Langevin Compton imaging: a new method of radioactive imaging

We propose a new method of visualizing radioactive sources. Our new method, named the Langevin Compton imaging (LCI), is based on the Compton imaging, in which Compton scattering of incoming gamma-ray photons is employed. We emphasize that the method is a derivative of the Langevin dynamics, a class of Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods, where numerous images are sampled randomly with respect to a well-defined likelihood. The results suppose that the LCI is more precise than other point-estimation methods such as the list-mode maximum-likelihood expectation-maximization (LMMLEM). Another plus is the estimation of the uncertainties of generated images. We conclude that the LCI is a method with great capabilities for various applications such as astrophysical observations, medical imaging, and radioactive contamination sensing.