We thank the International Journal of Imaging Systems and Technology for the opportunity to present a special issue on quantitative image analysis. Quantitative analysis of images plays an important role in a variety of fields including acoustics, astronomy, combustion science, electromagnetics, geophysics, material science, medicine, and physics. Notable imaging modalities include atomic force microscopy, magnetic resonance imaging, holography, magnetic force imaging, microscopy, phase contrast imaging, and tomography. Experimental advances in imaging techniques motivate computer scientists, mathematicians, and statisticians to develop algorithms for extracting quantitative information from complex images. In some cases, researchers develop statistical methods to quantify the uncertainty of an estimate computed from an image. In this special issue, we present four papers that deal with issues related to algorithms for quantitative image analysis and related advances in measurement technology.
In their paper, "Quantitative Images of Antenna Patterns Using Infrared Thermography and Microwave Holography," J. Norgard, C. Stubenrauch, and J. Will apply microwave holographic methods to retrieve the phase of infrared thermal images of electromagnetic fields for the purpose of estimating both the near-field and far-field radiation pattern of antennas. In both simulation and actual experiments, they determine the feasibility, accuracy, and sensitivity of their phase-retrieval methods.
In "Quantitative Trace Element Imaging Using PIXE and the Nuclear Microprobe," C.G. Ryan discusses an emerging experimental method for two-dimensional imaging of the compositional analysis of elements in materials by the energy spectrum of emitted X-rays. He demonstrates the utility of his experimental technology and estimation methods in various geological imaging applications.
In "Vision System for On-Line Characterization of Paper Slurry," H.