IMAGE ANALYSIS AND FUNDAMENTALS OF DOSIMETRY

The aim of the course is the achievement by the students of basic physical principles for the formation and analysis of images obtained using different sources and detectors. methodologies. application of the principal methods for the characterization and dating of materials. Particular attention is given to the techniques used in medical imaging and dosimetry.

Knowledge and understanding

Critical understanding of the most advanced developments in Modern Physics in both theoretical and laboratory aspects and their interconnections, even in interdisciplinary fields.

Adequate knowledge of advanced mathematical and computer tools of current use in the fields of basic and applied research.

High level of competence in the scientific method, and understanding of the nature and methodologies of research in Physics.

Applying knowledge and understanding

Ability to identify the essential elements of a phenomenon, in terms of order of magnitude and level of approximation necessary, and be able to make the required approximations.

Ability to use the analogy tool to apply known solutions to new problems (problem solving).

Ability to design and implement experimental and theoretical procedures to solve problems of academic and industrial research or to improve existing results.

Ability to use analytical and numerical mathematical calculation tools and information technology, including the development of software programs.

Ability to develop new and original approaches and methods.

Making judgements

Awareness of safety problems in laboratory work.

Ability to discuss personal interpretations of physical phenomena, confronting each other in the context of work groups.

Development of a sense of responsibility through the choice of optional courses and the subject of the degree thesis.

Communication skills

Ability to communicate in Italian and English in the advanced fields of Physics.

Ability to present their research activity or of scientific data review results to both specialist and nonspecialist audiences;

Ability to work in an interdisciplinary group, adapting the modalities of expression to interlocutors of different culture.

Learning skills

Ability to acquire adequate cognitive tools for the continuous updating of knowledge.

Ability to access specialized literature both in the chosen field and in scientifically close fields.

Ability to use databases and bibliographic and scientific resources to extract information and suggestions for better focusing and developing personal study and research work.

Frontal and theoretical-practical lectures, seminars for all 6 CFU.

Cooperative teaching (student-teacher) by sharing teaching materials and multimedia aids. If the course is taught in a blended or distance learning mode, the necessary variations may be introduced with respect to what has been previously stated, in order to comply with the syllabus.

Electromagnetic waves. Electromagnetic spectrum. Ionizing and nonionizing radiation. E. m. radiation-matter interaction.

Atomic and nuclear structure. Radioactive decays. Particle-matter interaction.

Physics of detectors and characteristic quantities of radiation detectors.

Image basics: Image formation. Analog vs digital images. Digital images fundamentals. Spatial and contrast resolution.

Medical imaging: Radiography. Computed Tomography. Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Ecography.

Introduction to radiation dosimetry: Dosimetry quantities and units. Quantities and units in radiation protection. Legislation references.

Detectors for dosimetry: TLD and OSLD. Radiochromic films. Matrix detectors. Gel dosimetry.

Attix F.H., "Introduction to Radiological Physics and Radiation Dosimetry", Wiley, 2007, 598 pp.

Bushberg J.T, Seibert J.A., Leidholdt E.M. Jr., Boone J.M., "The Essential Physics of Medical Imaging", Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2012, 1030

Dowsett D.J., Kenny P.A. and Johnston R. E., "The Physics of Diagnostic Imaging", CRC Press, 2006, 725 pp.

Gonzales R.C. and Woods R. E., "Elaborazione delle immagini digitali", Pearson Pertice Hall, 2008, 820 pp.

Greening J.R., "Fundamentals of Radiation Dosimetry", CRC Press, 1985, 190 pp.

Hendee W. R. and Ritenour E.R., "Medical Imaging Physics", Wiley-Liss, 2002, 512 pp.

The examination consists of an oral interview on the course contents.

The criteria for the assessment: 1) relevance of the answers to the questions asked; 2) level of in-depth study of the contents exposed; 3) ability to connect with other topics covered in the programme.

The learning assessment may also be carried out online, should the conditions require it.

The questions below are not an exhaustive list but represent only a few examples:

• Differences between analog and digital images. 
• Image resolution
• PSF and MTF
• Images from digital radiographic systems
• Image reconstruction in CT
• Image formation in MRI
• Equivalent dose and effective dose
• Point, 2D and 3D dosimetry.