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At least 19 records

Continuous scanning mode for ptychography

We outline how ptychographic imaging can be performed without the need for discrete scan positions. Through an idealized experiment, we demonstrate how a discrete-position scan regime can be replaced with a continuously scanned one with suitable modification of the reconstruction scheme based on coherent modes. The impact of this is that acquisition times can be reduced, significantly aiding ptychographic imaging with x rays, electrons, or visible light.

Clark, Jesse N.↗

Fast scanning mode and its realization in a scanning acoustic microscope

The scanning speed of the two-dimensional stage dominates the efficiency of mechanical scanning measurement systems. This paper focused on a detailed scanning time analysis of conventional raster and spiral scan modes and then proposed two fast alternative scanning modes. Performed on a self-developed scanning acoustic microscope (SAM), the measured images obtained by using the conventional scan mode and fast scan modes are compared. The total scanning time is reduced by 29% of the two proposed fast scan modes. It will offer a better solution for high speed scanning without sacrificing the system stability, and will not introduce additional difficulties to the configuration of scanning measurement systems. They can be easily applied to the mechanical scanning measuring systems with different driving actuators such as piezoelectric, linear motor, dc motor, and so on. The proposed fast raster and square spiral scan modes are realized in SAM, but not specially designed for it. Therefore, they have universal adaptability and can be applied to other scanning measurement systems with two-dimensional mechanical scanning stages, such as atomic force microscope or scanning tunneling microscope.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

SU-E-T-322: The Evaluation of the Gafchromic EBT3 Film in Low Dose 6 MV X-Ray Beams with Different Scanning Modes

Purpose: We have evaluated the response of the Gafchromic EBT3 film in low dose for 6 MV x-ray beams with two scanning modes, the reflection scanning mode and the transmission scanning mode. Methods: We irradiated the Gafcromic EBT3 film using a 60 degree enhanced dynamic wedge (EDW) with 6 MV x-ray beams from Clinac iX Linear accelerator (Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA). The irradiated Gafchromic EBT3 film was scanned with different scanning modes, the reflection scanning mode and the transmission scanning mode. The scanned Gafchromic EBT3 film was analyzed with MATLAB. Results: When 7.2 cGy was irradiated to the Gafchromic EBT3 film, the uncertainty was 0.54 cGy with reflection scanning mode and was 0.88 cGy with transmission scanning mode. When 24 cGy was irradiated to the Gafchromic EBT3 film, the uncertainty was similar to the case of 7.2 cGy irradiation showing 0.51 cGy of uncertainty with reflection scanning mode and 0.87 cGy of uncertainty with transmission scanning mode. The result suggests that the reflection mode should be used in Gafchromic EBT3 film for low irradiation. Conclusion: The result suggests that the reflection mode should be used in Gafchromic EBT3 film for low irradiation.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Variations in dose distribution and optical properties of Gafchromic{sup TM} EBT2 film according to scanning mode

Purpose: The authors aim was to investigate the effects of using transmission and reflection scanning modes, the film orientation during scanning, and ambient room light on a dosimetry system based on the Gafchromic{sup TM} EBT2 film model. Methods: For calibration, the films were cut to 3 x 3 cm{sup 2} and irradiated from 20 to 700 cGy at the depth of maximum dose using 6 and 10 MV photon beams in a 10 x 10 cm{sup 2} field size. Absolute dose calibration of the linear accelerator was done according to the TRS398 protocol. An FG65-G ionization chamber was used to monitor the dose while irradiating the films in solid water. The film pieces were scanned with an EPSON Expression 1680 Pro flatbed scanner in transmission and reflection modes. Authors investigated the effect of orientation on films and examined the optical properties of EBT2 film using an ellipsometer and an ultraviolet (UV)/visible spectrometer to explain the dosimetric dependence of the film on orientation during the scanning process. To investigate the effect of ambient room light, films were preirradiated in 6 and 10 MV photon beams with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) quality assurance (QA) plans, and then exposed to room light, either directly for 2 days in a workroom or for 2 months in a film box. Gamma index pass criteria of (3%, 3 mm) were used. Results: The dose response curves based on net optical density (NOD) indicated that the reflection scanning mode can provide a better dose sensitivity than the transmission scanning mode, whereas the standard deviation of the dose is greater in reflection mode than in transmission mode. When the film was rotated 90 deg. from the portrait orientation, the average dose of the EBT2 film decreased by 11.5-19.6% in transmission mode and by 1.5-2.3% in reflection mode. Using an ellipsometer, variation of the refractive index of EBT2 film--the birefringence property--was found to be the largest between 45 deg. (1.72 and 1.71) and 135 deg. (1.8 and 1.77) for 300 and 800 cGy. Absorption spectra of EBT2 films measured with spectrometer were the function of film orientation. The readings in reflection scanning mode were more stable against room light than those in transmission scanning mode, although dose readings increased in both modes after the films were exposed to room light. Conclusions: The transmission scanning mode exhibited a strong dependence on film orientation during scanning and a change in optical density resulting from room light exposure, so a constant scanning orientation and minimal exposure to light can reduce uncertainty in the measured dose (23 {+-} 3%). The angular dependence was analyzed using Jones matrices and optical properties of EBT2 film were obtained using an ellipsometer and an UV/visible spectrometer. The reflection scanning mode has relatively good stability with respect to room light and film orientation on a scanner, although the large standard deviation of dose is a disadvantage in measurements of absolute dose. Reflection scanning mode can offer a potential advantage for film dosimetry in radiotherapy, although transmission scanning mode is still recommended for dosimetry as it provides better uncertainty results.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

