Without a deep understanding of what normal anatomy looks like in ultrasound images, you may have a tough time recognizing abnormalities. Thankfully Sonography Introduction to Normal Structure and Function, 5th Edition provides the firm grounding in normal anatomy and physiology that you need from an ultrasound perspective. This highly visual text uses a wealth of ultrasound images accompanied by labeled drawings with detailed legends to increase your comfort with normal anatomy as it appears during scanning. Its consistent chapter format also makes the content easy to navigate and reinforces standard protocols for scanning each area of the body. Highly visual content leads with images and uses narrative to support those visuals. Consistent organization features a standardized heading scheme to aid students when searching for information. Quality control protocol information helps students recreate the most optimal scanning settings and techniques. NEW! Chapter on musculoskeletal sonography covers the latest use of ultrasound technology to visualize muscle, tendon, and ligament anatomy. NEW! Chapter devoted to pediatric sonography introduces students to the knowledge needed to work in this nascent specialty. NEW! Coverage of 5D technology familiarizes students with automated volume scanning. NEW! Updated content reflects the latest ARDMS standards and AIUM guidelines. NEW! More than 100 new and updated sonograms and line drawings give students a better picture of what they should see in scans.

This book systematically introduces readers to the fundamental physics and a broad range of applications of acoustic levitation, one of the most promising techniques for the container-free handling of small solid particles and liquid droplets. As it does away with the need for solid walls and can easily be incorporated into analysis instruments, acoustic levitation has attracted considerable research interest in many fields, from fluid physics to material science. The book offers a comprehensive overview of acoustic levitation, including the history of acoustic radiation force; the design and development of acoustic levitators; the technology's applications, ranging from drop dynamics studies to bio/chemical analysis; and the insightful perspectives that the technique provides. It also discusses the latest advances in the field, from experiments to numerical simulations. As such, the book provides readers with a clearer understanding of acoustic levitation, while also stimulating new research areas for scientists and engineers in physics, chemistry, biology, medicine and other related fields.

Master the basic principles and techniques of radiation safety! Radiation Protection in Medical Radiography, 9th Edition makes it easy to understand both basic and complex concepts in radiation protection, radiobiology, and radiation physics. Concise, full-color coverage discusses the safe use of ionizing radiation in all imaging modalities, including the effects of radiation on humans at the cellular and systemic levels, regulatory and advisory limits for exposure to radiation, and the implementation of radiation safety practices for patients and personnel. From a team of authors led by radiologic technology educator Mary Alice Statkiewicz Sherer, this text also prepares you for success on the ARRT certification exam and state licensing exams. Clear and concise writing style covers key concepts in radiation protection, biology, and physics in a building-block approach progressing from basic to more complex. Convenient, easy-to-use features make learning easier with chapter outlines and objectives, listing and highlighting of key terms, and bulleted summaries. Full-color illustrations and photos depict important concepts, and tables make information easy to reference. Timely coverage of radiation protection regulations addresses radiation awareness and education efforts across the globe. Chapter summaries and review questions allow you to assess your comprehension and retention of the most important information, with answers on the Evolve companion website. NEW! Updated content reflects the latest ARRT and ASRT curriculum guidelines. NEW! Updated NCRP and ICRP content includes guidelines, regulations, and radiation quantities and units, explaining the effects of low-level ionizing radiation, demonstrating the link between radiation and cancer and other diseases, and providing the regulatory perspective needed for practice.

This book provides current, comprehensive, and clear explanations of the physics behind medical and biomedical applications of shock waves. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is one of the greatest medical advances of our time, and its techniques and clinical devices are continuously evolving. Further research continues to improve the understanding of calculi fragmentation and tissue-damaging mechanisms. Shock waves are also used in orthopedics and traumatology. Possible applications in oncology, cardiology, dentistry, gene therapy, cell transfection, transformation of fungi and bacteria, as well as the inactivation of microorganisms are promising approaches for clinical treatment, industrial applications and research. Medical and Biomedical Applications of Shock Waves is useful as a guide for students, technicians and researchers working in universities and laboratories. Chemists, biologists, physicians and veterinarians, involved in research or clinical practice will find useful advice, but also engineers and physicists may benefit from the overview of current research endeavors and future directions. Furthermore, it may also serve to direct manufacturers towards the design of more efficient and safer clinical, industrial and laboratory equipment.

