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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 163 records · Page 9
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2023

Scalable Detector Design for a High-Resolution Fast-Neutron Radiography Panel

Development of a scalable flat-panel neutron radiography device is needed to meet the nondestructive testing needs of a growing industrial market. Flood field images from a Cs-137 gamma source and a Cf-252 fission neutron source were generated using a detector composed of a 3-mm-thick sheet of EJ-200, and 3-mm-thick sheet of acrylic light spreader, an 8 $\times$ 8 array of SensL MICROFJ-60035-TSV SiPMs, and an IDEAS ROSSPAD readout module. The readout module can be tiled together with similar systems to create a panel of any size, and is only limited by the number of available Ethernet ports in a switching system. A collimated gamma line image demonstrated a 90% spatial resolution of approximately 0.47 line pairs per centimeter and a 10% spatial resolution of approximately 2.32 line pairs per centimeter. A neutron edge image demonstrated a 90% spatial resolution of approximately 0.70 line pairs per centimeter and a 10% spatial resolution of approximately 3.35 line pairs per centimeter. Both of these images show the ability to generate radiographs with sub-SiPM spatial resolution. Using these readout modules, a large-scale radiographic panel can be developed by tiling ROSSPAD modules together.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Material Identification From Radiographs Without Energy Resolution

We propose a method for performing material identification from radiographs without energy-resolved measurements. Material identification has a wide variety of applications, including in biomedical imaging, nondestructive testing, and security. While existing techniques for radiographic material identification make use of dual energy sources, energy-resolving detectors, or additional (e.g., neutron) measurements, such setups are not always practical— requiring additional hardware and complicating imaging. We tackle material identification without energy resolution, allowing standard X-ray systems to provide material identification information without requiring additional hardware. Assuming a setting where the geometry of each object in the scene is known and the materials come from a known set of possible materials, we pose the problem as a combinatorial optimization with a loss function that accounts for the presence of scatter and an unknown gain and propose a branch and bound algorithm to efficiently solve it. We present experiments on both synthetic data and real, experimental data with relevance to security applications— thick, dense objects imaged with MeV X-rays. We show that material identification can be efficient and accurate, for example, in a scene with three shells (two copper, one aluminum), our algorithm ran in six minutes on a consumer-level laptop and identified the correct materials as being among the top 10 best matches out of 8,000 possibilities.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Large field-of-view event-mode camera for high-precision epithermal neutron resonance imaging

A large-area event-mode camera system coupled with a 6 LiF-ZnS:Ag scintillator is applied for neutron resonance imaging (NRI) on the energy-resolved neutron imaging (ERNI) flight path, also known as Flight Path 5 (FP5), at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE). This novel neutron imaging system, featuring a 120 x 120 mm 2 field of view, efficiently captures resonance information across the entire image in a single acquisition, significantly reducing beam time requirements compared to conventional energy-resolved neutron imaging systems. High-quality neutron radiographs with enhanced spatial resolution are achieved through the reconstruction of neutron events based on observations of individual photons emitted from the scintillator. The system demonstrates reduced background through neutron/gamma discrimination capabilities while maintaining sharpness across a large fields of view. In the measurements presented here, a spatial resolution of approximately 340 μm was achieved using center-of-gravity photon cluster centroiding. We demonstrate the system’s capability for quantitatively determining isotopic distributions in various thin samples, as well as automatically reconstructing complex scenes with overlapping resonances from diverse samples. These results are obtained using standard data analysis tools, despite the relatively slow 6 LiF-ZnS:Ag scintillator, which may not be optimal for absorption resonance detection. The capabilities demonstrated here offer a valuable, versatile, and cost-effective solution for high spatial and temporal resolution, large field-of-view energy-resolved neutron imaging, with potential applications across various scientific and industrial domains.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Using deep machine learning to interpret proton radiography data from a pulsed power experiment

Deep machine learning is used to analyze a proton radiograph from a tin pulsed power experiment and determine density values for each pixel in the image. Two promising convolutional neural network architectures that have proven to be effective for image analysis in other applications are applied to analyze a proton radiograph and find density values. The process of creating a suitable training dataset is described, involving the Lagrangian hydrodynamic model used for simulations of the experiment, the proton radiography forward model to make synthetic images for training, and the manner in which data augmentation is used to expand the resulting image dataset. It is shown that machine learning not only produces a reasonable density field but is also able to predict features in the density field that are suggested by the proton radiograph but not captured by simulations.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
NASA NTRS1974

