Medical Physics

  1. Physics of Diagnostic Imaging
    1. Radiography and Fluoroscopy
      1. X-ray Production
        1. X-ray Tube Design and Components
          1. Cathode Structure
            1. Filament Design
              1. Focusing Cup
              2. Anode Structure
                1. Rotating and Stationary Anodes
                  1. Target Materials
                    1. Heel Effect
                    2. Focal Spot Characteristics
                      1. Actual vs. Effective Focal Spot
                        1. Line Focus Principle
                        2. Tube Housing and Cooling
                          1. Heat Management Systems
                            1. Tube Rating Charts
                          2. X-ray Production Mechanisms
                            1. Bremsstrahlung Radiation
                              1. Continuous Spectrum
                                1. Maximum Energy
                                  1. Efficiency Factors
                                  2. Characteristic Radiation
                                    1. Electron Shell Transitions
                                      1. Line Spectra
                                        1. K-edge Phenomena
                                      2. Factors Affecting X-ray Spectrum
                                        1. Tube Voltage (kVp) Effects
                                          1. Tube Current (mA) Effects
                                            1. Filtration
                                              1. Inherent Filtration
                                                1. Added Filtration
                                                  1. Beam Hardening
                                                  2. Target Material Effects
                                                2. Image Formation Principles
                                                  1. X-ray Beam Attenuation
                                                    1. Differential Absorption
                                                      1. Subject Contrast Formation
                                                      2. Geometric Factors
                                                        1. Magnification
                                                          1. Distortion
                                                            1. Penumbra and Unsharpness
                                                            2. Scatter Radiation
                                                              1. Sources of Scatter
                                                                1. Scatter-to-Primary Ratio
                                                                  1. Grid Design and Function
                                                                    1. Grid Ratio
                                                                      1. Grid Frequency
                                                                        1. Grid Types
                                                                    2. Image Receptors
                                                                      1. Screen-Film Systems
                                                                        1. Film Structure and Composition
                                                                          1. Intensifying Screens
                                                                            1. Phosphor Materials
                                                                              1. Screen Speed
                                                                                1. Screen-Film Contact
                                                                                2. Film Processing
                                                                                  1. Developer and Fixer Chemistry
                                                                                    1. Processing Parameters
                                                                                    2. Characteristic Curves
                                                                                      1. Sensitometry
                                                                                        1. Gamma and Contrast
                                                                                      2. Digital Radiography (DR)
                                                                                        1. Flat-Panel Detectors
                                                                                          1. Amorphous Silicon (a-Si)
                                                                                            1. Amorphous Selenium (a-Se)
                                                                                            2. Direct vs. Indirect Conversion
                                                                                              1. Detective Quantum Efficiency
                                                                                                1. Fill Factor
                                                                                                2. Computed Radiography (CR)
                                                                                                  1. Photostimulable Phosphor Plates
                                                                                                    1. Plate Reading Process
                                                                                                      1. Image Processing Algorithms
                                                                                                    2. Image Quality Assessment
                                                                                                      1. Contrast
                                                                                                        1. Subject Contrast
                                                                                                          1. Image Receptor Contrast
                                                                                                            1. Contrast Enhancement Techniques
                                                                                                            2. Spatial Resolution
                                                                                                              1. Limiting Resolution
                                                                                                                1. Modulation Transfer Function (MTF)
                                                                                                                  1. Factors Affecting Resolution
                                                                                                                    1. Focal Spot Size
                                                                                                                      1. Patient Motion
                                                                                                                        1. Geometric Factors
                                                                                                                      2. Noise Characteristics
                                                                                                                        1. Quantum Noise
                                                                                                                          1. Electronic Noise
                                                                                                                            1. Structured Noise
                                                                                                                              1. Signal-to-Noise Ratio
                                                                                                                              2. Detective Quantum Efficiency (DQE)
                                                                                                                                1. Artifacts in Radiography
                                                                                                                                  1. Motion Artifacts
                                                                                                                                    1. Grid Artifacts
                                                                                                                                      1. Processing Artifacts
                                                                                                                                    2. Fluoroscopy Systems
                                                                                                                                      1. System Components and Design
                                                                                                                                        1. X-ray Source Characteristics
                                                                                                                                          1. Table and C-arm Configuration
                                                                                                                                            1. Patient Support Systems
                                                                                                                                            2. Image Intensifiers
                                                                                                                                              1. Input and Output Phosphors
                                                                                                                                                1. Photocathode and Electron Optics
                                                                                                                                                  1. Gain Calculations
                                                                                                                                                    1. Brightness and Conversion Factor
                                                                                                                                                      1. Vignetting and Distortion
                                                                                                                                                      2. Flat-Panel Detectors for Fluoroscopy
                                                                                                                                                        1. Real-time Imaging Capabilities
                                                                                                                                                          1. Advantages over Image Intensifiers
                                                                                                                                                          2. Automatic Brightness Control (ABC)
                                                                                                                                                            1. Dose Rate Management
