafers (320 x 240 pixels). In this outlook, the article reports on the electro optical performance obtained from this preliminary PLP based QVGA demonstrator. Apart from the response, noise and NETD distributions, the paper also puts emphasis on additional key features such as thermal time constant, image quality, and ageing properties.

Characterization of Sphinx1 ASIC X-ray detector using photon counting and charge integration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Habib, A.; Arques, M.; Moro, J.-L.; Accensi, M.; Stanchina, S.; Dupont, B.; Rohr, P.; Sicard, G.; Tchagaspanian, M.; Verger, L.

2018-01-01

Sphinx1 is a novel pixel architecture adapted for X-ray imaging, it detects radiation by photon counting and charge integration. In photon counting mode, each photon is compensated by one or more counter-charges typically consisting of 100 electrons (e-) each. The number of counter-charges required gives a measure of the incoming photon energy, thus allowing spectrometric detection. Pixels can also detect radiation by integrating the charges deposited by all incoming photons during one image frame and converting this analog value into a digital response with a 100 electrons least significant bit (LSB), based on the counter-charge concept. A proof of concept test chip measuring 5 mm × 5 mm, with 200 μm × 200 μm pixels has been produced and characterized. This paper provides details on the architecture and the counter-charge design; it also describes the two modes of operation: photon counting and charge integration. The first performance measurements for this test chip are presented. Noise was found to be ~80 e-rms in photon counting mode with a power consumption of only 0.9 μW/pixel for the static analog part and 0.3 μW/pixel for the static digital part.

In-depth study of single photon time resolution for the Philips digital silicon photomultiplier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Z.; Gundacker, S.; Pizzichemi, M.; Ghezzi, A.; Auffray, E.; Lecoq, P.; Paganoni, M.

2016-06-01

The digital silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) has been commercialised by Philips as an innovative technology compared to analog silicon photomultiplier devices. The Philips digital SiPM, has a pair of time to digital converters (TDCs) connected to 12800 single photon avalanche diodes (SPADs). Detailed measurements were performed to understand the low photon time response of the Philips digital SiPM. The single photon time resolution (SPTR) of every single SPAD in a pixel consisting of 3200 SPADs was measured and an average value of 85 ps full width at half maximum (FWHM) was observed. Each SPAD sends the signal to the TDC with different signal propagation time, resulting in a so called trigger network skew. This distribution of the trigger network skew for a pixel (3200 SPADs) has been measured and a variation of 50 ps FWHM was extracted. The SPTR of the whole pixel is the combination of SPAD jitter, trigger network skew, and the SPAD non-uniformity. The SPTR of a complete pixel was 103 ps FWHM at 3.3 V above breakdown voltage. Further, the effect of the crosstalk at a low photon level has been studied, with the two photon time resolution degrading if the events are a combination of detected (true) photons and crosstalk events. Finally, the time response to multiple photons was investigated.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging of the human spinal cord during vibration stimulation of different dermatomes.

PubMed

Lawrence, Jane M; Stroman, Patrick W; Kollias, Spyros S

2008-03-01

We investigated noninvasively areas of the healthy human spinal cord that become active in response to vibration stimulation of different dermatomes using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The objectives of this study were to: (1) examine the patterns of consistent activity in the spinal cord during vibration stimulation of the skin, and (2) investigate the rostrocaudal distribution of active pixels when stimulation was applied to different dermatomes. FMRI of the cervical and lumbar spinal cord of seven healthy human subjects was carried out during vibration stimulation of six different dermatomes. In separate experiments, vibratory stimulation (about 50 Hz) was applied to the right biceps, wrist, palm, patella, Achilles tendon and left palm. The segmental distribution of activity observed by fMRI corresponded well with known spinal cord neuroanatomy. The peak number of active pixels was observed at the expected level of the spinal cord with some activity in the adjacent segments. The rostrocaudal distribution of activity was observed to correspond to the dermatome being stimulated. Cross-sectional localization of activity was primarily in dorsal areas but also spread into ventral and intermediate areas of the gray matter and a distinct laterality ipsilateral to the stimulated limb was not observed. We demonstrated that fMRI can detect a dermatome-dependent pattern of spinal cord activity during vibratory stimulation and can be used as a passive stimulus for the noninvasive assessment of the functional integrity of the human spinal cord. Demonstration of cross-sectional selectivity of the activation awaits further methodological and experimental refinements.

A simple method for evaluating the wavefront compensation error of diffractive liquid-crystal wavefront correctors.

PubMed

Cao, Zhaoliang; Mu, Quanquan; Hu, Lifa; Lu, Xinghai; Xuan, Li

2009-09-28

A simple method for evaluating the wavefront compensation error of diffractive liquid-crystal wavefront correctors (DLCWFCs) for atmospheric turbulence correction is reported. A simple formula which describes the relationship between pixel number, DLCWFC aperture, quantization level, and atmospheric coherence length was derived based on the calculated atmospheric turbulence wavefronts using Kolmogorov atmospheric turbulence theory. It was found that the pixel number across the DLCWFC aperture is a linear function of the telescope aperture and the quantization level, and it is an exponential function of the atmosphere coherence length. These results are useful for people using DLCWFCs in atmospheric turbulence correction for large-aperture telescopes.

Convolving optically addressed VLSI liquid crystal SLM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jared, David A.; Stirk, Charles W.

1994-03-01

We designed, fabricated, and tested an optically addressed spatial light modulator (SLM) that performs a 3 X 3 kernel image convolution using ferroelectric liquid crystal on VLSI technology. The chip contains a 16 X 16 array of current-mirror-based convolvers with a fixed kernel for finding edges. The pixels are located on 75 micron centers, and the modulators are 20 microns on a side. The array successfully enhanced edges in illumination patterns. We developed a high-level simulation tool (CON) for analyzing the performance of convolving SLM designs. CON has a graphical interface and simulates SLM functions using SPICE-like device models. The user specifies the pixel function along with the device parameters and nonuniformities. We discovered through analysis, simulation and experiment that the operation of current-mirror-based convolver pixels is degraded at low light levels by the variation of transistor threshold voltages inherent to CMOS chips. To function acceptable, the test SLM required the input image to have an minimum irradiance of 10 (mu) W/cm2. The minimum required irradiance can be further reduced by adding a photodarlington near the photodetector or by increasing the size of the transistors used to calculate the convolution.

Simulation study of light transport in laser-processed LYSO:Ce detectors with single-side readout

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bläckberg, L.; El Fakhri, G.; Sabet, H.

2017-11-01

A tightly focused pulsed laser beam can locally modify the crystal structure inside the bulk of a scintillator. The result is incorporation of so-called optical barriers with a refractive index different from that of the crystal bulk, that can be used to redirect the scintillation light and control the light spread in the detector. We here systematically study the scintillation light transport in detectors fabricated using the laser induced optical barrier technique, and objectively compare their potential performance characteristics with those of the two mainstream detector types: monolithic and mechanically pixelated arrays. Among countless optical barrier patterns, we explore barriers arranged in a pixel-like pattern extending all-the-way or half-way through a 20 mm thick LYSO:Ce crystal. We analyze the performance of the detectors coupled to MPPC arrays, in terms of light response functions, flood maps, line profiles, and light collection efficiency. Our results show that laser-processed detectors with both barrier patterns constitute a new detector category with a behavior between that of the two standard detector types. Results show that when the barrier-crystal interface is smooth, no DOI information can be obtained regardless of barrier refractive index (RI). However, with a rough barrier-crystal interface we can extract multiple levels of DOI. Lower barrier RI results in larger light confinement, leading to better transverse resolution. Furthermore we see that the laser-processed crystals have the potential to increase the light collection efficiency, which could lead to improved energy resolution and potentially better timing resolution due to higher signals. For a laser-processed detector with smooth barrier-crystal interfaces the light collection efficiency is simulated to  >42%, and for rough interfaces  >73%. The corresponding numbers for a monolithic crystal is 39% with polished surfaces, and 71% with rough surfaces, and for a mechanically pixelated array 35% with polished pixel surfaces and 59% with rough surfaces.

Simulation study of light transport in laser-processed LYSO:Ce detectors with single-side readout.

PubMed

Bläckberg, L; El Fakhri, G; Sabet, H

2017-10-19

A tightly focused pulsed laser beam can locally modify the crystal structure inside the bulk of a scintillator. The result is incorporation of so-called optical barriers with a refractive index different from that of the crystal bulk, that can be used to redirect the scintillation light and control the light spread in the detector. We here systematically study the scintillation light transport in detectors fabricated using the laser induced optical barrier technique, and objectively compare their potential performance characteristics with those of the two mainstream detector types: monolithic and mechanically pixelated arrays. Among countless optical barrier patterns, we explore barriers arranged in a pixel-like pattern extending all-the-way or half-way through a 20 mm thick LYSO:Ce crystal. We analyze the performance of the detectors coupled to MPPC arrays, in terms of light response functions, flood maps, line profiles, and light collection efficiency. Our results show that laser-processed detectors with both barrier patterns constitute a new detector category with a behavior between that of the two standard detector types. Results show that when the barrier-crystal interface is smooth, no DOI information can be obtained regardless of barrier refractive index (RI). However, with a rough barrier-crystal interface we can extract multiple levels of DOI. Lower barrier RI results in larger light confinement, leading to better transverse resolution. Furthermore we see that the laser-processed crystals have the potential to increase the light collection efficiency, which could lead to improved energy resolution and potentially better timing resolution due to higher signals. For a laser-processed detector with smooth barrier-crystal interfaces the light collection efficiency is simulated to  >42%, and for rough interfaces  >73%. The corresponding numbers for a monolithic crystal is 39% with polished surfaces, and 71% with rough surfaces, and for a mechanically pixelated array 35% with polished pixel surfaces and 59% with rough surfaces.

TH-EF-207A-04: A Dynamic Contrast Enhanced Cone Beam CT Technique for Evaluation of Renal Functions

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

Wang, Z; Shi, J; Yang, Y

Purpose: To develop a simple but robust method for the early detection and evaluation of renal functions using dynamic contrast enhanced cone beam CT technique. Methods: Experiments were performed on an integrated imaging and radiation research platform developed by our lab. Animals (n=3) were anesthetized with 20uL Ketamine/Xylazine cocktail, and then received 200uL injection of iodinated contrast agent Iopamidol via tail vein. Cone beam CT was acquired following contrast injection once per minute and up to 25 minutes. The cone beam CT was reconstructed with a dimension of 300×300×800 voxels of 130×130×130um voxel resolution. The middle kidney slices in themore » transvers and coronal planes were selected for image analysis. A double exponential function was used to fit the contrast enhanced signal intensity versus the time after contrast injection. Both pixel-based and region of interest (ROI)-based curve fitting were performed. Four parameters obtained from the curve fitting, namely the amplitude and flow constant for both contrast wash in and wash out phases, were investigated for further analysis. Results: Robust curve fitting was demonstrated for both pixel based (with R{sup 2}>0.8 for >85% pixels within the kidney contour) and ROI based (R{sup 2}>0.9 for all regions) analysis. Three different functional regions: renal pelvis, medulla and cortex, were clearly differentiated in the functional parameter map in the pixel based analysis. ROI based analysis showed the half-life T1/2 for contrast wash in and wash out phases were 0.98±0.15 and 17.04±7.16, 0.63±0.07 and 17.88±4.51, and 1.48±0.40 and 10.79±3.88 minutes for the renal pelvis, medulla and cortex, respectively. Conclusion: A robust method based on dynamic contrast enhanced cone beam CT and double exponential curve fitting has been developed to analyze the renal functions for different functional regions. Future study will be performed to investigate the sensitivity of this technique in the detection of radiation induced kidney dysfunction.« less

Photovoltaic Retinal Prosthesis with High Pixel Density

PubMed Central

Mathieson, Keith; Loudin, James; Goetz, Georges; Huie, Philip; Wang, Lele; Kamins, Theodore I.; Galambos, Ludwig; Smith, Richard; Harris, James S.; Sher, Alexander; Palanker, Daniel

2012-01-01

Retinal degenerative diseases lead to blindness due to loss of the “image capturing” photoreceptors, while neurons in the “image processing” inner retinal layers are relatively well preserved. Electronic retinal prostheses seek to restore sight by electrically stimulating surviving neurons. Most implants are powered through inductive coils, requiring complex surgical methods to implant the coil-decoder-cable-array systems, which deliver energy to stimulating electrodes via intraocular cables. We present a photovoltaic subretinal prosthesis, in which silicon photodiodes in each pixel receive power and data directly through pulsed near-infrared illumination and electrically stimulate neurons. Stimulation was produced in normal and degenerate rat retinas, with pulse durations from 0.5 to 4 ms, and threshold peak irradiances from 0.2 to 10 mW/mm2, two orders of magnitude below the ocular safety limit. Neural responses were elicited by illuminating a single 70 μm bipolar pixel, demonstrating the possibility of a fully-integrated photovoltaic retinal prosthesis with high pixel density. PMID:23049619

Studies on a 300 k pixel detector telescope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Middelkamp, Peter; Antinori, F.; Barberis, D.; Becks, K. H.; Beker, H.; Beusch, W.; Burger, P.; Campbell, M.; Cantatore, E.; Catanesi, M. G.; Chesi, E.; Darbo, G.; D'Auria, S.; Davia, C.; di Bari, D.; di Liberto, S.; Elia, D.; Gys, T.; Heijne, E. H. M.; Helstrup, H.; Jacholkowski, A.; Jæger, J. J.; Jakubek, J.; Jarron, P.; Klempt, W.; Krummenacher, F.; Knudson, K.; Kralik, I.; Kubasta, J.; Lasalle, J. C.; Leitner, R.; Lemeilleur, F.; Lenti, V.; Letheren, M.; Lopez, L.; Loukas, D.; Luptak, M.; Martinengo, P.; Meddeler, G.; Meddi, F.; Morando, M.; Munns, A.; Pellegrini, F.; Pengg, F.; Pospisil, S.; Quercigh, E.; Ridky, J.; Rossi, L.; Safarik, K.; Scharfetter, L.; Segato, G.; Simone, S.; Smith, K.; Snoeys, W.; Vrba, V.

1996-02-01

Four silicon pixel detector planes are combined to form a tracking telescope in the lead ion experiment WA97 at CERN with 290 304 sensitive elements each of 75 μm by 500 μm area. An electronic pulse processing circuit is associated with each individual sensing element and the response for ionizing particles is binary with an adjustable threshold. The noise rate for a threshold of 6000 e- has been measured to be less than 10-10. The inefficient area due to malfunctioning pixels is 2.8% of the 120 cm2. Detector overlaps within one plane have been used to determine the alignment of the components of the plane itself, without need for track reconstruction using external detectors. It is the first time that such a big surface covered with active pixels has been used in a physics experiment. Some aspects concerning inclined particle tracks and time walk have been measured separately in a beam test at the CERN SPS H6 beam.

Optical and x-ray characterization of two novel CMOS image sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bohndiek, Sarah E.; Arvanitis, Costas D.; Venanzi, Cristian; Royle, Gary J.; Clark, Andy T.; Crooks, Jamie P.; Prydderch, Mark L.; Turchetta, Renato; Blue, Andrew; Speller, Robert D.

2007-02-01

A UK consortium (MI3) has been founded to develop advanced CMOS pixel designs for scientific applications. Vanilla, a 520x520 array of 25μm pixels benefits from flushed reset circuitry for low noise and random pixel access for region of interest (ROI) readout. OPIC, a 64x72 test structure array of 30μm digital pixels has thresholding capabilities for sparse readout at 3,700fps. Characterization is performed with both optical illumination and x-ray exposure via a scintillator. Vanilla exhibits 34+/-3e - read noise, interactive quantum efficiency of 54% at 500nm and can read a 6x6 ROI at 24,395fps. OPIC has 46+/-3e - read noise and a wide dynamic range of 65dB due to high full well capacity. Based on these characterization studies, Vanilla could be utilized in applications where demands include high spectral response and high speed region of interest readout while OPIC could be used for high speed, high dynamic range imaging.

Research on remote sensing image pixel attribute data acquisition method in AutoCAD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xiaoyang; Sun, Guangtong; Liu, Jun; Liu, Hui

2013-07-01

The remote sensing image has been widely used in AutoCAD, but AutoCAD lack of the function of remote sensing image processing. In the paper, ObjectARX was used for the secondary development tool, combined with the Image Engine SDK to realize remote sensing image pixel attribute data acquisition in AutoCAD, which provides critical technical support for AutoCAD environment remote sensing image processing algorithms.

An evaluation of the effect of JPEG, JPEG2000, and H.264/AVC on CQR codes decoding process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vizcarra Melgar, Max E.; Farias, Mylène C. Q.; Zaghetto, Alexandre

2015-02-01

This paper presents a binarymatrix code based on QR Code (Quick Response Code), denoted as CQR Code (Colored Quick Response Code), and evaluates the effect of JPEG, JPEG2000 and H.264/AVC compression on the decoding process. The proposed CQR Code has three additional colors (red, green and blue), what enables twice as much storage capacity when compared to the traditional black and white QR Code. Using the Reed-Solomon error-correcting code, the CQR Code model has a theoretical correction capability of 38.41%. The goal of this paper is to evaluate the effect that degradations inserted by common image compression algorithms have on the decoding process. Results show that a successful decoding process can be achieved for compression rates up to 0.3877 bits/pixel, 0.1093 bits/pixel and 0.3808 bits/pixel for JPEG, JPEG2000 and H.264/AVC formats, respectively. The algorithm that presents the best performance is the H.264/AVC, followed by the JPEG2000, and JPEG.

How to model moon signals using 2-dimensional Gaussian function: Classroom activity for measuring nighttime cloud cover

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gacal, G. F. B.; Lagrosas, N.

2016-12-01

Nowadays, cameras are commonly used by students. In this study, we use this instrument to look at moon signals and relate these signals to Gaussian functions. To implement this as a classroom activity, students need computers, computer software to visualize signals, and moon images. A normalized Gaussian function is often used to represent probability density functions of normal distribution. It is described by its mean m and standard deviation s. The smaller standard deviation implies less spread from the mean. For the 2-dimensional Gaussian function, the mean can be described by coordinates (x0, y0), while the standard deviations can be described by sx and sy. In modelling moon signals obtained from sky-cameras, the position of the mean (x0, y0) is solved by locating the coordinates of the maximum signal of the moon. The two standard deviations are the mean square weighted deviation based from the sum of total pixel values of all rows/columns. If visualized in three dimensions, the 2D Gaussian function appears as a 3D bell surface (Fig. 1a). This shape is similar to the pixel value distribution of moon signals as captured by a sky-camera. An example of this is illustrated in Fig 1b taken around 22:20 (local time) of January 31, 2015. The local time is 8 hours ahead of coordinated universal time (UTC). This image is produced by a commercial camera (Canon Powershot A2300) with 1s exposure time, f-stop of f/2.8, and 5mm focal length. One has to chose a camera with high sensitivity when operated at nighttime to effectively detect these signals. Fig. 1b is obtained by converting the red-green-blue (RGB) photo to grayscale values. The grayscale values are then converted to a double data type matrix. The last conversion process is implemented for the purpose of having the same scales for both Gaussian model and pixel distribution of raw signals. Subtraction of the Gaussian model from the raw data produces a moonless image as shown in Fig. 1c. This moonless image can be used for quantifying cloud cover as captured by ordinary cameras (Gacal et al, 2016). Cloud cover can be defined as the ratio of number of pixels whose values exceeds 0.07 and the total number of pixels. In this particular image, cloud cover value is 0.67.

The point-spread function of fiber-coupled area detectors

PubMed Central

Holton, James M.; Nielsen, Chris; Frankel, Kenneth A.

2012-01-01

The point-spread function (PSF) of a fiber-optic taper-coupled CCD area detector was measured over five decades of intensity using a 20 µm X-ray beam and ∼2000-fold averaging. The ‘tails’ of the PSF clearly revealed that it is neither Gaussian nor Lorentzian, but instead resembles the solid angle subtended by a pixel at a point source of light held a small distance (∼27 µm) above the pixel plane. This converges to an inverse cube law far from the beam impact point. Further analysis revealed that the tails are dominated by the fiber-optic taper, with negligible contribution from the phosphor, suggesting that the PSF of all fiber-coupled CCD-type detectors is best described as a Moffat function. PMID:23093762

Measurement, time-stamping, and analysis of electrodermal activity in fMRI

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smyser, Christopher; Grabowski, Thomas J.; Rainville, Pierre; Bechara, Antione; Razavi, Mehrdad; Mehta, Sonya; Eaton, Brent L.; Bolinger, Lizann

2002-04-01

A low cost fMRI-compatible system was developed for detecting electrodermal activity without inducing image artifact. Subject electrodermal activity was measured on the plantar surface of the foot using a standard recording circuit. Filtered analog skin conductance responses (SCR) were recorded with a general purpose, time-stamping data acquisition system. A conditioning paradigm involving painful thermal stimulation was used to demonstrate SCR detection and investigate neural correlates of conditioned autonomic activity. 128x128 pixel EPI-BOLD images were acquired with a GE 1.5T Signa scanner. Image analysis was performed using voxel-wise multiple linear regression. The covariate of interest was generated by convolving stimulus event onset with a standard hemodynamic response function. The function was time-shifted to determine optimal activation. Significance was tested using the t-statistic. Image quality was unaffected by the device, and conditioned and unconditioned SCRs were successfully detected. Conditioned SCRs correlated significantly with activity in the right anterior insular cortex. The effect was more robust when responses were scaled by SCR amplitude. The ability to measure and time register SCRs during fMRI acquisition enables studies of cognitive processes marked by autonomic activity, including those involving decision-making, pain, emotion, and addiction.

Development of a High Dynamic Range Pixel Array Detector for Synchrotrons and XFELs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weiss, Joel Todd

Advances in synchrotron radiation light source technology have opened new lines of inquiry in material science, biology, and everything in between. However, x-ray detector capabilities must advance in concert with light source technology to fully realize experimental possibilities. X-ray free electron lasers (XFELs) place particularly large demands on the capabilities of detectors, and developments towards diffraction-limited storage ring sources also necessitate detectors capable of measuring very high flux [1-3]. The detector described herein builds on the Mixed Mode Pixel Array Detector (MM-PAD) framework, developed previously by our group to perform high dynamic range imaging, and the Adaptive Gain Integrating Pixel Detector (AGIPD) developed for the European XFEL by a collaboration between Deustsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY), the Paul-Scherrer-Institute (PSI), the University of Hamburg, and the University of Bonn, led by Heinz Graafsma [4, 5]. The feasibility of combining adaptive gain with charge removal techniques to increase dynamic range in XFEL experiments is assessed by simulating XFEL scatter with a pulsed infrared laser. The strategy is incorporated into pixel prototypes which are evaluated with direct current injection to simulate very high incident x-ray flux. A fully functional 16x16 pixel hybrid integrating x-ray detector featuring several different pixel architectures based on the prototypes was developed. This dissertation describes its operation and characterization. To extend dynamic range, charge is removed from the integration node of the front-end amplifier without interrupting integration. The number of times this process occurs is recorded by a digital counter in the pixel. The parameter limiting full well is thereby shifted from the size of an integration capacitor to the depth of a digital counter. The result is similar to that achieved by counting pixel array detectors, but the integrators presented here are designed to tolerate a sustained flux >1011 x-rays/pixel/second. In addition, digitization of residual analog signals allows sensitivity for single x-rays or low flux signals. Pixel high flux linearity is evaluated by direct exposure to an unattenuated synchrotron source x-ray beam and flux measurements of more than 1010 9.52 keV x-rays/pixel/s are made. Detector sensitivity to small signals is evaluated and dominant sources of error are identified. These new pixels boast multiple orders of magnitude improvement in maximum sustained flux over the MM-PAD, which is capable of measuring a sustained flux in excess of 108 x-rays/pixel/second while maintaining sensitivity to smaller signals, down to single x-rays.

Access To The PMM's Pixel Database

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Monet, D.; Levine, S.

1999-12-01

The U.S. Naval Observatory Flagstaff Station is in the process of enabling access to the Precision Measuring Machine (PMM) program's pixel database. The initial release will include the pixels from the PMM's scans of the Palomar Observatory Sky Survey I (POSS-I) -O and -E surveys, the Whiteoak Extension, the European Southern Observatory-R survey, the Science and Engineering Council-J, -EJ, and -ER surveys, and the Anglo- Australian Observatory-R survey. (The SERC-ER and AAO-R surveys are currently incomplete.) As time allows, access to the POSS-II -J, -F, and -N surveys, the Palomar Infrared Milky Way Atlas, the Yale/San Juan Southern Proper Motion survey, and plates rejected by various surveys will be added. (POSS-II -J and -F are complete, but -N was never finished.) Eventually, some 10 Tbytes of pixel data will be available. Due to funding and technology limitations, the initial interface will have only limited functionality, and access time will be slow since the archive is stored on Digital Linear Tape (DLT). Usage of the pixel data will be restricted to non-commercial, scientific applications, and agreements on copyright issues have yet to be finalized. The poster presentation will give the URL.

A new generation of small pixel pitch/SWaP cooled infrared detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Espuno, L.; Pacaud, O.; Reibel, Y.; Rubaldo, L.; Kerlain, A.; Péré-Laperne, N.; Dariel, A.; Roumegoux, J.; Brunner, A.; Kessler, A.; Gravrand, O.; Castelein, P.

2015-10-01

Following clear technological trends, the cooled IR detectors market is now in demand for smaller, more efficient and higher performance products. This demand pushes products developments towards constant innovations on detectors, read-out circuits, proximity electronics boards, and coolers. Sofradir was first to show a 10μm focal plane array (FPA) at DSS 2012, and announced the DAPHNIS 10μm product line back in 2014. This pixel pitch is a key enabler for infrared detectors with increased resolution. Sofradir recently achieved outstanding products demonstrations at this pixel pitch, which clearly demonstrate the benefits of adopting 10μm pixel pitch focal plane array-based detectors. Both HD and XGA Daphnis 10μm products also benefit from a global video datapath efficiency improvement by transitioning to digital video interfaces. Moreover, innovative smart pixels functionalities drastically increase product versatility. In addition to this strong push towards a higher pixels density, Sofradir acknowledges the need for smaller and lower power cooled infrared detector. Together with straightforward system interfaces and better overall performances, latest technological advances on SWAP-C (Size, Weight, Power and Cost) Sofradir products enable the advent of a new generation of high performance portable and agile systems (handheld thermal imagers, unmanned aerial vehicles, light gimbals etc...). This paper focuses on those features and performances that can make an actual difference in the field.

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

Ross, Steve; Haji-Sheikh, Michael; Huntington, Andrew

The Voxtel VX-798 is a prototype X-ray pixel array detector (PAD) featuring a silicon sensor photodiode array of 48 x 48 pixels, each 130 mu m x 130 mu m x 520 mu m thick, coupled to a CMOS readout application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The first synchrotron X-ray characterization of this detector is presented, and its ability to selectively count individual X-rays within two independent arrival time windows, a programmable energy range, and localized to a single pixel is demonstrated. During our first trial run at Argonne National Laboratory's Advance Photon Source, the detector achieved a 60 ns gatingmore » time and 700 eV full width at half-maximum energy resolution in agreement with design parameters. Each pixel of the PAD holds two independent digital counters, and the discriminator for X-ray energy features both an upper and lower threshold to window the energy of interest discarding unwanted background. This smart-pixel technology allows energy and time resolution to be set and optimized in software. It is found that the detector linearity follows an isolated dead-time model, implying that megahertz count rates should be possible in each pixel. Measurement of the line and point spread functions showed negligible spatial blurring. When combined with the timing structure of the synchrotron storage ring, it is demonstrated that the area detector can perform both picosecond time-resolved X-ray diffraction and fluorescence spectroscopy measurements.« less

A hyperspectral image optimizing method based on sub-pixel MTF analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yun; Li, Kai; Wang, Jinqiang; Zhu, Yajie

2015-04-01

Hyperspectral imaging is used to collect tens or hundreds of images continuously divided across electromagnetic spectrum so that the details under different wavelengths could be represented. A popular hyperspectral imaging methods uses a tunable optical band-pass filter settled in front of the focal plane to acquire images of different wavelengths. In order to alleviate the influence of chromatic aberration in some segments in a hyperspectral series, in this paper, a hyperspectral optimizing method uses sub-pixel MTF to evaluate image blurring quality was provided. This method acquired the edge feature in the target window by means of the line spread function (LSF) to calculate the reliable position of the edge feature, then the evaluation grid in each line was interpolated by the real pixel value based on its relative position to the optimal edge and the sub-pixel MTF was used to analyze the image in frequency domain, by which MTF calculation dimension was increased. The sub-pixel MTF evaluation was reliable, since no image rotation and pixel value estimation was needed, and no artificial information was introduced. With theoretical analysis, the method proposed in this paper is reliable and efficient when evaluation the common images with edges of small tilt angle in real scene. It also provided a direction for the following hyperspectral image blurring evaluation and the real-time focal plane adjustment in real time in related imaging system.

Assessment of OLED displays for vision research

PubMed Central

Cooper, Emily A.; Jiang, Haomiao; Vildavski, Vladimir; Farrell, Joyce E.; Norcia, Anthony M.

2013-01-01

Vision researchers rely on visual display technology for the presentation of stimuli to human and nonhuman observers. Verifying that the desired and displayed visual patterns match along dimensions such as luminance, spectrum, and spatial and temporal frequency is an essential part of developing controlled experiments. With cathode-ray tubes (CRTs) becoming virtually unavailable on the commercial market, it is useful to determine the characteristics of newly available displays based on organic light emitting diode (OLED) panels to determine how well they may serve to produce visual stimuli. This report describes a series of measurements summarizing the properties of images displayed on two commercially available OLED displays: the Sony Trimaster EL BVM-F250 and PVM-2541. The results show that the OLED displays have large contrast ratios, wide color gamuts, and precise, well-behaved temporal responses. Correct adjustment of the settings on both models produced luminance nonlinearities that were well predicted by a power function (“gamma correction”). Both displays have adjustable pixel independence and can be set to have little to no spatial pixel interactions. OLED displays appear to be a suitable, or even preferable, option for many vision research applications. PMID:24155345

Research on a pulmonary nodule segmentation method combining fast self-adaptive FCM and classification.

