arXiv subjects

Wojciech Krzemien

Publications and source records attributed to Wojciech Krzemien.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

A Monte Carlo positronium decay source model with multiple annihilation channels in GATE

Positronium-based imaging requires realistic modelling of positronium (Ps) decay in matter. We introduce a modular Ps decay model implemented in GATE 9.4 and GATE 10, enabling the definition of an arbitrary number of decay channels characterised by lifetime, branching fraction, annihilation multiplicity (2g/3g), and optional prompt photon emission. The model is validated through analytical and numerical benchmarks, including lifetime distributions, branching fraction consistency, photon kinematics, and prompt photon emission. Its practical applicability is demonstrated using simulations of mixed annihilation scenarios and the NEMA IEC phantom with a large field-of-view PET system. The proposed model accurately reproduces input lifetime distributions as weighted sums of exponential components and correctly samples decay channel fractions. Simulated two- and three-photon annihilation kinematics are consistent with theoretical expectations. Complex mixtures of decay channels, including varying 3g-to-2g ratios and multi-component ortho-positronium lifetimes, are correctly modelled, with observable signatures reflected in both temporal and energy distributions. Phantom simulations demonstrate the capability to generate realistic positronium-sensitive datasets. This work provides the first general-purpose, multi-channel positronium decay model integrated into GATE, enabling realistic simulations of positronium behaviour in complex media. The model supports the development and optimisation of positronium-based imaging techniques, including PLI and multi-photon PET, and applies to medical imaging, industrial tomography, and fundamental physics studies. Its public availability and compatibility with standard GATE workflows make it a valuable tool for the broader research community.

physics.med-ph↗

arXiv2026

A systematic evaluation of machine learning classifiers for event-by-event background rejection in LAFOV PET scanners

The introduction of LAFOV PET scanners brings significant sensitivity gains but also a substantial increase in the background rate from accidental coincidences, phantom-scattered and detector-scattered photons. While machine learning methods have been applied to background reduction in PET imaging, they target specific background components in post-processing rather than event-by-event classification on the raw data. In this work, we formulate coincidence classification as a supervised multi-class problem and evaluate XGBoost, AdaBoost and Neural Network classifiers as pre-reconstruction filters, using Monte Carlo simulations of the Siemens Biograph Vision Quadra scanner with NEMA IEC and anthropomorphic XCAT phantoms. We investigate two feature sets: a 4-feature representation based on the Attenuation Factor, photon time difference, energy sum, and energy difference, and an extended 6-feature set that incorporates topology-based variables. A systematic robustness study via cross-phantom inference reveals that the 4-feature models generalise significantly better across different phantom geometries, with XGBoost suffering an accuracy loss of only 0.04 compared to 0.13 for the 6-feature variant. Our best models achieve accuracies of up to 0.74 and 0.69 for the NEMA IEC and XCAT phantoms, respectively, outperforming traditional geometry-based cuts. However, we show that this compact feature set not only provides limited suppression of in-phantom scattered coincidences, but it also can lead to non-trivial spatial patterns. With scattered coincidences being the dominant background component in clinical conditions, this suggests that while the method serves as an effective and geometry-agnostic replacement for traditional cut-based selection, meaningful further gains in image quality will require either larger input representations or dedicated treatment of the phantom-scattered component.

cs.CV↗

arXiv2025

GATE 10 Monte Carlo particle transport simulation -- Part I: development and new features

We present GATE version 10, a major evolution of the open-source Monte Carlo simulation application for medical physics, built on Geant4. This release marks a transformative evolution, featuring a modern Python-based user interface, enhanced multithreading and multiprocessing capabilities, the ability to be embedded as a library within other software, and a streamlined framework for collaborative development. In this Part 1 paper, we outline GATE's position among other Monte Carlo codes, the core principles driving this evolution, and the robust development cycle employed. We also detail the new features and improvements. Part 2 will detail the architectural innovations and technical challenges. By combining an open, collaborative framework with cutting-edge features, such a Monte Carlo platform supports a wide range of academic and industrial research, solidifying its role as a critical tool for innovation in medical physics.

physics.med-ph↗

arXiv2025

Improving PET scanner time-of-flight resolution using additional prompt photon

Positronium Imaging requires two classes of events: double-coincidences originated from pair of back-to-back annihilation photons and triple-coincidences comprised with two annihilation photons and one additional prompt photon. The standard reconstruction of the emission position along the line-of-response of triple-coincidence event is the same as in the case of double-coincidence event; an information introduced by the high-energetic prompt photon is ignored. In this study, we propose to extend the reconstruction of position of triple-coincidence event by taking into account the time and position of prompt photon. We incorporate the knowledge about the positronium lifetime distribution and discuss the limitations of the method based on the simulation data. We highlight that the uncertainty of the estimate provided by prompt photon alone is much higher than the standard deviation estimated based on two annihilation photons. We finally demonstrate the extent of resolution improvement that can be obtained when estimated using three photons.

