The optical principles of coincidence counting in nuclear medicine (Q920867)

The formal similarity between optical interference and nuclear coincidence counting is demonstrated. The optical interference equation is derived from the vantage point of partial coherence theory, and the coincidence counting equation is generalized to partially coherent emissions. Similarity is demonstrated, but not identity. An antithetic relationship between the two disciplines (optics, nuclear physics/medicine) is established, which is in keeping with the very nature of the two fields. In imaging language, interference could be viewed as a ``positive'' contrast whereas coincidence counting could be viewed as a ``negative'' contrast.