|
|
Rubio, B., Gelletly, W., Algora, A., Nacher, E., & Tain, J. L. (2017). Beta decay studies with total absorption spectroscopy and the Lucrecia spectrometer at ISOLDE. J. Phys. G, 44(8), 084004–25pp.
Abstract: Here we present the experimental activities carried out at ISOLDE with the total absorption spectrometer Lucrecia, a large 4 pi scintillator detector designed to absorb a full gamma cascade following beta decay. This spectrometer is designed to measure beta-feeding to excited states without the systematic error called Pandemonium. The set up allows the measurement of decays of very short half life. Experimental results from several campaigns, that focus on the determination of the shapes of beta-decaying nuclei by measuring their beta decay strength distributions as a function of excitation energy in the daughter nucleus, are presented.
|
|
|
|
Roser, J., Muñoz, E., Barrientos, L., Barrio, J., Bernabeu, J., Borja-Lloret, M., et al. (2020). Image reconstruction for a multi-layer Compton telescope: an analytical model for three interaction events. Phys. Med. Biol., 65(14), 145005–17pp.
Abstract: Compton Cameras are electronically collimated photon imagers suitable for sub-MeV to few MeV gamma-ray detection. Such features are desirable to enablein vivorange verification in hadron therapy, through the detection of secondary Prompt Gammas. A major concern with this technique is the poor image quality obtained when the incoming gamma-ray energy is unknown. Compton Cameras with more than two detector planes (multi-layer Compton Cameras) have been proposed as a solution, given that these devices incorporate more signal sequences of interactions to the conventional two interaction events. In particular, three interaction events convey more spectral information as they allow inferring directly the incident gamma-ray energy. A three-layer Compton Telescope based on continuous Lanthanum (III) Bromide crystals coupled to Silicon Photomultipliers is being developed at the IRIS group of IFIC-Valencia. In a previous work we proposed a spectral reconstruction algorithm for two interaction events based on an analytical model for the formation of the signal. To fully exploit the capabilities of our prototype, we present here an extension of the model for three interaction events. Analytical expressions of the sensitivity and the System Matrix are derived and validated against Monte Carlo simulations. Implemented in a List Mode Maximum Likelihood Expectation Maximization algorithm, the proposed model allows us to obtain four-dimensional (energy and position) images by using exclusively three interaction events. We are able to recover the correct spectrum and spatial distribution of gamma-ray sources when ideal data are employed. However, the uncertainties associated to experimental measurements result in a degradation when real data from complex structures are employed. Incorrect estimation of the incident gamma-ray interaction positions, and missing deposited energy associated with escaping secondaries, have been identified as the causes of such degradation by means of a detailed Monte Carlo study. As expected, our current experimental resolution and efficiency to three interaction events prevents us from correctly recovering complex structures of radioactive sources. However, given the better spectral information conveyed by three interaction events, we expect an improvement of the image quality of conventional Compton imaging when including such events. In this regard, future development includes the incorporation of the model assessed in this work to the two interaction events model in order to allow using simultaneously two and three interaction events in the image reconstruction.
|
|
|
|
Roser, J., Barrientos, L., Bernabeu, J., Borja-Lloret, M., Muñoz, E., Ros, A., et al. (2022). Joint image reconstruction algorithm in Compton cameras. Phys. Med. Biol., 67(15), 155009–15pp.
Abstract: Objective. To demonstrate the benefits of using an joint image reconstruction algorithm based on the List Mode Maximum Likelihood Expectation Maximization that combines events measured in different channels of information of a Compton camera. Approach. Both simulations and experimental data are employed to show the algorithm performance. Main results. The obtained joint images present improved image quality and yield better estimates of displacements of high-energy gamma-ray emitting sources. The algorithm also provides images that are more stable than any individual channel against the noisy convergence that characterizes Maximum Likelihood based algorithms. Significance. The joint reconstruction algorithm can improve the quality and robustness of Compton camera images. It also has high versatility, as it can be easily adapted to any Compton camera geometry. It is thus expected to represent an important step in the optimization of Compton camera imaging.
|
|
|
|
Ros, A., Lerche, C. W., Sebastia, A., Sanchez, F., & Benlloch, J. M. (2014). Retroreflector arrays for better light collection efficiency of gamma-ray imaging detectors with continuous scintillation crystals without DOI misestimation. J. Instrum., 9, P04009–14pp.
Abstract: A method to improve light collection efficiency of gamma-ray imaging detectors by using retroreflector arrays has been tested, simulations of the behaviour of the scintillation light illuminating the retroreflector surface have been made. Measurements including retroreflector arrays in the setup have also been taken. For the measurements, positron emission tomography (PET) detectors with continuous scintillation crystals have been used. Each detector module consists of a continuous LSO-scintillator of dimensions 49x49x10 mm(3) and a H8500 position-sensitive photo-multiplier (PSPMT) from Hamamatsu. By using a continuous scintillation crystal, the scintillation light distribution has not been destroyed and the energy, the centroids along the x- and y-direction and the depth of interaction (DOI) can be estimated. Simulations have also been run taking into account the use of continuous scintillation crystals. Due to the geometry of the continuous scintillation crystals in comparison with pixelated crystals, a good light collection efficiency is necessary to correctly reconstruct the impact point of the gamma-ray. The aim of this study is to investigate whether micro-machine retro-reflectors improve light yield without misestimation of the impact point. The results shows an improvement on the energy and centroid resolutions without worsening the depth of interaction resolution. Therefore it can be concluded that using retroreflector arrays at the entrance side of the scintillation crystal improves light collection efficiency without worsening the impact point estimation.
|
|
|
|
Ros Garcia, A., Barrio, J., Etxebeste, A., Garcia-Lopez, J., Jimenez-Ramos, M. C., Lacasta, C., et al. (2020). MACACO II test-beam with high energy photons. Phys. Med. Biol., 65(24), 245027–12pp.
