The focus of this dissertation is to study the keV X-ray emission from different Z material to develop compact, quasi-continuous tabletop K sources for the application of in-line phase contrast imaging, X-ray diffraction experiments and X-ray microscopy. The emission occurs from plasma produced by focusing 120 fs, 800 nm and 300 J Ti:Sapphire laser pulses up to an intensity of few times 1016 W/cm2 on Cu, Fe and Ag metal targets. The main interest of these experiments is to characterize the fast electrons and X-ray emission from the laser plasma interaction. The investigation of X-ray emission energy and spectral characteristics is carried out by employing three detector systems which include filtered pin-diode, Charge Coupled Device and CdTe pulse height detectors. Scaling of photon flux as a function of incident laser energy is measured and related to the dynamics and absorption mechanisms involved in laser matter interaction. Specifically the construction and evaluation of K X-ray sources operated at 1 kHz repetition rate is reported with a photon flux of ~ 7109 photon/s, 3109 photon/s and 1.4107 photon/s around the K line for Cu, Fe and Ag respectively. These K fluences correspond to energy conversion efficiencies of around Cu = 310-5, Fe = 1.0610-5 and Ag = 210-7. The Cu and Fe K X-ray sources are applied to thin biological specimens and low atomic number (Z) materials to record in-line phase contrast images. It is demonstrated that the laser based K sources can serve as alternative sources for conventional X-ray radiography of biological samples in clinical applications. / Photonics and Plasmas

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Submitted by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2016-03-03T14:19:21Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Jonas Francisco Scopel - 2015.pdf: 1854226 bytes, checksum: 9d48662eb3f8662b36ce1a088c29ac1c (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2016-03-03T14:22:35Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Jonas Francisco Scopel - 2015.pdf: 1854226 bytes, checksum: 9d48662eb3f8662b36ce1a088c29ac1c (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-03-03T14:22:35Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Jonas Francisco Scopel - 2015.pdf: 1854226 bytes, checksum: 9d48662eb3f8662b36ce1a088c29ac1c (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-02-20 / Diagnostic imaging techniques play an important role in assessing the exact location, cause, and extent of a nerve lesion, thus allowing clinicians to diagnose and manage more effectively a variety of pathological conditions such as entrapment syndromes, traumatic injuries, and space-occupying lesions. Ultrasound and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging are becoming useful methods for this purpose, but they still lack spatial resolution. In this regard, recent phase contrast x-ray imaging experiments of peripheral nerve allowed the visualization of each nerve fiber surrounded by its myelin sheath as clearly as optical microscopy. In the present study, we attempted to produce high-resolution x-ray phase contrast images of a human sciatic nerve by using synchrotron radiation propagation-based imaging (PBI). The PBIs showed high contrast and high spatial resolution, allowing clear identification of each fascicle structure and surrounding connective tissue. The outstanding result is the detection of such structures by phase contrast x-ray tomography of a thick human sciatic nerve section. This may further enable the identification of diverse pathological patterns, such as Wallerian degeneration, inflammatory infiltration and amyloid deposits. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first successful phase contrast x-ray imaging experiment of a human peripheral nerve sample. Our long-term goal is to develop peripheral nerve imaging methods that could supersede biopsy procedures. / As técnicas de diagnóstico por imagem desempenham um importante papel na determinação da localização exata, causa, e extensão de lesões de nervos periféricos, permitindo que o diagnóstico e manejo sejam mais eficazes em uma série de condições patológicas, como síndromes de encarceramento, e lesões traumáticas e expansivas. A Ressonância Nuclear Magnética e a Ultrassonografia têm se mostrado úteis neste propósito, porém possuem resolução espacial relativamente baixa. Neste sentido, experimentos recentes utilizando Radiografia por Contraste de Fase permitiram observar fibras nervosas individuais recobertas por suas bainhas de mielina de forma tão detalhada quanto a microscopia óptica. No presente estudo, procuramos obter imagens de alta resolução de nervo ciático humano, utilizando método de Imagem Realçada por Refração. As imagens demonstraram alto contraste e resolução espacial, permitindo a identificação de cada fascículo nervoso e suas respectivas bainhas conjuntivas. Resultados promissores foram obtidos através de Tomografia por Contraste de Fase de um espesso fragmento de nervo ciático humano, onde tais estruturas foram igualmente identificadas. Tais resultados poderiam possibilitar a detecção de diversas alterações patológicas, como degeneração Walleriana, infiltrado inflamatório e depósitos de amiloide. Ao nosso conhecimento, este é o primeiro experimento bem sucedido de Imagem por Contraste de Fase de nervos periféricos humanos. Nosso objetivo a longo prazo é desenvolver métodos de diagnóstico por imagem que possam substituir procedimentos de biópsia.

