arXiv subjects

Francesco P. Andriulli

Publications and source records attributed to Francesco P. Andriulli.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2023

On a Fast Solution Strategy for a Surface-Wire Integral Formulation of the Anisotropic Forward Problem in Electroencephalography

This work focuses on a quasi-linear-in-complexity strategy for a hybrid surface-wire integral equation solver for the electroencephalography forward problem. The scheme exploits a block diagonally dominant structure of the wire self block -- that models the neuronal fibers self interactions -- and of the surface self block -- modeling interface potentials. This structure leads to two Neumann iteration schemes further accelerated with adaptive integral methods. The resulting algorithm is linear up to logarithmic factors. Numerical results confirm the performance of the method in biomedically relevant scenarios.

math.NA↗

arXiv2022

Laplacian Filtered Loop-Star Decompositions and Quasi-Helmholtz Laplacian Filters: Definitions, Analysis, and Efficient Algorithms

Quasi-Helmholtz decompositions are fundamental tools in integral equation modeling of electromagnetic problems because of their ability of rescaling solenoidal and non-solenoidal components of solutions, operator matrices, and radiated fields. These tools are however incapable, per se, of modifying the refinement-dependent spectral behavior of the different operators and often need to be combined with other preconditioning strategies. This paper introduces the new concept of filtered quasi-Helmholtz decompositions proposing them in two incarnations: the filtered Loop-Star functions and the quasi-Helmholtz Laplacian filters. Because they are capable of manipulating large parts of the operators' spectra, new families of preconditioners and fast solvers can be derived from these new tools. A first application to the case of the frequency and h-refinement preconditioning of the electric field integral equation is presented together with numerical results showing the practical effectiveness of the newly proposed decompositions.

math.NA↗

arXiv2022

On a Calderón preconditioner for the symmetric formulation of the electroencephalography forward problem without barycentric refinements

We present a Calderón preconditioning scheme for the symmetric formulation of the forward electroencephalographic (EEG) problem that cures both the dense discretization and the high-contrast breakdown. Unlike existing Calderón schemes presented for the EEG problem, it is refinement-free, that is, the electrostatic integral operators are not discretized with basis functions defined on the barycentrically-refined dual mesh. In fact, in the preconditioner, we reuse the original system matrix thus reducing computational burden. Moreover, the proposed formulation gives rise to a symmetric, positive-definite system of linear equations, which allows the application of the conjugate gradient method, an iterative method that exhibits a smaller computational cost compared to other Krylov subspace methods applicable to non-symmetric problems. Numerical results corroborate the theoretical analysis and attest of the efficacy of the proposed preconditioning technique on both canonical and realistic scenarios.

math.NA↗

arXiv2022

Fast Direct Solvers for Integral Equations at Low-Frequency Based on Operator Filtering

This paper focuses on fast direct solvers for integral equations in the low-to-moderate-frequency regime obtained by leveraging preconditioned first kind or second kind operators regularized with Laplacian filters. The spectral errors arising from boundary element discretizations are properly handled by filtering that, in addition, allows for the use of low-rank representations for the compact perturbations of all operators involved. Numerical results show the effectiveness of the approaches and their effectiveness in the direct solution of integral equations.

math.NA↗

arXiv2022

Stabilized Single Current Inverse Source Formulations Based on Steklov-Poincaré Mappings

The inverse source problem in electromagnetics has proved quite relevant for a large class of applications. In antenna diagnostics in particular, Love solutions are often sought at the cost of an increase of the dimension of the linear system to be solved. In this work, instead, we present a reduced-in-size single current formulation of the inverse source problem that obtains one of the Love currents via a stable discretization of the Steklov-Poincaré boundary operator leveraging dual functions. The new approach is enriched by theoretical treatments and by a further low-frequency stabilization of the Steklov-Poincaré operator based on the quasi-Helmholtz projectors that is the first of its kind in this field. The effectiveness and practical relevance of the new schemes are demonstrated via both theoretical and numerical results.

math.NA↗

arXiv2022

Brain-Computer Interfaces: Investigating the Transition from Visually Evoked to Purely Imagined Steady-State Potentials

Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) based on Steady State Visually Evoked Potentials (SSVEPs) have proven effective and provide significant accuracy and information-transfer rates. This family of strategies, however, requires external devices that provide the frequency stimuli required by the technique. This limits the scenarios in which they can be applied, especially when compared to other BCI approaches. In this work, we have investigated the possibility of obtaining frequency responses in the EEG output based on the pure visual imagination of SSVEP-eliciting stimuli. Our results show that not only that EEG signals present frequency-specific peaks related to the frequency the user is focusing on, but also that promising classification accuracy can be achieved, paving the way for a robust and reliable visual imagery BCI modality.

eess.SP↗

arXiv2022

A New Refinement-Free Preconditioner for the Symmetric Formulation in Electroencephalography

Widely employed for the accurate solution of the electroencephalography forward problem, the symmetric formulation gives rise to a first kind, ill-conditioned operator ill-suited for complex modelling scenarios. This work presents a novel preconditioning strategy based on an accurate spectral analysis of the operators involved which, differently from other Calderón-based approaches, does not necessitate the barycentric refinement of the primal mesh (i.e., no dual matrix is required). The discretization of the new formulation gives rise to a well-conditioned, symmetric, positive-definite system matrix, which can be efficiently solved via fast iterative techniques. Numerical results for both canonical and realistic head models validate the effectiveness of the proposed formulation.

math.NA↗

arXiv2022

On the Fast Direct Solution of a Preconditioned Electromagnetic Integral Equation

This work presents a fast direct solver strategy for electromagnetic integral equations in the high-frequency regime. The new scheme relies on a suitably preconditioned combined field formulation and results in a single skeleton form plus identity equation. This is obtained after a regularization of the elliptic spectrum through the extraction of a suitably chosen equivalent circulant problem. The inverse of the system matrix is then obtained by leveraging the Woodbury matrix identity, the low-rank representation of the extracted part of the operator, and fast circulant algebra yielding a scheme with a favorable complexity and suitable for the solution of multiple right-hand sides. Theoretical considerations are accompanied by numerical results both of which are confirming and showing the practical relevance of the newly developed scheme.

math.NA↗

arXiv2022

Laplacian Filters for Integral Equations: Further Developments and Fast Algorithms

This paper extends the concept of Laplacian filtered quasi-Helmholtz decompositions we have recently introduced, to the basis-free projector-based setting. This extension allows the discrete analyses of electromagnetic integral operators spectra without passing via an explicit Loop-Star decomposition as previously done. We also present a fast scheme for the evaluation of the filters in quasi linear complexity in the total number of unknowns. Together with the fact that only a logarithmic number of these filters are required for solving the h-refinement breakdown of electric field integral equation, this results in an effective preconditioner that rivals Calderón strategies in performance without relying on barycentric refinements. Numerical results confirm the theoretically predicted behavior and the effectiveness of the approach.

eess.IV↗

arXiv2021

On a Low-Frequency and Contrast Stabilized Full-Wave Volume Integral Equation Solver for Lossy Media

In this paper we present a new regularized electric flux volume integral equation (D-VIE) for modeling high-contrast conductive dielectric objects in a broad frequency range. This new formulation is particularly suitable for modeling biological tissues at low frequencies, as it is required by brain epileptogenic area imaging, but also at higher ones, as it is required by several applications including, but not limited to, transcranial magnetic and deep brain stimulation (TMS and DBS, respectively). When modeling inhomogeneous objects with high complex permittivities at low frequencies, the traditional D-VIE is ill-conditioned and suffers from numerical instabilities that result in slower convergence and in less accurate solutions. In this work we address these shortcomings by leveraging a new set of volume quasi-Helmholtz projectors. Their scaling by the material permittivity matrix allows for the re-balancing of the equation when applied to inhomogeneous scatterers and thereby makes the proposed method accurate and stable even for high complex permittivity objects until arbitrarily low frequencies. Numerical results, canonical and realistic, corroborate the theory and confirm the stability and the accuracy of this new method both in the quasi-static regime and at higher frequencies.

