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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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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1977

Class of near-perfect coded apertures

Coded aperture imaging of gamma ray sources has long promised an improvement in the sensitivity of various detector systems. The promise has remained largely unfulfilled, however, for either one of two reasons. First, the encoding/decoding method produces artifacts, which even in the absence of quantum noise, restrict the quality of the reconstructed image. This is true of most correlation-type methods. Second, if the decoding procedure is of the deconvolution variety, small terms in the transfer function of the aperture can lead to excessive noise in the reconstructed image. It is proposed to circumvent both of these problems by use of a uniformly redundant array (URA) as the coded aperture in conjunction with a special correlation decoding method.

Cannon, T. M.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Comparison of thermionic filament and carbon nanotube field emitter-based electron ionization sources in cycloidal coded aperture mass analyzers

This report compares the coded aperture imaging performance of thermionic filament and carbon nanotube (CNT) field emitter-based electron sources in cycloidal-coded aperture mass spectrometers. The use of spatially coded apertures in mass spectrometry enables miniaturization by improving throughput without sacrificing resolution. CNT-based electron ionization sources for mass spectrometers provide several potential benefits over conventional thermionic emitters, including low voltage and low power consumption, room temperature operation, long lifetime, and ability to emit electrons in a pulsed mode. However, spatiotemporal variation in electron emission from CNTs is a major disadvantage. In this study, electron emission stability and spatiotemporal stability of the coded aperture image were compared for coded aperture cycloidal mass analyzers with either a CNT-based ion source or a thermionic filament-based ion source. We found that the thermionic filament-based ion source produced a significantly more stable coded aperture image than the CNT based ion source. The aperture image fluctuations in the CNT-based source are likely a result of adsorption and desorption of molecules on the CNT surface that cause local work function changes and induce spatiotemporal variation in electron emission and subsequent ion generation.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2021

Emission spectroscopy with coded apertures for enhanced dimensionality

A coded aperture is used to demonstrate emission spectroscopy from multiple one-dimensional measurement locations simultaneously with a single camera. The coded aperture mask has several columns of periodic apertures, each with a unique spatial frequency. Light transmitted through all mask columns is detected through an imaging spectrometer. Dispersed light from the various mask columns overlaps on the spectrometer camera but is separated using Fourier-domain filtering using the known spatial frequencies of the mask. As the coded aperture is placed at an image plane, each Fourier-filtered spectrogram comes from a unique one-dimensional measurement location. This technique represents a significant increase in the amount of spatially and spectrally resolved emission data available using a single emission spectrometer and camera at the expense of some spatial resolution due to the Fourier filtering. This instrument is particularly useful for studying transient, non-repeating events. Megahertz-rate emission spectroscopy from five one-dimensional measurement locations is demonstrated with explosive fireballs using a single camera. Optical design parameters and instrument performance characteristics are discussed.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2025

Chasing ghosts: characterization of artifact generation in coded aperture decoding due to experimental implementation

Coded aperture imaging is a form of lensless aperture imaging that projects multiple overlapping images of the source onto the detector, enhancing signal strength, which is advantageous for low-flux sources or high-resolution imaging. This technique requires decoding of the detector signal to reconstruct the original source, which involves convolving the detector data with the aperture pattern. When the signal is from a centered point source, the reconstructed source image is known as the point spread function (PSF). A clean PSF without artifacts is a Dirac delta function [Appl. Opt. 20, 1858 (1981)]. This paper examines the robustness of the decoding process against variations in experimental tolerances by analyzing artifact growth in the reconstructed PSF. We illustrate the effects of incorrect magnification, rotation, and detector size and find that aperture–detector rotational misalignment about the imaging axis is the most sensitive parameter, with significant artifact generation occurring with angular offsets of less than one degree. We discuss compensation methods for imperfect aperture placement, finding that small detector sizes produce uncompensatable artifact generation, and compare theoretical predictions with experimental PSF measurements of a rank , 6.8 mm thick (less than one mean free path) coded aperture with a 3.5 mm cell size, conducted at the MegaJOuLe Neutron Imaging Radiography dense plasma focus [IEEE Trans. Plasma Sci. 49, 3299 (2021)] using a 2.45 MeV neutron source. Based on our findings, we recommend using magnified coded apertures in the under-sampled regime, which allows for the inclusion of fiducial markers to characterize aperture–detector rotational offsets and the addition of mechanical coupling, where possible, to constrain rotational and magnification offsets.