A new ultrasonic imaging system using time delay spectrometry

A new method of forming a visual image by ultrasound is described. A shadowgraphic transmission image similar to an X-ray radiograph is produced by the application of a technique known as Time Delay Spectrometry. The system uses a repetitive frequency sweep with a linear relationship between frequency and time and the transmitting and receiving crystal are scanned in raster fashion about the subject. By electronic processing, an image may be built up which represents the energy transmitted through the specimen with a given time delay. An intensity modulated picture encompassing the full shades-of-gray capability of the recording system can be produced. A second type of image showing transmission time through the specimen may also be formed. Brightness changes in the displayed image in this case correspond to changes in the ultrasonic transmission time through the specimen.

Heyser, R. C.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Progress on Associate-Particle Imaging Algorithms, 2020

The present work describes progress on the development of imaging algorithms that use fast neutron signatures acquired using the associated-particle imaging (API) method. The present work complements ongoing work to develop neutron source and detector hardware to enable field inspection by investigating algorithms that are capable of discriminating between critical materials or extracting three-dimensional geometrical information from single-sided or transmission measurements. The present work is divided into three approaches:(1)Iterative reconstruction of inelastic gamma-ray emissions to perform three-dimensional time-of-flight imaging in a single view in either transmission or backscatter configurations. Iterative reconstruction enables image resolution better than the inherent TOF resolution.(2)Decomposition of registered neutron and x ray radiographs into an assumed material list for each pixel in the image.(3)Material identification using full spectral analysis that includes the emergent neutron and gamma ray energies, times, and angles.Progress for each approach is summarized for fiscal year 2020.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗
DOE OSTI2022

Progress on Associated-Particle Imaging Algorithms, 2022

The present work describes progress on developing imaging algorithms that use fast neutron signatures acquired using the associated-particle imaging (API) method. The present work complements ongoing work to develop neutron source and detector hardware to enable field inspection by investigating algorithms that are capable of discriminating among critical materials or extracting three-dimensional (3D) geometrical information from single-sided or transmission measurements. The present work is divided into three approaches: 1.Iterative reconstruction of inelastic gamma-ray emissions to perform 3D time-of-flight (TOF) imaging in a single view in either transmission or backscatter configurations. Iterative reconstruction enables image resolution better than the inherent TOF resolution. 2.Decomposition of registered neutron and x-ray radiographs into an assumed material list for each pixel in the image. 3.Material identification using full spectral analysis that includes the emergent neutron and gamma ray energies, times, and angles. Progress for each approach is summarized for fiscal year (FY) 2022.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
NASA NTRS1995

Non-invasive assessment of otolith formation during development of the Japanese red-bellied newt, Cynops pyrrhogaster

Pre-mated adult female newts and embryos have been flown on the International Microgravity Laboratory-2 (IML-2) Space Shuttle flight in 1994 (Wiederhold et al., 1992b). With the specimens available from this flight, the calcification of otoliths, ulna, radius and backbone of the flown larvae and adult newts were analyzed. The experiments presented here studied the development of the otoliths on the ground. Otoliths of living newts, from embryo to adult, were observed in situ with the application of a new X-ray and bio-imaging analyzer system. For the establishment of this method, newts at different developmental stages were used. An imaging plate temporarily stores the X-ray energy pattern at the bio-imaging analyzer. A latent image on the imaging plate was transformed into a digital time series signal with an image reader. Acquired digital information was computed with the image processor. The processed information was recorded on film with an image recorder, in order to visualize it on an enlargement computed radiograph. To analyze development of the otoliths, photo-stimulated luminescence level was detected by an image analyzer, using transmitted X-ray photons. A single clump of otoconia could first be seen at stage 33. Stage-36 embryos first have distinguishable otoliths, with the utricle in front and saccule behind. Our results show that this X-ray method detects the otoliths equally as well as sectioning. In the newt, the mandibular/maxillary bone formed before the spine. It is suspected that for the newt embryo, living in water, feeding becomes necessary prior to support of the body.