Abstract: The IRIS group at IFIC Valencia is developing a three-layer Compton camera for treatment monitoring in proton therapy. The system is composed of three detector planes, each made of a LaBr3<i monolithic crystal coupled to a SiPM array. Having obtained successful results with the first prototype (MACACO) that demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed technology, a second prototype (MACACO II) with improved performance has been developed, and is the subject of this work. The new system has an enhanced detector energy resolution which translates into a higher spatial resolution of the telescope. The image reconstruction method has also been improved with an accurate model of the sensitivity matrix. The device has been tested with high energy photons at the National Accelerator Centre (CNA, Seville). The tests involved a proton beam of 18 MeV impinging on a graphite target, to produce 4.4 MeV photons. Data were taken at different system positions of the telescope with the first detector at 65 and 160 mm from the target, and at different beam intensities. The measurements allowed successful reconstruction of the photon emission distribution at two target positions separated by 5 mm in different telescope configurations. This result was obtained both with data recorded in the first and second telescope planes (two interaction events) and, for the first time in beam experiments, with data recorded in the three planes (three interaction events).
|
|
|
|
Romero-Barrientos, J., Marquez Damian, J. I., Molina, F., Zambra, M., Aguilera, P., Lopez-Usquiano, F., et al. (2022). Calculation of kinetic parameters beta eff and L with modified open source Monte Carlo code OpenMC(TD). Nucl. Eng. Technol., 54(3), 811–816.
Abstract: This work presents the methodology used to expand the capabilities of the Monte Carlo code OpenMC for the calculation of reactor kinetic parameters: effective delayed neutron fraction beff and neutron generation time L. The modified code, OpenMC(Time-Dependent) or OpenMC(TD), was then used to calculate the effective delayed neutron fraction by using the prompt method, while the neutron generation time was estimated using the pulsed method, fitting L to the decay of the neutron population. OpenMC(TD) is intended to serve as an alternative for the estimation of kinetic parameters when licensed codes are not available. The results obtained are compared to experimental data and MCNP calculated values for 18 benchmark configurations.
|
|
|
|
Rodriguez-Alvarez, M. J., Sanchez, F., Soriano, A., & Iborra, A. (2010). Sparse Givens resolution of large system of linear equations: Applications to image reconstruction. Math. Comput. Model., 52(7-8), 1258–1264.
Abstract: In medicine, computed tomographic images are reconstructed from a large number of measurements of X-ray transmission through the patient (projection data). The mathematical model used to describe a computed tomography device is a large system of linear equations of the form AX = B. In this paper we propose the QR decomposition as a direct method to solve the linear system. QR decomposition can be a large computational procedure. However, once it has been calculated for a specific system, matrices Q and R are stored and used for any acquired projection on that system. Implementation of the QR decomposition in order to take more advantage of the sparsity of the system matrix is discussed.
|
|
|
|
Rinaldi, M., & Vento, V. (2020). Pure glueball states in a light-front holographic approach. J. Phys. G, 47(5), 055104–12pp.
Abstract: A phenomenological analysis of the scalar glueball and scalar meson spectra is carried out by using the AdS/QCD framework in the bottom-up approach. The resulting spectra are in good agreement for glueballs with lattice QCD results and for mesons with PDG data. We make use of the relation between the mode functions in AdS/QCD and the wave functions in Light-Front QCD to discuss the mixing of glueballs and mesons. The results of our investigation point out that above 2 GeV scalar particles will appear in almost degenerate pairs of unmixed glueball and mesons states leading to an interesting phenomenology whereby gluon dynamics could be well investigated.
|
|
|
|
Rinaldi, M., & Vento, V. (2020). Scalar spectrum in a graviton soft wall model. J. Phys. G, 47(12), 125003–16pp.
Abstract: In this study we present a unified phenomenological analysis of the scalar glueball and scalar meson spectra within an AdS/QCD framework in the bottom up approach. For this purpose we generalize the recently developed graviton soft-wall (GSW) model, which has shown an excellent agreement with the lattice QCD glueball spectrum, to a description of glueballs and mesons with a unique energy scale. In this scheme, dilatonic effects, are incorporated in the metric as a deformation of the AdS space. We apply the model also to the heavy meson spectra with success. We obtain quadratic mass equations for all scalar mesons while the glueballs satisfy an almost linear mass equation. Besides their spectra, we also discuss the mixing of scalar glueball and light scalar meson states within a unified framework: the GSW model. To this aim, the light-front (LF) holographic approach, which connects the mode functions of AdS/QCD to the LF wave functions, is applied. This relation provides the probabilistic interpretation required to properly investigate the mixing conditions.
|
|
|
|
Rinaldi, M., Scopetta, S., Traini, M., & Vento, V. (2016). Double parton scattering: A study of the effective cross section within a Light-Front quark model. Phys. Lett. B, 752, 40–45.
Abstract: We present a calculation of the effective cross section sigma(eff), an important ingredient in the description of double parton scattering in proton-proton collisions. Our theoretical approach makes use of a Light-Front quark model as a framework to calculate the double parton distribution functions at low-resolution scale. QCD evolution is implemented to reach the experimental scale. The obtained values of sigma(eff) in the valence region are consistent with the present experimental scenario, in particular with the sets of data which include the same kinematical range. However the result of the complete calculation shows a dependence of sigma(eff) on x(i), a feature not easily seen in the available data, probably because of their low accuracy. Measurements of sigma(eff) in restricted x(i) regions are addressed to obtain indications on double parton correlations, a novel and interesting aspect of the three dimensional structure of the nucleon.
|
|