PubMed

Liu, Hui; Zhang, Cai-Ming; Su, Zhi-Yuan; Wang, Kai; Deng, Kai

2015-01-01

The key problem of computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) of lung cancer is to segment pathologically changed tissues fast and accurately. As pulmonary nodules are potential manifestation of lung cancer, we propose a fast and self-adaptive pulmonary nodules segmentation method based on a combination of FCM clustering and classification learning. The enhanced spatial function considers contributions to fuzzy membership from both the grayscale similarity between central pixels and single neighboring pixels and the spatial similarity between central pixels and neighborhood and improves effectively the convergence rate and self-adaptivity of the algorithm. Experimental results show that the proposed method can achieve more accurate segmentation of vascular adhesion, pleural adhesion, and ground glass opacity (GGO) pulmonary nodules than other typical algorithms.

MTF evaluation of white pixel sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lindner, Albrecht; Atanassov, Kalin; Luo, Jiafu; Goma, Sergio

2015-01-01

We present a methodology to compare image sensors with traditional Bayer RGB layouts to sensors with alternative layouts containing white pixels. We focused on the sensors' resolving powers, which we measured in the form of a modulation transfer function for variations in both luma and chroma channels. We present the design of the test chart, the acquisition of images, the image analysis, and an interpretation of results. We demonstrate the approach at the example of two sensors that only differ in their color filter arrays. We confirmed that the sensor with white pixels and the corresponding demosaicing result in a higher resolving power in the luma channel, but a lower resolving power in the chroma channels when compared to the traditional Bayer sensor.

Light-controlled biphasic current stimulator IC using CMOS image sensors for high-resolution retinal prosthesis and in vitro experimental results with rd1 mouse.

PubMed

Oh, Sungjin; Ahn, Jae-Hyun; Lee, Sangmin; Ko, Hyoungho; Seo, Jong Mo; Goo, Yong-Sook; Cho, Dong-il Dan

2015-01-01

Retinal prosthetic devices stimulate retinal nerve cells with electrical signals proportional to the incident light intensities. For a high-resolution retinal prosthesis, it is necessary to reduce the size of the stimulator pixels as much as possible, because the retinal nerve cells are concentrated in a small area of approximately 5 mm × 5 mm. In this paper, a miniaturized biphasic current stimulator integrated circuit is developed for subretinal stimulation and tested in vitro. The stimulator pixel is miniaturized by using a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor composed of three transistors. Compared to a pixel that uses a four-transistor CMOS image sensor, this new design reduces the pixel size by 8.3%. The pixel size is further reduced by simplifying the stimulation-current generating circuit, which provides a 43.9% size reduction when compared to the design reported to be the most advanced version to date for subretinal stimulation. The proposed design is fabricated using a 0.35 μm bipolar-CMOS-DMOS process. Each pixel is designed to fit in a 50 μ m × 55 μm area, which theoretically allows implementing more than 5000 pixels in the 5 mm × 5 mm area. Experimental results show that a biphasic current in the range of 0 to 300 μA at 12 V can be generated as a function of incident light intensities. Results from in vitro experiments with rd1 mice indicate that the proposed method can be effectively used for retinal prosthesis with a high resolution.

An All Silicon Feedhorn-Coupled Focal Plane for Cosmic Microwave Background Polarimetry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hubmayr, J.; Appel, J. W.; Austermann, J. E.; Beall, J. A.; Becker, D.; Benson, B. A.; Bleem, L. E.; Carlstrom, J. E.; Chang, C. L.; Cho, H. M.;

Micro-valve pump light valve display

DOEpatents

Yeechun Lee.

1993-01-19

A flat panel display incorporates a plurality of micro-pump light valves (MLV's) to form pixels for recreating an image. Each MLV consists of a dielectric drop sandwiched between substrates, at least one of which is transparent, a holding electrode for maintaining the drop outside a viewing area, and a switching electrode from accelerating the drop from a location within the holding electrode to a location within the viewing area. The sustrates may further define non-wetting surface areas to create potential energy barriers to assist in controlling movement of the drop. The forces acting on the drop are quadratic in nature to provide a nonlinear response for increased image contrast. A crossed electrode structure can be used to activate the pixels whereby a large flat panel display is formed without active driver components at each pixel.

Micro-valve pump light valve display

DOEpatents

Lee, Yee-Chun

1993-01-01

A flat panel display incorporates a plurality of micro-pump light valves (MLV's) to form pixels for recreating an image. Each MLV consists of a dielectric drop sandwiched between substrates, at least one of which is transparent, a holding electrode for maintaining the drop outside a viewing area, and a switching electrode from accelerating the drop from a location within the holding electrode to a location within the viewing area. The sustrates may further define non-wetting surface areas to create potential energy barriers to assist in controlling movement of the drop. The forces acting on the drop are quadratic in nature to provide a nonlinear response for increased image contrast. A crossed electrode structure can be used to activate the pixels whereby a large flat panel display is formed without active driver components at each pixel.

Iterative pixelwise approach applied to computer-generated holograms and diffractive optical elements.

PubMed

Hsu, Wei-Feng; Lin, Shih-Chih

2018-01-01

This paper presents a novel approach to optimizing the design of phase-only computer-generated holograms (CGH) for the creation of binary images in an optical Fourier transform system. Optimization begins by selecting an image pixel with a temporal change in amplitude. The modulated image function undergoes an inverse Fourier transform followed by the imposition of a CGH constraint and the Fourier transform to yield an image function associated with the change in amplitude of the selected pixel. In iterations where the quality of the image is improved, that image function is adopted as the input for the next iteration. In cases where the image quality is not improved, the image function before the pixel changed is used as the input. Thus, the proposed approach is referred to as the pixelwise hybrid input-output (PHIO) algorithm. The PHIO algorithm was shown to achieve image quality far exceeding that of the Gerchberg-Saxton (GS) algorithm. The benefits were particularly evident when the PHIO algorithm was equipped with a dynamic range of image intensities equivalent to the amplitude freedom of the image signal. The signal variation of images reconstructed from the GS algorithm was 1.0223, but only 0.2537 when using PHIO, i.e., a 75% improvement. Nonetheless, the proposed scheme resulted in a 10% degradation in diffraction efficiency and signal-to-noise ratio.

Using the Medipix3 detector for direct electron imaging in the range 60 keV to 200 keV in electron microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mir, J. A.; Plackett, R.; Shipsey, I.; dos Santos, J. M. F.

2017-11-01

Hybrid pixel sensor technology such as the Medipix3 represents a unique tool for electron imaging. We have investigated its performance as a direct imaging detector using a Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) which incorporated a Medipix3 detector with a 300 μm thick silicon layer compromising of 256×256 pixels at 55 μm pixel pitch. We present results taken with the Medipix3 in Single Pixel Mode (SPM) with electron beam energies in the range, 60-200 keV . Measurements of the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) and the Detective Quantum Efficiency (DQE) were investigated. At a given beam energy, the MTF data was acquired by deploying the established knife edge technique. Similarly, the experimental data required to determine DQE was obtained by acquiring a stack of images of a focused beam and of free space (flatfield) to determine the Noise Power Spectrum (NPS).

Aerosol and Surface Parameter Retrievals for a Multi-Angle, Multiband Spectrometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Broderick, Daniel

2012-01-01

This software retrieves the surface and atmosphere parameters of multi-angle, multiband spectra. The synthetic spectra are generated by applying the modified Rahman-Pinty-Verstraete Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) model, and a single-scattering dominated atmosphere model to surface reflectance data from Multiangle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR). The aerosol physical model uses a single scattering approximation using Rayleigh scattering molecules, and Henyey-Greenstein aerosols. The surface and atmosphere parameters of the models are retrieved using the Lavenberg-Marquardt algorithm. The software can retrieve the surface and atmosphere parameters with two different scales. The surface parameters are retrieved pixel-by-pixel while the atmosphere parameters are retrieved for a group of pixels where the same atmosphere model parameters are applied. This two-scale approach allows one to select the natural scale of the atmosphere properties relative to surface properties. The software also takes advantage of an intelligent initial condition given by the solution of the neighbor pixels.

A comparative study of charge transfer inefficiency value and trap parameter determination techniques making use of an irradiated ESA-Euclid prototype CCD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prod'homme, Thibaut; Verhoeve, P.; Kohley, R.; Short, A.; Boudin, N.

2014-07-01

The science objectives of space missions using CCDs to carry out accurate astronomical measurements are put at risk by the radiation-induced increase in charge transfer inefficiency (CTI) that results from trapping sites in the CCD silicon lattice. A variety of techniques are used to obtain CTI values and derive trap parameters, however they often differ in results. To identify and understand these differences, we take advantage of an on-going comprehensive characterisation of an irradiated Euclid prototype CCD including the following techniques: X-ray, trap pumping, flat field extended pixel edge response and first pixel response. We proceed to a comparative analysis of the obtained results.

Land cover mapping at sub-pixel scales

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Makido, Yasuyo Kato

One of the biggest drawbacks of land cover mapping from remotely sensed images relates to spatial resolution, which determines the level of spatial details depicted in an image. Fine spatial resolution images from satellite sensors such as IKONOS and QuickBird are now available. However, these images are not suitable for large-area studies, since a single image is very small and therefore it is costly for large area studies. Much research has focused on attempting to extract land cover types at sub-pixel scale, and little research has been conducted concerning the spatial allocation of land cover types within a pixel. This study is devoted to the development of new algorithms for predicting land cover distribution using remote sensory imagery at sub-pixel level. The "pixel-swapping" optimization algorithm, which was proposed by Atkinson for predicting sub-pixel land cover distribution, is investigated in this study. Two limitations of this method, the arbitrary spatial range value and the arbitrary exponential model of spatial autocorrelation, are assessed. Various weighting functions, as alternatives to the exponential model, are evaluated in order to derive the optimum weighting function. Two different simulation models were employed to develop spatially autocorrelated binary class maps. In all tested models, Gaussian, Exponential, and IDW, the pixel swapping method improved classification accuracy compared with the initial random allocation of sub-pixels. However the results suggested that equal weight could be used to increase accuracy and sub-pixel spatial autocorrelation instead of using these more complex models of spatial structure. New algorithms for modeling the spatial distribution of multiple land cover classes at sub-pixel scales are developed and evaluated. Three methods are examined: sequential categorical swapping, simultaneous categorical swapping, and simulated annealing. These three methods are applied to classified Landsat ETM+ data that has been resampled to 210 meters. The result suggested that the simultaneous method can be considered as the optimum method in terms of accuracy performance and computation time. The case study employs remote sensing imagery at the following sites: tropical forests in Brazil and temperate multiple land mosaic in East China. Sub-areas for both sites are used to examine how the characteristics of the landscape affect the ability of the optimum technique. Three types of measurement: Moran's I, mean patch size (MPS), and patch size standard deviation (STDEV), are used to characterize the landscape. All results suggested that this technique could increase the classification accuracy more than traditional hard classification. The methods developed in this study can benefit researchers who employ coarse remote sensing imagery but are interested in detailed landscape information. In many cases, the satellite sensor that provides large spatial coverage has insufficient spatial detail to identify landscape patterns. Application of the super-resolution technique described in this dissertation could potentially solve this problem by providing detailed land cover predictions from the coarse resolution satellite sensor imagery.

Signal dependence of inter-pixel capacitance in hybridized HgCdTe H2RG arrays for use in James Webb space telescope's NIRcam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Donlon, Kevan; Ninkov, Zoran; Baum, Stefi

2016-08-01

Interpixel capacitance (IPC) is a deterministic electronic coupling by which signal generated in one pixel is measured in neighboring pixels. Examination of dark frames from test NIRcam arrays corroborates earlier results and simulations illustrating a signal dependent coupling. When the signal on an individual pixel is larger, the fractional coupling to nearest neighbors is lesser than when the signal is lower. Frames from test arrays indicate a drop in average coupling from approximately 1.0% at low signals down to approximately 0.65% at high signals depending on the particular array in question. The photometric ramifications for this non-uniformity are not fully understood. This non-uniformity intro-duces a non-linearity in the current mathematical model for IPC coupling. IPC coupling has been mathematically formalized as convolution by a blur kernel. Signal dependence requires that the blur kernel be locally defined as a function of signal intensity. Through application of a signal dependent coupling kernel, the IPC coupling can be modeled computationally. This method allows for simultaneous knowledge of the intrinsic parameters of the image scene, the result of applying a constant IPC, and the result of a signal dependent IPC. In the age of sub-pixel precision in astronomy these effects must be properly understood and accounted for in order for the data to accurately represent the object of observation. Implementation of this method is done through python scripted processing of images. The introduction of IPC into simulated frames is accomplished through convolution of the image with a blur kernel whose parameters are themselves locally defined functions of the image. These techniques can be used to enhance the data processing pipeline for NIRcam.

Mitigation of image artifacts in LWIR microgrid polarimeter images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ratliff, Bradley M.; Tyo, J. Scott; Boger, James K.; Black, Wiley T.; Bowers, David M.; Kumar, Rakesh

2007-09-01

Microgrid polarimeters, also known as division of focal plane (DoFP) polarimeters, are composed of an integrated array of micropolarizing elements that immediately precedes the FPA. The result of the DoFP device is that neighboring pixels sense different polarization states. The measurements made at each pixel can be combined to estimate the Stokes vector at every reconstruction point in a scene. DoFP devices have the advantage that they are mechanically rugged and inherently optically aligned. However, they suffer from the severe disadvantage that the neighboring pixels that make up the Stokes vector estimates have different instantaneous fields of view (IFOV). This IFOV error leads to spatial differencing that causes false polarization signatures, especially in regions of the image where the scene changes rapidly in space. Furthermore, when the polarimeter is operating in the LWIR, the FPA has inherent response problems such as nonuniformity and dead pixels that make the false polarization problem that much worse. In this paper, we present methods that use spatial information from the scene to mitigate two of the biggest problems that confront DoFP devices. The first is a polarimetric dead pixel replacement (DPR) scheme, and the second is a reconstruction method that chooses the most appropriate polarimetric interpolation scheme for each particular pixel in the image based on the scene properties. We have found that these two methods can greatly improve both the visual appearance of polarization products as well as the accuracy of the polarization estimates, and can be implemented with minimal computational cost.

Is flat fielding safe for precision CCD astronomy?

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

Baumer, Michael; Davis, Christopher P.; Roodman, Aaron

The ambitious goals of precision cosmology with wide-field optical surveys such as the Dark Energy Survey (DES) and the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) demand precision CCD astronomy as their foundation. This in turn requires an understanding of previously uncharacterized sources of systematic error in CCD sensors, many of which manifest themselves as static effective variations in pixel area. Such variation renders a critical assumption behind the traditional procedure of flat fielding—that a sensor's pixels comprise a uniform grid—invalid. In this work, we present a method to infer a curl-free model of a sensor's underlying pixel grid from flat-field images,more » incorporating the superposition of all electrostatic sensor effects—both known and unknown—present in flat-field data. We use these pixel grid models to estimate the overall impact of sensor systematics on photometry, astrometry, and PSF shape measurements in a representative sensor from the Dark Energy Camera (DECam) and a prototype LSST sensor. Applying the method to DECam data recovers known significant sensor effects for which corrections are currently being developed within DES. For an LSST prototype CCD with pixel-response non-uniformity (PRNU) of 0.4%, we find the impact of "improper" flat fielding on these observables is negligible in nominal .7'' seeing conditions. Furthermore, these errors scale linearly with the PRNU, so for future LSST production sensors, which may have larger PRNU, our method provides a way to assess whether pixel-level calibration beyond flat fielding will be required.« less

Is flat fielding safe for precision CCD astronomy?

DOE PAGES

Baumer, Michael; Davis, Christopher P.; Roodman, Aaron

2017-07-06

The ambitious goals of precision cosmology with wide-field optical surveys such as the Dark Energy Survey (DES) and the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) demand precision CCD astronomy as their foundation. This in turn requires an understanding of previously uncharacterized sources of systematic error in CCD sensors, many of which manifest themselves as static effective variations in pixel area. Such variation renders a critical assumption behind the traditional procedure of flat fielding—that a sensor's pixels comprise a uniform grid—invalid. In this work, we present a method to infer a curl-free model of a sensor's underlying pixel grid from flat-field images,more » incorporating the superposition of all electrostatic sensor effects—both known and unknown—present in flat-field data. We use these pixel grid models to estimate the overall impact of sensor systematics on photometry, astrometry, and PSF shape measurements in a representative sensor from the Dark Energy Camera (DECam) and a prototype LSST sensor. Applying the method to DECam data recovers known significant sensor effects for which corrections are currently being developed within DES. For an LSST prototype CCD with pixel-response non-uniformity (PRNU) of 0.4%, we find the impact of "improper" flat fielding on these observables is negligible in nominal .7'' seeing conditions. Furthermore, these errors scale linearly with the PRNU, so for future LSST production sensors, which may have larger PRNU, our method provides a way to assess whether pixel-level calibration beyond flat fielding will be required.« less

Alternative Optimizations of X-ray TES Arrays: Soft X-rays, High Count Rates, and Mixed-Pixel Arrays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kilbourne, C. A.; Bandler, S. R.; Brown, A.-D.; Chervenak, J. A.; Figueroa-Feliciano, E.; Finkbeiner, F. M.; Iyomoto, N.; Kelley, R. L.; Porter, F. S.; Smith, S. J.

2007-01-01

We are developing arrays of superconducting transition-edge sensors (TES) for imaging spectroscopy telescopes such as the XMS on Constellation-X. While our primary focus has been on arrays that meet the XMS requirements (of which, foremost, is an energy resolution of 2.5 eV at 6 keV and a bandpass from approx. 0.3 keV to 12 keV), we have also investigated other optimizations that might be used to extend the XMS capabilities. In one of these optimizations, improved resolution below 1 keV is achieved by reducing the heat capacity. Such pixels can be based on our XMS-style TES's with the separate absorbers omitted. These pixels can added to an array with broadband response either as a separate array or interspersed, depending on other factors that include telescope design and science requirements. In one version of this approach, we have designed and fabricated a composite array of low-energy and broad-band pixels to provide high spectral resolving power over a broader energy bandpass than could be obtained with a single TES design. The array consists of alternating pixels with and without overhanging absorbers. To explore optimizations for higher count rates, we are also optimizing the design and operating temperature of pixels that are coupled to a solid substrate. We will present the performance of these variations and discuss other optimizations that could be used to enhance the XMS or enable other astrophysics experiments.

Reconstruction of the absorption spectrum of an object spot from the colour values of the corresponding pixel(s) in its digital image: the challenge of algal colours.

PubMed

Coltelli, Primo; Barsanti, Laura; Evangelista, Valter; Frassanito, Anna Maria; Gualtieri, Paolo

2016-12-01

A novel procedure for deriving the absorption spectrum of an object spot from the colour values of the corresponding pixel(s) in its image is presented. Any digital image acquired by a microscope can be used; typical applications are the analysis of cellular/subcellular metabolic processes under physiological conditions and in response to environmental stressors (e.g. heavy metals), and the measurement of chromophore composition, distribution and concentration in cells. In this paper, we challenged the procedure with images of algae, acquired by means of a CCD camera mounted onto a microscope. The many colours algae display result from the combinations of chromophores whose spectroscopic information is limited to organic solvents extracts that suffers from displacements, amplifications, and contraction/dilatation respect to spectra recorded inside the cell. Hence, preliminary processing is necessary, which consists of in vivo measurement of the absorption spectra of photosynthetic compartments of algal cells and determination of spectra of the single chromophores inside the cell. The final step of the procedure consists in the reconstruction of the absorption spectrum of the cell spot from the colour values of the corresponding pixel(s) in its digital image by minimization of a system of transcendental equations based on the absorption spectra of the chromophores under physiological conditions. © 2016 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2016 Royal Microscopical Society.

From Pixels to Response Maps: Discriminative Image Filtering for Face Alignment in the Wild.

PubMed

Asthana, Akshay; Zafeiriou, Stefanos; Tzimiropoulos, Georgios; Cheng, Shiyang; Pantic, Maja

2015-06-01

We propose a face alignment framework that relies on the texture model generated by the responses of discriminatively trained part-based filters. Unlike standard texture models built from pixel intensities or responses generated by generic filters (e.g. Gabor), our framework has two important advantages. First, by virtue of discriminative training, invariance to external variations (like identity, pose, illumination and expression) is achieved. Second, we show that the responses generated by discriminatively trained filters (or patch-experts) are sparse and can be modeled using a very small number of parameters. As a result, the optimization methods based on the proposed texture model can better cope with unseen variations. We illustrate this point by formulating both part-based and holistic approaches for generic face alignment and show that our framework outperforms the state-of-the-art on multiple "wild" databases. The code and dataset annotations are available for research purposes from http://ibug.doc.ic.ac.uk/resources.

A research on radiation calibration of high dynamic range based on the dual channel CMOS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Kai; Shi, Zhan; Pan, Xiaodong; Wang, Yongsheng; Wang, Jianghua

2017-10-01

The dual channel complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) can get high dynamic range (HDR) image through extending the gray level of the image by using image fusion with high gain channel image and low gain channel image in a same frame. In the process of image fusion with dual channel, it adopts the coefficients of radiation response of a pixel from dual channel in a same frame, and then calculates the gray level of the pixel in the HDR image. For the coefficients of radiation response play a crucial role in image fusion, it has to find an effective method to acquire these parameters. In this article, it makes a research on radiation calibration of high dynamic range based on the dual channel CMOS, and designs an experiment to calibrate the coefficients of radiation response for the sensor it used. In the end, it applies these response parameters in the dual channel CMOS which calibrates, and verifies the correctness and feasibility of the method mentioned in this paper.

A novel pixellated solid-state photon detector for enhancing the Everhart-Thornley detector.

PubMed

Chuah, Joon Huang; Holburn, David

2013-06-01

This article presents a pixellated solid-state photon detector designed specifically to improve certain aspects of the existing Everhart-Thornley detector. The photon detector was constructed and fabricated in an Austriamicrosystems 0.35 µm complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor process technology. This integrated circuit consists of an array of high-responsivity photodiodes coupled to corresponding low-noise transimpedance amplifiers, a selector-combiner circuit and a variable-gain postamplifier. Simulated and experimental results show that the photon detector can achieve a maximum transimpedance gain of 170 dBΩ and minimum bandwidth of 3.6 MHz. It is able to detect signals with optical power as low as 10 nW and produces a minimum signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 24 dB regardless of gain configuration. The detector has been proven to be able to effectively select and combine signals from different pixels. The key advantages of this detector are smaller dimensions, higher cost effectiveness, lower voltage and power requirements and better integration. The photon detector supports pixel-selection configurability which may improve overall SNR and also potentially generate images for different analyses. This work has contributed to the future research of system-level integration of a pixellated solid-state detector for secondary electron detection in the scanning electron microscope. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Kilopixel X-Ray Microcalorimeter Arrays for Astrophysics: Device Performance and Uniformity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eckart, M. E.; Adams, J. S.; Bailey, C. N.; Bandler, S. R.; Busch, S. E.; Chervenak, J. A.; Finkbeiner, F. M.; Kelley, R. L.; Kilbourne, C. A.; Porter, F. S.;

Indium-bump-free antimonide superlattice membrane detectors on silicon substrates

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

Zamiri, M., E-mail: mzamiri@chtm.unm.edu, E-mail: skrishna@chtm.unm.edu; Klein, B.; Schuler-Sandy, T.

2016-02-29

We present an approach to realize antimonide superlattices on silicon substrates without using conventional Indium-bump hybridization. In this approach, PIN superlattices are grown on top of a 60 nm Al{sub 0.6}Ga{sub 0.4}Sb sacrificial layer on a GaSb host substrate. Following the growth, the individual pixels are transferred using our epitaxial-lift off technique, which consists of a wet-etch to undercut the pixels followed by a dry-stamp process to transfer the pixels to a silicon substrate prepared with a gold layer. Structural and optical characterization of the transferred pixels was done using an optical microscope, scanning electron microscopy, and photoluminescence. The interface betweenmore » the transferred pixels and the new substrate was abrupt, and no significant degradation in the optical quality was observed. An Indium-bump-free membrane detector was then fabricated using this approach. Spectral response measurements provided a 100% cut-off wavelength of 4.3 μm at 77 K. The performance of the membrane detector was compared to a control detector on the as-grown substrate. The membrane detector was limited by surface leakage current. The proposed approach could pave the way for wafer-level integration of photonic detectors on silicon substrates, which could dramatically reduce the cost of these detectors.« less

The NUC and blind pixel eliminating in the DTDI application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, Xiao Feng; Chen, Fan Sheng; Pan, Sheng Da; Gong, Xue Yi; Dong, Yu Cui

2013-12-01

AS infrared CMOS Digital TDI (Time Delay and integrate) has a simple structure, excellent performance and flexible operation, it has been used in more and more applications. Because of the limitation of the Production process level, the plane array of the infrared detector has a large NU (non-uniformity) and a certain blind pixel rate. Both of the two will raise the noise and lead to the TDI works not very well. In this paper, for the impact of the system performance, the most important elements are analyzed, which are the NU of the optical system, the NU of the Plane array and the blind pixel in the Plane array. Here a reasonable algorithm which considers the background removal and the linear response model of the infrared detector is used to do the NUC (Non-uniformity correction) process, when the infrared detector array is used as a Digital TDI. In order to eliminate the impact of the blind pixel, the concept of surplus pixel method is introduced in, through the method, the SNR (signal to noise ratio) can be improved and the spatial and temporal resolution will not be changed. Finally we use a MWIR (Medium Ware Infrared) detector to do the experiment and the result proves the effectiveness of the method.

Anatomical architecture and responses to acidosis of a novel respiratory neuron group in the high cervical spinal cord (HCRG) of the neonatal rat.

PubMed

Okada, Y; Yokota, S; Shinozaki, Y; Aoyama, R; Yasui, Y; Ishiguro, M; Oku, Y

2009-01-01

It has been postulated that there exists a neuronal mechanism that generates respiratory rhythm and modulates respiratory output pattern in the high cervical spinal cord. Recently, we have found a novel respiratory neuron group in the ventral portion of the high cervical spinal cord, and named it the high cervical spinal cord respiratory group (HCRG). In the present study, we analyzed the detailed anatomical architecture of the HCRG region by double immunostaining of the region using a neuron-specific marker (NeuN) and a marker for motoneurons (ChAT) in the neonatal rat. We found a large number of small NeuN-positive cells without ChAT-immunoreactivity, which were considered interneurons. We also found two and three clusters of motoneurons in the ventral portion of the ventral horn at C1 and C2 levels, respectively. Next, we examined responses of HCRG neurons to respiratory and metabolic acidosis in vitro by voltage-imaging together with cross correlation techniques, i.e., by correlation coefficient imaging, in order to understand the functional role of HCRG neurons. Both respiratory and metabolic acidosis caused the same pattern of changes in their spatiotemporal activation profiles, and the respiratory-related area was enlarged in the HCRG region. After acidosis was introduced, preinspiratory phase-dominant activity was recruited in a number of pixels, and more remarkably inspiratory phase-dominant activity was recruited in a large number of pixels. We suggest that the HCRG composes a local respiratory neuronal network consisting of interneurons and motoneurons and plays an important role in respiratory augmentation in response to acidosis.

Reducing Interpolation Artifacts for Mutual Information Based Image Registration

PubMed Central

Soleimani, H.; Khosravifard, M.A.

2011-01-01

Medical image registration methods which use mutual information as similarity measure have been improved in recent decades. Mutual Information is a basic concept of Information theory which indicates the dependency of two random variables (or two images). In order to evaluate the mutual information of two images their joint probability distribution is required. Several interpolation methods, such as Partial Volume (PV) and bilinear, are used to estimate joint probability distribution. Both of these two methods yield some artifacts on mutual information function. Partial Volume-Hanning window (PVH) and Generalized Partial Volume (GPV) methods are introduced to remove such artifacts. In this paper we show that the acceptable performance of these methods is not due to their kernel function. It's because of the number of pixels which incorporate in interpolation. Since using more pixels requires more complex and time consuming interpolation process, we propose a new interpolation method which uses only four pixels (the same as PV and bilinear interpolations) and removes most of the artifacts. Experimental results of the registration of Computed Tomography (CT) images show superiority of the proposed scheme. PMID:22606673

Correlated noise in the COBE DMR sky maps

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lineweaver, C. H.; Smoot, G. F.; Bennett, C. L.; Wright, E. L.; Tenorio, L.; Kogut, A.; Keegstra, P. B.; Hinshaw, G.; Banday, A. J.

1994-01-01

The Cosmic Background Explorer Satellite Differential Radiometer (COBE DMR) sky maps contain low-level correlated noise. We obtain estimates of the amplitude and pattern of the correlated noise from three techniques: angular averages of the covariance matrix, Monte Carlo simulations of two-point correlation functions and direct analysis of the DMR maps. The results from the three methods are mutually consistent. The noise covariance matrix of a DMR sky maps is diagonal to an accuracy of better than 1%. For a given sky pixel, the dominant noise covariance occure with the ring of pixels at an angular separation of 60 deg due to the 60 deg separation of the DMR horns. The mean covariance at 60 deg is 0.45%((sup +0.18)(sub -0.14)) of the mean variance. Additionally, the variance in a given pixel is 0.7% greater than would be expected from a single beam experiment with the same noise properties. Autocorrelation functions suffer from a approximately 1.5 sigma positive bias at 60 deg while cross-correlations have no bias. Published COBE DMR results are not significantly affected by correlated noise.