TU-CD-304-07: Intensity Modulated Electron Beam Therapy Employing Small Fields in Virtual Scanning Mode

Purpose: Dynamic electron radiation therapies such as dynamic electron arc radiotherapy (DEAR) utilize small fields to provide target conformity and fluence modulation. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility of virtual scanning mode using small fields. Methods: Monte Carlo simulations (EGSnrc/BEAMnrc/DOSXYZnrc) were performed using validated Varian TrueBeam phase space files for electron beam energies of 6, 9, 12, and 16 MeV and square/circular fields (1×1/1, 2×2/2, 3×3/3, 4×4/4, 5×5/5 cm{sup 2}/cm diameter). Resulting dose distributions (kernels) were used for subsequent calculations. The following analyses were performed: (1) Comparison of composite square fields and reference 10×10 cm{sup 2} dose distributions and (2) Scanning beam deliveries for square and circular fields realized as the convolution of kernels and scanning pattern. Preliminary beam weight and pattern optimization were also performed. Two linear scans of 10 cm with/without overlap were modeled. Comparison metrics included depth and orthogonal profiles at dmax. Results: (1) Composite fields regained reference depth dose profiles for most energies and fields within 5%. Smaller kernels and higher energies increased dose in the build-up and Bremsstrahlung region (30%, 16MeV and 1×1 cm{sup 2}), while reference dmax was maintained for all energies and composite fields. Smaller kernels (<2×2 cm{sup 2}) maintained penumbra and field size within 0.2 cm, and flatness within 2%. Deterioration of penumbra for larger kernels (5×5 cm{sup 2}) were observed. Balancing desirable dosimetry and efficiencies suggests that smaller kernels are used at edges and larger kernels in the center of the target. (2) Beam weight optimization improved cross-plane penumbra (0.2 cm) and increased the field size (0.4 cm) on average. In-plane penumbra and field size remained unchanged. Overlap depended on kernel size and optimal overlap resulted in flatness ±2%. Conclusion: Dynamic electron beam therapy in virtual scanning mode is feasible by employing small fields to achieve desired dose distributions and acceptable efficiencies.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Mini Micropulse Lidar measurements in vertical and scanning modes

The Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) program operates ten Sigma Space (currently Droplet Measurement Technologies/DMT) micropulse lidar systems (MPL-4B-IDS/POL-FS series), which detect the backscattered light in two orthogonal linear polarization channels allowing to distinguish between spherical (e.g. water) and non-spherical (e.g. ice) scattering particles. The ARM MPLs have been providing valuable measurements to the aerosol and cloud research community for well over a decade. DMT&rsquo;s Mini-Micropulse lidar (MiniMPL) is a compact version of the standard MPL. It reduces the power-aperture product to minimize cost, size, weight, power requirements and has all the electronics integrated with optics in a single box. Although as a result, it has a lower detection range than the MPL, limiting the measurements to the troposphere, its performance is promised to match that of the standard MPL within the troposphere. The MiniMPL weighs 13 kg, and the complete system, consisting of an optical transceiver and a laptop running the data acquisition and post-processing software, fits in a storm case, allowing its transport on domestic or international flights. This can be especially valuable for short field campaigns or Intensive Operational Periods, where time is of the essence when replacing a faulty instrument. In addition, the scanning polarization lidar capability (MiniMPL-SCAN option) could be of great interest for satisfying ARM measurement needs for certain research topics related to clouds and precipitation. To evaluate its full potential in comparison with co-located remote sensing instruments including the ARM MPL-4B-IDS/POL-FS at SGP, a miniMPL was hosted at the ARM Southern Great Plains (SGP) mega-site in 2020 for approximately 3 months. During this time the miniMPL was tested in both vertical sampling and scanning modes.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Rotation-as-fast-axis scanning-probe x-ray tomography: the importance of angular diversity for fly-scan modes