                                                                                                                                                              1. Frame Rate and Temporal Resolution
                                                                                                                                                            2. Computed Tomography (CT)
                                                                                                                                                              1. Principles of Tomographic Reconstruction
                                                                                                                                                                1. Mathematical Foundations
                                                                                                                                                                  1. Radon Transform
                                                                                                                                                                    1. Projection Theorem
                                                                                                                                                                    2. Data Acquisition Geometry
                                                                                                                                                                      1. Axial (Step-and-Shoot) Scanning
                                                                                                                                                                        1. Helical (Spiral) Scanning
                                                                                                                                                                          1. Cone Beam Geometry
                                                                                                                                                                          2. Reconstruction Algorithms
                                                                                                                                                                            1. Filtered Back-Projection
                                                                                                                                                                              1. Mathematical Basis
                                                                                                                                                                                1. Filter Functions (Ramp, Shepp-Logan)
                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Convolution Process
                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Iterative Reconstruction
                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Algebraic Reconstruction Technique (ART)
                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Statistical Reconstruction
                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Model-Based Iterative Reconstruction
                                                                                                                                                                                    2. CT Scanner Hardware
                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Gantry Design and Components
                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Slip-Ring Technology
                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Rotation Speed Capabilities
                                                                                                                                                                                          2. X-ray Tube for CT
                                                                                                                                                                                            1. High Heat Capacity Requirements
                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Tube Current Modulation
                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Detector Systems
                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Detector Types
                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Xenon Gas Detectors
                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Solid-State Detectors
                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Detector Efficiency and Response
                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Detector Array Configuration
                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Data Acquisition System (DAS)
                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Patient Table and Positioning
                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Scan Parameters and Protocols
                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Slice Thickness and Collimation
                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Pre-patient Collimation
                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Post-patient Collimation
                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Pitch Factor
                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Definition and Clinical Impact
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Dose and Image Quality Effects
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Tube Parameters
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Tube Voltage (kVp) Selection
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Tube Current (mA) and Modulation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Rotation Time
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Reconstruction Parameters
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Field of View (FOV)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Matrix Size
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Reconstruction Kernel/Algorithm
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Image Quality in CT
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. CT Numbers (Hounsfield Units)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. HU Scale and Calibration
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Water and Air References
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Spatial Resolution
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. In-plane Resolution
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Longitudinal Resolution
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. High-Contrast Resolution
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Contrast Resolution
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Low-Contrast Detectability
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Contrast-to-Noise Ratio
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Noise Characteristics
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Quantum Noise
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Electronic Noise
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Noise Power Spectrum
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Artifacts in CT
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Beam Hardening Artifacts
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Motion Artifacts
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Partial Volume Effects
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Metal Artifacts
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Ring Artifacts
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Helical Artifacts
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. CT Dosimetry
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. CT Dose Index (CTDI)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. CTDI100 and CTDIw
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. CTDIvol Calculation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Dose-Length Product (DLP)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Size-Specific Dose Estimates (SSDE)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Dose Modulation Techniques
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Angular Modulation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Longitudinal Modulation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Patient Dose Optimization Strategies
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Principles of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Nuclear Spin Properties
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Magnetic Moment
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Gyromagnetic Ratio
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Magnetization in External Fields
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Equilibrium Magnetization
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Larmor Frequency
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Precession Dynamics
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Relaxation Processes
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Spin-Lattice Relaxation (T1)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Mechanism and Time Constants
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Tissue-Specific Values
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Spin-Spin Relaxation (T2)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Mechanism and Measurement
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. T2* Effects
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Factors Affecting Relaxation Times
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. Free Induction Decay (FID)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Spin Echo Formation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. MRI Hardware Components
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Main Magnet (B0)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Magnet Types
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Permanent Magnets
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Resistive Magnets
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Superconducting Magnets
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Field Strength Considerations
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Magnetic Field Homogeneity
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Shimming Procedures
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Gradient Coils
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Gradient Types (X, Y, Z)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Spatial Encoding Functions
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Gradient Strength and Slew Rate
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Linearity Requirements
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Eddy Current Effects
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Radiofrequency (RF) System
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. RF Coils Design
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Volume Coils
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Surface Coils
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Phased Array Coils
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Transmit and Receive Functions
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Coil Sensitivity Profiles
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. RF Shielding