NASA Discipline Neuroscience↗
NASA NTRS1981

Radiographic evidence of disuse osteoporosis in the monkey /M. nemestrina/

Radiological techniques were utilized for monitoring progressive changes in compact bone in the tibia of monkeys during experimentally induced osteopenia. Bone mass loss in the tibia during restraint was evaluated from radiographs, from bone mineral analysis, and from images reconstructed from gamma ray computerized tomography. The losses during 6 months of restraint tended to occur predominantly in the proximal tibia and were characterized by subperiosteal bone loss, intracortical striations, and scalloped endosteal surfaces. Bone mineral content in the cross section of the tibia declined 17-21%. In 6 months of recovery, the mineral content of the proximal tibia remained depressed.

Young, D. R.↗
NASA NTRS1987

A review of computer aided interpretation technology for the evaluation of radiographs of aluminum welds

Industrial radiography is a well established, reliable means of providing nondestructive structural integrity information. The majority of industrial radiographs are interpreted by trained human eyes using transmitted light and various visual aids. Hundreds of miles of radiographic information are evaluated, documented and archived annually. In many instances, there are serious considerations in terms of interpreter fatigue, subjectivity and limited archival space. Quite often it is difficult to quickly retrieve radiographic information for further analysis or investigation. Methods of improving the quality and efficiency of the radiographic process are being explored, developed and incorporated whenever feasible. High resolution cameras, digital image processing, and mass digital data storage offer interesting possibilities for improving the industrial radiographic process. A review is presented of computer aided radiographic interpretation technology in terms of how it could be used to enhance the radiographic interpretation process in evaluating radiographs of aluminum welds.

Lloyd, J. F., Sr.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Improvements in solid state radiographic converter screens.

Description of two different kinds of solid-state radiographic converter screens which have been developed. After briefly reviewing the working principles of the solid-state image converter - a sandwich type structure consisting of a photoconductive layer and an electroluminescent layer with a semiconductive layer and a black layer between them, two different kinds of radiographic converter screens are described - a radiographic amplifier screen that can be used as a substitute for the fluoroscopic screen, and a radiographic storage screen that can be used instead of radiographic films. The construction of both kinds of converters is fundamentally the same, the only difference being in the sensing photoconductive material. The radiographic amplifier screen has a moderately fast response, while the radiographic storage screen displays the image long after the irradiation is stopped.

Szepesi, Z.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Advancement of X-Ray Microscopy Technology and its Application to Metal Solidification Studies

The technique of x-ray projection microscopy is being used to view, in real time, the structures and dynamics of the solid-liquid interface during solidification. By employing a hard x-ray source with sub-micron dimensions, resolutions of 2 micrometers can be obtained with magnifications of over 800 X. Specimen growth conditions need to be optimized and the best imaging technologies applied to maintain x-ray image resolution, contrast and sensitivity. It turns out that no single imaging technology offers the best solution and traditional methods like radiographic film cannot be used due to specimen motion (solidification). In addition, a special furnace design is required to permit controlled growth conditions and still offer maximum resolution and image contrast.

Kaukler, William F.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Advancement of X-Ray Microscopy Technology and Its Application to Metal Solidification Studies

The technique of x-ray projection microscopy is being used to view, in real time, the structures and dynamics of the solid-liquid interface during solidification. By employing a hard x-ray source with sub-micron dimensions, resolutions of 2 microns can be obtained with magnifications of over 800 X. Specimen growth conditions need to be optimized and the best imaging technologies applied to maintain x-ray image resolution, contrast and sensitivity. It turns out that no single imaging technology offers the best solution and traditional methods like radiographic film cannot be used due to specimen motion (solidification). In addition, a special furnace design is required to permit controlled growth conditions and still offer maximum resolution and image contrast.

Kaukler, William F.↗
NASA NTRS1970

Neutron-image intensifier

Electronic intensifier tube with a demagnification ratio of 9-1 enhances the usefulness of neutron-radiographic techniques. A television signal can be obtained by optical coupling of a small-output phosphor-light image to a television camera.