Here, we investigate the effects of angular diversity on image-reconstruction quality of scanning-probe x-ray tomography for both fly- and step-mode data collection. We propose probe-coverage maps as a tool for both visualizing and quantifying the distribution of probe interactions with the object. We show that data sampling with more angular diversity yields better tomographic image reconstruction as long as it does not come at the cost of not covering some voxels in the object. Therefore, for fly-mode data collection, rotation-as-fast-axis (RAFA) trajectories are superior to raster or other non-RAFA trajectories because they allow for the increasing of angular diversity without sacrificing spatial coverage uniformity. In contrast, for step-mode data collection and a fixed measurement budget, increasing angular diversity can come at the cost of not covering some voxels, and may not be desired. This study has implications for how scanning-probe microscopes should be collecting data in order to make the most of limited resources.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Controlled-Resonant Surface Tapping-Mode Scanning Probe Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry Imaging

This paper reports on the advancement of a controlled-resonance surface tapping-mode single capillary liquid junction extraction/ESI emitter for mass spectrometry imaging. The basic instrumental setup and the general operation of the system were discussed and optimized performance metrics were presented. The ability to spot sample, lane scan and chemically image in an automated and controlled fashion were demonstrated. Rapid, automated spot sampling was demonstrated for a variety of compound types including the cationic dye basic blue 7, the oligosaccharide cellopentaose, and the protein equine heart cytochrome c. The system was used for lane scanning and chemical imaging of the cationic dye crystal violet in inked lines on glass and for lipid distributions in mouse brain thin tissue sections. Imaging of the lipids in mouse brain tissue under optimized conditions provided a spatial resolution of approximately 35 m based on the ability to distinguish between features observed both in the optical and mass spectral chemical images. The sampling spatial resolution of this system was comparable to the best resolution that has been reported for other types of atmospheric pressure liquid extraction-based surface sampling/ionization techniques used for mass spectrometry imaging.

Lorenz, Matthias↗

General Mode Scanning Probe Microscopy

A critical part of SPM measurements is the information transfer from the probe-sample junction to the measurement system. Current information transfer methods heavily compress the information-rich data stream by averaging the data over a time interval, or via heterodyne detection approaches such as lock-in amplifiers and phase-locked loops. As a consequence, highly valuable information at the sub-microsecond time scales or information from frequencies outside the measurement band is lost. We have developed a fundamentally new approach called General Mode (G-mode), where we can capture the complete information stream from the detectors in the microscope. The availability of the complete information allows the microscope operator to analyze the data via information-theory analysis or comprehensive physical models. Furthermore, the complete data stream enables advanced data-driven filtering algorithms, multi-resolution imaging, ultrafast spectroscropic imaging, spatial mapping of multidimensional variability in material properties, etc. Though we applied this approach to scanning probe microscopy, the general philosophy of G-mode can be applied to many other modes of microscopy. G-mode data is captured by completely custom software written in LabVIEW and Matlab. The software generates the waveforms to electrically, thermally, or mechanically excite the SPM probe. It handles real-time communications with the microscope software for operations such as moving the SPM probe position and also controls other instrumentation hardware. The software also controls multiple variants of high-speed data acquisition cards to excite the SPM probe with the excitation waveform and simultaneously measure multiple channels of information from the microscope detectors at sampling rates of 1-100 MHz. The software also saves the raw data to the computer and allows the microscope operator to visualize processed or filtered data during the experiment. The software performs all these features while offering a user-friendly interface.

Somnath, Suhas↗

Evaluation of the electrical contact area in contact-mode scanning probe microscopy

The tunneling current through an atomic force microscopy (AFM) tip is used to evaluate the effective electrical contact area, which exists between tip and sample in contact-AFM electrical measurements. A simple procedure for the evaluation of the effective electrical contact area is described using conductive atomic force microscopy (C-AFM) in combination with a thin dielectric. We characterize the electrical contact area for coated metal and doped-diamond tips operated at low force (<200 nN) in contact mode. In both cases, we observe that only a small fraction (<10 nm{sup 2}) of the physical contact (∼100 nm{sup 2}) is effectively contributing to the transport phenomena. Assuming this reduced area is confined to the central area of the physical contact, these results explain the sub-10 nm electrical resolution observed in C-AFM measurements.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

SU-E-J-36: Comparison of CBCT Image Quality for Manufacturer Default Imaging Modes