physics.med-ph↗

arXiv2025

Realistic Total-Body J-PET Geometry Optimization -- Monte Carlo Study

Total-Body PET is one of the most promising medical diagnostics modalities. The high sensitivity provided by Total-Body technology can be advantageous for novel tomography methods like positronium imaging. Several efforts are ongoing to lower the price of the TB-PET systems. Among the alternatives, the Jagiellonian PET (J-PET) technology, based on plastic scintillator strips, offers a low-cost alternative. The work aimed to compare five Total-Body J-PET geometries as a possible next generation J-PET scanner design. We present comparative studies of performance characteristics of the cost-effective Total-Body PET scanners using J-PET technology. We investigated in silico five Total-Body scanner geometries. Monte Carlo simulations of the XCAT phantom, the 2-meter sensitivity line source and positronium sensitivity phantoms were performed. We compared the sensitivity profiles for 2-gamma and 3-gamma tomography, relative cost of the setups and performed quantitative analysis of the reconstructed images. The analysis of the reconstructed XCAT images reveals the superiority of the seven-ring scanners over the three-ring setups. However, the three-ring scanners would be approximately 2-3 times cheaper. The peak sensitivity values for two-gamma vary from 20 to 34 cps/kBq. The sensitivity curves for the positronium tomography have a similar shape to the two-gamma sensitivity profiles. The peak values are lower compared to the two-gamma cases, from about 20-28 times, with a maximum of 1.66 cps/kBq. The results show the feasibility of multi-organ imaging of all the systems to be considered for the next generation of TB J-PET designs. The relative cost for all the scanners is about 10-4 times lower compared to the cost of the uExplorer. These properties coupled together with J-PET cost-effectiveness, make the J-PET technology an attractive solution for broad application in clinics.

physics.med-ph↗

arXiv2024

Development of the normalization method for the Jagiellonian PET scanner

This work aims at applying the theory of the component-based normalization for the Jagiellonian PET scanner, currently under development at the Jagiellonian University. In any Positron Emission Tomography acquisition, efficiency along a line-of-response can vary due to several physical and geometrical effects, leading to severe artifacts in the reconstructed image. To mitigate these effects, a normalization coefficient is applied to each line-of-response, defined as the product of several components. Specificity of the Jagiellonian PET scanner geometry is taken into account. Results obtained from GATE simulations are compared with preliminary results obtained from experimental data.

physics.med-ph↗

arXiv2024

New constraints on CPT symmetry violation in charm mesons

Small CPT-violating effects are admissible in several theories beyond the Standard Model of interactions. We analyse experimental data obtained with neutral flavoured meson mixing and place bounds on the scale of such phenomena. The constraints on the CPT-violating parameter $z$ are derived by reinterpreting the LHCb measurement of the time-dependent asymmetry in the Cabbibo-favoured $D^0 \rightarrow K^{-}π^{+}$ and $\bar{D}^0 \rightarrow K^{+}π^{-}$ decay rates. The bounds provided in this paper are two orders of magnitude stricter compared to the results obtained by the FOCUS Collaboration. Among other constraints, we report bounds on the difference in the decay widths and masses of the neutral D meson flavour states at a 95 % confidence level. The decay width difference is bounded by $(-4.7<δΓ_D<2.1)\times 10^{-16}$GeV. The mass difference lies within~$(-2.0<δm_D<2.0)\times 10^{-15}$GeV for 95% of $\text{arg}(z)$ values. The paper includes an assessment of the influence of CP violation on the results and a discussion of the future prospects.

hep-ph↗

arXiv2020

J-PET Framework: Software platform for PET tomography data reconstruction and analysis

J-PET Framework is an open-source software platform for data analysis, written in C++ and based on the ROOT package. It provides a common environment for implementation of reconstruction, calibration and filtering procedures, as well as for user-level analyses of Positron Emission Tomography data. The library contains a set of building blocks that can be combined by users with even little programming experience, into chains of processing tasks through a convenient, simple and well-documented API. The generic input-output interface allows processing the data from various sources: low-level data from the tomography acquisition system or from diagnostic setups such as digital oscilloscopes, as well as high-level tomography structures e.g. sinograms or a list of lines-of-response. Moreover, the environment can be interfaced with Monte Carlo simulation packages such as GEANT and GATE, which are commonly used in the medical scientific community.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2019