In the later stages of gestation, fetal functions undergo increasing change and development, preparing the fetus for the transition to its postnatal environment. Rapid maturation is witnessed in breathing, swallowing, sensory functions, sleep, and many other processes, with corresponding behavioral changes. By 35 to 40 weeks of gestation, fetuses are capable of living ex utero without support, but it is increasingly appreciated that even infants born at between 35 and 36 weeks can suffer long-term consequences. This book, which complements the author's previous volume on development of normal fetal movements during the first 25 weeks of gestation, discusses in detail the full range of behavioral phenomena observed during the final 15 weeks of gestation, with careful analysis of their mutual relationships. A key feature is the outstanding photographic material, difficult to obtain at this late stage, and the instructive graphs that are also included. The information provided will alert clinicians to deviations from the norm and to physiologic phenomena that can turn pathologic in infants born prematurely.

Find information fast on the most frequently requested radiographic projections! Merrill's Pocket Guide to Radiography, 15th Edition summarizes essential information for more than 150 radiography projections in a spiral-bound format designed for quick reference in the clinical environment. Clear instructions explain how to position patients and body parts, and an optimal radiograph is included for each projection. From noted medical imaging educator Jeannean Hall Rollins, this easy-to-carry handbook guides you through everything from perfect positioning to perfect exposures. Bulleted step-by-step instructions show how to position the patient and body part for frequently requested radiography projections. More than 150 projections are each presented in a two-page spread, and include information on patient position, part position, central ray angulation, collimation, KVp values, and a photograph of a properly positioned patient. Diagnostic-quality radiograph for each projection demonstrates the result the radiographer is trying to achieve. Computed Radiography information allows the radiographer to make the subtle adjustments necessary to obtaining optimal CR results. Exposure technique chart for every projection helps reduce the need for repeat radiographs and improves overall image quality. Abbreviations and external landmarks are listed on the inside front cover and inside back cover for quick reference. Compensating filter information is included for those projections where filters are used. Section dividers with tabs make it easier to find the beginning of each section. NEW! Updated digital radiographs provide greater contrast resolution for improved visualization of pertinent anatomy. NEW! Thoroughly revised content reflects the latest American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) standards. NEW! Updated positioning photos show current digital imaging equipment and technology. NEW! Full-color design emphasizes the key points on each page, enhancing your study of radiographic positioning and procedures.

This extensively revised and updated second edition of a widely read classic presents the use of ultrasound in nondestructive evaluation (NDE) inspections. Retaining the first edition's use of wave propagation /scattering theory and linear system theory, this volume also adds significant new material including: the introduction of MATLAB (R) functions and scripts that evaluate key results involving beam propagation and scattering, flaw sizing, and the modeling of ultrasonic systems. elements of Gaussian beam theory and a multi-Gaussian ultrasonic beam model for bulk wave transducers. a new chapter on the connection between ultrasonic modeling and probability of detection (POD) and reliability models. new and improved derivations of ultrasonic measurement models. updated coverage of ultrasonic simulators that have been developed around the world. Students, engineers, and researchers working in the ultrasonic NDE field will find a wealth of information on the modeling of ultrasonic inspections and the fundamental ultrasonic experiments that support those models in this new edition.

This book describes in detail the physical and mathematical foundations of ultrasonic phased array measurements.The book uses linear systems theory to develop a comprehensive model of the signals and images that can be formed with phased arrays. Engineers working in the field of ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation (NDE) will find in this approach a wealth of information on how to design, optimize and interpret ultrasonic inspections with phased arrays. The fundamentals and models described in the book will also be of significant interest to other fields, including the medical ultrasound and seismology communities. A unique feature of this book is that it presents a unified theory of imaging with phased arrays that shows how common imaging methods such as the synthetic aperture focusing technique (SAFT), the total focusing method (TFM), and the physical optics far field inverse scattering (POFFIS) imaging method are all simplified versions of more fundamental and quantitative imaging approaches, called imaging measurement models.

To enhance learning, this book first describes the fundamentals of phased array systems using 2-D models, so that the complex 3-D cases normally found in practice can be more easily understood.In addition to giving a detailed discussion of phased array systems, Fundamentals of Ultrasonic Phased Arrays also provides MATLAB(r) functions and scripts, allowing the reader to conduct simulations of ultrasonic phased array transducers and phased array systems with the latest modeling technology."