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Spatial Encoding and Image Formation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Spatial Encoding Principles
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Slice Selection
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Gradient Application
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Slice Thickness Control
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Frequency Encoding (Readout)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Frequency Dispersion
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Bandwidth Considerations
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Phase Encoding
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Phase Encoding Steps
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Field of View Determination
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. K-space Concepts
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. K-space Definition and Properties
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Data Acquisition Strategies
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. K-space Trajectories
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Cartesian Sampling
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Radial Sampling
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Spiral Sampling
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Fourier Transform Reconstruction
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. 2D and 3D Fourier Transforms
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Zero-Filling and Interpolation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Pulse Sequences
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Basic Pulse Sequence Components
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. RF Pulses
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Flip Angles
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Pulse Shapes
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Gradient Pulses
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Timing Parameters
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Spin Echo Sequences
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Single Echo Spin Echo
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Multi-Echo Spin Echo
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Fast Spin Echo (FSE/TSE)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Gradient Echo Sequences
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Spoiled Gradient Echo
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Steady-State Sequences
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. T2* Weighting
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Inversion Recovery Sequences
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Short TI Inversion Recovery (STIR)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Fluid Attenuated Inversion Recovery (FLAIR)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Image Contrast Mechanisms
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. T1-Weighted Imaging
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. T2-Weighted Imaging
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Proton Density Imaging
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Contrast Parameter Optimization
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Advanced MRI Techniques
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Diffusion Principles
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. b-value Selection
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Functional MRI (fMRI)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. BOLD Contrast Mechanism
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Task-Based and Resting-State fMRI
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Statistical Analysis Methods
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Time-of-Flight (TOF) MRA
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Phase Contrast MRA
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Contrast-Enhanced MRA
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Chemical Shift Principles
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Single Voxel vs. Multi-Voxel
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Metabolite Identification
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Perfusion Imaging
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Dynamic Susceptibility Contrast (DSC)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Dynamic Contrast Enhanced (DCE)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Arterial Spin Labeling (ASL)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. MRI Safety Considerations
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Static Magnetic Field Effects
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Projectile Effect and Ferromagnetic Objects
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Biological Effects of Static Fields
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Implant Compatibility
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Time-Varying Gradient Fields
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Acoustic Noise Generation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. dB/dt Limitations
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Radiofrequency Field Effects
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Specific Absorption Rate (SAR)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. RF Heating Mechanisms
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. SAR Monitoring and Limits
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Safety Screening Procedures
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Patient Questionnaires
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Contraindications Assessment
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Emergency Procedures
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Ultrasound Imaging
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Physics of Acoustic Waves
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Nature of Sound Waves
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Mechanical Wave Properties
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Longitudinal vs. Transverse Waves
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Wave Parameters
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Frequency and Wavelength
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Amplitude and Intensity
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Period and Propagation Speed
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Sound Propagation in Tissues
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Speed of Sound in Different Tissues
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Acoustic Impedance
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Impedance Matching
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Wave Interactions
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Reflection at Interfaces
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Refraction and Snell's Law
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Scattering Mechanisms
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Rayleigh Scattering
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Backscattering
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Attenuation Mechanisms
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Absorption
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Scattering Losses
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Frequency Dependence
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Attenuation Coefficients
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Ultrasound Transducers
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Piezoelectric Effect
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Direct and Converse Effects
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Piezoelectric Materials
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Transducer Construction
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Crystal Elements
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Backing Material
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Matching Layers
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Acoustic Lens
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Transducer Characteristics
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Resonant Frequency
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Bandwidth
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Quality Factor (Q-factor)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Sensitivity
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Transducer Types
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Single Element Transducers
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Array Transducers
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Linear Arrays
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Curved Arrays
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Phased Arrays
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Beam Formation and Characteristics
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Ultrasound Beam Properties
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Near Field and Far Field
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Beam Width and Divergence
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Focal Zone Characteristics
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Beam Focusing
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Fixed Focus Transducers
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Electronic Focusing
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Dynamic Focusing
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Beam Artifacts
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Side Lobes
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Grating Lobes
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Beam Width Artifacts
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Ultrasound Imaging Modes
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. A-Mode (Amplitude Mode)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Time-Amplitude Display
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Distance Measurements
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. B-Mode (Brightness Mode)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Gray-Scale Imaging
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Real-Time Imaging
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Scan Conversion
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. M-Mode (Motion Mode)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Time-Motion Display
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Cardiac Applications
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Three-Dimensional Imaging
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. 3D Acquisition Methods
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Volume Rendering
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. 4D (Real-Time 3D) Imaging
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Doppler Ultrasound
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Doppler Effect Principles
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Frequency Shift Calculations
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Angle Dependence
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Continuous Wave (CW) Doppler