Berger, H.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Model and Standard Operating Procedures Supporting Signal Variation Flow Graph Analysis

This document will describe the principles of the Signal Variation Flow Technique, and the uncertainty models generated using it. We focus on the capture of the variation between the ideal signal and the measured signal. The ideal signal is defined to represent the signal output of a system whose full state behavior is known, with no variation in environment or during operation, and whose photons trajectories are not modified by the object. A CT uncertainty analysis is the result of two main steps. First, the radiography regime extends from the source to the collected image, which is 2D in the case of standard CT. This maps all upstream uncertainties into the variation observed on the radiograph and captures all variation in the physical domain. Second, the reconstruction regime extends from the captured images to the reconstructed 3D image. This regime is purely in the mathematical domain and corrects reconstruction algorithm artifacts/anomalies. The present work focuses on building the model through the radiography regime. The reconstruction regime is expected to be largely a study of algorithmic sensitivity, requiring the definition of a range of standardized tests through which the algorithms would be run. Radiographic variation would then be mapped through reconstruction sensitivities to predict the signal variation in the final image. An incomplete list for the reconstructed image variation output basis includes voxel density, edge blur and length variation, in analogous fashion to the basis functions presented in this work. The signal variation occurs in several forms at the radiograph. These forms are gathered into a complete basis set of functions describing all variation on the radiograph. The scale of each basis function is calculated independently via a specific SVFG. This includes 0D pixel noise (0DI), 0D energy noise (0DE), 1D blur (1DB), 1D length (1DL) or 2D position (2DP). These models are orthogonal in that they each explore a space in the signal variation domain that cannot be reached by the other basis functions. The variation basis functions, and associated SVFG models are split by output dimensionality, a term loosely used for categorization, and explained further below.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2021

Characterisation of a laser plasma betatron source for high resolution x-ray imaging

Abstract We report on the characterisation of an x-ray source, generated by a laser-driven plasma wakefield accelerator. The spectrum of the optimised source was consistent with an on-axis synchrotron spectrum with a critical energy of 13.8 − 1.9 + 2.2 keV and the number of photons per pulse generated above 1 keV was calculated to be 6 − 0.9 + 1.2 × 10 9 . The x-ray beam was used to image a resolution grid placed 37 cm from the source, which gave a measured spatial resolution of 4 µ m × 5 µ m. The inferred emission region had a radius and length of 0.5 ± 0.2 µ m and 3.2 ± 0.9 mm respectively. It was also observed that laser damage to the exit aperture of the gas cell led to a reduction in the accelerated electron beam charge and a corresponding reduction in x-ray flux due to the change in the plasma density profile.

plasma acceleration↗
DOE OSTI2024

Spot size measurement of a deuterium–tritium dense plasma focus using neutron radiography

Neutron radiography is a technique uniquely suited to applications in nuclear diagnostics, non-destructive testing, and subcritical experiments. The spatial resolution of neutron radiographs is degraded by optical blur in the imaging system and the neutron source size, where the ideal source is point-like to optimize the point-spread function. A potential neutron source for radiography is the dense plasma focus (DPF), a coaxial Z-pinch that produces thermonuclear and beam-target neutrons. To assess if the source size is suitable for radiography, a neutron imaging system was used to measure the source size of the 4 MA Sodium DPF at the Nevada National Security Site operating with deuterium–tritium gas-fill. The source size was measured using the edge-spread function of tungsten objects, each having a rolled (convex) edge. The spot size was found to be 7–12 mm full-width at half-max (FWHM) assuming a Gaussian source, though comparison is presented for Lorentzian and Bennett distributions. The average FWHM was found to be 8.6 ± 1.2 mm vertically and 10.8 ± 1.2 mm horizontally with respect to the image plane, averaging over varied edges and alignments. The results were sensitive to source alignment and edge metrology, which introduced notable uncertainties. These results are consistent with separate experimental measurements as well as magnetohydrodynamics simulations of this DPF, which suggest that neutron production can originate from pinches ∼5–7 mm off-axis. These results suggest that the DPF should be used for radiography at low magnification (M < 1) where spot size does not dominate spatial blur.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