Abstract: A phantom (44) is used to calibrate a multi-modality imaging system (10) that includes a nuclear imaging system (12) and a CT scanner (14). The phantom (44) includes marker receiving cavities (96) positioned at fixed locations in the phantom, in which markers (46) are removably placed. The markers (46) include CT markers (90), which are imageable by the CT scanner (14), and radioisotope markers (48), which are imageable by the nuclear imaging system (12). The radioisotope markers (48) are disposed into wells (92) provided at a center of mass of each disk-like CT marker. The markers (46) have a label (94) identifying its isotope. The phantom (44), rigidly affixed to a couch (32), is imaged by the nuclear imaging system (12) and by the CT scanner (14). A transformation processor (72) calculates a transformation which brings centroids of the CT markers (90) in a CT image and the radioisotope markers (48) in a nuclear image into alignment.

Abstract: A phantom (44) is used to calibrate a multi-modality imaging system (10) that includes a nuclear imaging system (12) and a CT scanner (14). The phantom (44) includes marker receiving cavities (96) positioned at fixed locations in the phantom, in which markers (46) are removably placed. The markers (46) include CT markers (90), which are imageable by the CT scanner (14), and radioisotope markers (48), which are imageable by the nuclear imaging system (12). The radioisotope markers (48) are disposed into wells (92) provided at a center of mass of each disk-like CT marker. The markers (46) have a label (94) identifying its isotope. The phantom (44), rigidly affixed to a couch (32), is imaged by the nuclear imaging system (12) and by the CT scanner (14). A transformation processor (72) calculates a transformation which brings centroids of the CT markers (90) in a CT image and the radioisotope markers (48) in a nuclear image into alignment.

Abstract: A method for non-rigid registration and fusion of images with physiological modeled organ motions resulting from respiratory motion and cardiac motion that are mathematically modeled with physiological constraints. A method of combining images comprises the steps of obtaining a first image dataset (24) of a region of interest of a subject and obtaining a second image dataset (34) of the region of interest of the subject. Next, a general model of physiological motion for the region of interest is provided (142). The general model of physiological motion is adapted with data derived from the first image data set (140) to provide a subject specific physiological model (154). The subject specific physiological model is applied (172) to the second image dataset (150) to provide a combined image (122).

Abstract: A method for non-rigid registration and fusion of images with physiological modeled organ motions resulting from respiratory motion and cardiac motion that are mathematically modeled with physiological constraints. A method of combining images comprises the steps of obtaining a first image dataset (24) of a region of interest of a subject and obtaining a second image dataset (34) of the region of interest of the subject. Next, a general model of physiological motion for the region of interest is provided (142). The general model of physiological motion is adapted with data derived from the first image data set (140) to provide a subject specific physiological model (154). The subject specific physiological model is applied (172) to the second image dataset (150) to provide a combined image (122).

Abstract: A cryogenic detector comprises an array formed from a plurality of spherical grains made of type I superconducting material arranged in a preselected pattern and each having a preselected size (generally less than about 100 microns in diameter). Also disclosed is a method of making such an array by depositing a film of selected thickness of type I superconducting material on a substrate, etching the film to provide an array formed by a plurality of discrete pixels, melting the pixels under conditions whereby the pixels are transformed into substantially spherical shape, and cooling to freeze the molten pixels into substantially spherical grains.