The Doppler principle is widely applied in astronomy, navigation, geodesy and a number of other disciplines of science and technology. Doppler sonography plays an increasingly important role in many fields of medicine - angiology, neurology, cardiology - an promises many exciting possibilities in the future. Yet, until recently, very little was known about the Austrian scientist whose name has been given to an established and routine medical examination. This book seeks to fill this gap and gives insight into the life of Christian Doppler, not only as a scientist, but also as a persona nd family man. It provides a wealth of new information and many new documents on the man who presented his famous paper "On the coloured light of the double stars" (which appears in facsimile with an English translation) in Prague 150 years ago this year.

This book integrates concepts from physical acoustics with those from linear viscoelasticity and fractional linear viscoelasticity. Compressional waves and shear waves in applications such as medical ultrasound, elastography, and sediment acoustics often follow power law attenuation and dispersion laws that cannot be described with classical viscous and relaxation models. This is accompanied by temporal power laws rather than the temporal exponential responses of classical models. The book starts by reformulating the classical models of acoustics in terms of standard models from linear elasticity. Then, non-classical loss models that follow power laws and which are expressed via convolution models and fractional derivatives are covered in depth. In addition, parallels are drawn to electromagnetic waves in complex dielectric media. The book also contains historical vignettes and important side notes about the validity of central questions. While addressed primarily to physicists and engineers working in the field of acoustics, this expert monograph will also be of interest to mathematicians, mathematical physicists, and geophysicists.

Offers an Extensive Discussion on High Frequency Ultrasound Based on a course taught and developed by a foremost expert in diagnostic ultrasound technology, Diagnostic Ultrasound: Imaging and Blood Flow Measurements, Second Edition covers cutting-edge developments, along with the fundamental physics, instrumentation, system architecture, clinical applications, and biological effects of ultrasound. This text addresses the technical side of diagnostic ultrasound and begins with an overview of the field of ultrasonic imaging and its role in diagnostic medicine relative to other imaging modalities. The author describes the fundamental physics involved in ultrasonic transducers, as well as in conventional imaging approaches and Doppler measurements, including contrast imaging and 4D imaging. He reviews the current status and standards on ultrasound bioeffect and discusses methods that have been used to measure ultrasonic properties of tissues. He also provides a list of relevant references and further reading materials at the end of each chapter. New in the Second Edition: Details the latest advances in ultrasound technology related to biomedical applications, including elastrography, portable scanners, ultrasound molecular imaging, preclinical high frequency imaging, 2D array, and 4D imaging techniques Updates and expands each chapter Adds a new chapter on new developments such as elastography and miniature scanners Includes new case studies and examples throughout the book Diagnostic Ultrasound: Imaging and Blood Flow Measurements, Second Edition covers recent advances in ultrasound technology related to biomedical applications. Intended for senior- to graduate-level coursework in ultrasonic imaging, this text also serves practicing physicists, engineers, clinicians, and sonographers.

This thesis describes the design and fabrication of ultrasound probes for pedicle screw guidance. The author details the fabrication of a 2MHz radial array for a pedicle screw insertion eliminating the need for manual rotation of the transducer. He includes radial images obtained from successive groupings of array elements in various fluids. He also examines the manner in which it can affect ultrasound propagation.

Principles and Applications of Therapeutic Ultrasound in Healthcare introduces concepts, principles, construction, and applications of therapeutic ultrasound: from bench to bedside. A comprehensive examination of the industry and medical application of ultrasound therapy, this book highlights working principles, research progress, and system structures of therapeutic ultrasound. It describes the principles of therapeutic ultrasound, details the system construction, introduces current and emerging applications, and discusses developing therapeutic ultrasound technologies. Divided into two parts, the book first introduces the fundamentals of biomedical acoustics, discusses ultrasound calibration methods, and the structures of available therapeutic ultrasound systems before moving on to the various applications of ultrasound therapy used in clinics. It includes a variety of extensive clinical trials, outcome photos and illustrating figures, and a critical commentary on the challenges in this field. The author discusses topics that include: The derivation of wave equation The mathematical solution of the wave propagation The phenomena of reflection Refraction and transmission in the acoustic field from different acoustic sources The radiation pattern of the ultrasound transducer The acoustical properties of biological tissues Ultrasound-induced bioeffects Cavitation The design of the ultrasound transducer The characterization method of the produced acoustic field An easy reference offering full coverage of popular ultrasound therapies, Principles and Applications of Therapeutic Ultrasound in Healthcare provides a simple explanation of fundamental acoustics, including wave equation, propagation, nonlinearity, and transducer design. It also discusses other potential applications, and is geared toward academia, industry, and researchers.