This Thesis describes the development of an electron-impact microfocus x-ray source and its application for phase-contrast imaging. The source is based on a novel, liquid-jet target concept. Stable and continuous operation can be achieved at substantially higher electron-beam power densities than conventional solid target based systems. The maximum x-ray brightness can potentially be increased by a factor of 10-1000, which would provide significantly improved performance in applications such as imaging. In order to reach the high x-ray brightness, comparable performance from the electron gun is needed. A LaB6-cathode-based electron gun is analyzed in terms of achievable e-beam brightness and beam quality and is found capable to deliver power densities in the 10-100 MW/mm2 range using optimized electro-optics. A proof-of-principle microfocus source has been developed. Experiments show that the liquid-metal-jet target can be operated at more than an order of magnitude higher e-beam power densities than modern solid-metal targets. This brightness enhancement has been utilized to acquire in-line phase-contrast images of weakly absorbing objects. The source potentially enables the application of high-resolution phase-contrast x-ray imaging with short exposure times in clinics and laboratories. Different liquid-jet-target materials have been tested. The Sn-jet (Ka=25.3 keV) could be suitable for mammography, whereas the Ga-jet ((Ka=9.2 keV) may be utilized for x-ray diffraction studies. In addition, a non-metallic methanol jet has been the demonstrated in stable x-ray operation. All materials and compounds found in liquid form can, thus, potentially be used for electron-impact liquid-jet-target x-ray generation. Scaling to higher e-beam power density and x-ray brightness levels is discussed and is determined to be feasible. Potential difficulties, such as debris emission and instabilities of the x-ray emission spot, are investigated in some detail. Larger and/or faster jets could overcome the present limitations because of their inherently higher heat load capacities. Dynamic-similarity experiments show that liquid jets can in principle be operated in a stable manner at much higher speeds than previously shown. / QC 20100915

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an useful technique that provides a noninvasive method in clinical applications. For the patient of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) after repaired, turbulence and regurgitation in blood flow may appear in pulmonary arteries. In this study, phase contrast MR imaging was applied and vortical flow patterns in the pulmonary arteries of patients after repair of TOF has been investigated. There are two major part of this study. Firstly we simulated vortical flow patterns of star, focus, and saddle which are most frequently appeared in blood flow. Quadrant index has been proposed for pattern analysis. In the second part we applied these parameters to in vivo data of repaired TOF patients, and compared with other parameters such as vorticity, coefficient of variance (CV), and regurgitant fraction (RF). Our result shows that the linear correlation between the mean of CV of velocity and mean of CV of vorticity in right pulmonary artery (RPA) as well as pulmonary trunk (PT) is larger than that in left pulmonary artery (LPA). This study shows that vorticity may provide some useful information of flow patterns and therefore helps doctors in clinical diagnosis

L'imagerie par rayons X est fortement développée dans notre société et notamment dans les domaines industriels, médicaux ou sécuritaires. L'utilisation de cette méthode d'imagerie des structures internes (pour la détection d'irrégularité, de contrôle non destructif de pièces ou de menaces) est quotidienne. En radiographie, le contraste produit sur les images est relié à la variation de l'atténuation du flux de rayons X, qui est fonction de la densité, de l'épaisseur du matériau étudié ainsi que de la longueur d'onde utilisée. Ainsi par exemple, des gaines métalliques, des os ou des armes amènent du contraste sur l'image. Mais en plus de leur atténuation, les rayons X vont subir un déphasage qui est d'autant plus important que le matériau est peu atténuant. Ce phénomène va amener du contraste, dit de phase, permettant d'imager des matériaux peu denses tels que des plastiques, composites, tissus mous ou explosifs. Ce travail de thèse présente le développement et l'adaptation, dans le domaine des rayons X, de méthodes d'imagerie par contraste de phase sur des équipements de laboratoire. Le but est de compléter, d'une manière plus accessible et quotidienne, les demandes d'évaluation non destructives. Ce manuscrit se découpe suivant deux axes portant sur la simulation d'une part et sur le développement instrumental d'autre part. Un outil de simulation a été développé portant sur une description hybride alliant optique géométrique et optique ondulatoire. Les limites du modèle et des validations sont présentées. La partie instrumentale se focalise sur l'étude de deux techniques d'imagerie différentielle de phase. La première technique est de l'interférométrie à décalage multilatéral, dont l'adaptation sur tube à rayons X est réalisée pour la première fois. Une exploitation intéressante de la redondance de la mesure que produit la technique sera notamment introduite. La deuxième approche est une technique d'interférométrie de suivi de tavelure, dont nous présenterons une nouvelle exploitation. / X-ray imaging is widely used in non-destructive testing dedicated to industry, medical or security domain. In most of the radiographic techniques, the image contrast depends on the attenuation of the X-ray beam by the sample. This attenuation is function of the density and thickness of the object and of the wavelength. Therefore, objects like metal covers, bones or weapons bring contrast on the image. In addition to attenuation, phase shifting happens, in particular for low-attenuating material. This phenomenon brings contrast, called phase contrast, and allows a X-ray image of low-attenuating material as plastics, composites, soft tissues or explosives. This work presents development and adaptation, in the X-ray domain, of phase contrast imaging techniques on laboratory equipment. The goal is to bring phase contrast imaging in daily use. This manuscript is split in two parts, simulation and instrumentation. A simulation tool has been developed, mixing geometrical optic and wave optic. Limits of the model and validation are presented. For the instrumental part, two interferometric techniques have been considered. The first one is multi-lateral interferometry where adaptation on X-ray tube is presented for the first time. Interesting use of the measurement recurrence will be introduced. The second one is speckle tracking interferometry, recently adapted on X-ray tube, for which we present new advancements.