eess.IV↗

arXiv2020

Large Time Step and DC Stable TD-EFIE Discretized with Implicit Runge-Kutta Methods

The Time Domain-Electric Field Integral Equation (TD-EFIE) and its differentiated version are widely used to simulate the transient scattering of a time dependent electromagnetic field by a Perfect Electrical Conductor (PEC). The time discretization of the TD-EFIE can be achieved by a space-time Galerkin approach or, as it is considered in this contribution, by a convolution quadrature using Implicit Runge-Kutta methods. The solution is then computed using the Marching-On-in-Time (MOT) algorithm. The differentiated TD-EFIE has two problems: (i) the system matrix suffers from ill-conditioning when the time step increases (low frequency breakdown) and (ii) it suffers from the DC instability, i.e. the formulation allows for the existence of spurious solenoidal currents that grow slowly in the solution. In this work, we show that (i) and (ii) can be alleviated by leveraging quasi-Helmholtz projectors to separate the Helmholtz components of the induced current and rescale them independently. The efficacy of the approach is demonstrated by numerical examples including benchmarks and real life applications.

physics.comp-ph↗

arXiv2020

On the modeling of brain fibers in the EEG forward problem via a new family of wire integral equations

Source localization based on electroencephalography (EEG) has become a widely used neuroimagining technique. However its precision has been shown to be very dependent on how accurately the brain, head and scalp can be electrically modeled within the so-called forward problem. The construction of this model is traditionally performed by leveraging Finite Element or Boundary Element Methods (FEM or BEM). Even though the latter is more computationally efficient thanks to the smaller interaction matrices it yields and near-linear solvers, it has traditionally been used on simpler models than the former. Indeed, while FEM models taking into account the different media anisotropies are widely available, BEM models have been limited to isotropic, piecewise homogeneous models. In this work we introduce a new BEM scheme taking into account the anisotropies of the white matter. The boundary nature of the formulation allows for an efficient discretization and modelling of the fibrous nature of the white matter as one-dimensional basis functions, limiting the computational impact of their modelling. We compare our scheme against widely used formulations and establish its correctness in both canonical and realistic cases.

physics.med-ph↗

arXiv2020

On the Spectral Behavior and Normalization of a Resonance-Free and High-Frequency Stable Integral Equation

The CFIE used for solving scattering and radiation problems, although a resonance-free formulation, suffers from an ill-conditioning that strongly depends on the frequency and discretization density, both in the low- and high-frequency regime, resulting in slow convergence rates for iterative solvers. This work presents a new preconditioning scheme for the CFIE that cures the low- and the high-frequency as well as the dense discretization breakdown. The new preconditioner for the CFIE is based on a spherical harmonics analysis and the proper regularization with Helmholtz-type operators. Numerical results have been obtained to prove the effectiveness of this new formulation in real scenarios.

physics.comp-ph↗

arXiv2020

A New Preconditioner for the EFIE Based on Primal and Dual Graph Laplacian Spectral Filters

The Electric Field Integral Equation (EFIE) is notorious for its ill-conditioning both in frequency and h-refinement. Several techniques exist for fixing the equation conditioning problems based on hierarchical strategies, Calderon techniques, and related technologies. This work leverages on a new approach, based on the construction of tailored spectral filters for the EFIE components which allow the block renormalization of the EFIE spectrum resulting in a provably constant condition number for the equation. This is achieved without the need for a barycentric refinement and with low computational overhead compared with other schemes. In particular, only sparse matrices are required in addition to the EFIE original matrix. Numerical results will show the robustness of our scheme and its application to the solution of realistic problems.

math.NA↗

arXiv2020

A Quasi-Helmholtz Projector Stabilized Full Wave Solver Encompassing the Eddy Current Regime