Comparison Of Eigenvector-Based Statistical Pattern Recognition Algorithms For Hybrid Processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tian, Q.; Fainman, Y.; Lee, Sing H.

1989-02-01

The pattern recognition algorithms based on eigenvector analysis (group 2) are theoretically and experimentally compared in this part of the paper. Group 2 consists of Foley-Sammon (F-S) transform, Hotelling trace criterion (HTC), Fukunaga-Koontz (F-K) transform, linear discriminant function (LDF) and generalized matched filter (GMF). It is shown that all eigenvector-based algorithms can be represented in a generalized eigenvector form. However, the calculations of the discriminant vectors are different for different algorithms. Summaries on how to calculate the discriminant functions for the F-S, HTC and F-K transforms are provided. Especially for the more practical, underdetermined case, where the number of training images is less than the number of pixels in each image, the calculations usually require the inversion of a large, singular, pixel correlation (or covariance) matrix. We suggest solving this problem by finding its pseudo-inverse, which requires inverting only the smaller, non-singular image correlation (or covariance) matrix plus multiplying several non-singular matrices. We also compare theoretically the effectiveness for classification with the discriminant functions from F-S, HTC and F-K with LDF and GMF, and between the linear-mapping-based algorithms and the eigenvector-based algorithms. Experimentally, we compare the eigenvector-based algorithms using a set of image data bases each image consisting of 64 x 64 pixels.

Along-track calibration of SWIR push-broom hyperspectral imaging system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jemec, Jurij; Pernuš, Franjo; Likar, Boštjan; Bürmen, Miran

2016-05-01

Push-broom hyperspectral imaging systems are increasingly used for various medical, agricultural and military purposes. The acquired images contain spectral information in every pixel of the imaged scene collecting additional information about the imaged scene compared to the classical RGB color imaging. Due to the misalignment and imperfections in the optical components comprising the push-broom hyperspectral imaging system, variable spectral and spatial misalignments and blur are present in the acquired images. To capture these distortions, a spatially and spectrally variant response function must be identified at each spatial and spectral position. In this study, we propose a procedure to characterize the variant response function of Short-Wavelength Infrared (SWIR) push-broom hyperspectral imaging systems in the across-track and along-track direction and remove its effect from the acquired images. A custom laser-machined spatial calibration targets are used for the characterization. The spatial and spectral variability of the response function in the across-track and along-track direction is modeled by a parametrized basis function. Finally, the characterization results are used to restore the distorted hyperspectral images in the across-track and along-track direction by a Richardson-Lucy deconvolution-based algorithm. The proposed calibration method in the across-track and along-track direction is thoroughly evaluated on images of targets with well-defined geometric properties. The results suggest that the proposed procedure is well suited for fast and accurate spatial calibration of push-broom hyperspectral imaging systems.

Smart image sensors: an emerging key technology for advanced optical measurement and microsystems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seitz, Peter

1996-08-01

Optical microsystems typically include photosensitive devices, analog preprocessing circuitry and digital signal processing electronics. The advances in semiconductor technology have made it possible today to integrate all photosensitive and electronical devices on one 'smart image sensor' or photo-ASIC (application-specific integrated circuits containing photosensitive elements). It is even possible to provide each 'smart pixel' with additional photoelectronic functionality, without compromising the fill factor substantially. This technological capability is the basis for advanced cameras and optical microsystems showing novel on-chip functionality: Single-chip cameras with on- chip analog-to-digital converters for less than $10 are advertised; image sensors have been developed including novel functionality such as real-time selectable pixel size and shape, the capability of performing arbitrary convolutions simultaneously with the exposure, as well as variable, programmable offset and sensitivity of the pixels leading to image sensors with a dynamic range exceeding 150 dB. Smart image sensors have been demonstrated offering synchronous detection and demodulation capabilities in each pixel (lock-in CCD), and conventional image sensors are combined with an on-chip digital processor for complete, single-chip image acquisition and processing systems. Technological problems of the monolithic integration of smart image sensors include offset non-uniformities, temperature variations of electronic properties, imperfect matching of circuit parameters, etc. These problems can often be overcome either by designing additional compensation circuitry or by providing digital correction routines. Where necessary for technological or economic reasons, smart image sensors can also be combined with or realized as hybrids, making use of commercially available electronic components. It is concluded that the possibilities offered by custom smart image sensors will influence the design and the performance of future electronic imaging systems in many disciplines, reaching from optical metrology to machine vision on the factory floor and in robotics applications.

Design and implementation of non-linear image processing functions for CMOS image sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Musa, Purnawarman; Sudiro, Sunny A.; Wibowo, Eri P.; Harmanto, Suryadi; Paindavoine, Michel

2012-11-01

Today, solid state image sensors are used in many applications like in mobile phones, video surveillance systems, embedded medical imaging and industrial vision systems. These image sensors require the integration in the focal plane (or near the focal plane) of complex image processing algorithms. Such devices must meet the constraints related to the quality of acquired images, speed and performance of embedded processing, as well as low power consumption. To achieve these objectives, low-level analog processing allows extracting the useful information in the scene directly. For example, edge detection step followed by a local maxima extraction will facilitate the high-level processing like objects pattern recognition in a visual scene. Our goal was to design an intelligent image sensor prototype achieving high-speed image acquisition and non-linear image processing (like local minima and maxima calculations). For this purpose, we present in this article the design and test of a 64×64 pixels image sensor built in a standard CMOS Technology 0.35 μm including non-linear image processing. The architecture of our sensor, named nLiRIC (non-Linear Rapid Image Capture), is based on the implementation of an analog Minima/Maxima Unit. This MMU calculates the minimum and maximum values (non-linear functions), in real time, in a 2×2 pixels neighbourhood. Each MMU needs 52 transistors and the pitch of one pixel is 40×40 mu m. The total area of the 64×64 pixels is 12.5mm2. Our tests have shown the validity of the main functions of our new image sensor like fast image acquisition (10K frames per second), minima/maxima calculations in less then one ms.

High dynamic range CMOS (HDRC) imagers for safety systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Strobel, Markus; Döttling, Dietmar

2013-04-01

The first part of this paper describes the high dynamic range CMOS (HDRC®) imager - a special type of CMOS image sensor with logarithmic response. The powerful property of a high dynamic range (HDR) image acquisition is detailed by mathematical definition and measurement of the optoelectronic conversion function (OECF) of two different HDRC imagers. Specific sensor parameters will be discussed including the pixel design for the global shutter readout. The second part will give an outline on the applications and requirements of cameras for industrial safety. Equipped with HDRC global shutter sensors SafetyEYE® is a high-performance stereo camera system for safe three-dimensional zone monitoring enabling new and more flexible solutions compared to existing safety guards.

A 16 x 16-pixel retinal-prosthesis vision chip with in-pixel digital image processing in a frequency domain by use of a pulse-frequency-modulation photosensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kagawa, Keiichiro; Furumiya, Tetsuo; Ng, David C.; Uehara, Akihiro; Ohta, Jun; Nunoshita, Masahiro

2004-06-01

We are exploring the application of pulse-frequency-modulation (PFM) photosensor to retinal prosthesis for the blind because behavior of PFM photosensors is similar to retinal ganglion cells, from which visual data are transmitted from the retina toward the brain. We have developed retinal-prosthesis vision chips that reshape the output pulses of the PFM photosensor to biphasic current pulses suitable for electric stimulation of retinal cells. In this paper, we introduce image-processing functions to the pixel circuits. We have designed a 16x16-pixel retinal-prosthesis vision chip with several kinds of in-pixel digital image processing such as edge enhancement, edge detection, and low-pass filtering. This chip is a prototype demonstrator of the retinal prosthesis vision chip applicable to in-vitro experiments. By utilizing the feature of PFM photosensor, we propose a new scheme to implement the above image processing in a frequency domain by digital circuitry. Intensity of incident light is converted to a 1-bit data stream by a PFM photosensor, and then image processing is executed by a 1-bit image processor based on joint and annihilation of pulses. The retinal prosthesis vision chip is composed of four blocks: a pixels array block, a row-parallel stimulation current amplifiers array block, a decoder block, and a base current generators block. All blocks except PFM photosensors and stimulation current amplifiers are embodied as digital circuitry. This fact contributes to robustness against noises and fluctuation of power lines. With our vision chip, we can control photosensitivity and intensity and durations of stimulus biphasic currents, which are necessary for retinal prosthesis vision chip. The designed dynamic range is more than 100 dB. The amplitude of the stimulus current is given by a base current, which is common for all pixels, multiplied by a value in an amplitude memory of pixel. Base currents of the negative and positive pulses are common for the all pixels, and they are set in a linear manner. Otherwise, the value in the amplitude memory of the pixel is presented in an exponential manner to cover the wide range. The stimulus currents are put out column by column by scanning. The pixel size is 240um x 240um. Each pixel has a bonding pad on which stimulus electrode is to be formed. We will show the experimental results of the test chip.

Radarclinometry: Bootstrapping the radar reflectance function from the image pixel-signal frequency distribution and an altimetry profile

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wildey, R.L.

1988-01-01

A method is derived for determining the dependence of radar backscatter on incidence angle that is applicable to the region corresponding to a particular radar image. The method is based on enforcing mathematical consistency between the frequency distribution of the image's pixel signals (histogram of DN values with suitable normalizations) and a one-dimensional frequency distribution of slope component, as might be obtained from a radar or laser altimetry profile in or near the area imaged. In order to achieve a unique solution, the auxiliary assumption is made that the two-dimensional frequency distribution of slope is isotropic. The backscatter is not derived in absolute units. The method is developed in such a way as to separate the reflectance function from the pixel-signal transfer characteristic. However, these two sources of variation are distinguishable only on the basis of a weak dependence on the azimuthal component of slope; therefore such an approach can be expected to be ill-conditioned unless the revision of the transfer characteristic is limited to the determination of an additive instrumental background level. The altimetry profile does not have to be registered in the image, and the statistical nature of the approach minimizes pixel noise effects and the effects of a disparity between the resolutions of the image and the altimetry profile, except in the wings of the distribution where low-number statistics preclude accuracy anyway. The problem of dealing with unknown slope components perpendicular to the profiling traverse, which besets the one-to-one comparison between individual slope components and pixel-signal values, disappears in the present approach. In order to test the resulting algorithm, an artificial radar image was generated from the digitized topographic map of the Lake Champlain West quadrangle in the Adirondack Mountains, U.S.A., using an arbitrarily selected reflectance function. From the same map, a one-dimensional frequency distribution of slope component was extracted. The algorithm recaptured the original reflectance function to the degree that, for the central 90% of the data, the discrepancy translates to a RMS slope error of 0.1 ???. For the central 99% of the data, the maximum error translates to 1 ???; at the absolute extremes of the data the error grows to 6 ???. ?? 1988 Kluwer Academic Publishers.

Single photon detection using Geiger mode CMOS avalanche photodiodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lawrence, William G.; Stapels, Christopher; Augustine, Frank L.; Christian, James F.

2005-10-01

Geiger mode Avalanche Photodiodes fabricated using complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) fabrication technology combine high sensitivity detectors with pixel-level auxiliary circuitry. Radiation Monitoring Devices has successfully implemented CMOS manufacturing techniques to develop prototype detectors with active diameters ranging from 5 to 60 microns and measured detection efficiencies of up to 60%. CMOS active quenching circuits are included in the pixel layout. The actively quenched pixels have a quenching time less than 30 ns and a maximum count rate greater than 10 MHz. The actively quenched Geiger mode avalanche photodiode (GPD) has linear response at room temperature over six orders of magnitude. When operating in Geiger mode, these GPDs act as single photon-counting detectors that produce a digital output pulse for each photon with no associated read noise. Thermoelectrically cooled detectors have less than 1 Hz dark counts. The detection efficiency, dark count rate, and after-pulsing of two different pixel designs are measured and demonstrate the differences in the device operation. Additional applications for these devices include nuclear imaging and replacement of photomultiplier tubes in dosimeters.

Charge collection properties in an irradiated pixel sensor built in a thick-film HV-SOI process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hiti, B.; Cindro, V.; Gorišek, A.; Hemperek, T.; Kishishita, T.; Kramberger, G.; Krüger, H.; Mandić, I.; Mikuž, M.; Wermes, N.; Zavrtanik, M.

2017-10-01

Investigation of HV-CMOS sensors for use as a tracking detector in the ATLAS experiment at the upgraded LHC (HL-LHC) has recently been an active field of research. A potential candidate for a pixel detector built in Silicon-On-Insulator (SOI) technology has already been characterized in terms of radiation hardness to TID (Total Ionizing Dose) and charge collection after a moderate neutron irradiation. In this article we present results of an extensive irradiation hardness study with neutrons up to a fluence of 1× 1016 neq/cm2. Charge collection in a passive pixelated structure was measured by Edge Transient Current Technique (E-TCT). The evolution of the effective space charge concentration was found to be compliant with the acceptor removal model, with the minimum of the space charge concentration being reached after 5× 1014 neq/cm2. An investigation of the in-pixel uniformity of the detector response revealed parasitic charge collection by the epitaxial silicon layer characteristic for the SOI design. The results were backed by a numerical simulation of charge collection in an equivalent detector layout.

Modulate chopper technique used in pyroelectric uncooled focal plane array thermal imager

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Yuqing; Jin, Weiqi; Liu, Guangrong; Gao, Zhiyun; Wang, Xia; Wang, Lingxue

2002-09-01

Pyroelectric uncooled focal plane array (FPA) thermal imager has the advantages of low cost, small size, high responsibility and can work under room temperature, so it has great progress in recent years. As a matched technique, the modulate chopper has become one of the key techniques in uncooled FPA thermal imaging system. Now the Archimedes spiral cord chopper technique is mostly used. When it works, the chopper pushing scans the detector's pixel array, thus makes the pixels being exposed continuously. This paper simulates the shape of this kind of chopper, analyses the exposure time of the detector's every pixel, and also analyses the whole detector pixels' exposure sequence. From the analysis we can get the results: the parameter of Archimedes spiral cord, the detector's thermal time constant, the detector's geometrical dimension, the relative position of the detector to the chopper's spiral cord are the system's important parameters, they will affect the chopper's exposure efficiency and uniformity. We should design the chopper's relevant parameter according to the practical request to achieve the chopper's appropriate structure.

Position, rotation, and intensity invariant recognizing method

DOEpatents

Ochoa, E.; Schils, G.F.; Sweeney, D.W.

1987-09-15

A method for recognizing the presence of a particular target in a field of view which is target position, rotation, and intensity invariant includes the preparing of a target-specific invariant filter from a combination of all eigen-modes of a pattern of the particular target. Coherent radiation from the field of view is then imaged into an optical correlator in which the invariant filter is located. The invariant filter is rotated in the frequency plane of the optical correlator in order to produce a constant-amplitude rotational response in a correlation output plane when the particular target is present in the field of view. Any constant response is thus detected in the output plane to determine whether a particular target is present in the field of view. Preferably, a temporal pattern is imaged in the output plane with a optical detector having a plurality of pixels and a correlation coefficient for each pixel is determined by accumulating the intensity and intensity-square of each pixel. The orbiting of the constant response caused by the filter rotation is also preferably eliminated either by the use of two orthogonal mirrors pivoted correspondingly to the rotation of the filter or the attaching of a refracting wedge to the filter to remove the offset angle. Detection is preferably performed of the temporal pattern in the output plane at a plurality of different angles with angular separation sufficient to decorrelate successive frames. 1 fig.

Long-term Satellite NDVI Data Sets: Evaluating Their Ability to Detect Ecosystem Functional Changes in South America.

PubMed

Baldi, Germán; Nosetto, Marcelo D; Aragón, Roxana; Aversa, Fernando; Paruelo, José M; Jobbágy, Esteban G

2008-09-03

In the last decades, South American ecosystems underwent important functional modifications due to climate alterations and direct human intervention on land use and land cover. Among remotely sensed data sets, NOAA-AVHRR "Normalized Difference Vegetation Index" (NDVI) represents one of the most powerful tools to evaluate these changes thanks to their extended temporal coverage. In this paper we explored the possibilities and limitations of three commonly used NOAA-AVHRR NDVI series (PAL, GIMMS and FASIR) to detect ecosystem functional changes in the South American continent. We performed pixel-based linear regressions for four NDVI variables (average annual, maximum annual, minimum annual and intra-annual coefficient of variation) for the 1982-1999 period and (1) analyzed the convergences and divergences of significant multi-annual trends identified across all series, (2) explored the degree of aggregation of the trends using the O-ring statistic, and (3) evaluated observed trends using independent information on ecosystem functional changes in five focal regions. Several differences arose in terms of the patterns of change (the sign, localization and total number of pixels with changes). FASIR presented the highest proportion of changing pixels (32.7%) and GIMMS the lowest (16.2%). PAL and FASIR data sets showed the highest agreement, with a convergence of detected trends on 71.2% of the pixels. Even though positive and negative changes showed substantial spatial aggregation, important differences in the scale of aggregation emerged among the series, with GIMMS showing the smaller scale (≤11 pixels). The independent evaluations suggest higher accuracy in the detection of ecosystem changes among PAL and FASIR series than with GIMMS, as they detected trends that match expected shifts. In fact, this last series eliminated most of the long term patterns over the continent. For example, in the "Eastern Paraguay" and "Uruguay River margins" focal regions, the extensive changes due to land use and land cover change expansion were detected by PAL and FASIR, but completely ignored by GIMMS. Although the technical explanation of the differences remains unclear and needs further exploration, we found that the evaluation of this type of remote sensing tools should not only be focused at the level of assumptions (i.e. physical or mathematical aspects of image processing), but also at the level of results (i.e. contrasting observed patterns with independent proofs of change). We finally present the online collaborative initiative "Land ecosystem change utility for South America", which facilitates this type of evaluations and helps to identify the most important functional changes of the continent.

Long-term Satellite NDVI Data Sets: Evaluating Their Ability to Detect Ecosystem Functional Changes in South America

PubMed Central

Baldi, Germán; Nosetto, Marcelo D.; Aragón, Roxana; Aversa, Fernando; Paruelo, José M.; Jobbágy, Esteban G.

2008-01-01

In the last decades, South American ecosystems underwent important functional modifications due to climate alterations and direct human intervention on land use and land cover. Among remotely sensed data sets, NOAA-AVHRR “Normalized Difference Vegetation Index” (NDVI) represents one of the most powerful tools to evaluate these changes thanks to their extended temporal coverage. In this paper we explored the possibilities and limitations of three commonly used NOAA-AVHRR NDVI series (PAL, GIMMS and FASIR) to detect ecosystem functional changes in the South American continent. We performed pixel-based linear regressions for four NDVI variables (average annual, maximum annual, minimum annual and intra-annual coefficient of variation) for the 1982-1999 period and (1) analyzed the convergences and divergences of significant multi-annual trends identified across all series, (2) explored the degree of aggregation of the trends using the O-ring statistic, and (3) evaluated observed trends using independent information on ecosystem functional changes in five focal regions. Several differences arose in terms of the patterns of change (the sign, localization and total number of pixels with changes). FASIR presented the highest proportion of changing pixels (32.7%) and GIMMS the lowest (16.2%). PAL and FASIR data sets showed the highest agreement, with a convergence of detected trends on 71.2% of the pixels. Even though positive and negative changes showed substantial spatial aggregation, important differences in the scale of aggregation emerged among the series, with GIMMS showing the smaller scale (≤11 pixels). The independent evaluations suggest higher accuracy in the detection of ecosystem changes among PAL and FASIR series than with GIMMS, as they detected trends that match expected shifts. In fact, this last series eliminated most of the long term patterns over the continent. For example, in the “Eastern Paraguay” and “Uruguay River margins” focal regions, the extensive changes due to land use and land cover change expansion were detected by PAL and FASIR, but completely ignored by GIMMS. Although the technical explanation of the differences remains unclear and needs further exploration, we found that the evaluation of this type of remote sensing tools should not only be focused at the level of assumptions (i.e. physical or mathematical aspects of image processing), but also at the level of results (i.e. contrasting observed patterns with independent proofs of change). We finally present the online collaborative initiative “Land ecosystem change utility for South America”, which facilitates this type of evaluations and helps to identify the most important functional changes of the continent. PMID:27873821

Study of the Dependency on Magnetic Field and Bias Voltage of an AC-Biased TES Microcalorimeter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gottardi, L.; Bruijn, M.; denHartog, R.; Hoevers, H.; deKorte, P.; vanderKuur, J.; Linderman, M.; Adams, J.; Bailey, C.; Bandler, S.;

Study of the Dependence on Magnetic Field and Bias Voltage of an AC-Biased TES Microcalorimeter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bandler, Simon

2011-01-01

At SRON we are studying the performance of a Goddard Space Flight Center single pixel TES microcalorimeter operated in the AC bias configuration. For x-ray photons at 6keV the AC biased pixel shows a best energy resolution of 3.7eV, which is about a factor of 2 worse than the energy resolution observed in identical DC-biased pixels. To better understand the reasons of this discrepancy, we investigated the detector performance as a function of temperature, bias working point and applied magnetic field. A strong periodic dependence of the detector noise on the TES AC bias voltage is measured. We discuss the results in the framework of the recent weak-link behaviour observed inTES microcalorimeters.

Tests of UFXC32k chip with CdTe pixel detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maj, P.; Taguchi, T.; Nakaye, Y.

2018-02-01

The paper presents the performance of the UFXC32K—a hybrid pixel detector readout chip working with CdTe detectors. The UFXC32K has a pixel pitch of 75 μm and can cope with both input signal polarities. This functionality allows operating with widely used silicon sensors collecting holes and CdTe sensors collecting electrons. This article describes the chip focusing on solving the issues connected to high-Z sensor material, namely high leakage currents, slow charge collection time and thick material resulting in increased charge-sharring effects. The measurements were conducted with higher X-ray energies including 17.4 keV from molybdenum. Conclusions drawn inside the paper show the UFXC32K's usability for CdTe sensors in high X-ray energy applications.

Research on a Pulmonary Nodule Segmentation Method Combining Fast Self-Adaptive FCM and Classification

PubMed Central

Liu, Hui; Zhang, Cai-Ming; Su, Zhi-Yuan; Wang, Kai; Deng, Kai

2015-01-01

The key problem of computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) of lung cancer is to segment pathologically changed tissues fast and accurately. As pulmonary nodules are potential manifestation of lung cancer, we propose a fast and self-adaptive pulmonary nodules segmentation method based on a combination of FCM clustering and classification learning. The enhanced spatial function considers contributions to fuzzy membership from both the grayscale similarity between central pixels and single neighboring pixels and the spatial similarity between central pixels and neighborhood and improves effectively the convergence rate and self-adaptivity of the algorithm. Experimental results show that the proposed method can achieve more accurate segmentation of vascular adhesion, pleural adhesion, and ground glass opacity (GGO) pulmonary nodules than other typical algorithms. PMID:25945120

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

Domengie, F., E-mail: florian.domengie@st.com; Morin, P.; Bauza, D.

We propose a model for dark current induced by metallic contamination in a CMOS image sensor. Based on Shockley-Read-Hall kinetics, the expression of dark current proposed accounts for the electric field enhanced emission factor due to the Poole-Frenkel barrier lowering and phonon-assisted tunneling mechanisms. To that aim, we considered the distribution of the electric field magnitude and metal atoms in the depth of the pixel. Poisson statistics were used to estimate the random distribution of metal atoms in each pixel for a given contamination dose. Then, we performed a Monte-Carlo-based simulation for each pixel to set the number of metalmore » atoms the pixel contained and the enhancement factor each atom underwent, and obtained a histogram of the number of pixels versus dark current for the full sensor. Excellent agreement with the dark current histogram measured on an ion-implanted gold-contaminated imager has been achieved, in particular, for the description of the distribution tails due to the pixel regions in which the contaminant atoms undergo a large electric field. The agreement remains very good when increasing the temperature by 15 °C. We demonstrated that the amplification of the dark current generated for the typical electric fields encountered in the CMOS image sensors, which depends on the nature of the metal contaminant, may become very large at high electric field. The electron and hole emissions and the resulting enhancement factor are described as a function of the trap characteristics, electric field, and temperature.« less

A low-noise wide-dynamic-range event-driven detector using SOI pixel technology for high-energy particle imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shrestha, Sumeet; Kamehama, Hiroki; Kawahito, Shoji; Yasutomi, Keita; Kagawa, Keiichiro; Takeda, Ayaki; Tsuru, Takeshi Go; Arai, Yasuo

2015-08-01

This paper presents a low-noise wide-dynamic-range pixel design for a high-energy particle detector in astronomical applications. A silicon on insulator (SOI) based detector is used for the detection of wide energy range of high energy particles (mainly for X-ray). The sensor has a thin layer of SOI CMOS readout circuitry and a thick layer of high-resistivity detector vertically stacked in a single chip. Pixel circuits are divided into two parts; signal sensing circuit and event detection circuit. The event detection circuit consisting of a comparator and logic circuits which detect the incidence of high energy particle categorizes the incident photon it into two energy groups using an appropriate energy threshold and generate a two-bit code for an event and energy level. The code for energy level is then used for selection of the gain of the in-pixel amplifier for the detected signal, providing a function of high-dynamic-range signal measurement. The two-bit code for the event and energy level is scanned in the event scanning block and the signals from the hit pixels only are read out. The variable-gain in-pixel amplifier uses a continuous integrator and integration-time control for the variable gain. The proposed design allows the small signal detection and wide dynamic range due to the adaptive gain technique and capability of correlated double sampling (CDS) technique of kTC noise canceling of the charge detector.

A framework for quantifying the impacts of sub-pixel reflectance variance and covariance on cloud optical thickness and effective radius retrievals based on the bi-spectral method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Z.; Werner, F.; Cho, H.-M.; Wind, G.; Platnick, S.; Ackerman, A. S.; Di Girolamo, L.; Marshak, A.; Meyer, Kerry

2017-02-01

The so-called bi-spectral method retrieves cloud optical thickness (τ) and cloud droplet effective radius (re) simultaneously from a pair of cloud reflectance observations, one in a visible or near infrared (VIS/NIR) band and the other in a shortwave-infrared (SWIR) band. A cloudy pixel is usually assumed to be horizontally homogeneous in the retrieval. Ignoring sub-pixel variations of cloud reflectances can lead to a significant bias in the retrieved τ and re. In this study, we use the Taylor expansion of a two-variable function to understand and quantify the impacts of sub-pixel variances of VIS/NIR and SWIR cloud reflectances and their covariance on the τ and re retrievals. This framework takes into account the fact that the retrievals are determined by both VIS/NIR and SWIR band observations in a mutually dependent way. In comparison with previous studies, it provides a more comprehensive understanding of how sub-pixel cloud reflectance variations impact the τ and re retrievals based on the bi-spectral method. In particular, our framework provides a mathematical explanation of how the sub-pixel variation in VIS/NIR band influences the re retrieval and why it can sometimes outweigh the influence of variations in the SWIR band and dominate the error in re retrievals, leading to a potential contribution of positive bias to the re retrieval.

Small-angle solution scattering using the mixed-mode pixel array detector

PubMed Central

Koerner, Lucas J.; Gillilan, Richard E.; Green, Katherine S.; Wang, Suntao; Gruner, Sol M.

2011-01-01

Solution small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurements were obtained using a 128 × 128 pixel X-ray mixed-mode pixel array detector (MMPAD) with an 860 µs readout time. The MMPAD offers advantages for SAXS experiments: a pixel full-well of >2 × 107 10 keV X-rays, a maximum flux rate of 108 X-rays pixel−1 s−1, and a sub-pixel point-spread function. Data from the MMPAD were quantitatively compared with data from a charge-coupled device (CCD) fiber-optically coupled to a phosphor screen. MMPAD solution SAXS data from lysozyme solutions were of equal or better quality than data captured by the CCD. The read-noise (normalized by pixel area) of the MMPAD was less than that of the CCD by an average factor of 3.0. Short sample-to-detector distances were required owing to the small MMPAD area (19.2 mm × 19.2 mm), and were revealed to be advantageous with respect to detector read-noise. As predicted by the Shannon sampling theory and confirmed by the acquisition of lysozyme solution SAXS curves, the MMPAD at short distances is capable of sufficiently sampling a solution SAXS curve for protein shape analysis. The readout speed of the MMPAD was demonstrated by continuously monitoring lysozyme sample evolution as radiation damage accumulated. These experiments prove that a small suitably configured MMPAD is appropriate for time-resolved solution scattering measurements. PMID:21335900

A Framework for Quantifying the Impacts of Sub-Pixel Reflectance Variance and Covariance on Cloud Optical Thickness and Effective Radius Retrievals Based on the Bi-Spectral Method.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhang, Z; Werner, F.; Cho, H. -M.; Wind, Galina; Platnick, S.; Ackerman, A. S.; Di Girolamo, L.; Marshak, A.; Meyer, Kerry

2017-01-01

The so-called bi-spectral method retrieves cloud optical thickness (t) and cloud droplet effective radius (re) simultaneously from a pair of cloud reflectance observations, one in a visible or near infrared (VIS/NIR) band and the other in a shortwave-infrared (SWIR) band. A cloudy pixel is usually assumed to be horizontally homogeneous in the retrieval. Ignoring sub-pixel variations of cloud reflectances can lead to a significant bias in the retrieved t and re. In this study, we use the Taylor expansion of a two-variable function to understand and quantify the impacts of sub-pixel variances of VIS/NIR and SWIR cloud reflectances and their covariance on the t and re retrievals. This framework takes into account the fact that the retrievals are determined by both VIS/NIR and SWIR band observations in a mutually dependent way. In comparison with previous studies, it provides a more comprehensive understanding of how sub-pixel cloud reflectance variations impact the t and re retrievals based on the bi-spectral method. In particular, our framework provides a mathematical explanation of how the sub-pixel variation in VIS/NIR band influences the re retrieval and why it can sometimes outweigh the influence of variations in the SWIR band and dominate the error in re retrievals, leading to a potential contribution of positive bias to the re retrieval.