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. System Design
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Applications and Limitations
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Pulsed Wave (PW) Doppler
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Range Gating
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Pulse Repetition Frequency
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Nyquist Limit and Aliasing
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Color Flow Doppler
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Color Assignment
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Wall Filters
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Color Sensitivity
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Power Doppler
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Amplitude Detection
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Angle Independence
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Spectral Doppler Analysis
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Spectral Display
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Velocity Measurements
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Waveform Analysis
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Image Quality and Optimization
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Resolution Types
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Axial Resolution
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Lateral Resolution
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Elevational Resolution
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Temporal Resolution
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Contrast and Sensitivity
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Dynamic Range
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Time Gain Compensation (TGC)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Overall Gain Control
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Common Artifacts
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Reverberation Artifacts
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Acoustic Shadowing
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Acoustic Enhancement
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Mirror Image Artifacts
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Speed Displacement Artifacts
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Aliasing in Doppler
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Safety in Ultrasound
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Bioeffects of Ultrasound
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Thermal Effects
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Mechanical Effects (Cavitation)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Safety Indices
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Thermal Index (TI)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Mechanical Index (MI)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. ALARA Principle in Ultrasound
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Nuclear Medicine Imaging
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Radiopharmaceuticals
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Radionuclide Production Methods
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Reactor Production
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Neutron Activation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Fission Products
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Cyclotron Production
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Charged Particle Bombardment
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Proton-Rich Isotopes
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Generator Systems
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Parent-Daughter Relationships
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Elution Principles
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Technetium-99m Generator
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Molybdenum-99/Technetium-99m System
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Generator Design and Operation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Elution Procedures
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Quality Control Testing
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Labeling Mechanisms
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Chelation Chemistry
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Biodistribution Factors
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Quality Control of Radiopharmaceuticals
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Radiochemical Purity
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Radionuclidic Purity
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Chemical Purity
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Sterility and Pyrogenicity
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Planar Scintigraphy
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Gamma Camera Components
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Collimator Design and Function
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Parallel Hole Collimators
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Pinhole Collimators
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Converging and Diverging Collimators
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Collimator Performance Parameters
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Scintillation Crystal
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Sodium Iodide (NaI(Tl)) Properties
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Light Output and Efficiency
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Energy Resolution
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Photomultiplier Tubes (PMTs)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Photoelectric Conversion
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Signal Amplification
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. PMT Array Configuration
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Position Logic Circuits
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Anger Logic
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Position Calculation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Linearity Correction
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Image Acquisition Process
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Energy Window Selection
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Count Rate Considerations
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Static and Dynamic Imaging
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Image Processing and Display
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Digital Image Matrix
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Count Statistics
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Image Enhancement Techniques
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Image Quality Factors
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Spatial Resolution
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Energy Resolution
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Sensitivity
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Count Rate Performance
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. SPECT Data Acquisition
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Rotating Gamma Camera Systems
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Projection Data Collection
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Angular Sampling Requirements
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Multi-Head Systems
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Image Reconstruction
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Filtered Back-Projection
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Filter Selection
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Reconstruction Parameters
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Iterative Reconstruction Methods
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Maximum Likelihood Expectation Maximization (MLEM)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Ordered Subset Expectation Maximization (OSEM)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Attenuation Correction
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Uniform Attenuation Correction
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Non-Uniform Attenuation Correction
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. CT-Based Attenuation Correction
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. SPECT/CT Hybrid Imaging
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. System Design
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Registration Methods
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Clinical Applications
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. PET Physics Principles
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Positron Annihilation Process
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Coincidence Detection
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Line of Response (LOR)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Random and Scatter Coincidences
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. PET Scanner Design
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Detector Materials
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Bismuth Germanate (BGO)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Lutetium Oxyorthosilicate (LSO)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Lutetium-Yttrium Oxyorthosilicate (LYSO)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Detector Ring Configuration
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Time-of-Flight (TOF) PET
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Timing Resolution
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Localization Improvement
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. PET Image Reconstruction
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Analytical Reconstruction
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Iterative Reconstruction
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Correction Methods
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Attenuation Correction
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Scatter Correction
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Random Correction
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Dead Time Correction
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Hybrid PET Systems
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. PET/CT Systems
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Hardware Integration
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Workflow Considerations
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. PET/MRI Systems
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Technical Challenges
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Attenuation Correction Methods
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Quantification in PET
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Standardized Uptake Value (SUV)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Kinetic Modeling
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Partial Volume Effects