Abstract: In one embodiment, there is provided a method of optimizing image quality and organ dose for computed tomography (CT). The method includes segmenting, by an organ segmentation module, at least one organ based, at least in part, on patient image data. The method further includes determining, by a Monte Carlo dose module, a patient-specific heterogeneous dose based, at least in part, on the patient image data and based, at least in part, on a selected CT scanner data. The method further includes determining, by a patient-specific organ dose module, a patient-specific nominal organ dose for each segmented organ based, at least in part, on the patient-specific heterogeneous dose. The method further includes determining, by an inverse optimization module, at least one CT scanner parameter configured to optimize image quality and a selected patient-specific organ dose of at least one selected organ.

Abstract: A method of improving spatial resolution of a pump-probe terahertz (THz) imaging system for producing an image of an object. The method provides a chopped optical gating beam focused on a semiconductive layer that is either part of the object or a discrete layer placed over the object. The gating beam is focused on a gating pulse focal spot having a diameter effective to cause measurable modulation in transmission of a THz beam through the semiconductive layer when the gating pulse is on as compared to when the gating pulse is off, creating alternating modulated THz beams for detection and processing. Systems for performing the method in transmission and reflection modes are also described.

Abstract: A method of improving spatial resolution of a pump-probe terahertz (THz) imaging system for producing an image of an object. The method provides a chopped optical gating beam focused on a semiconductive layer that is either part of the object or a discrete layer placed over the object. The gating beam is focused on a gating pulse focal spot having a diameter effective to cause measurable modulation in transmission of a THz beam through the semiconductive layer when the gating pulse is on as compared to when the gating pulse is off, creating alternating modulated THz beams for detection and processing. Systems for performing the method in transmission and reflection modes are also described.