Purpose CBCT is being increasingly used in patient setup for radiotherapy. Often the manufacturer default scan modes are used for performing these CBCT scans with the assumption that they are the best options. To quantitatively assess the image quality of these scan modes, all of the scan modes were tested as well as options with the reconstruction algorithm. Methods A CatPhan 504 phantom was scanned on a TrueBeam Linear Accelerator using the manufacturer scan modes (FSRT Head, Head, Image Gently, Pelvis, Pelvis Obese, Spotlight, & Thorax). The Head mode scan was then reconstructed multiple times with all filter options (Smooth, Standard, Sharp, & Ultra Sharp) and all Ring Suppression options (Disabled, Weak, Medium, & Strong). An open source ImageJ tool was created for analyzing the CatPhan 504 images. Results The MTF curve was primarily dictated by the voxel size and the filter used in the reconstruction algorithm. The filters also impact the image noise. The CNR was worst for the Image Gently mode, followed by FSRT Head and Head. The sharper the filter, the worse the CNR. HU varied significantly between scan modes. Pelvis Obese had lower than expected HU values than most while the Image Gently mode had higher than expected HU values. If a therapist tried to use preset window and level settings, they would not show the desired tissue for some scan modes. Conclusion Knowing the image quality of the set scan modes, will enable users to better optimize their setup CBCT. Evaluation of the scan mode image quality could improve setup efficiency and lead to better treatment outcomes.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Probing Activities of Individual Catalytic Nanoflakes by Tunneling Mode of Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy

The tunneling mode of scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) was developed recently and applied to studies of charge-transfer reactions at single metal nanoparticles (NPs). When an SECM tip is brought within the tunneling distance from a conductive NP, the particle begins to act as a part of the nanoelectrode. Herein, we demonstrate the possibility of using carbon nanoelectrodes with a very thin insulating sheath for electrochemical tunneling experiments at flat samples. In this way, electrocatalytic activity, conductivity, and charging properties of and faradaic processes in layered nanomaterials can be characterized by single-nanoflake voltammetry without making direct ohmic contact with them. A broad applicability of tunneling SECM experiments is demonstrated by probing nanomaterials with different size, geometry, and electrocatalytic properties, including metallic/pseudo-metallic (1T/1T') and semiconducting (2H) MoS 2 nanoflakes, N-doped porous carbon catalyst, and MXene nanosheets. Further, the Tafel plots for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at individual nanoflakes are compared to analogous measurements for an ensemble of flakes attached to the surface of a macroscopic electrode. Moreover, we observed variations in catalytic activities of individual MXene flakes toward HER and OER caused by non-uniform doping.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

W-Band ARM Scanning Cloud Radar (WSACR) 2nd Generation CF-Radial Spectral Data, Vertically-Pointing Scan, Cross Mode (a1)

ARM's scanning cloud radars are fully coherent dual-frequency, dual-polarization Doppler radars mounted on a common scanning pedestal. Each pedestal includes a Ka-band radar (2kW peak power) and the deployment location determines whether the second radar is a W-band (WSACR; 1.7 kW peak power) or X-band (XSACR; 20 kW peak power). Beamwidths at Ka and W bands are roughly matched at 0.3 degrees. Due to the narrow antenna beamwidth, ARM’s scanning cloud radars use scanning strategies that are unlike typical weather radars. Rather than focusing on plan position indicator, or PPI, scans, the Ka-SACR uses range height indicator, or RHI, scans at numerous azimuths to obtain cloud volume data. Measurements collected with the W-SACR are copolar and cross-polar radar reflectivity, Doppler velocity, spectra width and spectra when not scanning, and linear depolarization ration.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Phase modulation mode of scanning ion conductance microscopy

This Letter reports a phase modulation (PM) mode of scanning ion conductance microscopy. In this mode, an AC current is directly generated by an AC voltage between the electrodes. The portion of the AC current in phase with the AC voltage, which is the current through the resistance path, is modulated by the tip-sample distance. It can be used as the input of feedback control to drive the scanner in Z direction. The PM mode, taking the advantages of both DC mode and traditional AC mode, is less prone to electronic noise and DC drift but maintains high scanning speed. The effectiveness of the PM mode has been proven by experiments.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Characteristics of Gafchromic XRQA2 films for kV image dose measurement