Acquisition of STEM Images by Adaptive Compressive Sensing

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

Xie, Weiyi; Feng, Qianli; Srinivasan, Ramprakash

Compressive Sensing (CS) allows a signal to be sparsely measured first and accurately recovered later in software [1]. In scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), it is possible to compress an image spatially by reducing the number of measured pixels, which decreases electron dose and increases sensing speed [2,3,4]. The two requirements for CS to work are: (1) sparsity of basis coefficients and (2) incoherence of the sensing system and the representation system. However, when pixels are missing from the image, it is difficult to have an incoherent sensing matrix. Nevertheless, dictionary learning techniques such as Beta-Process Factor Analysis (BPFA) [5]more » are able to simultaneously discover a basis and the sparse coefficients in the case of missing pixels. On top of CS, we would like to apply active learning [6,7] to further reduce the proportion of pixels being measured, while maintaining image reconstruction quality. Suppose we initially sample 10% of random pixels. We wish to select the next 1% of pixels that are most useful in recovering the image. Now, we have 11% of pixels, and we want to decide the next 1% of “most informative” pixels. Active learning methods are online and sequential in nature. Our goal is to adaptively discover the best sensing mask during acquisition using feedback about the structures in the image. In the end, we hope to recover a high quality reconstruction with a dose reduction relative to the non-adaptive (random) sensing scheme. In doing this, we try three metrics applied to the partial reconstructions for selecting the new set of pixels: (1) variance, (2) Kullback-Leibler (KL) divergence using a Radial Basis Function (RBF) kernel, and (3) entropy. Figs. 1 and 2 display the comparison of Peak Signal-to-Noise (PSNR) using these three different active learning methods at different percentages of sampled pixels. At 20% level, all the three active learning methods underperform the original CS without active learning. However, they all beat the original CS as more of the “most informative” pixels are sampled. One can also argue that CS equipped with active learning requires less sampled pixels to achieve the same value of PSNR than CS with pixels randomly sampled, since all the three PSNR curves with active learning grow at a faster pace than that without active learning. For this particular STEM image, by observing the reconstructed images and the sensing masks, we find that while the method based on RBF kernel acquires samples more uniformly, the one on entropy samples more areas of significant change, thus less uniformly. The KL-divergence method performs the best in terms of reconstruction error (PSNR) for this example [8].« less

A Global Framework for Monitoring Phenological Responses to Climate Change

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

White, Michael A; Hoffman, Forrest M; Hargrove, William Walter

2005-01-01

Remote sensing of vegetation phenology is an important method with which to monitor terrestrial responses to climate change, but most approaches include signals from multiple forcings, such as mixed phenological signals from multiple biomes, urbanization, political changes, shifts in agricultural practices, and disturbances. Consequently, it is difficult to extract a clear signal from the usually assumed forcing: climate change. Here, using global 8 km 1982 to 1999 Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data and an eight-element monthly climatology, we identified pixels whose wavelet power spectrum was consistently dominated by annual cycles and then created phenologically and climatically self-similar clusters, whichmore » we term phenoregions. We then ranked and screened each phenoregion as a function of landcover homogeneity and consistency, evidence of human impacts, and political diversity. Remaining phenoregions represented areas with a minimized probability of non-climatic forcings and form elemental units for long-term phenological monitoring.« less

Radiometric calibration and SNR calculation of a SWIR imaging telescope

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

Yilmaz, Ozgur; Turk, Fethi; Selimoglu, Ozgur

2012-09-06

Radiometric calibration of an imaging telescope is usually made using a uniform illumination sphere in a laboratory. In this study, we used the open-sky images taken during bright day conditions to calibrate our telescope. We found a dark signal offset value and a linear response coefficient value for each pixel by using three different algorithms. Then we applied these coefficients to the taken images, and considerably lowered the image non-uniformity. Calibration can be repeated during the operation of telescope with an object that has better uniformity than open-sky. Also SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio) of each pixel was calculated frommore » the open-sky images using the temporal mean and standard deviations. It is found that SNR is greater than 80 for all pixels even at low light levels.« less

Improvement of spatial resolution in a Timepix based CdTe photon counting detector using ToT method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Kyeongjin; Lee, Daehee; Lim, Kyung Taek; Kim, Giyoon; Chang, Hojong; Yi, Yun; Cho, Gyuseong

2018-05-01

Photon counting detectors (PCDs) have been recognized as potential candidates in X-ray radiography and computed tomography due to their many advantages over conventional energy-integrating detectors. In particular, a PCD-based X-ray system shows an improved contrast-to-noise ratio, reduced radiation exposure dose, and more importantly, exhibits a capability for material decomposition with energy binning. For some applications, a very high resolution is required, which translates into smaller pixel size. Unfortunately, small pixels may suffer from energy spectral distortions (distortion in energy resolution) due to charge sharing effects (CSEs). In this work, we propose a method for correcting CSEs by measuring the point of interaction of an incident X-ray photon by the time-of-threshold (ToT) method. Moreover, we also show that it is possible to obtain an X-ray image with a reduced pixel size by using the concept of virtual pixels at a given pixel size. To verify the proposed method, modulation transfer function (MTF) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) measurements were carried out with the Timepix chip combined with the CdTe pixel sensor. The X-ray test condition was set at 80 kVp with 5 μA, and a tungsten edge phantom and a lead line phantom were used for the measurements. Enhanced spatial resolution was achieved by applying the proposed method when compared to that of the conventional photon counting method. From experiment results, MTF increased from 6.3 (conventional counting method) to 8.3 lp/mm (proposed method) at 0.3 MTF. On the other hand, the SNR decreased from 33.08 to 26.85 dB due to four virtual pixels.

Dual-gate photo thin-film transistor: a “smart” pixel for high- resolution and low-dose X-ray imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Kai; Ou, Hai; Chen, Jun

2015-06-01

Since its emergence a decade ago, amorphous silicon flat panel X-ray detector has established itself as a ubiquitous platform for an array of digital radiography modalities. The fundamental building block of a flat panel detector is called a pixel. In all current pixel architectures, sensing, storage, and readout are unanimously kept separate, inevitably compromising resolution by increasing pixel size. To address this issue, we hereby propose a “smart” pixel architecture where the aforementioned three components are combined in a single dual-gate photo thin-film transistor (TFT). In other words, the dual-gate photo TFT itself functions as a sensor, a storage capacitor, and a switch concurrently. Additionally, by harnessing the amplification effect of such a thin-film transistor, we for the first time created a single-transistor active pixel sensor. The proof-of-concept device had a W/L ratio of 250μm/20μm and was fabricated using a simple five-mask photolithography process, where a 130nm transparent ITO was used as the top photo gate, and a 200nm amorphous silicon as the absorbing channel layer. The preliminary results demonstrated that the photocurrent had been increased by four orders of magnitude due to light-induced threshold voltage shift in the sub-threshold region. The device sensitivity could be simply tuned by photo gate bias to specifically target low-level light detection. The dependence of threshold voltage on light illumination indicated that a dynamic range of at least 80dB could be achieved. The "smart" pixel technology holds tremendous promise for developing high-resolution and low-dose X-ray imaging and may potentially lower the cancer risk imposed by radiation, especially among paediatric patients.

A Pixel Pitch-Matched Ultrasound Receiver for 3-D Photoacoustic Imaging With Integrated Delta-Sigma Beamformer in 28-nm UTBB FD-SOI

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

Chen, Man-Chia; Perez, Aldo Pena; Kothapalli, Sri-Rajasekhar

This study presents a pixel pitch-matched readout chip for 3-D photoacoustic (PA) imaging, featuring a dedicated signal conditioning and delta-sigma modulation integrated within a pixel area of 250 μm by 250 μm. The proof-of-concept receiver was implemented in an STMicroelectronics's 28-nm Fully Depleted Silicon On Insulator technology, and interfaces to a 4 × 4 subarray of capacitive micromachined ultrasound transducers (CMUTs). The front-end signal conditioning in each pixel employs a coarse/fine gain tuning architecture to fulfill the 90-dB dynamic range requirement of the application. The employed delta-sigma beamforming architecture obviates the need for area-consuming Nyquist ADCs and thereby enables anmore » efficient in-pixel A/D conversion. The per-pixel switched-capacitor ΔΣ modulator leverages slewing-dominated and area-optimized inverter-based amplifiers. It occupies only 1/4th of the pixel, and its area compares favorably with state-of-the-art designs that offer the same SNR and bandwidth. The modulator's measured peak signal-to-noise-and-distortion ratio is 59.9 dB for a 10-MHz input bandwidth, and it consumes 6.65 mW from a 1V supply. The overall subarray beamforming approach improves the area per channel by 7.4 times and the single-channel SNR by 8 dB compared to prior art with similar delay resolution and power dissipation. Finally, the functionality of the designed chip was evaluated within a PA imaging experiment, employing a flip-chip bonded 2-D CMUT array.« less

A Pixel Pitch-Matched Ultrasound Receiver for 3-D Photoacoustic Imaging With Integrated Delta-Sigma Beamformer in 28-nm UTBB FD-SOI

DOE PAGES

Chen, Man-Chia; Perez, Aldo Pena; Kothapalli, Sri-Rajasekhar; ...

2017-10-16

This study presents a pixel pitch-matched readout chip for 3-D photoacoustic (PA) imaging, featuring a dedicated signal conditioning and delta-sigma modulation integrated within a pixel area of 250 μm by 250 μm. The proof-of-concept receiver was implemented in an STMicroelectronics's 28-nm Fully Depleted Silicon On Insulator technology, and interfaces to a 4 × 4 subarray of capacitive micromachined ultrasound transducers (CMUTs). The front-end signal conditioning in each pixel employs a coarse/fine gain tuning architecture to fulfill the 90-dB dynamic range requirement of the application. The employed delta-sigma beamforming architecture obviates the need for area-consuming Nyquist ADCs and thereby enables anmore » efficient in-pixel A/D conversion. The per-pixel switched-capacitor ΔΣ modulator leverages slewing-dominated and area-optimized inverter-based amplifiers. It occupies only 1/4th of the pixel, and its area compares favorably with state-of-the-art designs that offer the same SNR and bandwidth. The modulator's measured peak signal-to-noise-and-distortion ratio is 59.9 dB for a 10-MHz input bandwidth, and it consumes 6.65 mW from a 1V supply. The overall subarray beamforming approach improves the area per channel by 7.4 times and the single-channel SNR by 8 dB compared to prior art with similar delay resolution and power dissipation. Finally, the functionality of the designed chip was evaluated within a PA imaging experiment, employing a flip-chip bonded 2-D CMUT array.« less

Amorphous selenium direct detection CMOS digital x-ray imager with 25 micron pixel pitch

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scott, Christopher C.; Abbaszadeh, Shiva; Ghanbarzadeh, Sina; Allan, Gary; Farrier, Michael; Cunningham, Ian A.; Karim, Karim S.

2014-03-01

We have developed a high resolution amorphous selenium (a-Se) direct detection imager using a large-area compatible back-end fabrication process on top of a CMOS active pixel sensor having 25 micron pixel pitch. Integration of a-Se with CMOS technology requires overcoming CMOS/a-Se interfacial strain, which initiates nucleation of crystalline selenium and results in high detector dark currents. A CMOS-compatible polyimide buffer layer was used to planarize the backplane and provide a low stress and thermally stable surface for a-Se. The buffer layer inhibits crystallization and provides detector stability that is not only a performance factor but also critical for favorable long term cost-benefit considerations in the application of CMOS digital x-ray imagers in medical practice. The detector structure is comprised of a polyimide (PI) buffer layer, the a-Se layer, and a gold (Au) top electrode. The PI layer is applied by spin-coating and is patterned using dry etching to open the backplane bond pads for wire bonding. Thermal evaporation is used to deposit the a-Se and Au layers, and the detector is operated in hole collection mode (i.e. a positive bias on the Au top electrode). High resolution a-Se diagnostic systems typically use 70 to 100 μm pixel pitch and have a pre-sampling modulation transfer function (MTF) that is significantly limited by the pixel aperture. Our results confirm that, for a densely integrated 25 μm pixel pitch CMOS array, the MTF approaches the fundamental material limit, i.e. where the MTF begins to be limited by the a-Se material properties and not the pixel aperture. Preliminary images demonstrating high spatial resolution have been obtained from a frst prototype imager.

Matched-filter algorithm for subpixel spectral detection in hyperspectral image data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borough, Howard C.

1991-11-01

Hyperspectral imagery, spatial imagery with associated wavelength data for every pixel, offers a significant potential for improved detection and identification of certain classes of targets. The ability to make spectral identifications of objects which only partially fill a single pixel (due to range or small size) is of considerable interest. Multiband imagery such as Landsat's 5 and 7 band imagery has demonstrated significant utility in the past. Hyperspectral imaging systems with hundreds of spectral bands offer improved performance. To explore the application of differentpixel spectral detection algorithms a synthesized set of hyperspectral image data (hypercubes) was generated utilizing NASA earth resources and other spectral data. The data was modified using LOWTRAN 7 to model the illumination, atmospheric contributions, attenuations and viewing geometry to represent a nadir view from 10,000 ft. altitude. The base hypercube (HC) represented 16 by 21 spatial pixels with 101 wavelength samples from 0.5 to 2.5 micrometers for each pixel. Insertions were made into the base data to provide random location, random pixel percentage, and random material. Fifteen different hypercubes were generated for blind testing of candidate algorithms. An algorithm utilizing a matched filter in the spectral dimension proved surprisingly good yielding 100% detections for pixels filled greater than 40% with a standard camouflage paint, and a 50% probability of detection for pixels filled 20% with the paint, with no false alarms. The false alarm rate as a function of the number of spectral bands in the range from 101 to 12 bands was measured and found to increase from zero to 50% illustrating the value of a large number of spectral bands. This test was on imagery without system noise; the next step is to incorporate typical system noise sources.

Macro Pixel ASIC (MPA): the readout ASIC for the pixel-strip (PS) module of the CMS outer tracker at HL-LHC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ceresa, D.; Marchioro, A.; Kloukinas, K.; Kaplon, J.; Bialas, W.; Re, V.; Traversi, G.; Gaioni, L.; Ratti, L.

2014-11-01

The CMS tracker at HL-LHC is required to provide prompt information on particles with high transverse momentum to the central Level 1 trigger. For this purpose, the innermost part of the outer tracker is based on a combination of a pixelated sensor with a short strip sensor, the so-called Pixel-Strip module (PS). The readout of these sensors is carried out by distinct ASICs, the Strip Sensor ASIC (SSA), for the strip layer, and the Macro Pixel ASIC (MPA) for the pixel layer. The processing of the data directly on the front-end module represents a design challenge due to the large data volume (30720 pixels and 1920 strips per module) and the limited power budget. This is the reason why several studies have been carried out to find the best compromise between ASICs performance and power consumption. This paper describes the current status of the MPA ASIC development where the logic for generating prompt information on particles with high transverse momentum is implemented. An overview of the readout method is presented with particular attention on the cluster reduction, position encoding and momentum discrimination logic. Concerning the architectural studies, a software test bench capable of reading physics Monte-Carlo generated events has been developed and used to validate the MPA design and to evaluate the MPA performance. The MPA-Light is scheduled to be submitted for fabrication this year and will include the full analog functions and a part of the digital logic of the final version in order to qualify the chosen VLSI technology for the analog front-end, the module assembly and the low voltage digital supply.

Titanbrowse: a new paradigm for access, visualization and analysis of hyperspectral imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Penteado, Paulo F.

2016-10-01

Currently there are archives and tools to explore remote sensing imaging, but these lack some functionality needed for hyperspectral imagers: 1) Querying and serving only whole datacubes is not enough, since in each cube there is typically a large variation in observation geometry over the spatial pixels. Thus, often the most useful unit for selecting observations of interest is not a whole cube but rather a single spectrum. 2) Pixel-specific geometric data included in the standard pipelines is calculated at only one point per pixel. Particularly for selections of pixels from many different cubes, or observations near the limb, it is necessary to know the actual extent of each pixel. 3) Database queries need not only metadata, but also by the spectral data. For instance, one query might look for atypical values of some band, or atypical relations between bands, denoting spectral features (such as ratios or differences between bands). 4) There is the need to evaluate arbitrary, dynamically-defined, complex functions of the data (beyond just simple arithmetic operations), both for selection in the queries, and for visualization, to interactively tune the queries to the observations of interest. 5) Making the most useful query for some analysis often requires interactive visualization integrated with data selection and processing, because the user needs to explore how different functions of the data vary over the observations without having to download data and import it into visualization software. 6) Complementary to interactive use, an API allowing programmatic access to the system is needed for systematic data analyses. 7) Direct access to calibrated and georeferenced data, without the need to download data and software and learn to process it.We present titanbrowse, a database, exploration and visualization system for Cassini VIMS observations of Titan, designed to fullfill the aforementioned needs. While it originallly ran on data in the user's computer, we are now developing an online version, so that users do not need to download software and data. The server, which we maintain, processes the queries and communicates the results to the client the user runs. http://ppenteado.net/titanbrowse.

ASRC RSS Data

DOE Data Explorer

Kiedron, Peter

2008-01-15

Once every minute between sunrise and sunset the Rotating Shadowband Spectroradiometer (RSS) measures simultaneously three irradiances: total horizontal, diffuse horizontal and direct normal in near ultraviolet, visible and near infrared range (approx. 370nm-1050nm) at 512 (RSS103) or 1024 (RSS102 and RSS105) adjacent spectral resolving elements (pixels). The resolution is pixel (wavelength) dependent and it differs from instrument to instrument. The reported irradiances are cosine response corrected. And their radiometric calibration is based on incandescent lamp calibrators that can be traced to the NIST irradiance scale. The units are W/m2/nm.

Lunar-edge based on-orbit modulation transfer function (MTF) measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Ying; Yi, Hongwei; Liu, Xinlong

2017-10-01

Modulation transfer function (MTF) is an important parameter for image quality evaluation of on-orbit optical image systems. Various methods have been proposed to determine the MTF of an imaging system which are based on images containing point, pulse and edge features. In this paper, the edge of the moon can be used as a high contrast target to measure on-orbit MTF of image systems based on knife-edge methods. The proposed method is an extension of the ISO 12233 Slanted-edge Spatial Frequency Response test, except that the shape of the edge is a circular arc instead of a straight line. In order to get more accurate edge locations and then obtain a more authentic edge spread function (ESF), we choose circular fitting method based on least square to fit lunar edge in sub-pixel edge detection process. At last, simulation results show that the MTF value at Nyquist frequency calculated using our lunar edge method is reliable and accurate with error less than 2% comparing with theoretical MTF value.

Ultrathin phase-change coatings on metals for electrothermally tunable colors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bakan, Gokhan; Ayas, Sencer; Saidzoda, Tohir; Celebi, Kemal; Dana, Aykutlu

2016-08-01

Metal surfaces coated with ultrathin lossy dielectrics enable color generation through strong interferences in the visible spectrum. Using a phase-change thin film as the coating layer offers tuning the generated color by crystallization or re-amorphization. Here, we study the optical response of surfaces consisting of thin (5-40 nm) phase-changing Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) films on metal, primarily Al, layers. A color scale ranging from yellow to red to blue that is obtained using different thicknesses of as-deposited amorphous GST layers turns dim gray upon annealing-induced crystallization of the GST. Moreover, when a relatively thick (>100 nm) and lossless dielectric film is introduced between the GST and Al layers, optical cavity modes are observed, offering a rich color gamut at the expense of the angle independent optical response. Finally, a color pixel structure is proposed for ultrahigh resolution (pixel size: 5 × 5 μm2), non-volatile displays, where the metal layer acting like a mirror is used as a heater element. The electrothermal simulations of such a pixel structure suggest that crystallization and re-amorphization of the GST layer using electrical pulses are possible for electrothermal color tuning.

Comparing Pixel- and Object-Based Approaches in Effectively Classifying Wetland-Dominated Landscapes

PubMed Central

Berhane, Tedros M.; Lane, Charles R.; Wu, Qiusheng; Anenkhonov, Oleg A.; Chepinoga, Victor V.; Autrey, Bradley C.; Liu, Hongxing

2018-01-01

Wetland ecosystems straddle both terrestrial and aquatic habitats, performing many ecological functions directly and indirectly benefitting humans. However, global wetland losses are substantial. Satellite remote sensing and classification informs wise wetland management and monitoring. Both pixel- and object-based classification approaches using parametric and non-parametric algorithms may be effectively used in describing wetland structure and habitat, but which approach should one select? We conducted both pixel- and object-based image analyses (OBIA) using parametric (Iterative Self-Organizing Data Analysis Technique, ISODATA, and maximum likelihood, ML) and non-parametric (random forest, RF) approaches in the Barguzin Valley, a large wetland (~500 km2) in the Lake Baikal, Russia, drainage basin. Four Quickbird multispectral bands plus various spatial and spectral metrics (e.g., texture, Non-Differentiated Vegetation Index, slope, aspect, etc.) were analyzed using field-based regions of interest sampled to characterize an initial 18 ISODATA-based classes. Parsimoniously using a three-layer stack (Quickbird band 3, water ratio index (WRI), and mean texture) in the analyses resulted in the highest accuracy, 87.9% with pixel-based RF, followed by OBIA RF (segmentation scale 5, 84.6% overall accuracy), followed by pixel-based ML (83.9% overall accuracy). Increasing the predictors from three to five by adding Quickbird bands 2 and 4 decreased the pixel-based overall accuracy while increasing the OBIA RF accuracy to 90.4%. However, McNemar’s chi-square test confirmed no statistically significant difference in overall accuracy among the classifiers (pixel-based ML, RF, or object-based RF) for either the three- or five-layer analyses. Although potentially useful in some circumstances, the OBIA approach requires substantial resources and user input (such as segmentation scale selection—which was found to substantially affect overall accuracy). Hence, we conclude that pixel-based RF approaches are likely satisfactory for classifying wetland-dominated landscapes. PMID:29707381

Comparing Pixel- and Object-Based Approaches in Effectively Classifying Wetland-Dominated Landscapes.

PubMed

Berhane, Tedros M; Lane, Charles R; Wu, Qiusheng; Anenkhonov, Oleg A; Chepinoga, Victor V; Autrey, Bradley C; Liu, Hongxing

2018-01-01

Wetland ecosystems straddle both terrestrial and aquatic habitats, performing many ecological functions directly and indirectly benefitting humans. However, global wetland losses are substantial. Satellite remote sensing and classification informs wise wetland management and monitoring. Both pixel- and object-based classification approaches using parametric and non-parametric algorithms may be effectively used in describing wetland structure and habitat, but which approach should one select? We conducted both pixel- and object-based image analyses (OBIA) using parametric (Iterative Self-Organizing Data Analysis Technique, ISODATA, and maximum likelihood, ML) and non-parametric (random forest, RF) approaches in the Barguzin Valley, a large wetland (~500 km 2 ) in the Lake Baikal, Russia, drainage basin. Four Quickbird multispectral bands plus various spatial and spectral metrics (e.g., texture, Non-Differentiated Vegetation Index, slope, aspect, etc.) were analyzed using field-based regions of interest sampled to characterize an initial 18 ISODATA-based classes. Parsimoniously using a three-layer stack (Quickbird band 3, water ratio index (WRI), and mean texture) in the analyses resulted in the highest accuracy, 87.9% with pixel-based RF, followed by OBIA RF (segmentation scale 5, 84.6% overall accuracy), followed by pixel-based ML (83.9% overall accuracy). Increasing the predictors from three to five by adding Quickbird bands 2 and 4 decreased the pixel-based overall accuracy while increasing the OBIA RF accuracy to 90.4%. However, McNemar's chi-square test confirmed no statistically significant difference in overall accuracy among the classifiers (pixel-based ML, RF, or object-based RF) for either the three- or five-layer analyses. Although potentially useful in some circumstances, the OBIA approach requires substantial resources and user input (such as segmentation scale selection-which was found to substantially affect overall accuracy). Hence, we conclude that pixel-based RF approaches are likely satisfactory for classifying wetland-dominated landscapes.

Pixel Color–Magnitude Diagram Analysis of the Brightest Cluster Galaxies in Dynamically Young and Old Clusters Abell 1139 and Abell 2589

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Joon Hyeop; Oh, Sree; Jeong, Hyunjin; Yi, Sukyoung K.; Kyeong, Jaemann; Park, Byeong-Gon

2017-07-01

As a case study to understand the coevolution of Brightest Cluster Galaxies (BCGs) and their host clusters, we investigate the BCGs in dynamically young and old clusters Abell 1139 (A1139) and Abell 2589 (A2589). We analyze the pixel color–magnitude diagrams (pCMDs) using deep g- and r-band images, obtained from the Canada–France–Hawaii Telescope observations. After masking foreground/background objects and smoothing pixels in consideration of the observational seeing size, detailed pCMD features are compared between the two BCGs. (1) Although the overall shapes of the pCMDs are similar to those of typical early-type galaxies, the A2589-BCG tends to have redder mean pixel color and smaller pixel color deviation at given surface brightness than the A1139-BCG. (2) The mean pixel color distribution as a function of pixel surface brightness (pCMD backbone) indicates that the A2589-BCG formed a larger central body (∼2.0 kpc in radius) via major dry mergers at an early epoch than the A1139-BCG (a central body ∼1.3 kpc in radius), whereas they have grown commonly in subsequent minor mergers. (3) The spatial distributions of the pCMD outliers reveal that the A1139-BCG experienced considerable tidal events more recently than the A2589-BCG, whereas the A2589-BCG has an asymmetric compact core, possibly resulting from a major dry merger at an early epoch. (4) The A2589-BCG shows a very large faint-to-bright pixel number ratio, compared to early-type non-BCGs, whereas the ratio for the A1139-BCG is not distinctively large. These results are consistent with the idea that the BCG in the dynamically older cluster (A2589) formed earlier and is better relaxed.

Quickbird Satellite in-orbit Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) Measurement Using Edge, Pulse and Impulse Methods for Summer 2003

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Helder, Dennis; Choi, Taeyoung; Rangaswamy, Manjunath

2005-01-01

The spatial characteristics of an imaging system cannot be expressed by a single number or simple statement. However, the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) is one approach to measure the spatial quality of an imaging system. Basically, MTF is the normalized spatial frequency response of an imaging system. The frequency response of the system can be evaluated by applying an impulse input. The resulting impulse response is termed the Point Spread function (PSF). This function is a measure of the amount of blurring present in the imaging system and is itself a useful measure of spatial quality. An underlying assumption is that the imaging system is linear and shift-independent. The Fourier transform of the PSF is called the Optical Transfer Function (OTF) and the normalized magnitude of the OTF is the MTF. In addition to using an impulse input, a knife-edge in technique has also been used in this project. The sharp edge exercises an imaging system at all spatial frequencies. The profile of an edge response from an imaging system is called an Edge Spread Function (ESF). Differentiation of the ESF results in a one-dimensional version of the Point Spread Function (PSF). Finally, MTF can be calculated through use of Fourier transform of the PSF as stated previously. Every image includes noise in some degree which makes MTF of PSF estimation more difficult. To avoid the noise effects, many MTF estimation approaches use smooth numerical models. Historically, Gaussian models and Fermi functions were applied to reduce the random noise in the output profiles. The pulse-input method was used to measure the MTF of the Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) using 8th order even functions over the San Mateo Bridge in San Francisco, California. Because the bridge width was smaller than the 30-meter ground sample distance (GSD) of the TM, the Nyquist frequency was located before the first zero-crossing point of the sinc function from the Fourier transformation of the bridge pulse. To avoid the zero-crossing points in the frequency domain from a pulse, the pulse width should be less than the width of two pixels (or 2 GSD's), but the short extent of the pulse results in a poor signal-to-noise ratio. Similarly, for a high-resolution satellite imaging system such as Quickbird, the input pulse width was critical because of the zero crossing points and noise present in the background area. It is important, therefore, that the width of the input pulse be appropriately sized. Finally, the MTF was calculated by taking ratio between Fourier transform of output and Fourier transform of input. Regardless of whether the edge, pulse and impulse target method is used, the orientation of the targets is critical in order to obtain uniformly spaced sub-pixel data points. When the orientation is incorrect, sample data points tend to be located in clusters that result in poor reconstruction of the edge or pulse profiles. Thus, a compromise orientation must be selected so that all spectral bands can be accommodated. This report continues by outlining the objectives in Section 2, procedures followed in Section 3, descriptions of the field campaigns in Section 4, results in Section 5, and a brief summary in Section 6.

Unsupervised Framework to Monitor Lake Dynamics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, Xi C. (Inventor); Boriah, Shyam (Inventor); Khandelwal, Ankush (Inventor); Kumar, Vipin (Inventor)

2016-01-01

A method of reducing processing time when assigning geographic areas to land cover labels using satellite sensor values includes a processor receiving a feature value for each pixel in a time series of frames of satellite sensor values, each frame containing multiple pixels and each frame covering a same geographic location. For each sub-area of the geographic location, the sub-area is assigned to one of at least three land cover labels. The processor determines a fraction function for a first sub-area assigned to a first land cover label. The sub-areas that were assigned to the first land cover label are reassigned to one of the second land cover label and the third land cover label based on the fraction functions of the sub-areas.