Selwood, M. P. [Lawrence Livermore National Labora↗
NASA NTRS1989

Coded-aperture imaging in nuclear medicine

Coded-aperture imaging is a technique for imaging sources that emit high-energy radiation. This type of imaging involves shadow casting and not reflection or refraction. High-energy sources exist in x ray and gamma-ray astronomy, nuclear reactor fuel-rod imaging, and nuclear medicine. Of these three areas nuclear medicine is perhaps the most challenging because of the limited amount of radiation available and because a three-dimensional source distribution is to be determined. In nuclear medicine a radioactive pharmaceutical is administered to a patient. The pharmaceutical is designed to be taken up by a particular organ of interest, and its distribution provides clinical information about the function of the organ, or the presence of lesions within the organ. This distribution is determined from spatial measurements of the radiation emitted by the radiopharmaceutical. The principles of imaging radiopharmaceutical distributions with coded apertures are reviewed. Included is a discussion of linear shift-variant projection operators and the associated inverse problem. A system developed at the University of Arizona in Tucson consisting of small modular gamma-ray cameras fitted with coded apertures is described.

Smith, Warren E.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Secondary gamma-ray production in a coded aperture mask

The application of the coded aperture mask to high energy gamma-ray astronomy will provide the capability of locating a cosmic gamma-ray point source with a precision of a few arc-minutes above 20 MeV. Recent tests using a mask in conjunction with drift chamber detectors have shown that the expected point spread function is achieved over an acceptance cone of 25 deg. A telescope employing this technique differs from a conventional telescope only in that the presence of the mask modifies the radiation field in the vicinity of the detection plane. In addition to reducing the primary photon flux incident on the detector by absorption in the mask elements, the mask will also be a secondary radiator of gamma-rays. The various background components in a CAMTRAC (Coded Aperture Mask Track Chamber) telescope are considered. Monte-Carlo calculations are compared with recent measurements obtained using a prototype instrument in a tagged photon beam line.

Owens, A.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Aperture codes for sensors viewing extended objects from space

The paper describes aperture codes viewing extended objects form space which find application in imaging an extended object which may have relatively low contrast, and whose lateral limits extend beyond the FOV of the sensor. Those elements of an extended object lying near the FOV limits are only partially coded, i.e., flux from those elements cannot cast a shadow of the entire aperture code onto the detector, as can elements near the center of the FOV. This has consequences for the algorithms used to reconstruct the image. The object field is divided into a number of elements which is smaller than the number of detector pixels, and a least squares fit to the data is performed. The methods used for choosing the matrices representing the aperture codes are discussed, and computer simulations of the effects of noise are described.

Curtis, C. C.↗
NASA NTRS2016

Imaging Analysis of the Hard X-Ray Telescope ProtoEXIST2 and New Techniques for High-Resolution Coded-Aperture Telescopes

Wide-field (greater than or approximately equal to 100 degrees squared) hard X-ray coded-aperture telescopes with high angular resolution (greater than or approximately equal to 2 minutes) will enable a wide range of time domain astrophysics. For instance, transient sources such as gamma-ray bursts can be precisely localized without the assistance of secondary focusing X-ray telescopes to enable rapid followup studies. On the other hand, high angular resolution in coded-aperture imaging introduces a new challenge in handling the systematic uncertainty: the average photon count per pixel is often too small to establish a proper background pattern or model the systematic uncertainty in a timescale where the model remains invariant. We introduce two new techniques to improve detection sensitivity, which are designed for, but not limited to, a high-resolution coded-aperture system: a self-background modeling scheme which utilizes continuous scan or dithering operations, and a Poisson-statistics based probabilistic approach to evaluate the significance of source detection without subtraction in handling the background. We illustrate these new imaging analysis techniques in high resolution coded-aperture telescope using the data acquired by the wide-field hard X-ray telescope ProtoEXIST2 during a high-altitude balloon flight in fall 2012. We review the imaging sensitivity of ProtoEXIST2 during the flight, and demonstrate the performance of the new techniques using our balloon flight data in comparison with a simulated ideal Poisson background.