The KLOE-2 experiment: overview of recent results

The KLOE detector at the DA$Φ$NE $ϕ$-factory has been operating in two periods from 2001 to 2006 and from 2014 to 2018 collecting a large sample of $ϕ$-meson decays. This allowed to perform precision measurements and studies of fundamental symmetries, and searches of New Physics phenomena. In this overview, the results of KLOE and KLOE-2 Collaborations are presented. The most recent results from the KLOE experiment are discussed, covering: the measurement of the running fine-structure constant $α_{em}$, the Dalitz plot measurement of $η\rightarrow π^+π^-π^0$, the search of a U boson, tests of discrete symmetries and quantum decoherence.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2019

Addressing Scalability with Message Queues: Architecture and Use Cases for DIRAC Interware

The Message Queue (MQ) architecture is an asynchronous communication scheme that provides an attractive solution for certain scenarios in a distributed computing model. The introduction of MQ as an intermediate component in-between the interacting processes allows to decouple the end-points making the system more flexible and providing high scalability and redundancy. DIRAC is a general-purpose interware software for distributed computing systems, which offers a common interface to a number of heterogeneous providers and guarantees transparent and reliable usage of the resources. The DIRAC platform has been adapted by several scientific projects, including High Energy Physics communities like LHCb, the Linear Collider and Belle2. A Message Queue generic interface has been incorporated into the DIRAC framework to help solving the scalability challenges that must be addressed during LHC Run3, starting in 2021. It allows to use the MQ scheme for a message exchange among the DIRAC components or to communicate with third-party services. Within this contribution we describe the integration of MQ systems with DIRAC and several use cases are shown. Message Queues are foreseen to be used in the pilot logging system, and as a backbone of the DIRAC component logging system and monitoring.

cs.DC↗

arXiv2018

Mixing and CPV in charm hadrons at LHCb

LHCb continues to expand its world-leading sample of charmed hadrons collected during LHC's Run 1 (2010-2012) and Run 2 (2015-present). This sample is yielding some of the most stringent tests of the Standard Model understanding of charm physics. This includes precise measurements of the neutral D-meson mixing parameters and some of the most sensitive searches for direct and indirect CP violation in charm interactions.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2018

Recent results from KLOE-2

The most recent results from the KLOE experiment are presented, covering: the measurement of the running fine-structure constant alpha_em,the Dalitz plot measurement of eta to pi+pi-pi0, the search of a U boson, tests of discrete symmetries and quantum coherence. The KLOE-2 Collaboration will take data until mid 2018 aiming to collect 5 inversed fb increasing the data set, in order to produce new precision measurements and continue studies of fundamental symmetries and New Physics.

hep-ex↗

arXiv2016

Production and interaction of the eta meson with nucleons and nuclei

We report on the status of the search for eta-mesic nuclei and the studies of the interaction of the eta meson with nucleons. Recently we have completed the analysis of the new WASA-at-COSY data on the production of the eta meson with polarized proton beam. New results on the analyzing power for the pp->ppeta reaction with more than an order of magnitude improved precision shed a new light on the production mechanism of the eta meson in nucleon-nucleon collisions. Also, the latest results of the search for eta-mesic nuclei are discussed.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2016

Status and Perspectives of the Search for Eta-Mesic Nuclei

In this report the search for eta-mesic nuclei is reviewed. The brief description of the experimental studies is presented with a focus on the possible production of the eta-nucleus bound states for light nuclei like 4He and 3He.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2015

Search for eta-mesic nuclei with WASA-at-COSY

We search for an evidence of eta-mesic He with the WASA detector. Two dedicated experiments were performed at the Cooler Synchrotron COSY-Juelich. The experimental method is based on the measurement of the excitation functions for the two reaction channels: dd->3Heppi- and dd->3Henpi0, where the outgoing N-pi pairs originate from the conversion of the eta meson on a nucleon inside the He nucleus.In this contribution, the experimental method is shortly described and the current status of the analysis is presented.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2015

A new event display for the KLOE-2 experiment

In this contribution we describe KNEDLE - the new event display for the KLOE-2 experiment. The basic objectives and software requirements are presented. The current status of the development is given along with a short discussion of the future plans.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2014

Search for the manifestation of the mesic-nuclei on the dd-->3HeNpi excitation function measured with WASA-at-COSY

We search for an evidence of eta-mesic 4He with the WASA-at-COSY detector. Two dedicated experiments were performed at the Cooler Synchrotron COSY-Juelich. The experimental method is based on the measurement of the excitation functions for the two reaction channels: dd-->3Heppi- and dd-->3Henpi0, where the outgoing N-pi pairs originate from the conversion of the eta meson on a nucleon inside the He nucleus. In this contribution, the experimental method is shortly described and preliminary excitation functions from the 2010 data are presented.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2014

Studies of mesic nuclei via decay reactions

Collisions in a system of two particles at energies close to a bound state in different channels are discussed. Next, the bound state decays into a third coupled channel. A phenomenological approach to dd->pi-p3He reaction is presented.

nucl-th↗