High-density functional diffuse optical tomography based on frequency-domain measurements improves image quality and spatial resolution

Measurements of dynamic Near Infrared (NIR) light attenuation across the human head together with model-based image reconstruction algorithms allow the recovery of three-dimensional spatial brain activation maps. Previous studies using high-density diffuse optical tomography (HD-DOT) systems have reported improved image quality over sparse arrays. These HD-DOT systems incorporated multi-distance overlapping continuous wave measurements that only recover differential intensity attenuation. In this study, we investigate the potential improvement in reconstructed image quality due to the additional incorporation of phase shift measurements, which reflect the time-of-flight of the measured NIR light, within the tomographic reconstruction from high-density measurements. To evaluate image reconstruction with and without the additional phase information we simulated point spread functions across a whole-scalp field of view in 24 subject specific anatomical models using an experimentally derived noise model. The addition of phase information improves the image quality by reducing localization error by up to 59% and effective resolution by up to 21% as compared to using the intensity attenuation measurements alone. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the phase data enable images to be resolved at deeper brain regions where intensity data fails, which is further supported by utilizing experimental data from a single subject measurement during a retinotopic experiment

Addendum: Attenuation of the intensity within a superdeformed band

We investigate a random matrix model [Phys. Rev. C {\bf 65} 024302 (2002] for the decay-out of a superdeformed band as a function of the parameters: $\Gamma^\downarrow/\Gamma_S$, $\Gamma_N/D$, $\Gamma_S/D$ and $\Delta/D$. Here $\Gamma^\downarrow$ is the spreading width for the mixing of an SD state $|0>$ with a normally deformed (ND) doorway state $|d>$, $\Gamma_S$ and $\Gamma_N$ are the electromagnetic widths of the the SD and ND states respectively, $D$ is the mean level spacing of the compound ND states and $\Delta$ is the energy difference between $|0>$ and $|d>$. The maximum possible effect of an order-chaos transition is inferred from analytical and numerical calculations of the decay intensity in the limiting cases for which the ND states obey Poisson and GOE statistics. Our results show that the sharp attenuation of the decay intensity cannot be explained solely by an order-chaos transition.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures, submitted to Physical Review

Variable light source with a million-to-one intensity ratio

A wide range, variable intensity light source of constant color characteristics has been developed for testing and calibrating photomultiplier tubes. A light attenuator first diffuses light from a constant source, then permits variable attenuation through a series of chambers and adjustable apertures

Intensity-Distance attenuation laws for the Portugal mainland using intensity data points

In this study, new intensity-distance attenuation law is presented, using directly the intensity observations, rather than the subjective, and sometimes controversial, isoseismal lines. This intensity-distance attenuation law is the only one defined for Portugal mainland, which is expressed as a function of magnitude. We computed this attenuation law using the slope and the intercept of the logarithmic regression of 25 events, with magnitudes between 4.4 and 6.2. Using the Bakun and Wentworth method (1997), this new attenuation law allows performing better results in the earthquake epicentral position and magnitude estimations of the 1909 Benavente event than the Atkinston and Boore attenuation law (1997). This law also gives good results in the study of site effects, presenting good matches between intensity residuals and geological structures where site effects are expected