Despite its several qualities, the Poggio-Miller-Chang-Harrington-Wu-Tsai (PMCHWT) formulation for simulating scattering by dielectric media suffers from numerical instabilities and severe ill-conditioning at low frequencies. While this drawback has been the object of numerous solution attempts in the standard low-frequency breakdown regime for scattering problems, the eddy-current regime requires a specific treatment. In this contribution, we present an extension of the recently introduced quasi-Helmholtz projectors based preconditioning of the PMCHWT to obtain an equation stable at low frequencies and specifically in three regimes relevant for eddy currents analyses: (i) when the frequency decreases with a constant conductivity, (ii) when the conductivity increases at fixed frequency and (iii) when the frequency decreases while keeping the product of the frequency and the conductivity constant. Being based on quasi-Helmholtz projectors our new strategy does not further degrade the conditioning of the original equation and is compatible with existing fast solvers. The resulting full-wave formulation is capable of smoothly transitioning from simulations at high frequencies to the different low-frequency regimes which encompass, in particular, eddy currents applications. Numerical results demonstrate the validity of our approach in all the regimes with a special emphasis given to eddy currents.

physics.comp-ph↗

arXiv2020

Diffusion MRI Consistent Wire Models for Efficient Solutions of the Anisotropic Forward Problem in Electroencephalography

The surface Boundary Element Method (BEM) is one of the most commonly employed formulations to solve the forward problem in electroencephalography, but the applicability of its classical incarnations is lamentably limited to piece-wise homogeneous media. Several head tissues, however, are strongly anisotropic due to their complex underlying micro-structure. This implies that standard boundary integral formulations oversimplify the electrical properties of the head and produce unrealistic solutions, something that drastically limits the suitability and impact of BEM technologies to brain imaging. This contribution addresses this issue by observing that the brain anisotropy in the white matter is due to the presence of neuronal wire-like structures. We then extend the well known wire integral equations used for high frequency problems to the imperfectly conducting quasi-static case and we propose a new hybrid wire/surface/volume integral equation. When applied on multimodal magnetic resonance images combined with tractography, this new approach can flexibly and realistically handle the conductivity anisotropy in any head compartment providing high level of accuracy and efficiency. The beneficial properties of the new formulation together with its impact on brain imaging is demonstrated via numerical results on both canonical and realistic case scenarios.

eess.IV↗

arXiv2020

On Preconditioning Electromagnetic Integral Equations in the High Frequency Regime via Helmholtz Operators and quasi-Helmholtz Projectors

Fast and accurate resolution of electromagnetic problems via the \ac{BEM} is oftentimes challenged by conditioning issues occurring in three distinct regimes: (i) when the frequency decreases and the discretization density remains constant, (ii) when the frequency is kept constant while the discretization is refined and (iii) when the frequency increases along with the discretization density. While satisfactory remedies to the problems arising in regimes (i) and (ii), respectively based on Helmholtz decompositions and Calderón-like techniques have been presented, the last regime is still challenging. In fact, this last regime is plagued by both spurious resonances and ill-conditioning, the former can be tackled via combined field strategies and is not the topic of this work. In this contribution new symmetric scalar and vectorial electric type formulations that remain well-conditioned in all of the aforementioned regimes and that do not require barycentric discretization of the dense electromagnetic potential operators are presented along with a spherical harmonics analysis illustrating their key properties.

physics.comp-ph↗

arXiv2020

A Hybrid Volume-Surface-Wire Integral Equation for the Anisotropic Forward Problem in Electroencephalography

Solving the electroencephalography (EEG) forward problem is a fundamental step in a wide range of applications including biomedical imaging techniques based on inverse source localization. State-of-the-art electromagnetic solvers resort to a computationally expensive volumetric discretization of the full head to account for its complex and heterogeneous electric profile. The more efficient, popular in biomedical imaging circles, but unfortunately oversimplifying Boundary Element Method (BEM) relies instead on a piecewise-uniform approximation that severely curbs its application in high resolution EEGs. This contribution lifts the standard BEM contraints by treating the local anisotropies with adequate wire and thin volume integral equations that are tailored to specific structures of the fibrous white matter and the inhomogeneous skull. The proposed hybrid integral equation formulation thereby avoids the full volumetric discretization of the head medium and allows for a realistic and efficient BEM-like solution of the anisotropic EEG forward problem. The accuracy and flexibility of the proposed formulation is demonstrated through numerical experiments involving both canonical and realistic MRI-based head models.

physics.comp-ph↗