SU-C-206-01: Impact of Charge Sharing Effect On Sub-Pitch Resolution for CZT-Based Photon Counting CT Systems

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

Zheng, X; Cheng, Z; Deen, J

Purposes: Photon counting CT is a new imaging technology that can provide tissue composition information such as calcium/iodine content quantification. Cadmium zinc telluride CZT is considered a good candidate the photon counting CT due to its relatively high atomic number and band gap. One potential challenge is the degradation of both spatial and energy resolution as the fine electrode pitch is deployed (<50 µm). We investigated the extent of charge sharing effect as functions of gap width, bias voltage and depth-of-interaction (DOI). Methods: The initial electron cloud size and diffusion process were modeled analytically. The valid range of charge sharingmore » effect refers to the range over which both signals of adjacent electrodes are above the triggering threshold (10% of the amplitude of 60keV X-ray photons). The intensity ratios of output in three regions (I1/I2/I3: left pixel, gap area and right pixel) were calculated. With Gaussian white noises modeled (a SNR of 5 based upon the preliminary experiments), the sub-pitch resolution as a function of the spatial position in-between two pixels was studied. Results: The valid range of charge sharing increases linearly with depth-of-interaction (DOI) but decreases with gap width and bias voltage. For a 1.5mm thickness CZT detector (pitch: 50µm, bias: 400 V), the range increase from ∼90µm up to ∼110µm. Such an increase can be attributed to a longer travel distance and the associated electron cloud broadening. The achievable sub-pitch resolution is in the range of ∼10–30µm. Conclusion: The preliminary results demonstrate that sub-pixel spatial resolution can be achieved using the ratio of amplitudes of two neighboring pixels. Such ratio may also be used to correct charge loss and help improve energy resolution of a CZT detector. The impact of characteristic X-rays hitting adjacent pixels (i.e., multiple interaction) on charge sharing is currently being investigated.« less

The resolved star formation history of M51a through successive Bayesian marginalization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martínez-García, Eric E.; Bruzual, Gustavo; Magris C., Gladis; González-Lópezlira, Rosa A.

2018-02-01

We have obtained the time and space-resolved star formation history (SFH) of M51a (NGC 5194) by fitting Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX), Sloan Digital Sky Survey and near-infrared pixel-by-pixel photometry to a comprehensive library of stellar population synthesis models drawn from the Synthetic Spectral Atlas of Galaxies (SSAG). We fit for each space-resolved element (pixel) an independent model where the SFH is averaged in 137 age bins, each one 100 Myr wide. We used the Bayesian Successive Priors (BSP) algorithm to mitigate the bias in the present-day spatial mass distribution. We test BSP with different prior probability distribution functions (PDFs); this exercise suggests that the best prior PDF is the one concordant with the spatial distribution of the stellar mass as inferred from the near-infrared images. We also demonstrate that varying the implicit prior PDF of the SFH in SSAG does not affect the results. By summing the contributions to the global star formation rate of each pixel, at each age bin, we have assembled the resolved SFH of the whole galaxy. According to these results, the star formation rate of M51a was exponentially increasing for the first 10 Gyr after the big bang, and then turned into an exponentially decreasing function until the present day. Superimposed, we find a main burst of star formation at t ≈ 11.9 Gyr after the big bang.

An investigation of signal performance enhancements achieved through innovative pixel design across several generations of indirect detection, active matrix, flat-panel arrays

PubMed Central

Antonuk, Larry E.; Zhao, Qihua; El-Mohri, Youcef; Du, Hong; Wang, Yi; Street, Robert A.; Ho, Jackson; Weisfield, Richard; Yao, William

2009-01-01

Active matrix flat-panel imager (AMFPI) technology is being employed for an increasing variety of imaging applications. An important element in the adoption of this technology has been significant ongoing improvements in optical signal collection achieved through innovations in indirect detection array pixel design. Such improvements have a particularly beneficial effect on performance in applications involving low exposures and∕or high spatial frequencies, where detective quantum efficiency is strongly reduced due to the relatively high level of additive electronic noise compared to signal levels of AMFPI devices. In this article, an examination of various signal properties, as determined through measurements and calculations related to novel array designs, is reported in the context of the evolution of AMFPI pixel design. For these studies, dark, optical, and radiation signal measurements were performed on prototype imagers incorporating a variety of increasingly sophisticated array designs, with pixel pitches ranging from 75 to 127 μm. For each design, detailed measurements of fundamental pixel-level properties conducted under radiographic and fluoroscopic operating conditions are reported and the results are compared. A series of 127 μm pitch arrays employing discrete photodiodes culminated in a novel design providing an optical fill factor of ∼80% (thereby assuring improved x-ray sensitivity), and demonstrating low dark current, very low charge trapping and charge release, and a large range of linear signal response. In two of the designs having 75 and 90 μm pitches, a novel continuous photodiode structure was found to provide fill factors that approach the theoretical maximum of 100%. Both sets of novel designs achieved large fill factors by employing architectures in which some, or all of the photodiode structure was elevated above the plane of the pixel addressing transistor. Generally, enhancement of the fill factor in either discrete or continuous photodiode arrays was observed to result in no degradation in MTF due to charge sharing between pixels. While the continuous designs exhibited relatively high levels of charge trapping and release, as well as shorter ranges of linearity, it is possible that these behaviors can be addressed through further refinements to pixel design. Both the continuous and the most recent discrete photodiode designs accommodate more sophisticated pixel circuitry than is present on conventional AMFPIs – such as a pixel clamp circuit, which is demonstrated to limit signal saturation under conditions corresponding to high exposures. It is anticipated that photodiode structures such as the ones reported in this study will enable the development of even more complex pixel circuitry, such as pixel-level amplifiers, that will lead to further significant improvements in imager performance. PMID:19673228

Local signaling from a retinal prosthetic in a rodent retinitis pigmentosa model in vivo

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fransen, James W.; Pangeni, Gobinda; Pardue, Machelle T.; McCall, Maureen A.

2014-08-01

Objective. In clinical trials, retinitis pigmentosa patients implanted with a retinal prosthetic device show enhanced spatial vision, including the ability to read large text and navigate. New prosthetics aim to increase spatial resolution by decreasing pixel/electrode size and limiting current spread. To examine spatial resolution of a new prosthetic design, we characterized and compared two photovoltaic array (PVA) designs and their interaction with the retina after subretinal implantation in transgenic S334ter line 3 rats (Tg S334ter-3). Approach. PVAs were implanted subretinally at two stages of degeneration and assessed in vivo using extracellular recordings in the superior colliculus (SC). Several aspects of this interaction were evaluated by varying duration, irradiance and position of a near infrared laser focused on the PVA. These characteristics included: activation threshold, response linearity, SC signal topography and spatial localization. The major design difference between the two PVA designs is the inclusion of local current returns in the newer design. Main results. When tested in vivo, PVA-evoked response thresholds were independent of pixel/electrode size, but differ between the new and old PVA designs. Response thresholds were independent of implantation age and duration (⩽7.5 months). For both prosthesis designs, threshold intensities were within established safety limits. PVA-evoked responses require inner retina synaptic transmission and do not directly activate retinal ganglion cells. The new PVA design evokes local retinal activation, which is not found with the older PVA design that lacks local current returns. Significance. Our study provides in vivo evidence that prosthetics make functional contacts with the inner nuclear layer at several stages of degeneration. The new PVA design enhances local activation within the retina and SC. Together these results predict that the new design can potentially harness the inherent processing within the retina and is likely to produce higher spatial resolution in patients.

A Framework Based on 2-D Taylor Expansion for Quantifying the Impacts of Sub-Pixel Reflectance Variance and Covariance on Cloud Optical Thickness and Effective Radius Retrievals Based on the Bi-Spectral Method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhang, Z.; Werner, F.; Cho, H. -M.; Wind, G.; Platnick, S.; Ackerman, A. S.; Di Girolamo, L.; Marshak, A.; Meyer, Kerry

2016-01-01

The bi-spectral method retrieves cloud optical thickness and cloud droplet effective radius simultaneously from a pair of cloud reflectance observations, one in a visible or near-infrared (VISNIR) band and the other in a shortwave infrared (SWIR) band. A cloudy pixel is usually assumed to be horizontally homogeneous in the retrieval. Ignoring sub-pixel variations of cloud reflectances can lead to a significant bias in the retrieved and re. In the literature, the retrievals of and re are often assumed to be independent and considered separately when investigating the impact of sub-pixel cloud reflectance variations on the bi-spectral method. As a result, the impact on is contributed only by the sub-pixel variation of VISNIR band reflectance and the impact on re only by the sub-pixel variation of SWIR band reflectance. In our new framework, we use the Taylor expansion of a two-variable function to understand and quantify the impacts of sub-pixel variances of VISNIR and SWIR cloud reflectances and their covariance on the and re retrievals. This framework takes into account the fact that the retrievals are determined by both VISNIR and SWIR band observations in a mutually dependent way. In comparison with previous studies, it provides a more comprehensive understanding of how sub-pixel cloud reflectance variations impact the and re retrievals based on the bi-spectral method. In particular, our framework provides a mathematical explanation of how the sub-pixel variation in VISNIR band influences the re retrieval and why it can sometimes outweigh the influence of variations in the SWIR band and dominate the error in re retrievals, leading to a potential contribution of positive bias to the re retrieval. We test our framework using synthetic cloud fields from a large-eddy simulation and real observations from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer. The predicted results based on our framework agree very well with the numerical simulations. Our framework can be used to estimate the retrieval uncertainty from sub-pixel reflectance variations in operational satellite cloud products and to help understand the differences in and re retrievals between two instruments.

Remote stereoscopic video play platform for naked eyes based on the Android system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jia, Changxin; Sang, Xinzhu; Liu, Jing; Cheng, Mingsheng

2014-11-01

As people's life quality have been improved significantly, the traditional 2D video technology can not meet people's urgent desire for a better video quality, which leads to the rapid development of 3D video technology. Simultaneously people want to watch 3D video in portable devices,. For achieving the above purpose, we set up a remote stereoscopic video play platform. The platform consists of a server and clients. The server is used for transmission of different formats of video and the client is responsible for receiving remote video for the next decoding and pixel restructuring. We utilize and improve Live555 as video transmission server. Live555 is a cross-platform open source project which provides solutions for streaming media such as RTSP protocol and supports transmission of multiple video formats. At the receiving end, we use our laboratory own player. The player for Android, which is with all the basic functions as the ordinary players do and able to play normal 2D video, is the basic structure for redevelopment. Also RTSP is implemented into this structure for telecommunication. In order to achieve stereoscopic display, we need to make pixel rearrangement in this player's decoding part. The decoding part is the local code which JNI interface calls so that we can extract video frames more effectively. The video formats that we process are left and right, up and down and nine grids. In the design and development, a large number of key technologies from Android application development have been employed, including a variety of wireless transmission, pixel restructuring and JNI call. By employing these key technologies, the design plan has been finally completed. After some updates and optimizations, the video player can play remote 3D video well anytime and anywhere and meet people's requirement.

Towards a consistent framework to oversample multi-sensors, multi-species satellite data into a common grid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, K.; Zhu, L.; Gonzalez Abad, G.; Nowlan, C. R.; Miller, C. E.; Huang, G.; Liu, X.; Chance, K.; Yang, K.

2017-12-01

It has been well demonstrated that regridding Level 2 products (satellite observations from individual footprints, or pixels) from multiple sensors/species onto regular spatial and temporal grids makes the data more accessible for scientific studies and can even lead to additional discoveries. However, synergizing multiple species retrieved from multiple satellite sensors faces many challenges, including differences in spatial coverage, viewing geometry, and data filtering criteria. These differences will lead to errors and biases if not treated carefully. Operational gridded products are often at 0.25°×0.25° resolution with a global scale, which is too coarse for local heterogeneous emission sources (e.g., urban areas), and at fixed temporal intervals (e.g., daily or monthly). We propose a consistent framework to fully use and properly weight the information of all possible individual satellite observations. A key aspect of this work is an accurate knowledge of the spatial response function (SRF) of the satellite Level 2 pixels. We found that the conventional overlap-area-weighting method (tessellation) is accurate only when the SRF is homogeneous within the parameterized pixel boundary and zero outside the boundary. There will be a tessellation error if the SRF is a smooth distribution, and if this distribution is not properly considered. On the other hand, discretizing the SRF at the destination grid will also induce errors. By balancing these error sources, we found that the SRF should be used in gridding OMI data to 0.2° for fine resolutions. Case studies by merging multiple species and wind data into 0.01° grid will be shown in the presentation.

OSIRIS-REx Asteroid Sample Return Mission Image Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chevres Fernandez, Lee Roger; Bos, Brent

2018-01-01

NASA’s Origins Spectral Interpretation Resource Identification Security-Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) mission constitutes the “first-of-its-kind” project to thoroughly characterize a near-Earth asteroid. The selected asteroid is (101955) 1999 RQ36 (a.k.a. Bennu). The mission launched in September 2016, and the spacecraft will reach its asteroid target in 2018 and return a sample to Earth in 2023. The spacecraft that will travel to, and collect a sample from, Bennu has five integrated instruments from national and international partners. NASA's OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample return mission spacecraft includes the Touch-And-Go Camera System (TAGCAMS) three camera-head instrument. The purpose of TAGCAMS is to provide imagery during the mission to facilitate navigation to the target asteroid, confirm acquisition of the asteroid sample and document asteroid sample stowage. Two of the TAGCAMS cameras, NavCam 1 and NavCam 2, serve as fully redundant navigation cameras to support optical navigation and natural feature tracking. The third TAGCAMS camera, StowCam, provides imagery to assist with and confirm proper stowage of the asteroid sample. Analysis of spacecraft imagery acquired by the TAGCAMS during cruise to the target asteroid Bennu was performed using custom codes developed in MATLAB. Assessment of the TAGCAMS in-flight performance using flight imagery was done to characterize camera performance. One specific area of investigation that was targeted was bad pixel mapping. A recent phase of the mission, known as the Earth Gravity Assist (EGA) maneuver, provided images that were used for the detection and confirmation of “questionable” pixels, possibly under responsive, using image segmentation analysis. Ongoing work on point spread function morphology and camera linearity and responsivity will also be used for calibration purposes and further analysis in preparation for proximity operations around Bennu. Said analyses will provide a broader understanding regarding the functionality of the camera system, which will in turn aid in the fly-down to the asteroid, as it will allow the pick of a suitable landing and sample location.

Jitter Correction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Waegell, Mordecai J.; Palacios, David M.

2011-01-01

Jitter_Correct.m is a MATLAB function that automatically measures and corrects inter-frame jitter in an image sequence to a user-specified precision. In addition, the algorithm dynamically adjusts the image sample size to increase the accuracy of the measurement. The Jitter_Correct.m function takes an image sequence with unknown frame-to-frame jitter and computes the translations of each frame (column and row, in pixels) relative to a chosen reference frame with sub-pixel accuracy. The translations are measured using a Cross Correlation Fourier transformation method in which the relative phase of the two transformed images is fit to a plane. The measured translations are then used to correct the inter-frame jitter of the image sequence. The function also dynamically expands the image sample size over which the cross-correlation is measured to increase the accuracy of the measurement. This increases the robustness of the measurement to variable magnitudes of inter-frame jitter

Efficient phase contrast imaging in STEM using a pixelated detector. Part 1: Experimental demonstration at atomic resolution

DOE PAGES

Pennycook, Timothy J.; Lupini, Andrew R.; Yang, Hao; ...

2014-10-15

In this paper, we demonstrate a method to achieve high efficiency phase contrast imaging in aberration corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) with a pixelated detector. The pixelated detector is used to record the Ronchigram as a function of probe position which is then analyzed with ptychography. Ptychography has previously been used to provide super-resolution beyond the diffraction limit of the optics, alongside numerically correcting for spherical aberration. Here we rely on a hardware aberration corrector to eliminate aberrations, but use the pixelated detector data set to utilize the largest possible volume of Fourier space to create high efficiency phasemore » contrast images. The use of ptychography to diagnose the effects of chromatic aberration is also demonstrated. In conclusion, the four dimensional dataset is used to compare different bright field detector configurations from the same scan for a sample of bilayer graphene. Our method of high efficiency ptychography produces the clearest images, while annular bright field produces almost no contrast for an in-focus aberration-corrected probe.« less

Tracking brain motion during the cardiac cycle using spiral cine-DENSE MRI

PubMed Central

Zhong, Xiaodong; Meyer, Craig H.; Schlesinger, David J.; Sheehan, Jason P.; Epstein, Frederick H.; Larner, James M.; Benedict, Stanley H.; Read, Paul W.; Sheng, Ke; Cai, Jing

2009-01-01

Cardiac-synchronized brain motion is well documented, but the accurate measurement of such motion on the pixel-by-pixel basis has been hampered by the lack of proper imaging technique. In this article, the authors present the implementation of an autotracking spiral cine displacement-encoded stimulation echo (DENSE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique for the measurement of pulsatile brain motion during the cardiac cycle. Displacement-encoded dynamic MR images of three healthy volunteers were acquired throughout the cardiac cycle using the spiral cine-DENSE pulse sequence gated to the R wave of an electrocardiogram. Pixelwise Lagrangian displacement maps were computed, and 2D displacement as a function of time was determined for selected regions of interests. Different intracranial structures exhibited characteristic motion amplitude, direction, and pattern throughout the cardiac cycle. Time-resolved displacement curves revealed the pathway of pulsatile motion from brain stem to peripheral brain lobes. These preliminary results demonstrated that the spiral cine-DENSE MRI technique can be used to measure cardiac-synchronized pulsatile brain motion on the pixel-by-pixel basis with high temporal∕spatial resolution and sensitivity. PMID:19746774

Appearance-based face recognition and light-fields.

PubMed

Gross, Ralph; Matthews, Iain; Baker, Simon

2004-04-01

Arguably the most important decision to be made when developing an object recognition algorithm is selecting the scene measurements or features on which to base the algorithm. In appearance-based object recognition, the features are chosen to be the pixel intensity values in an image of the object. These pixel intensities correspond directly to the radiance of light emitted from the object along certain rays in space. The set of all such radiance values over all possible rays is known as the plenoptic function or light-field. In this paper, we develop a theory of appearance-based object recognition from light-fields. This theory leads directly to an algorithm for face recognition across pose that uses as many images of the face as are available, from one upwards. All of the pixels, whichever image they come from, are treated equally and used to estimate the (eigen) light-field of the object. The eigen light-field is then used as the set of features on which to base recognition, analogously to how the pixel intensities are used in appearance-based face and object recognition.

Fabrication of close-packed TES microcalorimeter arrays using superconducting molybdenum/gold transition-edge sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Finkbeiner, F. M.; Brekosky, R. P.; Chervenak, J. A.; Figueroa-Feliciano, E.; Li, M. J.; Lindeman, M. A.; Stahle, C. K.; Stahle, C. M.; Tralshawala, N.

2002-02-01

We present an overview of our efforts in fabricating Transition-Edge Sensor (TES) microcalorimeter arrays for use in astronomical x-ray spectroscopy. Two distinct types of array schemes are currently pursued: 5×5 single pixel TES array where each pixel is a TES microcalorimeter, and Position-Sensing TES (PoST) array. In the latter, a row of 7 or 15 thermally-linked absorber pixels is read out by two TES at its ends. Both schemes employ superconducting Mo/Au bilayers as the TES. The TES are placed on silicon nitride membranes for thermal isolation from the structural frame. The silicon nitride membranes are prepared by a Deep Reactive Ion Etch (DRIE) process into a silicon wafer. In order to achieve the concept of closely packed arrays without decreasing its structural and functional integrity, we have already developed the technology to fabricate arrays of cantilevered pixel-sized absorbers and slit membranes in silicon nitride films. Furthermore, we have started to investigate ultra-low resistance through-wafer micro-vias to bring the electrical contact out to the back of a wafer. .

Analysis on the vegetation phenology of tropical seasonal rain forest in South America

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, B.; Chen, X.

2016-12-01

Using Global Land Surface Satellite (GLASS) LAI data during 1982 to 2003, we analyzed spatial and temporal variations of vegetation phenology in the tropical seasonal rain forest of South America. Several methods were used to fit seasonal LAI curves and extract start (SOS) and end (EOS) of the growing season. The results show that Fourier function can most effectively fit LAI curves, and yearly RMSEs for differences between observed and fitted LAI values are less than 0.01. The SOS ranged from 250 to 350 days of year, and occurred earlier in west than in east. Contrarily, the EOS were between 120 and 180 days of year, and appeared earlier in east than in west. Thus, the growing season was longer in west than in east. With regard to linear trends, SOS shows a significant advancement at 7% of pixels and a significant delay at 13% of pixels, whereas EOS advanced significantly at 16% of pixels and was delayed significantly at 18% of pixels. Preseason precipitation is the main influence factor of SOS and EOS in the tropical seasonal rain forest of South America.

Photovoltaic retinal prosthesis for restoring sight to the blind: implant design and fabrication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Lele; Mathieson, Keith; Kamins, Theodore I.; Loudin, James; Galambos, Ludwig; Harris, James S.; Palanker, Daniel

2012-03-01

We have designed and fabricated a silicon photodiode array for use as a subretinal prosthesis aimed at restoring sight to patients who lost photoreceptors due to retinal degeneration. The device operates in photovoltaic mode. Each pixel in the two-dimensional array independently converts pulsed infrared light into biphasic electric current to stimulate remaining retinal neurons without a wired power connection. To enhance the maximum voltage and charge injection levels, each pixel contains three photodiodes connected in series. An active and return electrode in each pixel ensure localized current flow and are sputter coated with iridium oxide to provide high charge injection. The fabrication process consists of eight mask layers and includes deep reactive ion etching, oxidation, and a polysilicon trench refill for in-pixel photodiode separation and isolation of adjacent pixels. Simulation of design parameters included TSUPREM4 computation of doping profiles for n+ and p+ doped regions and MATLAB computation of the anti-reflection coating layers thicknesses. The main process steps are illustrated in detail, and problems encountered are discussed. The IV characterization of the device shows that the dark reverse current is on the order of 10-100 pA-negligible compared to the stimulation current; the reverse breakdown voltage is higher than 20 V. The measured photo-responsivity per photodiode is about 0.33A/W at 880 nm.

Uncooled IR imager with 5-mK NEDT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amantea, Robert; Knoedler, C. M.; Pantuso, Francis P.; Patel, Vipulkumar; Sauer, Donald J.; Tower, John R.

1997-08-01

The bi-material concept for room-temperature infrared imaging has the potential of reaching an NE(Delta) T approaching the theoretical limit because of its high responsivity and low noise. The approach, which is 100% compatible with silicon IC foundry processing, utilizes a novel combination of surface micromachining and conventional integrated circuits to produce a bimaterial thermally sensitive element that controls the position of a capacitive plate coupled to the input of a low noise MOS amplifier. This approach can achieve the high sensitivity, the low weight, and the low cost necessary for equipment such as helmet mounted IR viewers and IR rifle sights. The pixel design has the following benefits: (1) an order of magnitude improvement in NE(Delta) T due to extremely high sensitivity and low noise, (2) low cost due to 100% silicon IC compatibility, (3) high image quality and increased yield due to ability to do offset and sensitivity corrections on the imager, pixel-by-pixel; (4) no cryogenic cooler and no high vacuum processing; and (5) commercial applications such as law enforcement, home security, and transportation safety. Two designs are presented. One is a 50 micrometer pixel using silicon nitride as the thermal isolation element that can achieve 5 mK NE(Delta) T; the other is a 29 micrometer pixel using silicon carbide that provides much higher thermal isolation and can achieve 10 mK NE(Delta) T.

Classifying multispectral data by neural networks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Telfer, Brian A.; Szu, Harold H.; Kiang, Richard K.

1993-01-01

Several energy functions for synthesizing neural networks are tested on 2-D synthetic data and on Landsat-4 Thematic Mapper data. These new energy functions, designed specifically for minimizing misclassification error, in some cases yield significant improvements in classification accuracy over the standard least mean squares energy function. In addition to operating on networks with one output unit per class, a new energy function is tested for binary encoded outputs, which result in smaller network sizes. The Thematic Mapper data (four bands were used) is classified on a single pixel basis, to provide a starting benchmark against which further improvements will be measured. Improvements are underway to make use of both subpixel and superpixel (i.e. contextual or neighborhood) information in tile processing. For single pixel classification, the best neural network result is 78.7 percent, compared with 71.7 percent for a classical nearest neighbor classifier. The 78.7 percent result also improves on several earlier neural network results on this data.

Automated artery-venous classification of retinal blood vessels based on structural mapping method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joshi, Vinayak S.; Garvin, Mona K.; Reinhardt, Joseph M.; Abramoff, Michael D.

2012-03-01

Retinal blood vessels show morphologic modifications in response to various retinopathies. However, the specific responses exhibited by arteries and veins may provide a precise diagnostic information, i.e., a diabetic retinopathy may be detected more accurately with the venous dilatation instead of average vessel dilatation. In order to analyze the vessel type specific morphologic modifications, the classification of a vessel network into arteries and veins is required. We previously described a method for identification and separation of retinal vessel trees; i.e. structural mapping. Therefore, we propose the artery-venous classification based on structural mapping and identification of color properties prominent to the vessel types. The mean and standard deviation of each of green channel intensity and hue channel intensity are analyzed in a region of interest around each centerline pixel of a vessel. Using the vector of color properties extracted from each centerline pixel, it is classified into one of the two clusters (artery and vein), obtained by the fuzzy-C-means clustering. According to the proportion of clustered centerline pixels in a particular vessel, and utilizing the artery-venous crossing property of retinal vessels, each vessel is assigned a label of an artery or a vein. The classification results are compared with the manually annotated ground truth (gold standard). We applied the proposed method to a dataset of 15 retinal color fundus images resulting in an accuracy of 88.28% correctly classified vessel pixels. The automated classification results match well with the gold standard suggesting its potential in artery-venous classification and the respective morphology analysis.

Study of the Dependency on Magnetic Field and Bias Voltage of an AC-Biased TES Microcalorimeter.

PubMed

Gottardi, L; Adams, J; Bailey, C; Bandler, S; Bruijn, M; Chervenak, J; Eckart, M; Finkbeiner, F; den Hartog, R; Hoevers, H; Kelley, R; Kilbourne, C; de Korte, P; van der Kuur, J; Lindeman, M; Porter, F; Sadlier, J; Smith, S

At SRON we are studying the performance of a Goddard Space Flight Center single pixel TES microcalorimeter operated in an AC bias configuration. For x-ray photons at 6 keV the pixel shows an x-ray energy resolution Δ E FWHM =3.7 eV, which is about a factor 2 worse than the energy resolution observed in an identical DC-biased pixel. In order to better understand the reasons for this discrepancy we characterised the detector as a function of temperature, bias working point and applied perpendicular magnetic field. A strong periodic dependency of the detector noise on the TES AC bias voltage is measured. We discuss the results in the framework of the recently observed weak-link behaviour of a TES microcalorimeter.

Position sensitive detection of neutrons in high radiation background field.

PubMed

Vavrik, D; Jakubek, J; Pospisil, S; Vacik, J

2014-01-01

We present the development of a high-resolution position sensitive device for detection of slow neutrons in the environment of extremely high γ and e(-) radiation background. We make use of a planar silicon pixelated (pixel size: 55 × 55 μm(2)) spectroscopic Timepix detector adapted for neutron detection utilizing very thin (10)B converter placed onto detector surface. We demonstrate that electromagnetic radiation background can be discriminated from the neutron signal utilizing the fact that each particle type produces characteristic ionization tracks in the pixelated detector. Particular tracks can be distinguished by their 2D shape (in the detector plane) and spectroscopic response using single event analysis. A Cd sheet served as thermal neutron stopper as well as intensive source of gamma rays and energetic electrons. Highly efficient discrimination was successful even at very low neutron to electromagnetic background ratio about 10(-4).

Characterization of a 6×6-mm2 75-μm cell MPPC suitable for the Cherenkov Telescope Array project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romeo, G.; Bonanno, G.; Garozzo, S.; Grillo, A.; Marano, D.; Munari, M.; Timpanaro, M. C.; Catalano, O.; Giarrusso, S.; Impiombato, D.; La Rosa, G.; Sottile, G.

2016-08-01

This paper presents the latest characterization results of a novel Low Cross-Talk (LCT) large-area (6×6-mm2) Multi-Pixel Photon Counter (MPPC) detector manufactured by Hamamatsu, belonging to the recent LCT5 family and achieving a fill-factor enhancement and cross-talk reduction. In addition, the newly adopted resin coating is demonstrated to yield improved photon detection capabilities in the 290-350 nm spectral range, making the new LCT MPPC particularly suitable for emerging applications like Cherenkov Telescopes. For a 3×3-mm2 version of the new MPPC under test, a comparative analysis of the large pixel pitch (75-μm) detector versus the smaller pixel pitch (50-μm) detector is also undertaken. Furthermore, measurements of the 6×6-mm2 MPPC response versus the angle of incidence are provided for the characterized device.

Position sensitive detection of neutrons in high radiation background field

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

Vavrik, D., E-mail: vavrik@itam.cas.cz; Institute of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prosecka 76, 190 00 Prague 9; Jakubek, J.

We present the development of a high-resolution position sensitive device for detection of slow neutrons in the environment of extremely high γ and e{sup −} radiation background. We make use of a planar silicon pixelated (pixel size: 55 × 55 μm{sup 2}) spectroscopic Timepix detector adapted for neutron detection utilizing very thin {sup 10}B converter placed onto detector surface. We demonstrate that electromagnetic radiation background can be discriminated from the neutron signal utilizing the fact that each particle type produces characteristic ionization tracks in the pixelated detector. Particular tracks can be distinguished by their 2D shape (in the detector plane)more » and spectroscopic response using single event analysis. A Cd sheet served as thermal neutron stopper as well as intensive source of gamma rays and energetic electrons. Highly efficient discrimination was successful even at very low neutron to electromagnetic background ratio about 10{sup −4}.« less

Low noise WDR ROIC for InGaAs SWIR image sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ni, Yang

2017-11-01

Hybridized image sensors are actually the only solution for image sensing beyond the spectral response of silicon devices. By hybridization, we can combine the best sensing material and photo-detector design with high performance CMOS readout circuitry. In the infrared band, we are facing typically 2 configurations: high background situation and low background situation. The performance of high background sensors are conditioned mainly by the integration capacity in each pixel which is the case for mid-wave and long-wave infrared detectors. For low background situation, the detector's performance is mainly limited by the pixel's noise performance which is conditioned by dark signal and readout noise. In the case of reflection based imaging condition, the pixel's dynamic range is also an important parameter. This is the case for SWIR band imaging. We are particularly interested by InGaAs based SWIR image sensors.