The initiation of high explosives (HEs) under shock loading lacks a comprehensive understanding: particularly at the particle scale. One common explanation is hot spot theory, which suggests that energy in the material resulting from the impact event is localized in a small area causing an increase in temperature that can lead to ignition. This study focuses on the response of HMX particles (a common HE) within a polymer matrix (Sylgard-184^®), a simplified example of a polymer bonded explosive (PBX). A light gas gun was used to load the samples at impact velocities ranging from 370 to 520 m/s. The impact events were visualized using X-ray phase contrast imaging (PCI) allowing real-time observation of the impact event. The experiments used three subsets of PBX samples: multiple particle (production grade and single crystal), drilled hole, and milled slot. Evidence of damage and deformation occurred in all of the sample types. While the necessary impact velocity for consistent hot spot formation leading to reactions was not reached, the damage (particularly cracking) that occurred provides a useful indication of where hot spots may occur when higher velocities are reached. With the multiple particle samples, evidence of cracking and debonding occurred throughout. One sample showed significant volume expansion due to possible reaction. The samples containing drilled holes demonstrated the expected pore collapse behavior at these velocities, as well as damage downstream from the holes under various two-hole arrangements. Milled slot samples were tested to simulate existing cracks in the HMX. These samples showed increased damage at the site of the milled slot, as well as unique cracking behavior in one of the samples.

With the advent of high-power lasers in recent decades, a unique source of hard X-ray radiation has become availible. This source of collimated, broadband, femtosecond, incoherent and hard X-ray radiation is produced when a focused laser with intensity above 10^18 W/cm^2 collides with a gas target. The strong electric field of the laser pulse ionizes the gas and interacts with the plasma generating a strong plasma wake wave. This space charge separation inside the target generates longitudal electric fields of the order of 100 GV/m. This resulting electrostatic wakefield accelerates the electrons to relativistic velocities and causes them to travel in oscillatory motion behind the laser pulse, producing hard and collimated X-ray radiation. This thesis is focused on a theoretical evaluation and an experimental design of this laser-plasma X-ray source. Furthermore, we consider the source's unique properties for novel imaging applications.

No description available.

Conventional phase-contrast imaging entails stepping an analyser grating across the detector to resolve the interference pattern caused by the x-rays after passing through a series of gratings in a so-called Talbot-Lau interferometer. However, the analyser grating in the interferometer poses a challenge, not only due to the machinery and alignment required but also due to each exposure delivering a dose to the subject. Another downside of the analyser grating is that whilst the phase-step length can be adjusted, the x-rays allowed through the grating depend on its slit-width ratio, which cannot be changed without changing the whole grating.This thesis evaluates if the analyser grating can be removed by instead using a deep silicon photon-counting detector which can determine the photon interaction position with an uncertainty of around one micrometre. It is concluded that such a high-resolution detector will not only be able to remove the need for an analyser grating and its associated challenges, but the results also imply a three-fold increase in the contrast-to-noise ratio when dose-matching the grating-based approach with the grating-less approach. Furthermore, the conventional absorption image, which is lost when using an analyser grating, will still be available using a high-resolution detector. Finally, the removal of the analyser grating shifts most of the system conditions to the source grating and the phase grating, making it possible to design a compact unit of the two gratings for integration into a CT scanner. / Konventionell faskontrast involverar att stega ett analysgitter över detektorn för att detektera interferensmönstret som skapas av röntgenstrålarna efter att de passerat genom en serie gitter i en så kallad Talbot-Lau interferometer. Analysgittret introducerar en utmaning, inte enbart på grund av maskineriet och kalibreringen som krävs, utan även då varje steg utsätter det röntgade föremålet för strålning. Ytterligare en begränsning är att även om längden på stegen kan justeras beror mängden röntgenstrålar som passerar genom analysgittret på gittrets slitsbredd, vilken inte går att ändra på utan att byta hela gittret.Den här uppsatsen utvärderar om analysgittret kan tas bort genom att istället använda en högupplöst fotonräknande djup kiseldetektor som har förmågan att uppskatta positionen av en fotoninteraktion inom en mikrometer. Slutsatsen är att en sådan detektor kommer att kunna ersätta analysgittret och resultaten tyder på en trefaldig ökning av contrast-to-noise ratio vid dosmatchning mellan metoden med analysgitter och metoden med en högupplöst detektor. Vidare behålls den konventionella absorptionsbilden då man använder en högupplöst detektor, någonting som annars går förlorat vid användandet av analysgittret. Slutligen skiftas de flesta villkoren på systemet till källgittret och fasgittret, vilket tyder på att en kompakt konstruktion av dessa två gitter skulle kunna integreras i en CT-skanner.