Purpose: In this study, the relevant characteristics of the new Gafchromic XRQA2 film for its application in measuring kV cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) image doses were thoroughly investigated. Methods: The film was calibrated free in air to air kerma levels between 0 and 9 cGy using 120 kVp photon beams produced by the x-ray volume imager. Films were scanned using transmission and reflection scanning modes with the Epson Expression 10000 XL flat-bed document scanner. The impact of film size, region of interest for the analysis, scan uniformity, scan resolution, scan orientation and alternate scanning sides on the analysis process were investigated. Energy dependence, postirradiation growth of reflectance with time and irradiation angular dependence of the film were tested at different air kerma levels. Results: The net reflectance changed by {approx}3% when the size of the film piece changed from 1 cm x 2 cm to 10 cm x 11 cm and changed by {approx}1% when ROI changed from 0. 7 cm x 0. 7 cm to 8 cm x 8 cm, suggesting a good uniformity of the film. The film was successfully analyzed using the transmission scanning mode, calibration curves from both transmission and reflection scanning modes showed similar behavior. The calibration uncertainty was somewhat lower when the film was scanned using reflection mode (6% and 8% for reflection and transmission modes, respectively.) Higher scanning resolution came with increasing calibration uncertainty. The calibration uncertainty for reflection and transmission modes increased from {approx}3.5% to 7% and from {approx}3.5% to 9%, respectively when scanning resolution was changed from 50 to 400 dpi. Scanning the film on alternate sides using transmission mode led to variation of 16%-19% in the net optical density at doses commonly used for CBCT procedures. The film response changed by almost 10% when it was exposed to beams of two different energies (100 and 120 kVp.) Other features of the film such as film orientation, postexposure growth, and irradiation angular dependence were also investigated. Conclusions: The size of film piece and analysis ROI used for calibration slightly affected the film response. Both transmission and reflection scanning modes can be used to analyze the Gafchromic XRQA2, with the reflection mode having a somewhat lower calibration uncertainty. Scanning films on alternate sides using transmission mode significantly affects the optical density. The film response was shown to be energy dependent. The films reached stability in about 6 h after exposure. The film response was proven to be independent of irradiation angle except when the beam is parallel to the film surface.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗

Spatial Resolution Versus Data Acquisition Efficiency in Mapping an Inhomogeneous System with Species Diffusion

Traditionally, spatially-resolved photoluminescence (PL) has been performed using a point-by-point scan mode with both excitation and detection occurring at the same spatial location. But with the availability of high quality detector arrays like CCDs, an imaging mode has become popular for performing spatially-resolved PL. By illuminating the entire area of interest and collecting the data simultaneously from all spatial locations, the measurement efficiency can be greatly improved. However, this new approach has proceeded under the implicit assumption of comparable spatial resolution. We show here that when carrier diffusion is present, the spatial resolution can actually differ substantially between the two modes, with the less efficient scan mode being far superior. We apply both techniques in investigation of defects in a GaAs epilayer – where isolated singlet and doublet dislocations can be identified. A superposition principle is developed for solving the diffusion equation to extract the intrinsic carrier diffusion length, which can be applied to a system with arbitrarily distributed defects. The understanding derived from this work is significant for a broad range of problems in physics and beyond (for instance biology) – whenever the dynamics of generation, diffusion, and annihilation of species can be probed with either measurement mode.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

SU-F-J-205: Effect of Cone Beam Factor On Cone Beam CT Number Accuracy

Purpose: To examine the suitability of a Catphan™ 700 phantom for image quality QA of a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) system deployed for proton therapy. Methods: Catphan phantoms, particularly Catphan™ 504, are commonly used in image quality QA for CBCT. As a newer product, Catphan™ 700 offers more tissue equivalent inserts which may be useful for generating the electron density – CT number curve for CBCT based treatment planning. The sensitometry-and-geometry module used in Catphan™ 700 is located at the end of the phantom and after the resolution line pair module. In Catphan™ 504 the line pair module is located at the end of the phantom and after the sensitometry-and-geometry module. To investigate the effect of difference in location on CT number accuracy due to the cone beam factor, we scanned the Catphan™ 700 with the central plane of CBCT at the center of the phantom, line pair and sensitometry-andgeometry modules of the phantom, respectively. The protocol head and thorax scan modes were used. For each position, scans were repeated 4 times. Results: For the head scan mode, the standard deviation (SD) of the CT numbers of each insert under 4 repeated scans was up to 20 HU, 11 HU, and 11 HU, respectively, for the central plane of CBCT located at the center of the phantom, line pair, and sensitometry-and-geometry modules of the phantom. The mean of the SD was 9.9 HU, 5.7 HU, and 5.9 HU, respectively. For the thorax mode, the mean of the SD was 4.5 HU, 4.4 HU, and 4.4 HU, respectively. The assessment of image quality based on resolution and spatial linearity was not affected by imaging location changes. Conclusion: When the Catphan™ 700 was aligned to the center of imaging region, the CT number accuracy test may not meet expectations. We recommend reconfiguration of the modules.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