First Year Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe(WMAP) Observations: Data Processing Methods and Systematic Errors Limits

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hinshaw, G.; Barnes, C.; Bennett, C. L.; Greason, M. R.; Halpern, M.; Hill, R. S.; Jarosik, N.; Kogut, A.; Limon, M.; Meyer, S. S.

2003-01-01

We describe the calibration and data processing methods used to generate full-sky maps of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) from the first year of Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) observations. Detailed limits on residual systematic errors are assigned based largely on analyses of the flight data supplemented, where necessary, with results from ground tests. The data are calibrated in flight using the dipole modulation of the CMB due to the observatory's motion around the Sun. This constitutes a full-beam calibration source. An iterative algorithm simultaneously fits the time-ordered data to obtain calibration parameters and pixelized sky map temperatures. The noise properties are determined by analyzing the time-ordered data with this sky signal estimate subtracted. Based on this, we apply a pre-whitening filter to the time-ordered data to remove a low level of l/f noise. We infer and correct for a small (approx. 1 %) transmission imbalance between the two sky inputs to each differential radiometer, and we subtract a small sidelobe correction from the 23 GHz (K band) map prior to further analysis. No other systematic error corrections are applied to the data. Calibration and baseline artifacts, including the response to environmental perturbations, are negligible. Systematic uncertainties are comparable to statistical uncertainties in the characterization of the beam response. Both are accounted for in the covariance matrix of the window function and are propagated to uncertainties in the final power spectrum. We characterize the combined upper limits to residual systematic uncertainties through the pixel covariance matrix.

Eliminating Bias In Acousto-Optical Spectrum Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ansari, Homayoon; Lesh, James R.

1992-01-01

Scheme for digital processing of video signals in acousto-optical spectrum analyzer provides real-time correction for signal-dependent spectral bias. Spectrum analyzer described in "Two-Dimensional Acousto-Optical Spectrum Analyzer" (NPO-18092), related apparatus described in "Three-Dimensional Acousto-Optical Spectrum Analyzer" (NPO-18122). Essence of correction is to average over digitized outputs of pixels in each CCD row and to subtract this from the digitized output of each pixel in row. Signal processed electro-optically with reference-function signals to form two-dimensional spectral image in CCD camera.

Imaging visible light with Medipix2.

PubMed

Mac Raighne, Aaron; Brownlee, Colin; Gebert, Ulrike; Maneuski, Dzmitry; Milnes, James; O'Shea, Val; Rügheimer, Tilman K

2010-11-01

A need exists for high-speed single-photon counting optical imaging detectors. Single-photon counting high-speed detection of x rays is possible by using Medipix2 with pixelated silicon photodiodes. In this article, we report on a device that exploits the Medipix2 chip for optical imaging. The fabricated device is capable of imaging at >3000 frames/s over a 256×256 pixel matrix. The imaging performance of the detector device via the modulation transfer function is measured, and the presence of ion feedback and its degradation of the imaging properties are discussed.

Texture-based segmentation and analysis of emphysema depicted on CT images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, Jun; Zheng, Bin; Wang, Xingwei; Lederman, Dror; Pu, Jiantao; Sciurba, Frank C.; Gur, David; Leader, J. Ken

2011-03-01

In this study we present a texture-based method of emphysema segmentation depicted on CT examination consisting of two steps. Step 1, a fractal dimension based texture feature extraction is used to initially detect base regions of emphysema. A threshold is applied to the texture result image to obtain initial base regions. Step 2, the base regions are evaluated pixel-by-pixel using a method that considers the variance change incurred by adding a pixel to the base in an effort to refine the boundary of the base regions. Visual inspection revealed a reasonable segmentation of the emphysema regions. There was a strong correlation between lung function (FEV1%, FEV1/FVC, and DLCO%) and fraction of emphysema computed using the texture based method, which were -0.433, -.629, and -0.527, respectively. The texture-based method produced more homogeneous emphysematous regions compared to simple thresholding, especially for large bulla, which can appear as speckled regions in the threshold approach. In the texture-based method, single isolated pixels may be considered as emphysema only if neighboring pixels meet certain criteria, which support the idea that single isolated pixels may not be sufficient evidence that emphysema is present. One of the strength of our complex texture-based approach to emphysema segmentation is that it goes beyond existing approaches that typically extract a single or groups texture features and individually analyze the features. We focus on first identifying potential regions of emphysema and then refining the boundary of the detected regions based on texture patterns.

Classification of cardiac-related artifacts in dynamic contrast breast MRI

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stegbauer, Keith C.; Smith, Justin P.; Niemeyer, Tanya L.; Wood, Chris

2004-05-01

Dynamic contrast breast MRI is becoming an important adjunct in screening women at high risk for breast cancer, determining extent of disease (staging) and monitoring response to therapy. In dynamic contrast breast MRI, regions of rapid contrast uptake indicate increases in vascularity which can be associated with abnormal tissue, sometimes significant for malignant disease. To show these areas of enhancement, subtractions between the pre and post contrast images and maximum intensity projections (MIPs) are computed. Many projections are obscured by normally enhancing anatomy (heart, aorta, pulmonary vessels). Identification of these structures allows their removal from MIPs, which improves image quality, diagnostic utility and the conspicuity of the enhancing regions. In this study, a fully automated classifier is presented which uses the spatial location of enhancing regions to separate those that occur inside the chest wall from those occurring in the tissue of interest (breast, axilla, chest wall). The classifier was trained on 21 studies each acquired at a different institution (699 clusters of pixels), and tested on 7 studies (231 clusters of pixels) that were not part of the training set. Multiple cost functions for training were examined. The measurements for the peak performance of the classifier were sensitivity 97.0%, specificity 99.4%, PPV 99.9%, NPV 78.8%.

Unification of two fractal families

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Ying

1995-06-01

Barnsley and Hurd classify the fractal images into two families: iterated function system fractals (IFS fractals) and fractal transform fractals, or local iterated function system fractals (LIFS fractals). We will call IFS fractals, class 2 fractals and LIFS fractals, class 3 fractals. In this paper, we will unify these two approaches plus another family of fractals, the class 5 fractals. The basic idea is given as follows: a dynamical system can be represented by a digraph, the nodes in a digraph can be divided into two parts: transient states and persistent states. For bilevel images, a persistent node is a black pixel. A transient node is a white pixel. For images with more than two gray levels, a stochastic digraph is used. A transient node is a pixel with the intensity of 0. The intensity of a persistent node is determined by a relative frequency. In this way, the two families of fractals can be generated in a similar way. In this paper, we will first present a classification of dynamical systems and introduce the transformation based on digraphs, then we will unify the two approaches for fractal binary images. We will compare the decoding algorithms of the two families. Finally, we will generalize the discussion to continuous-tone images.

Ionizing radiation effects on CMOS imagers manufactured in deep submicron process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goiffon, Vincent; Magnan, Pierre; Bernard, Frédéric; Rolland, Guy; Saint-Pé, Olivier; Huger, Nicolas; Corbière, Franck

2008-02-01

We present here a study on both CMOS sensors and elementary structures (photodiodes and in-pixel MOSFETs) manufactured in a deep submicron process dedicated to imaging. We designed a test chip made of one 128×128-3T-pixel array with 10 μm pitch and more than 120 isolated test structures including photodiodes and MOSFETs with various implants and different sizes. All these devices were exposed to ionizing radiation up to 100 krad and their responses were correlated to identify the CMOS sensor weaknesses. Characterizations in darkness and under illumination demonstrated that dark current increase is the major sensor degradation. Shallow trench isolation was identified to be responsible for this degradation as it increases the number of generation centers in photodiode depletion regions. Consequences on hardness assurance and hardening-by-design are discussed.

Pixel-based absorption correction for dual-tracer fluorescence imaging of receptor binding potential

PubMed Central

Kanick, Stephen C.; Tichauer, Kenneth M.; Gunn, Jason; Samkoe, Kimberley S.; Pogue, Brian W.

2014-01-01

Ratiometric approaches to quantifying molecular concentrations have been used for decades in microscopy, but have rarely been exploited in vivo until recently. One dual-tracer approach can utilize an untargeted reference tracer to account for non-specific uptake of a receptor-targeted tracer, and ultimately estimate receptor binding potential quantitatively. However, interpretation of the relative dynamic distribution kinetics is confounded by differences in local tissue absorption at the wavelengths used for each tracer. This study simulated the influence of absorption on fluorescence emission intensity and depth sensitivity at typical near-infrared fluorophore wavelength bands near 700 and 800 nm in mouse skin in order to correct for these tissue optical differences in signal detection. Changes in blood volume [1-3%] and hemoglobin oxygen saturation [0-100%] were demonstrated to introduce substantial distortions to receptor binding estimates (error > 30%), whereas sampled depth was relatively insensitive to wavelength (error < 6%). In response, a pixel-by-pixel normalization of tracer inputs immediately post-injection was found to account for spatial heterogeneities in local absorption properties. Application of the pixel-based normalization method to an in vivo imaging study demonstrated significant improvement, as compared with a reference tissue normalization approach. PMID:25360349

Simulation and Spectrum Extraction in the Spectroscopic Channel of the SNAP Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tilquin, Andre; Bonissent, A.; Gerdes, D.; Ealet, A.; Prieto, E.; Macaire, C.; Aumenier, M. H.

2007-05-01

A pixel-level simulation software is described. It is composed of two modules. The first module applies Fourier optics at each active element of the system to construct the PSF at a large variety of wavelengths and spatial locations of the point source. The input is provided by the engineer's design program (Zemax). It describes the optical path and the distortions. The PSF properties are compressed and interpolated using shapelets decomposition and neural network techniques. A second module is used for production jobs. It uses the output of the first module to reconstruct the relevant PSF and integrate it on the detector pixels. Extended and polychromatic sources are approximated by a combination of monochromatic point sources. For the spectrum extraction, we use a fast simulator based on a multidimensional linear interpolation of the pixel response tabulated on a grid of values of wavelength, position on sky and slice number. The prediction of the fast simulator is compared to the observed pixel content, and a chi-square minimization where the parameters are the bin contents is used to build the extracted spectrum. The visible and infrared arms are combined in the same chi-square, providing a single spectrum.

Design and Performance of a Pinned Photodiode CMOS Image Sensor Using Reverse Substrate Bias.

PubMed

Stefanov, Konstantin D; Clarke, Andrew S; Ivory, James; Holland, Andrew D

2018-01-03

A new pinned photodiode (PPD) CMOS image sensor with reverse biased p-type substrate has been developed and characterized. The sensor uses traditional PPDs with one additional deep implantation step to suppress the parasitic reverse currents, and can be fully depleted. The first prototypes have been manufactured on an 18 µm thick, 1000 Ω·cm epitaxial silicon wafers using 180 nm PPD image sensor process. Both front-side illuminated (FSI) and back-side illuminated (BSI) devices were manufactured in collaboration with Teledyne e2v. The characterization results from a number of arrays of 10 µm and 5.4 µm PPD pixels, with different shape, the size and the depth of the new implant are in good agreement with device simulations. The new pixels could be reverse-biased without parasitic leakage currents well beyond full depletion, and demonstrate nearly identical optical response to the reference non-modified pixels. The observed excessive charge sharing in some pixel variants is shown to not be a limiting factor in operation. This development promises to realize monolithic PPD CIS with large depleted thickness and correspondingly high quantum efficiency at near-infrared and soft X-ray wavelengths.

Coded-Aperture X- or gamma -ray telescope with Least- squares image reconstruction. III. Data acquisition and analysis enhancements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kohman, T. P.

1995-05-01

The design of a cosmic X- or gamma -ray telescope with least- squares image reconstruction and its simulated operation have been described (Rev. Sci. Instrum. 60, 3396 and 3410 (1989)). Use of an auxiliary open aperture ("limiter") ahead of the coded aperture limits the object field to fewer pixels than detector elements, permitting least-squares reconstruction with improved accuracy in the imaged field; it also yields a uniformly sensitive ("flat") central field. The design has been enhanced to provide for mask-antimask operation. This cancels and eliminates uncertainties in the detector background, and the simulated results have virtually the same statistical accuracy (pixel-by-pixel output-input RMSD) as with a single mask alone. The simulations have been made more realistic by incorporating instrumental blurring of sources. A second-stage least-squares procedure had been developed to determine the precise positions and total fluxes of point sources responsible for clusters of above-background pixels in the field resulting from the first-stage reconstruction. Another program converts source positions in the image plane to celestial coordinates and vice versa, the image being a gnomic projection of a region of the sky.

Design and Performance of a Pinned Photodiode CMOS Image Sensor Using Reverse Substrate Bias †

PubMed Central

Clarke, Andrew S.; Ivory, James; Holland, Andrew D.

2018-01-01

A new pinned photodiode (PPD) CMOS image sensor with reverse biased p-type substrate has been developed and characterized. The sensor uses traditional PPDs with one additional deep implantation step to suppress the parasitic reverse currents, and can be fully depleted. The first prototypes have been manufactured on an 18 µm thick, 1000 Ω·cm epitaxial silicon wafers using 180 nm PPD image sensor process. Both front-side illuminated (FSI) and back-side illuminated (BSI) devices were manufactured in collaboration with Teledyne e2v. The characterization results from a number of arrays of 10 µm and 5.4 µm PPD pixels, with different shape, the size and the depth of the new implant are in good agreement with device simulations. The new pixels could be reverse-biased without parasitic leakage currents well beyond full depletion, and demonstrate nearly identical optical response to the reference non-modified pixels. The observed excessive charge sharing in some pixel variants is shown to not be a limiting factor in operation. This development promises to realize monolithic PPD CIS with large depleted thickness and correspondingly high quantum efficiency at near-infrared and soft X-ray wavelengths. PMID:29301379

A CMOS active pixel sensor for retinal stimulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prydderch, Mark L.; French, Marcus J.; Mathieson, Keith; Adams, Christopher; Gunning, Deborah; Laudanski, Jonathan; Morrison, James D.; Moodie, Alan R.; Sinclair, James

2006-02-01

Degenerative photoreceptor diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa, are the most common causes of blindness in the western world. A potential cure is to use a microelectronic retinal prosthesis to provide electrical stimulation to the remaining healthy retinal cells. We describe a prototype CMOS Active Pixel Sensor capable of detecting a visual scene and translating it into a train of electrical pulses for stimulation of the retina. The sensor consists of a 10 x 10 array of 100 micron square pixels fabricated on a 0.35 micron CMOS process. Light incident upon each pixel is converted into output current pulse trains with a frequency related to the light intensity. These outputs are connected to a biocompatible microelectrode array for contact to the retinal cells. The flexible design allows experimentation with signal amplitudes and frequencies in order to determine the most appropriate stimulus for the retina. Neural processing in the retina can be studied by using the sensor in conjunction with a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) programmed to behave as a neural network. The sensor has been integrated into a test system designed for studying retinal response. We present the most recent results obtained from this sensor.

Method of calibrating an interferometer and reducing its systematic noise

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hammer, Philip D. (Inventor)

1997-01-01

Methods of operation and data analysis for an interferometer so as to eliminate the errors contributed by non-responsive or unstable pixels, interpixel gain variations that drift over time, and spurious noise that would otherwise degrade the operation of the interferometer are disclosed. The methods provide for either online or post-processing calibration. The methods apply prescribed reversible transformations that exploit the physical properties of interferograms obtained from said interferometer to derive a calibration reference signal for subsequent treatment of said interferograms for interpixel gain variations. A self-consistent approach for treating bad pixels is incorporated into the methods.

Ghg and Aerosol Emission from Fire Pixel during Crop Residue Burning Under Rice and Wheat Cropping Systems in North-West India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Acharya, Prasenjit; Sreekesh, S.; Kulshrestha, Umesh

2016-10-01

Emission of smoke and aerosol from open field burning of crop residue is a long-standing subject matter of atmospheric pollution. In this study, we proposed a new approach of estimating fuel load in the fire pixels and corresponding emissions of selected GHGs and aerosols i.e. CO2, CO, NO2, SO2, and total particulate matter (TPM) due to burning of crop residue under rice and wheat cropping systems in Punjab in north-west India from 2002 to 2012. In contrasts to the conventional method that uses RPR ratio to estimate the biomass, fuel load in the fire pixels was estimated as a function of enhanced vegetation index (EVI). MODIS fire products were used to detect the fire pixels during harvesting seasons of rice and wheat. Based on the field measurements, fuel load in the fire pixels were modelled as a function of average EVI using second order polynomial regression. Average EVI for rice and wheat crops that were extracted through Fourier transformation were computed from MODIS time series 16 day EVI composites. About 23 % of net shown area (NSA) during rice and 11 % during wheat harvesting seasons are affected by field burning. The computed average fuel loads are 11.32 t/ha (±17.4) during rice and 10.89 t/ha (±8.7) during wheat harvesting seasons. Calculated average total emissions of CO2, CO, NO2, SO2 and TPM were 8108.41, 657.85, 8.10, 4.10, and 133.21 Gg during rice straw burning and 6896.85, 625.09, 1.42, 1.77, and 57.55 Gg during wheat burning. Comparison of estimated values shows better agreement with the previous concurrent estimations. The method, however, shows its efficiency parallel to the conventional method of estimation of fuel load and related pollutant emissions.

Interannual Variations in Global Vegetation Phenology Derived from a Long Term AVHRR and MODIS Data Record

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, X.; Friedl, M. A.; Yu, Y.

2013-12-01

Land surface phenology metrics are widely retrieved from satellite observations at regional and global scales, and have been shown to be valuable for monitoring terrestrial ecosystem dynamics in response to extreme climate events and predicting biological responses to future climate scenarios. While the response of spring vegetation greenup to climate warming at mid-to-high latitudes is well-documented, understanding of diverse phenological responses to climate change over entire growing cycles and at broad geographic scales is incomplete. Many studies assume that the timing of individual phenological indicators in responses to climate forcing is independent of phenological events that occur at other times during the growing season. In this paper we use a different strategy. Specifically, we hypothesize that integrating sequences of key phenological indicators across growing seasons provides a more effective way to capture long-term variation in phenology in response to climate change. To explore this hypothesis we use global land surface phenology metrics derived from the Version 3 Long Term Vegetation Index Products from Multiple Satellite Data Records data set to examine interannual variations and trends in global land surface phenology from 1982-2010. Using daily enhanced vegetation index (EVI) data at a spatial resolution of 0.05 degrees, we model the phenological trajectory for each individual pixel using piecewise logistic models. The modeled trajectories were then used to detect phenological indicators including the onset of greenness increase, the onset of greenness maximum, the onset of greenness decrease, the onset of greenness minimum, and the growing season length, among others at global scale. The quality of land surface phenology detection for individual pixels was calculated based on metrics that characterize the EVI quality and model fits in annual time series at each pixel. Phenological indicators characterized as having good quality were then used to detect interannual variation and long-term trends using linear and nonlinear trend analysis techniques.

The Infrared Astronomical Satellite /IRAS/ Scientific Data Analysis System /SDAS/ sky flux subsystem

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stagner, J. R.; Girard, M. A.

1980-01-01

The sky flux subsystem of the Infrared Astronomical Satellite Scientific Data Analysis System is described. Its major output capabilities are (1) the all-sky lune maps (8-arcminute pixel size), (2) galactic plane maps (2-arcminute pixel size) and (3) regional maps of small areas such as extended sources greater than 1-degree in extent. The major processing functions are to (1) merge the CRDD and pointing data, (2) phase the detector streams, (3) compress the detector streams in the in-scan and cross-scan directions, and (4) extract data. Functional diagrams of the various capabilities of the subsystem are given. Although this device is inherently nonimaging, various calibrated and geometrically controlled imaging products are created, suitable for quantitative and qualitative scientific interpretation.

Performance of a novel wafer scale CMOS active pixel sensor for bio-medical imaging.

PubMed

Esposito, M; Anaxagoras, T; Konstantinidis, A C; Zheng, Y; Speller, R D; Evans, P M; Allinson, N M; Wells, K

2014-07-07

Recently CMOS active pixels sensors (APSs) have become a valuable alternative to amorphous silicon and selenium flat panel imagers (FPIs) in bio-medical imaging applications. CMOS APSs can now be scaled up to the standard 20 cm diameter wafer size by means of a reticle stitching block process. However, despite wafer scale CMOS APS being monolithic, sources of non-uniformity of response and regional variations can persist representing a significant challenge for wafer scale sensor response. Non-uniformity of stitched sensors can arise from a number of factors related to the manufacturing process, including variation of amplification, variation between readout components, wafer defects and process variations across the wafer due to manufacturing processes. This paper reports on an investigation into the spatial non-uniformity and regional variations of a wafer scale stitched CMOS APS. For the first time a per-pixel analysis of the electro-optical performance of a wafer CMOS APS is presented, to address inhomogeneity issues arising from the stitching techniques used to manufacture wafer scale sensors. A complete model of the signal generation in the pixel array has been provided and proved capable of accounting for noise and gain variations across the pixel array. This novel analysis leads to readout noise and conversion gain being evaluated at pixel level, stitching block level and in regions of interest, resulting in a coefficient of variation ⩽1.9%. The uniformity of the image quality performance has been further investigated in a typical x-ray application, i.e. mammography, showing a uniformity in terms of CNR among the highest when compared with mammography detectors commonly used in clinical practice. Finally, in order to compare the detection capability of this novel APS with the technology currently used (i.e. FPIs), theoretical evaluation of the detection quantum efficiency (DQE) at zero-frequency has been performed, resulting in a higher DQE for this detector compared to FPIs. Optical characterization, x-ray contrast measurements and theoretical DQE evaluation suggest that a trade off can be found between the need of a large imaging area and the requirement of a uniform imaging performance, making the DynAMITe large area CMOS APS suitable for a range of bio-medical applications.

Vision Sensors and Cameras

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoefflinger, Bernd

Silicon charge-coupled-device (CCD) imagers have been and are a specialty market ruled by a few companies for decades. Based on CMOS technologies, active-pixel sensors (APS) began to appear in 1990 at the 1 μm technology node. These pixels allow random access, global shutters, and they are compatible with focal-plane imaging systems combining sensing and first-level image processing. The progress towards smaller features and towards ultra-low leakage currents has provided reduced dark currents and μm-size pixels. All chips offer Mega-pixel resolution, and many have very high sensitivities equivalent to ASA 12.800. As a result, HDTV video cameras will become a commodity. Because charge-integration sensors suffer from a limited dynamic range, significant processing effort is spent on multiple exposure and piece-wise analog-digital conversion to reach ranges >10,000:1. The fundamental alternative is log-converting pixels with an eye-like response. This offers a range of almost a million to 1, constant contrast sensitivity and constant colors, important features in professional, technical and medical applications. 3D retino-morphic stacking of sensing and processing on top of each other is being revisited with sub-100 nm CMOS circuits and with TSV technology. With sensor outputs directly on top of neurons, neural focal-plane processing will regain momentum, and new levels of intelligent vision will be achieved. The industry push towards thinned wafers and TSV enables backside-illuminated and other pixels with a 100% fill-factor. 3D vision, which relies on stereo or on time-of-flight, high-speed circuitry, will also benefit from scaled-down CMOS technologies both because of their size as well as their higher speed.

Continuous Change Detection and Classification (CCDC) of Land Cover Using All Available Landsat Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Z.; Woodcock, C. E.

2012-12-01

A new algorithm for Continuous Change Detection and Classification (CCDC) of land cover using all available Landsat data is developed. This new algorithm is capable of detecting many kinds of land cover change as new images are collected and at the same time provide land cover maps for any given time. To better identify land cover change, a two step cloud, cloud shadow, and snow masking algorithm is used for eliminating "noisy" observations. Next, a time series model that has components of seasonality, trend, and break estimates the surface reflectance and temperature. The time series model is updated continuously with newly acquired observations. Due to the high variability in spectral response for different kinds of land cover change, the CCDC algorithm uses a data-driven threshold derived from all seven Landsat bands. When the difference between observed and predicted exceeds the thresholds three consecutive times, a pixel is identified as land cover change. Land cover classification is done after change detection. Coefficients from the time series models and the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) from model fitting are used as classification inputs for the Random Forest Classifier (RFC). We applied this new algorithm for one Landsat scene (Path 12 Row 31) that includes all of Rhode Island as well as much of Eastern Massachusetts and parts of Connecticut. A total of 532 Landsat images acquired between 1982 and 2011 were processed. During this period, 619,924 pixels were detected to change once (91% of total changed pixels) and 60,199 pixels were detected to change twice (8% of total changed pixels). The most frequent land cover change category is from mixed forest to low density residential which occupies more than 8% of total land cover change pixels.

A Combined Laser-Communication and Imager for Microspacecraft (ACLAIM)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hemmati, H.; Lesh, J.

1998-01-01

ACLAIM is a multi-function instrument consisting of a laser communication terminal and an imaging camera that share a common telescope. A single APS- (Active Pixel Sensor) based focal-plane-array is used to perform both the acquisition and tracking (for laser communication) and science imaging functions.

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

Davies, R.

The spatial autocorrelation functions of broad-band longwave and shortwave radiances measured by the Earth Radiation Budget Experiment (ERBE) are analyzed as a function of view angle in an investigation of the general effects of scene inhomogeneity on radiation. For nadir views, the correlation distance of the autocorrelation function is about 900 km for longwave radiance and about 500 km for shortwave radiance, consistent with higher degrees of freedom in shortwave reflection. Both functions rise monotonically with view angle, but there is a substantial difference in the relative angular dependence of the shortwave and longwave functions, especially for view angles lessmore » than 50 deg. In this range, the increase with angle of the longwave functions is found to depend only on the expansion of pixel area with angle, whereas the shortwave functions show an additional dependence on angle that is attributed to the occlusion of inhomogeneities by cloud height variations. Beyond a view angle of about 50 deg, both longwave and shortwave functions appear to be affected by cloud sides. The shortwave autocorrelation functions do not satisfy the principle of directional reciprocity, thereby proving that the average scene is horizontally inhomogeneous over the scale of an ERBE pixel (1500 sq km). Coarse stratification of the measurements by cloud amount, however, indicates that the average cloud-free scene does satisfy directional reciprocity on this scale.« less

Adaptive skin segmentation via feature-based face detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taylor, Michael J.; Morris, Tim

2014-05-01

Variations in illumination can have significant effects on the apparent colour of skin, which can be damaging to the efficacy of any colour-based segmentation approach. We attempt to overcome this issue by presenting a new adaptive approach, capable of generating skin colour models at run-time. Our approach adopts a Viola-Jones feature-based face detector, in a moderate-recall, high-precision configuration, to sample faces within an image, with an emphasis on avoiding potentially detrimental false positives. From these samples, we extract a set of pixels that are likely to be from skin regions, filter them according to their relative luma values in an attempt to eliminate typical non-skin facial features (eyes, mouths, nostrils, etc.), and hence establish a set of pixels that we can be confident represent skin. Using this representative set, we train a unimodal Gaussian function to model the skin colour in the given image in the normalised rg colour space - a combination of modelling approach and colour space that benefits us in a number of ways. A generated function can subsequently be applied to every pixel in the given image, and, hence, the probability that any given pixel represents skin can be determined. Segmentation of the skin, therefore, can be as simple as applying a binary threshold to the calculated probabilities. In this paper, we touch upon a number of existing approaches, describe the methods behind our new system, present the results of its application to arbitrary images of people with detectable faces, which we have found to be extremely encouraging, and investigate its potential to be used as part of real-time systems.

Edge Probability and Pixel Relativity-Based Speckle Reducing Anisotropic Diffusion.

PubMed

Mishra, Deepak; Chaudhury, Santanu; Sarkar, Mukul; Soin, Arvinder Singh; Sharma, Vivek

2018-02-01

Anisotropic diffusion filters are one of the best choices for speckle reduction in the ultrasound images. These filters control the diffusion flux flow using local image statistics and provide the desired speckle suppression. However, inefficient use of edge characteristics results in either oversmooth image or an image containing misinterpreted spurious edges. As a result, the diagnostic quality of the images becomes a concern. To alleviate such problems, a novel anisotropic diffusion-based speckle reducing filter is proposed in this paper. A probability density function of the edges along with pixel relativity information is used to control the diffusion flux flow. The probability density function helps in removing the spurious edges and the pixel relativity reduces the oversmoothing effects. Furthermore, the filtering is performed in superpixel domain to reduce the execution time, wherein a minimum of 15% of the total number of image pixels can be used. For performance evaluation, 31 frames of three synthetic images and 40 real ultrasound images are used. In most of the experiments, the proposed filter shows a better performance as compared to the state-of-the-art filters in terms of the speckle region's signal-to-noise ratio and mean square error. It also shows a comparative performance for figure of merit and structural similarity measure index. Furthermore, in the subjective evaluation, performed by the expert radiologists, the proposed filter's outputs are preferred for the improved contrast and sharpness of the object boundaries. Hence, the proposed filtering framework is suitable to reduce the unwanted speckle and improve the quality of the ultrasound images.

Improved accuracy of quantitative parameter estimates in dynamic contrast-enhanced CT study with low temporal resolution

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

Kim, Sun Mo, E-mail: Sunmo.Kim@rmp.uhn.on.ca; Haider, Masoom A.; Jaffray, David A.