balloons - instrumentation: detectors - techniques↗
NASA NTRS2002

Large Coded Aperture Mask for Spaceflight Hard X-ray Images

The 2.6 square meter coded aperture mask is a vital part of the Burst Alert Telescope on the Swift mission. A random, but known pattern of more than 50,000 lead tiles, each 5 mm square, was bonded to a large honeycomb panel which projects a shadow on the detector array during a gamma ray burst. A two-year development process was necessary to explore ideas, apply techniques, and finalize procedures to meet the strict requirements for the coded aperture mask. Challenges included finding a honeycomb substrate with minimal gamma ray attenuation, selecting an adhesive with adequate bond strength to hold the tiles in place but soft enough to allow the tiles to expand and contract without distorting the panel under large temperature gradients, and eliminating excess adhesive from all untiled areas. The largest challenge was to find an efficient way to bond the > 50,000 lead tiles to the panel with positional tolerances measured in microns. In order to generate the desired bondline, adhesive was applied and allowed to cure to each tile. The pre-cured tiles were located in a tool to maintain positional accuracy, wet adhesive was applied to the panel, and it was lowered to the tile surface with synchronized actuators. Using this procedure, the entire tile pattern was transferred to the large honeycomb panel in a single bond. The pressure for the bond was achieved by enclosing the entire system in a vacuum bag. Thermal vacuum and acoustic tests validated this approach. This paper discusses the methods, materials, and techniques used to fabricate this very large and unique coded aperture mask for the Swift mission.

Vigneau, Danielle N.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Digital autofocusing of a coded-aperture Laue diffraction microscope

To provide optimal depth resolution with a coded-aperture Laue diffraction microscope, an accurate position of the coded-aperture and its scanning geometry need to be known. However, finding the geometry by trial and error is a time-consuming and often challenging process because of the large number of parameters involved. In this paper, we propose an optimization approach to automate the focusing process after data is collected. Here we demonstrate the robustness and efficiency of the proposed approach with experimental data taken at a synchrotron facility.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2023

3D Source Reconstruction Using Coded Aperture Gamma-Ray Imaging

Recent measurements with coded-aperture imagers demonstrate material mass determination in a holdup setting to an accuracy within a few percent. This capability is of particular interest to the Surplus Plutonium Disposition (SPD) project, which aims to dilute and dispose of surplus plutonium oxide. Gamma-ray imagers can be used to determine holdup without interrupting normal operations. In this work, we examine techniques for 3D source localization and mass determination using gamma-ray imagers. Coded-aperture imagers provide excellent source localization within the 2D image plane; however, multiple imagers operating in tandem are necessary to identify source location in 3D space. A Maximum Likelihood Expectation-Maximization (MLEM) method for fitting detector mappings is a powerful tool for accomplishing this task. MLEM allows 3D source localization to be simultaneously constrained using multiple gamma-ray imagers by constructing the basis for the MLEM fit using detector mappings from different detector locations stitched together. Each of these basis points represents a singular response from a source in 3D space and is generated using Monte Carlo simulations of sources placed individually at different locations throughout the imager’s field of view. Additionally, implementing knowledge of the physical equipment in the simulations of the glovebox used for the SPD project incorporates attenuation effects that are needed to calculate material holdup.

Laminack, Alex↗
DOE OSTI2023

A coded aperture with sub-mean-free-path thickness for implosion geometry imaging on ICF and IFE experiments

Inertial confinement fusion and inertial fusion energy experiments diagnose the geometry of the fusion region through imaging of the neutrons released through fusion reactions. Pinhole arrays typically used for such imaging require thick substrates to obtain high contrast along with a small pinhole diameter to obtain high resolution capability, resulting in pinholes that have large aspect ratios. This leads to expensive pinhole arrays that have small solid angles and are difficult to align. Here, we propose a coded aperture with scatter and partial attenuation (CASPA) for fusion neutron imaging that relaxes the thick substrate requirement for good image contrast. These coded apertures are expected to scale to larger solid angles and are easier to align without sacrificing imaging resolution or throughput. We use Monte Carlo simulations (Geant4) to explore a coded aperture design to measure neutron implosion asymmetries on fusion experiments at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) and discuss the viability of this technique, matching the current nominal resolution of 10 µm. The results show that a 10 mm thick tungsten CASPA can image NIF implosions with neutron yields above 10 14 with quality comparable to unprocessed data from a current NIF neutron imaging aperture. Furthermore, this CASPA substrate is 20 times thinner than the current aperture arrays for fusion neutron imaging and less than one mean free-path of 14.1 MeV neutrons through the substrate. Since the resolution, solid angle, and throughput are decoupled in coded aperture imaging, the resolution and solid angle achievable with future designs will be limited primarily by manufacturing capability.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
NASA NTRS1991

Evaluation of the cosmic-ray induced background in coded aperture high energy gamma-ray telescopes

While the application of coded-aperture techniques to high-energy gamma-ray astronomy offers potential arc-second angular resolution, concerns were raised about the level of secondary radiation produced in a thick high-z mask. A series of Monte-Carlo calculations are conducted to evaluate and quantify the cosmic-ray induced neutral particle background produced in a coded-aperture mask. It is shown that this component may be neglected, being at least a factor of 50 lower in intensity than the cosmic diffuse gamma-rays.