Purpose: A previously proposed method to reduce radiation dose to patient in dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) CT is enhanced by principal component analysis (PCA) filtering which improves the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of time-concentration curves in the DCE-CT study. The efficacy of the combined method to maintain the accuracy of kinetic parameter estimates at low temporal resolution is investigated with pixel-by-pixel kinetic analysis of DCE-CT data. Methods: The method is based on DCE-CT scanning performed with low temporal resolution to reduce the radiation dose to the patient. The arterial input function (AIF) with high temporal resolution can be generated with a coarselymore » sampled AIF through a previously published method of AIF estimation. To increase the SNR of time-concentration curves (tissue curves), first, a region-of-interest is segmented into squares composed of 3 × 3 pixels in size. Subsequently, the PCA filtering combined with a fraction of residual information criterion is applied to all the segmented squares for further improvement of their SNRs. The proposed method was applied to each DCE-CT data set of a cohort of 14 patients at varying levels of down-sampling. The kinetic analyses using the modified Tofts’ model and singular value decomposition method, then, were carried out for each of the down-sampling schemes between the intervals from 2 to 15 s. The results were compared with analyses done with the measured data in high temporal resolution (i.e., original scanning frequency) as the reference. Results: The patients’ AIFs were estimated to high accuracy based on the 11 orthonormal bases of arterial impulse responses established in the previous paper. In addition, noise in the images was effectively reduced by using five principal components of the tissue curves for filtering. Kinetic analyses using the proposed method showed superior results compared to those with down-sampling alone; they were able to maintain the accuracy in the quantitative histogram parameters of volume transfer constant [standard deviation (SD), 98th percentile, and range], rate constant (SD), blood volume fraction (mean, SD, 98th percentile, and range), and blood flow (mean, SD, median, 98th percentile, and range) for sampling intervals between 10 and 15 s. Conclusions: The proposed method of PCA filtering combined with the AIF estimation technique allows low frequency scanning for DCE-CT study to reduce patient radiation dose. The results indicate that the method is useful in pixel-by-pixel kinetic analysis of DCE-CT data for patients with cervical cancer.« less

Model of the lines of sight for an off-axis optical instrument Pleiades

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sauvage, Dominique; Gaudin-Delrieu, Catherine; Tournier, Thierry

2017-11-01

The future Earth observation missions aim at delivering images with a high resolution and a large field of view. These images have to be processed to get a very accurate localisation. In that goal, the individual lines of sight of each photosensitive element must be evaluated according to the localisation of the pixels in the focal plane. But, with off-axis Korsch telescope (like PLEIADES), the classical model has to be adapted. This is possible by using optical ground measurements made after the integration of the instrument. The processing of these results leads to several parameters, which are function of the offsets of the focal plane and the real focal length. All this study which has been proposed for the PLEIADES mission leads to a more elaborated model which provides the relation between the lines of sight and the location of the pixels, with a very good accuracy, close to the pixel size.

Innovative monolithic detector for tri-spectral (THz, IR, Vis) imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pocas, S.; Perenzoni, M.; Massari, N.; Simoens, F.; Meilhan, J.; Rabaud, W.; Martin, S.; Delplanque, B.; Imperinetti, P.; Goudon, V.; Vialle, C.; Arnaud, A.

2012-10-01

Fusion of multispectral images has been explored for many years for security and used in a number of commercial products. CEA-Leti and FBK have developed an innovative sensor technology that gathers monolithically on a unique focal plane arrays, pixels sensitive to radiation in three spectral ranges that are terahertz (THz), infrared (IR) and visible. This technology benefits of many assets for volume market: compactness, full CMOS compatibility on 200mm wafers, advanced functions of the CMOS read-out integrated circuit (ROIC), and operation at room temperature. The ROIC houses visible APS diodes while IR and THz detections are carried out by microbolometers collectively processed above the CMOS substrate. Standard IR bolometric microbridges (160x160 pixels) are surrounding antenna-coupled bolometers (32X32 pixels) built on a resonant cavity customized to THz sensing. This paper presents the different technological challenges achieved in this development and first electrical and sensitivity experimental tests.

Heat Sinking, Cross Talk, and Temperature Stability for Large, Close-Packed Arrays of Microcalorimeters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Imoto, Naoko; Bandler, SImon; Brekosky, Regis; Chervenak, James; Figueroa-Felicano, Enectali; Finkbeiner, Frederick; Kelley, Richard; Kilbourne, Caroline; Porter, Frederick; Sadleir, Jack;

Evaluation of position-estimation methods applied to CZT-based photon-counting detectors for dedicated breast CT

PubMed Central

Makeev, Andrey; Clajus, Martin; Snyder, Scott; Wang, Xiaolang; Glick, Stephen J.

2015-01-01

Abstract. Semiconductor photon-counting detectors based on high atomic number, high density materials [cadmium zinc telluride (CZT)/cadmium telluride (CdTe)] for x-ray computed tomography (CT) provide advantages over conventional energy-integrating detectors, including reduced electronic and Swank noise, wider dynamic range, capability of spectral CT, and improved signal-to-noise ratio. Certain CT applications require high spatial resolution. In breast CT, for example, visualization of microcalcifications and assessment of tumor microvasculature after contrast enhancement require resolution on the order of 100  μm. A straightforward approach to increasing spatial resolution of pixellated CZT-based radiation detectors by merely decreasing the pixel size leads to two problems: (1) fabricating circuitry with small pixels becomes costly and (2) inter-pixel charge spreading can obviate any improvement in spatial resolution. We have used computer simulations to investigate position estimation algorithms that utilize charge sharing to achieve subpixel position resolution. To study these algorithms, we model a simple detector geometry with a 5×5 array of 200  μm pixels, and use a conditional probability function to model charge transport in CZT. We used COMSOL finite element method software to map the distribution of charge pulses and the Monte Carlo package PENELOPE for simulating fluorescent radiation. Performance of two x-ray interaction position estimation algorithms was evaluated: the method of maximum-likelihood estimation and a fast, practical algorithm that can be implemented in a readout application-specific integrated circuit and allows for identification of a quadrant of the pixel in which the interaction occurred. Both methods demonstrate good subpixel resolution; however, their actual efficiency is limited by the presence of fluorescent K-escape photons. Current experimental breast CT systems typically use detectors with a pixel size of 194  μm, with 2×2 binning during the acquisition giving an effective pixel size of 388  μm. Thus, it would be expected that the position estimate accuracy reported in this study would improve detection and visualization of microcalcifications as compared to that with conventional detectors. PMID:26158095

Evaluation of position-estimation methods applied to CZT-based photon-counting detectors for dedicated breast CT.

PubMed

Makeev, Andrey; Clajus, Martin; Snyder, Scott; Wang, Xiaolang; Glick, Stephen J

2015-04-01

Semiconductor photon-counting detectors based on high atomic number, high density materials [cadmium zinc telluride (CZT)/cadmium telluride (CdTe)] for x-ray computed tomography (CT) provide advantages over conventional energy-integrating detectors, including reduced electronic and Swank noise, wider dynamic range, capability of spectral CT, and improved signal-to-noise ratio. Certain CT applications require high spatial resolution. In breast CT, for example, visualization of microcalcifications and assessment of tumor microvasculature after contrast enhancement require resolution on the order of [Formula: see text]. A straightforward approach to increasing spatial resolution of pixellated CZT-based radiation detectors by merely decreasing the pixel size leads to two problems: (1) fabricating circuitry with small pixels becomes costly and (2) inter-pixel charge spreading can obviate any improvement in spatial resolution. We have used computer simulations to investigate position estimation algorithms that utilize charge sharing to achieve subpixel position resolution. To study these algorithms, we model a simple detector geometry with a [Formula: see text] array of [Formula: see text] pixels, and use a conditional probability function to model charge transport in CZT. We used COMSOL finite element method software to map the distribution of charge pulses and the Monte Carlo package PENELOPE for simulating fluorescent radiation. Performance of two x-ray interaction position estimation algorithms was evaluated: the method of maximum-likelihood estimation and a fast, practical algorithm that can be implemented in a readout application-specific integrated circuit and allows for identification of a quadrant of the pixel in which the interaction occurred. Both methods demonstrate good subpixel resolution; however, their actual efficiency is limited by the presence of fluorescent [Formula: see text]-escape photons. Current experimental breast CT systems typically use detectors with a pixel size of [Formula: see text], with [Formula: see text] binning during the acquisition giving an effective pixel size of [Formula: see text]. Thus, it would be expected that the position estimate accuracy reported in this study would improve detection and visualization of microcalcifications as compared to that with conventional detectors.

Pixel-based dust-extinction mapping in nearby galaxies: A new approach to lifting the veil of dust

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tamura, Kazuyuki

In the first part of this dissertation, I explore a new approach to mapping dust extinction in galaxies, using the observed and estimated dust-free flux- ratios of optical V -band and mid-IR 3.6 micro-meter emission. Inferred missing V -band flux is then converted into an estimate of dust extinction. While dust features are not clearly evident in the observed ground-based images of NGC 0959, the target of my pilot study, the dust-map created with this method clearly traces the distribution of dust seen in higher resolution Hubble images. Stellar populations are then analyzed through various pixel Color- Magnitude Diagrams and pixel Color-Color Diagrams (pCCDs), both before and after extinction correction. The ( B - 3.6 microns) versus (far-UV - U ) pCCD proves particularly powerful to distinguish pixels that are dominated by different types of or mixtures of stellar populations. Mapping these pixel- groups onto a pixel-coordinate map shows that they are not distributed randomly, but follow genuine galactic structures, such as a previously unrecognized bar. I show that selecting pixel-groups is not meaningful when using uncorrected colors, and that pixel-based extinction correction is crucial to reveal the true spatial variations in stellar populations. This method is then applied to a sample of late-type galaxies to study the distribution of dust and stellar population as a function of their morphological type and absolute magnitude. In each galaxy, I find that dust extinction is not simply decreasing radially, but that is concentrated in localized clumps throughout a galaxy. I also find some cases where star-formation regions are not associated with dust. In the second part, I describe the application of astronomical image analysis tools for medical purposes. In particular, Source Extractor is used to detect nerve fibers in the basement membrane images of human skin-biopsies of obese subjects. While more development and testing is necessary for this kind of work, I show that computerized detection methods significantly increase the repeatability and reliability of the results. A patent on this work is pending.

Three-dimensional cascaded system analysis of a 50 µm pixel pitch wafer-scale CMOS active pixel sensor x-ray detector for digital breast tomosynthesis.

PubMed

Zhao, C; Vassiljev, N; Konstantinidis, A C; Speller, R D; Kanicki, J

2017-03-07

High-resolution, low-noise x-ray detectors based on the complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) active pixel sensor (APS) technology have been developed and proposed for digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT). In this study, we evaluated the three-dimensional (3D) imaging performance of a 50 µm pixel pitch CMOS APS x-ray detector named DynAMITe (Dynamic Range Adjustable for Medical Imaging Technology). The two-dimensional (2D) angle-dependent modulation transfer function (MTF), normalized noise power spectrum (NNPS), and detective quantum efficiency (DQE) were experimentally characterized and modeled using the cascaded system analysis at oblique incident angles up to 30°. The cascaded system model was extended to the 3D spatial frequency space in combination with the filtered back-projection (FBP) reconstruction method to calculate the 3D and in-plane MTF, NNPS and DQE parameters. The results demonstrate that the beam obliquity blurs the 2D MTF and DQE in the high spatial frequency range. However, this effect can be eliminated after FBP image reconstruction. In addition, impacts of the image acquisition geometry and detector parameters were evaluated using the 3D cascaded system analysis for DBT. The result shows that a wider projection angle range (e.g.  ±30°) improves the low spatial frequency (below 5 mm -1 ) performance of the CMOS APS detector. In addition, to maintain a high spatial resolution for DBT, a focal spot size of smaller than 0.3 mm should be used. Theoretical analysis suggests that a pixelated scintillator in combination with the 50 µm pixel pitch CMOS APS detector could further improve the 3D image resolution. Finally, the 3D imaging performance of the CMOS APS and an indirect amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) thin-film transistor (TFT) passive pixel sensor (PPS) detector was simulated and compared.

Performance of In-Pixel Circuits for Photon Counting Arrays (PCAs) Based on Polycrystalline Silicon TFTs

PubMed Central

Liang, Albert K.; Koniczek, Martin; Antonuk, Larry E.; El-Mohri, Youcef; Zhao, Qihua; Street, Robert A.; Lu, Jeng Ping

2017-01-01

Photon counting arrays (PCAs), defined as pixelated imagers which measure the absorbed energy of x-ray photons individually and record this information digitally, are of increasing clinical interest. A number of PCA prototypes with a 1 mm pixel-to-pixel pitch have recently been fabricated with polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si) — a thin-film technology capable of creating monolithic imagers of a size commensurate with human anatomy. In this study, analog and digital simulation frameworks were developed to provide insight into the influence of individual poly-Si transistors on pixel circuit performance — information that is not readily available through empirical means. The simulation frameworks were used to characterize the circuit designs employed in the prototypes. The analog framework, which determines the noise produced by individual transistors, was used to estimate energy resolution, as well as to identify which transistors contribute the most noise. The digital framework, which analyzes how well circuits function in the presence of significant variations in transistor properties, was used to estimate how fast a circuit can produce an output (referred to as output count rate). In addition, an algorithm was developed and used to estimate the minimum pixel pitch that could be achieved for the pixel circuits of the current prototypes. The simulation frameworks predict that the analog component of the PCA prototypes could have energy resolution as low as 8.9% FWHM at 70 keV; and the digital components should work well even in the presence of significant TFT variations, with the fastest component having output count rates as high as 3 MHz. Finally, based on conceivable improvements in the underlying fabrication process, the algorithm predicts that the 1 mm pitch of the current PCA prototypes could be reduced significantly, potentially to between ~240 and 290 μm. PMID:26878107

Performance of in-pixel circuits for photon counting arrays (PCAs) based on polycrystalline silicon TFTs.

PubMed

Liang, Albert K; Koniczek, Martin; Antonuk, Larry E; El-Mohri, Youcef; Zhao, Qihua; Street, Robert A; Lu, Jeng Ping

2016-03-07

Photon counting arrays (PCAs), defined as pixelated imagers which measure the absorbed energy of x-ray photons individually and record this information digitally, are of increasing clinical interest. A number of PCA prototypes with a 1 mm pixel-to-pixel pitch have recently been fabricated with polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si)-a thin-film technology capable of creating monolithic imagers of a size commensurate with human anatomy. In this study, analog and digital simulation frameworks were developed to provide insight into the influence of individual poly-Si transistors on pixel circuit performance-information that is not readily available through empirical means. The simulation frameworks were used to characterize the circuit designs employed in the prototypes. The analog framework, which determines the noise produced by individual transistors, was used to estimate energy resolution, as well as to identify which transistors contribute the most noise. The digital framework, which analyzes how well circuits function in the presence of significant variations in transistor properties, was used to estimate how fast a circuit can produce an output (referred to as output count rate). In addition, an algorithm was developed and used to estimate the minimum pixel pitch that could be achieved for the pixel circuits of the current prototypes. The simulation frameworks predict that the analog component of the PCA prototypes could have energy resolution as low as 8.9% full width at half maximum (FWHM) at 70 keV; and the digital components should work well even in the presence of significant thin-film transistor (TFT) variations, with the fastest component having output count rates as high as 3 MHz. Finally, based on conceivable improvements in the underlying fabrication process, the algorithm predicts that the 1 mm pitch of the current PCA prototypes could be reduced significantly, potentially to between ~240 and 290 μm.

Three-dimensional cascaded system analysis of a 50 µm pixel pitch wafer-scale CMOS active pixel sensor x-ray detector for digital breast tomosynthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, C.; Vassiljev, N.; Konstantinidis, A. C.; Speller, R. D.; Kanicki, J.

2017-03-01

High-resolution, low-noise x-ray detectors based on the complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) active pixel sensor (APS) technology have been developed and proposed for digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT). In this study, we evaluated the three-dimensional (3D) imaging performance of a 50 µm pixel pitch CMOS APS x-ray detector named DynAMITe (Dynamic Range Adjustable for Medical Imaging Technology). The two-dimensional (2D) angle-dependent modulation transfer function (MTF), normalized noise power spectrum (NNPS), and detective quantum efficiency (DQE) were experimentally characterized and modeled using the cascaded system analysis at oblique incident angles up to 30°. The cascaded system model was extended to the 3D spatial frequency space in combination with the filtered back-projection (FBP) reconstruction method to calculate the 3D and in-plane MTF, NNPS and DQE parameters. The results demonstrate that the beam obliquity blurs the 2D MTF and DQE in the high spatial frequency range. However, this effect can be eliminated after FBP image reconstruction. In addition, impacts of the image acquisition geometry and detector parameters were evaluated using the 3D cascaded system analysis for DBT. The result shows that a wider projection angle range (e.g.  ±30°) improves the low spatial frequency (below 5 mm-1) performance of the CMOS APS detector. In addition, to maintain a high spatial resolution for DBT, a focal spot size of smaller than 0.3 mm should be used. Theoretical analysis suggests that a pixelated scintillator in combination with the 50 µm pixel pitch CMOS APS detector could further improve the 3D image resolution. Finally, the 3D imaging performance of the CMOS APS and an indirect amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) thin-film transistor (TFT) passive pixel sensor (PPS) detector was simulated and compared.

A review of accuracy assessment for object-based image analysis: From per-pixel to per-polygon approaches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ye, Su; Pontius, Robert Gilmore; Rakshit, Rahul

2018-07-01

Object-based image analysis (OBIA) has gained widespread popularity for creating maps from remotely sensed data. Researchers routinely claim that OBIA procedures outperform pixel-based procedures; however, it is not immediately obvious how to evaluate the degree to which an OBIA map compares to reference information in a manner that accounts for the fact that the OBIA map consists of objects that vary in size and shape. Our study reviews 209 journal articles concerning OBIA published between 2003 and 2017. We focus on the three stages of accuracy assessment: (1) sampling design, (2) response design and (3) accuracy analysis. First, we report the literature's overall characteristics concerning OBIA accuracy assessment. Simple random sampling was the most used method among probability sampling strategies, slightly more than stratified sampling. Office interpreted remotely sensed data was the dominant reference source. The literature reported accuracies ranging from 42% to 96%, with an average of 85%. A third of the articles failed to give sufficient information concerning accuracy methodology such as sampling scheme and sample size. We found few studies that focused specifically on the accuracy of the segmentation. Second, we identify a recent increase of OBIA articles in using per-polygon approaches compared to per-pixel approaches for accuracy assessment. We clarify the impacts of the per-pixel versus the per-polygon approaches respectively on sampling, response design and accuracy analysis. Our review defines the technical and methodological needs in the current per-polygon approaches, such as polygon-based sampling, analysis of mixed polygons, matching of mapped with reference polygons and assessment of segmentation accuracy. Our review summarizes and discusses the current issues in object-based accuracy assessment to provide guidance for improved accuracy assessments for OBIA.

Angle- and polarization-insensitive, small area, subtractive color filters via a-Si nanopillar arrays (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fountaine, Katherine T.; Ito, Mikinori; Pala, Ragip; Atwater, Harry A.

2016-09-01

Spectrally-selective nanophotonic and plasmonic structures enjoy widespread interest for application as color filters in imaging devices, due to their potential advantages over traditional organic dyes and pigments. Organic dyes are straightforward to implement with predictable optical performance at large pixel size, but suffer from inherent optical cross-talk and stability (UV, thermal, humidity) issues and also exhibit increasingly unpredictable performance as pixel size approaches dye molecule size. Nanophotonic and plasmonic color filters are more robust, but often have polarization- and angle-dependent optical response and/or require large-range periodicity. Herein, we report on design and fabrication of polarization- and angle-insensitive CYM color filters based on a-Si nanopillar arrays as small as 1um2, supported by experiment, simulation, and analytic theory. Analytic waveguide and Mie theories explain the color filtering mechanism- efficient coupling into and interband transition-mediated attenuation of waveguide-like modes—and also guided the FDTD simulation-based optimization of nanopillar array dimensions. The designed a-Si nanopillar arrays were fabricated using e-beam lithography and reactive ion etching; and were subsequently optically characterized, revealing the predicted polarization- and angle-insensitive (±40°) subtractive filter responses. Cyan, yellow, and magenta color filters have each been demonstrated. The effects of nanopillar array size and inter-array spacing were investigated both experimentally and theoretically to probe the issues of ever-shrinking pixel sizes and cross-talk, respectively. Results demonstrate that these nanopillar arrays maintain their performance down to 1um2 pixel sizes with no inter-array spacing. These concepts and results along with color-processed images taken with a fabricated color filter array will be presented and discussed.

Robust and efficient modulation transfer function measurement with CMOS color sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farsani, Raziyeh A.; Sure, Thomas; Apel, Uwe

2017-06-01

Increasing challenges of the industry to improve camera performance with control and test of the alignment process will be discussed in this paper. The major difficulties, such as special CFAs that have white/clear pixels instead of a Bayer pattern and non-homogeneous back light illumination of the targets, used for such tests, will be outlined and strategies on how to handle them will be presented. The proposed algorithms are applied to synthetically generated edges, as well as to experimental images taken from ADAS cameras in standard illumination conditions, to validate the approach. In addition, to consider the influence of the chromatic aberration of the lens and the CFA's influence on the total system MTF, the on-axis focus behavior of the camera module will be presented for each pixel class separately. It will be shown that the repeatability of the measurement results of the system MTF is improved, as a result of a more accurate and robust edge angle detection, elimination of systematic errors, using an improved lateral shift of the pixels and analytical modeling of the edge transition. Results also show the necessity to have separated measurements of contrast in the different pixel classes to ensure a precise focus position.

Discrete Radon transform has an exact, fast inverse and generalizes to operations other than sums along lines

PubMed Central

Press, William H.

2006-01-01

Götz, Druckmüller, and, independently, Brady have defined a discrete Radon transform (DRT) that sums an image's pixel values along a set of aptly chosen discrete lines, complete in slope and intercept. The transform is fast, O(N2log N) for an N × N image; it uses only addition, not multiplication or interpolation, and it admits a fast, exact algorithm for the adjoint operation, namely backprojection. This paper shows that the transform additionally has a fast, exact (although iterative) inverse. The inverse reproduces to machine accuracy the pixel-by-pixel values of the original image from its DRT, without artifacts or a finite point-spread function. Fourier or fast Fourier transform methods are not used. The inverse can also be calculated from sampled sinograms and is well conditioned in the presence of noise. Also introduced are generalizations of the DRT that combine pixel values along lines by operations other than addition. For example, there is a fast transform that calculates median values along all discrete lines and is able to detect linear features at low signal-to-noise ratios in the presence of pointlike clutter features of arbitrarily large amplitude. PMID:17159155

NDVI, scale invariance and the modifiable areal unit problem: An assessment of vegetation in the Adelaide Parklands

USGS Publications Warehouse

Nouri, Hamideh; Anderson, Sharolyn; Sutton, Paul; Beecham, Simon; Nagler, Pamela L.; Jarchow, Christopher J.; Roberts, Dar A.

2017-01-01

This research addresses the question as to whether or not the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) is scale invariant (i.e. constant over spatial aggregation) for pure pixels of urban vegetation. It has been long recognized that there are issues related to the modifiable areal unit problem (MAUP) pertaining to indices such as NDVI and images at varying spatial resolutions. These issues are relevant to using NDVI values in spatial analyses. We compare two different methods of calculation of a mean NDVI: 1) using pixel values of NDVI within feature/object boundaries and 2) first calculating the mean red and mean near-infrared across all feature pixels and then calculating NDVI. We explore the nature and magnitude of these differences for images taken from two sensors, a 1.24 m resolution WorldView-3 and a 0.1 m resolution digital aerial image. We apply these methods over an urban park located in the Adelaide Parklands of South Australia. We demonstrate that the MAUP is not an issue for calculation of NDVI within a sensor for pure urban vegetation pixels. This may prove useful for future rule-based monitoring of the ecosystem functioning of green infrastructure.

Discrete Radon transform has an exact, fast inverse and generalizes to operations other than sums along lines.

PubMed

Press, William H

2006-12-19

Götz, Druckmüller, and, independently, Brady have defined a discrete Radon transform (DRT) that sums an image's pixel values along a set of aptly chosen discrete lines, complete in slope and intercept. The transform is fast, O(N2log N) for an N x N image; it uses only addition, not multiplication or interpolation, and it admits a fast, exact algorithm for the adjoint operation, namely backprojection. This paper shows that the transform additionally has a fast, exact (although iterative) inverse. The inverse reproduces to machine accuracy the pixel-by-pixel values of the original image from its DRT, without artifacts or a finite point-spread function. Fourier or fast Fourier transform methods are not used. The inverse can also be calculated from sampled sinograms and is well conditioned in the presence of noise. Also introduced are generalizations of the DRT that combine pixel values along lines by operations other than addition. For example, there is a fast transform that calculates median values along all discrete lines and is able to detect linear features at low signal-to-noise ratios in the presence of pointlike clutter features of arbitrarily large amplitude.

Improved canopy reflectance modeling and scene inference through improved understanding of scene pattern

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Franklin, Janet; Simonett, David

1988-01-01

The Li-Strahler reflectance model, driven by LANDSAT Thematic Mapper (TM) data, provided regional estimates of tree size and density within 20 percent of sampled values in two bioclimatic zones in West Africa. This model exploits tree geometry in an inversion technique to predict average tree size and density from reflectance data using a few simple parameters measured in the field (spatial pattern, shape, and size distribution of trees) and in the imagery (spectral signatures of scene components). Trees are treated as simply shaped objects, and multispectral reflectance of a pixel is assumed to be related only to the proportions of tree crown, shadow, and understory in the pixel. These, in turn, are a direct function of the number and size of trees, the solar illumination angle, and the spectral signatures of crown, shadow and understory. Given the variance in reflectance from pixel to pixel within a homogeneous area of woodland, caused by the variation in the number and size of trees, the model can be inverted to give estimates of average tree size and density. Because the inversion is sensitive to correct determination of component signatures, predictions are not accurate for small areas.

SVGA and XGA LCOS microdisplays for HMD applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bolotski, Michael; Alvelda, Phillip

1999-07-01

MicroDisplay liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) display devices are based on a combination of technologies combined with the extreme integration capability of conventionally fabricated CMOS substrates. Two recent SVGA (800 X 600) pixel resolution designs were demonstrated based on 10 micron and 12.5-micron pixel pitch architectures. The resulting microdisplays measure approximately 10 mm and 12 mm in diagonal respectively. Further, an XGA (1024 X 768) resolution display fabricated with a 12.5-micron pixel pitch with a 16-mm diagonal was also demonstrated. Both the larger SVGA and the XGA design were based on the same 12.5-micron pixel-pitch design, demonstrating a quickly scalable design architecture for rapid prototyping life-cycles. All three microdisplay designs described above function in grayscale and high-performance Field-Sequential-Color (FSC) operating modes. The fast liquid crystal operating modes and new scalable high- performance pixel addressing architectures presented in this paper enable substantially improved color, contrast, and brightness while still satisfying the optical, packaging, and power requirements of portable commercial and defense applications including ultra-portable helmet, eyeglass, and heat-mounted systems. The entire suite of The MicroDisplay Corporation's technologies was devised to create a line of mixed-signal application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC) in single-chip display systems. Mixed-signal circuits can integrate computing, memory, and communication circuitry on the same substrate as the display drivers and pixel array for a multifunctional complete system-on-a-chip. For helmet and head-mounted displays this can include capabilities such as the incorporation of customized symbology and information storage directly on the display substrate. System-on-a-chip benefits also include reduced head supported weight requirements through the elimination of off-chip drive electronics.

A BLIND METHOD TO DETREND INSTRUMENTAL SYSTEMATICS IN EXOPLANETARY LIGHT CURVES

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

Morello, G., E-mail: giuseppe.morello.11@ucl.ac.uk

2015-07-20

The study of the atmospheres of transiting exoplanets requires a photometric precision, and repeatability, of one part in ∼10{sup 4}. This is beyond the original calibration plans of current observatories, hence the necessity to disentangle the instrumental systematics from the astrophysical signals in raw data sets. Most methods used in the literature are based on an approximate instrument model. The choice of parameters of the model and their functional forms can sometimes be subjective, causing controversies in the literature. Recently, Morello et al. (2014, 2015) have developed a non-parametric detrending method that gave coherent and repeatable results when applied tomore » Spitzer/IRAC data sets that were debated in the literature. Said method is based on independent component analysis (ICA) of individual pixel time-series, hereafter “pixel-ICA”. The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the limits and advantages of pixel-ICA on a series of simulated data sets with different instrument properties, and a range of jitter timescales and shapes, non-stationarity, sudden change points, etc. The performances of pixel-ICA are compared against the ones of other methods, in particular polynomial centroid division, and pixel-level decorrelation method. We find that in simulated cases pixel-ICA performs as well or better than other methods, and it also guarantees a higher degree of objectivity, because of its purely statistical foundation with no prior information on the instrument systematics. The results of this paper, together with previous analyses of Spitzer/IRAC data sets, suggest that photometric precision and repeatability of one part in 10{sup 4} can be achieved with current infrared space instruments.« less

Fixed-point image orthorectification algorithms for reduced computational cost

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

French, Joseph Clinton

Imaging systems have been applied to many new applications in recent years. With the advent of low-cost, low-power focal planes and more powerful, lower cost computers, remote sensing applications have become more wide spread. Many of these applications require some form of geolocation, especially when relative distances are desired. However, when greater global positional accuracy is needed, orthorectification becomes necessary. Orthorectification is the process of projecting an image onto a Digital Elevation Map (DEM), which removes terrain distortions and corrects the perspective distortion by changing the viewing angle to be perpendicular to the projection plane. Orthorectification is used in disaster tracking, landscape management, wildlife monitoring and many other applications. However, orthorectification is a computationally expensive process due to floating point operations and divisions in the algorithm. To reduce the computational cost of on-board processing, two novel algorithm modifications are proposed. One modification is projection utilizing fixed-point arithmetic. Fixed point arithmetic removes the floating point operations and reduces the processing time by operating only on integers. The second modification is replacement of the division inherent in projection with a multiplication of the inverse. The inverse must operate iteratively. Therefore, the inverse is replaced with a linear approximation. As a result of these modifications, the processing time of projection is reduced by a factor of 1.3x with an average pixel position error of 0.2% of a pixel size for 128-bit integer processing and over 4x with an average pixel position error of less than 13% of a pixel size for a 64-bit integer processing. A secondary inverse function approximation is also developed that replaces the linear approximation with a quadratic. The quadratic approximation produces a more accurate approximation of the inverse, allowing for an integer multiplication calculation to be used in place of the traditional floating point division. This method increases the throughput of the orthorectification operation by 38% when compared to floating point processing. Additionally, this method improves the accuracy of the existing integer-based orthorectification algorithms in terms of average pixel distance, increasing the accuracy of the algorithm by more than 5x. The quadratic function reduces the pixel position error to 2% and is still 2.8x faster than the 128-bit floating point algorithm.

Nanoscale neuroelectronic interface based on open-ended nanocoax arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naughton, Jeffrey R.; Rizal, Binod; Burns, Michael J.; Yeom, Jee; Heyse, Shannon; Archibald, Michelle; Shepard, Stephen; McMahon, Gregory; Chiles, Thomas C.; Naughton, Michael J.

2012-02-01

We describe the development of a nanoscale neuroelectronic array with submicron pixelation for recording and stimulation with high spatial resolution. The device is composed of an array of nanoscale coaxial electrodes, either network- or individually-configured. As a neuroelectronic interface, it will employ noninvasive real-time capacitive coupling to the plasma membrane with potential for extracellular recording of intra- and interneural synaptic activity, with one target being precision measurement of electrical signals associated with induced and spontaneous synapse firing in pre- and post-synaptic somata. Subarrays or even individual pixels can also be actuated for precisely-localized stimulation. We report initial results from measurements using the rat adrenal pheochromocytoma PC12 cell line, which terminally differentiates in response to nerve growth factor, as well as SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells in response to retinoic acid, characterizing the basic performance of the fabricated device.

Spatial scaling of core and dominant forest cover in the Upper Mississippi and Illinois River floodplains, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

De Jager, Nathan R.; Rohweder, Jason J.

2011-01-01

Different organisms respond to spatial structure in different terms and across different spatial scales. As a consequence, efforts to reverse habitat loss and fragmentation through strategic habitat restoration ought to account for the different habitat density and scale requirements of various taxonomic groups. Here, we estimated the local density of floodplain forest surrounding each of ~20 million 10-m forested pixels of the Upper Mississippi and Illinois River floodplains by using moving windows of multiple sizes (1–100 ha). We further identified forest pixels that met two local density thresholds: 'core' forest pixels were nested in a 100% (unfragmented) forested window and 'dominant' forest pixels were those nested in a >60% forested window. Finally, we fit two scaling functions to declines in the proportion of forest cover meeting these criteria with increasing window length for 107 management-relevant focal areas: a power function (i.e. self-similar, fractal-like scaling) and an exponential decay function (fractal dimension depends on scale). The exponential decay function consistently explained more variation in changes to the proportion of forest meeting both the 'core' and 'dominant' criteria with increasing window length than did the power function, suggesting that elevation, soil type, hydrology, and human land use constrain these forest types to a limited range of scales. To examine these scales, we transformed the decay constants to measures of the distance at which the probability of forest meeting the 'core' and 'dominant' criteria was cut in half (S 1/2, m). S 1/2 for core forest was typically between ~55 and ~95 m depending on location along the river, indicating that core forest cover is restricted to extremely fine scales. In contrast, half of all dominant forest cover was lost at scales that were typically between ~525 and 750 m, but S 1/2 was as long as 1,800 m. S 1/2 is a simple measure that (1) condenses information derived from multi-scale analyses, (2) allows for comparisons of the amount of forest habitat available to species with different habitat density and scale requirements, and (3) can be used as an index of the spatial continuity of habitat types that do not scale fractally.

Polarization characterization of an LCTV with a Mueller matrix imaging polarimeter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pezzaniti, J. Larry; Chipman, Russell A.; Gregory, Don A.

1993-10-01

The polarization properties of a TVT-6000 LCTV have been investigated. Mueller matrices of multiple ray paths through the TVT-6000 were measured for a single (typical) pixel, and through several pixels, using an imaging polarimeter. The TVT-6000 was characterized as a function of applied voltage and angle of incidence. From the Mueller matrices, the spatially dependent retardance, diattenuation, and depolarization are calculated and displayed as topographic maps. In another set of measurements, the LCTV is illuminated with a plane wave, and the spatial distribution of polarization in the Far Field Diffraction Pattern is measured in Mueller matrix form.

Statistical image-domain multimaterial decomposition for dual-energy CT.

PubMed

Xue, Yi; Ruan, Ruoshui; Hu, Xiuhua; Kuang, Yu; Wang, Jing; Long, Yong; Niu, Tianye

2017-03-01

Dual-energy CT (DECT) enhances tissue characterization because of its basis material decomposition capability. In addition to conventional two-material decomposition from DECT measurements, multimaterial decomposition (MMD) is required in many clinical applications. To solve the ill-posed problem of reconstructing multi-material images from dual-energy measurements, additional constraints are incorporated into the formulation, including volume and mass conservation and the assumptions that there are at most three materials in each pixel and various material types among pixels. The recently proposed flexible image-domain MMD method decomposes pixels sequentially into multiple basis materials using a direct inversion scheme which leads to magnified noise in the material images. In this paper, we propose a statistical image-domain MMD method for DECT to suppress the noise. The proposed method applies penalized weighted least-square (PWLS) reconstruction with a negative log-likelihood term and edge-preserving regularization for each material. The statistical weight is determined by a data-based method accounting for the noise variance of high- and low-energy CT images. We apply the optimization transfer principles to design a serial of pixel-wise separable quadratic surrogates (PWSQS) functions which monotonically decrease the cost function. The separability in each pixel enables the simultaneous update of all pixels. The proposed method is evaluated on a digital phantom, Catphan©600 phantom and three patients (pelvis, head, and thigh). We also implement the direct inversion and low-pass filtration methods for a comparison purpose. Compared with the direct inversion method, the proposed method reduces noise standard deviation (STD) in soft tissue by 95.35% in the digital phantom study, by 88.01% in the Catphan©600 phantom study, by 92.45% in the pelvis patient study, by 60.21% in the head patient study, and by 81.22% in the thigh patient study, respectively. The overall volume fraction accuracy is improved by around 6.85%. Compared with the low-pass filtration method, the root-mean-square percentage error (RMSE(%)) of electron densities in the Catphan©600 phantom is decreased by 20.89%. As modulation transfer function (MTF) magnitude decreased to 50%, the proposed method increases the spatial resolution by an overall factor of 1.64 on the digital phantom, and 2.16 on the Catphan©600 phantom. The overall volume fraction accuracy is increased by 6.15%. We proposed a statistical image-domain MMD method using DECT measurements. The method successfully suppresses the magnified noise while faithfully retaining the quantification accuracy and anatomical structure in the decomposed material images. The proposed method is practical and promising for advanced clinical applications using DECT imaging. © 2017 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Metabolomics of Therapy Response in Preclinical Glioblastoma: A Multi-Slice MRSI-Based Volumetric Analysis for Noninvasive Assessment of Temozolomide Treatment

PubMed Central

Arias-Ramos, Nuria; Ferrer-Font, Laura; Lope-Piedrafita, Silvia; Mocioiu, Victor; Julià-Sapé, Margarida; Pumarola, Martí; Arús, Carles; Candiota, Ana Paula

2017-01-01

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common aggressive primary brain tumor in adults, with a short survival time even after aggressive therapy. Non-invasive surrogate biomarkers of therapy response may be relevant for improving patient survival. Previous work produced such biomarkers in preclinical GBM using semi-supervised source extraction and single-slice Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Imaging (MRSI). Nevertheless, GBMs are heterogeneous and single-slice studies could prevent obtaining relevant information. The purpose of this work was to evaluate whether a multi-slice MRSI approach, acquiring consecutive grids across the tumor, is feasible for preclinical models and may produce additional insight into therapy response. Nosological images were analyzed pixel-by-pixel and a relative responding volume, the Tumor Responding Index (TRI), was defined to quantify response. Heterogeneous response levels were observed and treated animals were ascribed to three arbitrary predefined groups: high response (HR, n = 2), TRI = 68.2 ± 2.8%, intermediate response (IR, n = 6), TRI = 41.1 ± 4.2% and low response (LR, n = 2), TRI = 13.4 ± 14.3%, producing therapy response categorization which had not been fully registered in single-slice studies. Results agreed with the multi-slice approach being feasible and producing an inverse correlation between TRI and Ki67 immunostaining. Additionally, ca. 7-day oscillations of TRI were observed, suggesting that host immune system activation in response to treatment could contribute to the responding patterns detected. PMID:28524099

Spot auto-focusing and spot auto-stigmation methods with high-definition auto-correlation function in high-resolution TEM.

PubMed

Isakozawa, Shigeto; Fuse, Taishi; Amano, Junpei; Baba, Norio

2018-04-01

As alternatives to the diffractogram-based method in high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, a spot auto-focusing (AF) method and a spot auto-stigmation (AS) method are presented with a unique high-definition auto-correlation function (HD-ACF). The HD-ACF clearly resolves the ACF central peak region in small amorphous-thin-film images, reflecting the phase contrast transfer function. At a 300-k magnification for a 120-kV transmission electron microscope, the smallest areas used are 64 × 64 pixels (~3 nm2) for the AF and 256 × 256 pixels for the AS. A useful advantage of these methods is that the AF function has an allowable accuracy even for a low s/n (~1.0) image. A reference database on the defocus dependency of the HD-ACF by the pre-acquisition of through-focus amorphous-thin-film images must be prepared to use these methods. This can be very beneficial because the specimens are not limited to approximations of weak phase objects but can be extended to objects outside such approximations.

Using Neural Networks to Improve the Performance of Radiative Transfer Modeling Used for Geometry Dependent Surface Lambertian-Equivalent Reflectivity Calculations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fasnacht, Zachary; Qin, Wenhan; Haffner, David P.; Loyola, Diego; Joiner, Joanna; Krotkov, Nickolay; Vasilkov, Alexander; Spurr, Robert

2017-01-01

Surface Lambertian-equivalent reflectivity (LER) is important for trace gas retrievals in the direct calculation of cloud fractions and indirect calculation of the air mass factor. Current trace gas retrievals use climatological surface LER's. Surface properties that impact the bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) as well as varying satellite viewing geometry can be important for retrieval of trace gases. Geometry Dependent LER (GLER) captures these effects with its calculation of sun normalized radiances (I/F) and can be used in current LER algorithms (Vasilkov et al. 2016). Pixel by pixel radiative transfer calculations are computationally expensive for large datasets. Modern satellite missions such as the Tropospheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) produce very large datasets as they take measurements at much higher spatial and spectral resolutions. Look up table (LUT) interpolation improves the speed of radiative transfer calculations but complexity increases for non-linear functions. Neural networks perform fast calculations and can accurately predict both non-linear and linear functions with little effort.

Spectral X-Ray Diffraction using a 6 Megapixel Photon Counting Array Detector.

PubMed

Muir, Ryan D; Pogranichniy, Nicholas R; Muir, J Lewis; Sullivan, Shane Z; Battaile, Kevin P; Mulichak, Anne M; Toth, Scott J; Keefe, Lisa J; Simpson, Garth J

2015-03-12

Pixel-array array detectors allow single-photon counting to be performed on a massively parallel scale, with several million counting circuits and detectors in the array. Because the number of photoelectrons produced at the detector surface depends on the photon energy, these detectors offer the possibility of spectral imaging. In this work, a statistical model of the instrument response is used to calibrate the detector on a per-pixel basis. In turn, the calibrated sensor was used to perform separation of dual-energy diffraction measurements into two monochromatic images. Targeting applications include multi-wavelength diffraction to aid in protein structure determination and X-ray diffraction imaging.

Advanced SLMs for microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Linnenberger, A.

2018-02-01

Wavefront shaping devices such as deformable mirrors, liquid crystal spatial light modulators (SLMs), and active lenses are of considerable interest in microscopy for aberration correction, volumetric imaging, and programmable excitation. Liquid crystal SLMs are high resolution phase modulators capable of creating complex phase profiles to reshape, or redirect light within a three-dimensional (3D) volume. Recent advances in Meadowlark Optics (MLO) SLMs reduce losses by increasing fill factor from 83.4% to 96%, and improving resolution from 512 x 512 pixels to 1920 x 1152 pixels while maintaining a liquid crystal response time of 300 Hz at 1064 nm. This paper summarizes new SLM capabilities, and benefits for microscopy.

General review of multispectral cooled IR development at CEA-Leti, France

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boulard, F.; Marmonier, F.; Grangier, C.; Adelmini, L.; Gravrand, O.; Ballet, P.; Baudry, X.; Baylet, J.; Badano, G.; Espiau de Lamaestre, R.; Bisotto, S.

2017-02-01

Multicolor detection capabilities, which bring information on the thermal and chemical composition of the scene, are desirable for advanced infrared (IR) imaging systems. This communication reviews intra and multiband solutions developed at CEA-Leti, from dual-band molecular beam epitaxy grown Mercury Cadmium Telluride (MCT) photodiodes to plasmon-enhanced multicolor IR detectors and backside pixelated filters. Spectral responses, quantum efficiency and detector noise performances, pros and cons regarding global system are discussed in regards to technology maturity, pixel pitch reduction, and affordability. From MWIR-LWIR large band to intra MWIR or LWIR bands peaked detection, results underline the full possibility developed at CEA-Leti.

Spectral x-ray diffraction using a 6 megapixel photon counting array detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muir, Ryan D.; Pogranichniy, Nicholas R.; Muir, J. Lewis; Sullivan, Shane Z.; Battaile, Kevin P.; Mulichak, Anne M.; Toth, Scott J.; Keefe, Lisa J.; Simpson, Garth J.

2015-03-01

Pixel-array array detectors allow single-photon counting to be performed on a massively parallel scale, with several million counting circuits and detectors in the array. Because the number of photoelectrons produced at the detector surface depends on the photon energy, these detectors offer the possibility of spectral imaging. In this work, a statistical model of the instrument response is used to calibrate the detector on a per-pixel basis. In turn, the calibrated sensor was used to perform separation of dual-energy diffraction measurements into two monochromatic images. Targeting applications include multi-wavelength diffraction to aid in protein structure determination and X-ray diffraction imaging.

Operational characteristics of Wedge and Strip image readout systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Siegmund, O. H. W.; Lampton, M.; Bixler, J.; Bowyer, S.; Malina, R. F.

1986-01-01

Application of the Wedge and Strip readout system in microchannel plate detectors for the Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer and FAUST space astronomy programs is discussed. Anode designs with high resolution (greater than 600 x 600 pixels) in imaging and spectroscopy applications have been developed. Extension of these designs to larger formats (100 mm) with higher resolution (3000 x 3000 pixels) are considered. It is shown that the resolution and imaging are highly stable, and that the flat field performance is essentially limited by photon statistics. Very high speed event response has also been achieved with output pulses having durations of less than 10 nanoseconds.

50 μm pixel pitch wafer-scale CMOS active pixel sensor x-ray detector for digital breast tomosynthesis.

PubMed

Zhao, C; Konstantinidis, A C; Zheng, Y; Anaxagoras, T; Speller, R D; Kanicki, J

2015-12-07

Wafer-scale CMOS active pixel sensors (APSs) have been developed recently for x-ray imaging applications. The small pixel pitch and low noise are very promising properties for medical imaging applications such as digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT). In this work, we evaluated experimentally and through modeling the imaging properties of a 50 μm pixel pitch CMOS APS x-ray detector named DynAMITe (Dynamic Range Adjustable for Medical Imaging Technology). A modified cascaded system model was developed for CMOS APS x-ray detectors by taking into account the device nonlinear signal and noise properties. The imaging properties such as modulation transfer function (MTF), noise power spectrum (NPS), and detective quantum efficiency (DQE) were extracted from both measurements and the nonlinear cascaded system analysis. The results show that the DynAMITe x-ray detector achieves a high spatial resolution of 10 mm(-1) and a DQE of around 0.5 at spatial frequencies  <1 mm(-1). In addition, the modeling results were used to calculate the image signal-to-noise ratio (SNRi) of microcalcifications at various mean glandular dose (MGD). For an average breast (5 cm thickness, 50% glandular fraction), 165 μm microcalcifications can be distinguished at a MGD of 27% lower than the clinical value (~1.3 mGy). To detect 100 μm microcalcifications, further optimizations of the CMOS APS x-ray detector, image aquisition geometry and image reconstruction techniques should be considered.

Corn response to climate stress detected with satellite-based NDVI time series

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

Wang, Ruoyu; Cherkauer, Keith; Bowling, Laura

Corn growth conditions and yield are closely dependent on climate variability. Leaf growth, measured as the leaf area index, can be used to identify changes in crop growth in response to climate stress. This research was conducted to capture patterns of spatial and temporal corn leaf growth under climate stress for the St. Joseph River watershed, in northeastern Indiana. Leaf growth is represented by the Normalized Difference Vegetative Index (NDVI) retrieved from multiple years (2000–2010) of Landsat 5 TM images. By comparing NDVI values for individual image dates with the derived normal curve, the response of crop growth to environmentalmore » factors is quantified as NDVI residuals. Regression analysis revealed a significant relationship between yield and NDVI residual during the pre-silking period, indicating that NDVI residuals reflect crop stress in the early growing period that impacts yield. Both the mean NDVI residuals and the percentage of image pixels where corn was under stress (risky pixel rate) are significantly correlated with water stress. Dry weather is prone to hamper potential crop growth, with stress affecting most of the observed corn pixels in the area. Oversupply of rainfall at the end of the growing season was not found to have a measurable effect on crop growth, while above normal precipitation earlier in the growing season reduces the risk of yield loss at the watershed scale. Furthermore, the spatial extent of stress is much lower when precipitation is above normal than under dry conditions, masking the impact of small areas of yield loss at the watershed scale.« less

Corn response to climate stress detected with satellite-based NDVI time series

DOE PAGES

Wang, Ruoyu; Cherkauer, Keith; Bowling, Laura

2016-03-23

Corn growth conditions and yield are closely dependent on climate variability. Leaf growth, measured as the leaf area index, can be used to identify changes in crop growth in response to climate stress. This research was conducted to capture patterns of spatial and temporal corn leaf growth under climate stress for the St. Joseph River watershed, in northeastern Indiana. Leaf growth is represented by the Normalized Difference Vegetative Index (NDVI) retrieved from multiple years (2000–2010) of Landsat 5 TM images. By comparing NDVI values for individual image dates with the derived normal curve, the response of crop growth to environmentalmore » factors is quantified as NDVI residuals. Regression analysis revealed a significant relationship between yield and NDVI residual during the pre-silking period, indicating that NDVI residuals reflect crop stress in the early growing period that impacts yield. Both the mean NDVI residuals and the percentage of image pixels where corn was under stress (risky pixel rate) are significantly correlated with water stress. Dry weather is prone to hamper potential crop growth, with stress affecting most of the observed corn pixels in the area. Oversupply of rainfall at the end of the growing season was not found to have a measurable effect on crop growth, while above normal precipitation earlier in the growing season reduces the risk of yield loss at the watershed scale. Furthermore, the spatial extent of stress is much lower when precipitation is above normal than under dry conditions, masking the impact of small areas of yield loss at the watershed scale.« less

Performance of the STIS CCD Dark Rate Temperature Correction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Branton, Doug; STScI STIS Team

2018-06-01

Since July 2001, the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) onboard Hubble has operated on its Side-2 electronics due to a failure in the primary Side-1 electronics. While nearly identical, Side-2 lacks a functioning temperature sensor for the CCD, introducing a variability in the CCD operating temperature. Previous analysis utilized the CCD housing temperature telemetry to characterize the relationship between the housing temperature and the dark rate. It was found that a first-order 7%/°C uniform dark correction demonstrated a considerable improvement in the quality of dark subtraction on Side-2 era CCD data, and that value has been used on all Side-2 CCD darks since. In this report, we show how this temperature correction has performed historically. We compare the current 7%/°C value against the ideal first-order correction at a given time (which can vary between ~6%/°C and ~10%/°C) as well as against a more complex second-order correction that applies a unique slope to each pixel as a function of dark rate and time. At worst, the current correction has performed ~1% worse than the second-order correction. Additionally, we present initial evidence suggesting that the variability in pixel temperature-sensitivity is significant enough to warrant a temperature correction that considers pixels individually rather than correcting them uniformly.

GOME and Sciamachy data access using the Netherlands Sciamachy Data Center

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Som de Cerff, Wim; de Vreede, Ernst; van de Vegte, John; van Hees, Ricard; van der Neut, Ian; Stammes, Piet; Pieters, Ankie; van der A, Ronald

2010-05-01

The Netherlands Sciamachy Data Center (NL-SCIA-DC) provides access to satellite data from the GOME and Sciamachy instruments for over 10 years now. GOME and Sciamachy both measure trace gases like Ozone, Methane, NO2 and aerosols, which are important for climate and air quality monitoring. Recently (February 2010) a new release of the NL-SCIA-DC provides an improved processing and archiving structure and an improved user interface. This Java Webstart application allows the user to browse, query and download GOME and Sciamachy data products, including KNMI and SRON GOME and Sciamachy products (cloud products, CH4, NO2, CO). Data can be searched on file and pixel level, and can be graphically displayed. The huge database containing all pixel information of GOME and Sciamachy is unique and allows specific selection, e.g., selecting cloud free pixels. Ordered data is delivered by FTP or email. The data available spans the mission times of GOME and Sciamachy, and is constantly updated as new data becomes available. The data services future upgrades include offering additional functionality to end-users of Sciamachy data. One of the functionalities provided will be the possibility to select and process Sciamachy products using different data processors, using Grid technology. This technology was successfully researched and will be made operationally available in the near future.

Chandra's Ultimate Angular Resolution: Studies of the HRC-I Point Spread Function

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Juda, Michael; Karovska, M.

2010-03-01

The Chandra High Resolution Camera (HRC) should provide an ideal imaging match to the High-Resolution Mirror Assembly (HRMA). The laboratory-measured intrinsic resolution of the HRC is 20 microns FWHM. HRC event positions are determined via a centroiding method rather than by using discrete pixels. This event position reconstruction method and any non-ideal performance of the detector electronics can introduce distortions in event locations that, when combined with spacecraft dither, produce artifacts in source images. We compare ray-traces of the HRMA response to "on-axis" observations of AR Lac and Capella as they move through their dither patterns to images produced from filtered event lists to characterize the effective intrinsic PSF of the HRC-I. A two-dimensional Gaussian, which is often used to represent the detector response, is NOT a good representation of the intrinsic PSF of the HRC-I; the actual PSF has a sharper peak and additional structure which will be discussed. This work was supported under NASA contract NAS8-03060.

Video Image Tracking Engine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Howard, Richard T. (Inventor); Bryan, ThomasC. (Inventor); Book, Michael L. (Inventor)

2004-01-01

A method and system for processing an image including capturing an image and storing the image as image pixel data. Each image pixel datum is stored in a respective memory location having a corresponding address. Threshold pixel data is selected from the image pixel data and linear spot segments are identified from the threshold pixel data selected.. Ihe positions of only a first pixel and a last pixel for each linear segment are saved. Movement of one or more objects are tracked by comparing the positions of fust and last pixels of a linear segment present in the captured image with respective first and last pixel positions in subsequent captured images. Alternatively, additional data for each linear data segment is saved such as sum of pixels and the weighted sum of pixels i.e., each threshold pixel value is multiplied by that pixel's x-location).

Polarization Sensitive QWIP Thermal Imager

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-03-01

array (FPA) with peak responsivity in the long-wave infrared ( LWIR ) spectral band near 9 µm. Polarization-dependent responsivity is achieved by...demonstrated in various combinations: MWIR/ LWIR (using rectangular grid gratings), MWIR/MWIR, and LWIR / LWIR . The FPA described here was fabricated with a...CCA supports the nonuniformity correction, global gain and level control, failed pixel substitution, dynamic range reduction, BIT status and serial

Distributed Antenna-Coupled TES for FIR Detectors Arrays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Day, Peter K.; Leduc, Henry G.; Dowell, C. Darren; Lee, Richard A.; Zmuidzinas, Jonas

2007-01-01

We describe a new architecture for a superconducting detector for the submillimeter and far-infrared. This detector uses a distributed hot-electron transition edge sensor (TES) to collect the power from a focal-plane-filling slot antenna array. The sensors lay directly across the slots of the antenna and match the antenna impedance of about 30 ohms. Each pixel contains many sensors that are wired in parallel as a single distributed TES, which results in a low impedance that readily matches to a multiplexed SQUID readout These detectors are inherently polarization sensitive, with very low cross-polarization response, but can also be configured to sum both polarizations. The dual-polarization design can have a bandwidth of 50The use of electron-phonon decoupling eliminates the need for micro-machining, making the focal plane much easier to fabricate than with absorber-coupled, mechanically isolated pixels. We discuss applications of these detectors and a hybridization scheme compatible with arrays of tens of thousands of pixels.

Saliency detection algorithm based on LSC-RC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Wei; Tian, Weiye; Wang, Ding; Luo, Xin; Wu, Yingfei; Zhang, Yu

2018-02-01

Image prominence is the most important region in an image, which can cause the visual attention and response of human beings. Preferentially allocating the computer resources for the image analysis and synthesis by the significant region is of great significance to improve the image area detecting. As a preprocessing of other disciplines in image processing field, the image prominence has widely applications in image retrieval and image segmentation. Among these applications, the super-pixel segmentation significance detection algorithm based on linear spectral clustering (LSC) has achieved good results. The significance detection algorithm proposed in this paper is better than the regional contrast ratio by replacing the method of regional formation in the latter with the linear spectral clustering image is super-pixel block. After combining with the latest depth learning method, the accuracy of the significant region detecting has a great promotion. At last, the superiority and feasibility of the super-pixel segmentation detection algorithm based on linear spectral clustering are proved by the comparative test.

Microwave SQUID Multiplexing of Metallic Magnetic Calorimeters: Status of Multiplexer Performance and Room-Temperature Readout Electronics Development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wegner, M.; Karcher, N.; Krömer, O.; Richter, D.; Ahrens, F.; Sander, O.; Kempf, S.; Weber, M.; Enss, C.

2018-02-01

To our present best knowledge, microwave SQUID multiplexing (μ MUXing) is the most suitable technique for reading out large-scale low-temperature microcalorimeter arrays that consist of hundreds or thousands of individual pixels which require a large readout bandwidth per pixel. For this reason, the present readout strategy for metallic magnetic calorimeter (MMC) arrays combining an intrinsic fast signal rise time, an excellent energy resolution, a large energy dynamic range, a quantum efficiency close to 100% as well as a highly linear detector response is based on μ MUXing. Within this paper, we summarize the state of the art in MMC μ MUXing and discuss the most recent results. This particularly includes the discussion of the performance of a 64-pixel detector array with integrated, on-chip microwave SQUID multiplexer, the progress in flux ramp modulation of MMCs as well as the status of the development of a software-defined radio-based room-temperature electronics which is specifically optimized for MMC readout.

Memory color assisted illuminant estimation through pixel clustering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Heng; Quan, Shuxue

2010-01-01

The under constrained nature of illuminant estimation determines that in order to resolve the problem, certain assumptions are needed, such as the gray world theory. Including more constraints in this process may help explore the useful information in an image and improve the accuracy of the estimated illuminant, providing that the constraints hold. Based on the observation that most personal images have contents of one or more of the following categories: neutral objects, human beings, sky, and plants, we propose a method for illuminant estimation through the clustering of pixels of gray and three dominant memory colors: skin tone, sky blue, and foliage green. Analysis shows that samples of the above colors cluster around small areas under different illuminants and their characteristics can be used to effectively detect pixels falling into each of the categories. The algorithm requires the knowledge of the spectral sensitivity response of the camera, and a spectral database consisted of the CIE standard illuminants and reflectance or radiance database of samples of the above colors.

Evaluation and display of polarimetric image data using long-wave cooled microgrid focal plane arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bowers, David L.; Boger, James K.; Wellems, L. David; Black, Wiley T.; Ortega, Steve E.; Ratliff, Bradley M.; Fetrow, Matthew P.; Hubbs, John E.; Tyo, J. Scott

2006-05-01

Recent developments for Long Wave InfraRed (LWIR) imaging polarimeters include incorporating a microgrid polarizer array onto the focal plane array (FPA). Inherent advantages over typical polarimeters include packaging and instantaneous acquisition of thermal and polarimetric information. This allows for real time video of thermal and polarimetric products. The microgrid approach has inherent polarization measurement error due to the spatial sampling of a non-uniform scene, residual pixel to pixel variations in the gain corrected responsivity and in the noise equivalent input (NEI), and variations in the pixel to pixel micro-polarizer performance. The Degree of Linear Polarization (DoLP) is highly sensitive to these parameters and is consequently used as a metric to explore instrument sensitivities. Image processing and fusion techniques are used to take advantage of the inherent thermal and polarimetric sensing capability of this FPA, providing additional scene information in real time. Optimal operating conditions are employed to improve FPA uniformity and sensitivity. Data from two DRS Infrared Technologies, L.P. (DRS) microgrid polarizer HgCdTe FPAs are presented. One FPA resides in a liquid nitrogen (LN2) pour filled dewar with a 80°K nominal operating temperature. The other FPA resides in a cryogenic (cryo) dewar with a 60° K nominal operating temperature.