Owens, Alan↗
NASA NTRS1980

The use of an active coded aperture for improved directional measurements in high energy gamma-ray astronomy

The coded aperture, a refinement of the scatter-hole camera, offers a method for the improved measurement of gamma-ray direction in gamma-ray astronomy. Two prototype coded apertures have been built and tested. The more recent of these has 128 active elements of the heavy scintillator BGO. Results of tests for gamma-rays in the range 50-500 MeV are reported and future application in space discussed.

Johansson, A.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

New Mission Concept: Compton Telescope with Coded Aperture Mask (GECCO) for MeV Gamma-ray Astronomy

The Galactic Explorer with a Coded Aperture Mask Compton Telescope (GECCO) is a novel Explorer-class concept for a next-generation telescope covering the poorly explored hard X-ray and soft gamma-ray energy regimes. The instrument is based on a novel CdZnTe imaging calorimeter and a deployable coded aperture mask, which enable it to reach 1 arcmin angular resolution and 1% energy resolution. GECCO will connect the arcminute angular resolution observations from X-ray telescopes to high-energy images of the Galactic plane provided by Fermi-LAT, and will focus on the exploration of heavily populated sky regions such as the Galactic Center and the Carina and Cygnus regions to decipher the nature of their emission. These measurements will probe with unprecedented capabilities the possible origin of this emission as dark matter, new types of sources, or currently unresolved populations of point sources. Uncoded observations with GECCO’s Compton telescope will provide wide field-of-view sky monitoring for transient events, synergizing with gravitational wave and high-energy neutrino facilities. In addition, GECCO will conduct a high-sensitivity search for the positron sources in the Galactic Center responsible for the enigmatic 511 keV positron annihilation line excess, will search for as-yet untested candidates for dark matter, will detect and identify high-redshift blazars with excellent angular resolution, and will explore Galactic chemical evolution and sites of explosive element synthesis.

Alexander A Moiseev↗
DOE OSTI2023

Coded aperture and Compton imaging for the development of 225 Ac‐based radiopharmaceuticals

Abstract Background Targeted alpha‐particle therapy (TAT) has great promise as a cancer treatment. Arguably the most promising TAT radionuclide that has been proposed is 225 Ac. The development of 225 Ac‐based radiopharmaceuticals has been hampered due to the lack of effective means to study the daughter redistribution of these agents in small animals at the preclinical stage. Purpose The ability to directly image the daughters, namely 221 Fr and 213 Bi, via their gamma‐ray emissions would be a boon for preclinical studies. That said, conventional medical imaging modalities, including single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) based on nonmultiplexed collimation, cannot be employed due to sensitivity limitations. Methods As an alternative, we propose the use of both coded aperture and Compton imaging with the former modality suited to the 218‐keV gamma‐ray emission of 221 Fr and the latter suited to the 440‐keV gamma‐ray emission of 213 Bi. Results This work includes coded aperture images of 221 Fr and Compton images of 213 Bi in tumor‐bearing mice injected with 225 Ac‐based radiopharmaceuticals. Conclusions These results are the first demonstration of visualizing and quantifying the 225 Ac daughters in small animals through the application of coded aperture and Compton imaging.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗
NASA NTRS1989

Gamma-ray observations of Cygnus X-1 and Cygnus X-3 using a coded-aperture telescope

A balloon-borne coded-aperture telescope, measuring gamma-ray photons in the 160 keV to 9.3 MeV range, was used to observe the Cygnus region of the sky on October 1 and 2, 1984. In the 2-9.3-MeV band, evidence is found for a hard spectral component with a mean flux level at the top of the atmosphere of 7.4 + or - 2.5 x 10 to the -7th photons/sq cm per s per keV, inconsistent with the predictions of the inverse Compton models normally used to describe the X-ray emission. Both Cyg X-1 and Cyg X-3 could be observed simultaneously with the telescope. The results are used to establish 1-sigma upper flux limits on the spectral emission from Cyg X-3.

Mcconnell, M. L.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Coded aperture devices for viewing extended objects from space

Coded aperture sensors for photons or energetic neutral atoms (ENAs), which incorporate FOV limiters and subdivide the object field into a number of elements which is smaller than the number of detector pixels, are described. A least squares fit to the data is made in reconstructing the object field. To evaluate the optics and reconstruction algorithms, two 'breadboard' sensors have been constructed, one based on a film camera and the other upon a UV-light sensitive microchannel plate detector system. Results obtained thus far show that the concept is viable, and no special difficulties should be encountered in adapting the detector geometries to neutral particle imaging systems. Charged particle deflection plates could be incorporated into the region between the FOV limiter and the aperture, or installed ahead of the limiter.

Curtis, C. C.↗