Based upon the research they have conducted over the past decade in the field of denoising processes for medical ultrasonic imaging, in this book, the authors systematically present despeckling methods for medical ultrasonic images. Firstly, the respective methods are reviewed and divided into five categories. Secondly, after introducing some basic mathematical tools such as wavelet and shearlet transforms, the authors highlight five recently developed despeckling methods for medical ultrasonic images. In turn, simulations and experiments for clinical ultrasonic images are presented for each method, and comparison studies with other well-known existing methods are conducted, showing the effectiveness and superiority of the new methods. Students and researchers in the field of signal and image processing, as well as medical professionals whose work involves ultrasonic diagnosis, will greatly benefit from this book. Familiarizing them with the state of the art in despeckling methods for medical ultrasonic images, it offers a useful reference guide for their study and research work.

The first edition of this definitive text ran to 24 chapters. The second edition, reflecting the explosive growth of interest in echo-enhancement, contains 44. The first section deals with some of the most important emerging issues and technologies and covers harmonic imaging, the use of echo-enhancers to provide quantitative information, and the application of enhanced power Doppler to tissue imaging. The second, on contrast echocardiography, explores the use of echo-enhancement during transesophageal imaging. One chapter describes the use of contrast-enhancement transesophageal imaging to determine coronary flow reserve and another gives a detailed account of the application of the technique to the evaluation of left ventricular function. Other authors describe the intraoperative use of contrast echocardiography and discuss the potential of myocardial contrast echocardiography to replace thallium scintigraphy. Another chapter covers the emerging technique of transient response imaging and its role in the assessment of myocardial perfusion, and two chapters are devoted to three-dimensional contrast echocardiographic assessment of myocardial perfusion. Use of echo-enhancement in the evaluation of peripheral circulation is discussed in chapters on carotid and peripheral arterial flow imaging and others that describe renal and hepatic vascular imaging. The newer applications of echo-enhancement outside the cardiovascular system are described in three chapters devoted to the visualization of tumour vasculature. The final chapters look to the future and cover the imaging of intramyocardial vasculature, the development of site-specific agents and the emergence of the new acoustically active agents.

This book is a practical and evidence-based guide to performing clinical musculoskeletal ultrasound for patients suffering from various rheumatic diseases. It represents the best current thinking on the role of ultrasonography in the assessment of pathology, diagnosis and treatment of these disorders. Following introductory chapters covering fundamental techniques and pitfalls of musculoskeletal ultrasound, the book discusses the uses of ultrasound to identify and monitor different rheumatic conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarthritis, pediatric musculoskeletal disorders, carpal tunnel syndrome and inflammatory conditions. It concludes with a chapter dedicated to ultrasound-guided interventional procedures, with illustrations depicting patients and probe positioning. Featuring contributions from a large international group of leaders in musculoskeletal ultrasonography, Musculoskeletal Ultrasonography in Rheumatic Diseases is an authoritative reference for rheumatologists, sonographers, radiologists and orthopedic specialists.

Contrast agents for medical ultrasound imaging is a field of growing interest. A large amount of literature has been published on the medical applications of such contrast agents. However, there is no textbook giving a broad overview of the physics and acoustics of the agents. This monograph aims to fill this gap. The book is written by a physicist, from a physics point of view, and it tries to draw links from the physics and acoustics to the medical imaging methods, but medical applications are mainly included for background information. The book consists of nine chapters. The first three chapters give a broad overview of the acoustic theory for bubble-sound interaction, both linear and nonlinear. Most contrast agents are stabilized in a shell, and this shell can have a strong influence on the interaction between the bubbles and the ultrasound. The effect of the shell is given special attention, as this is not easily found in other bubble literature. The following chapters, 4, 5, 6, and 7, describe experimental and theoretical methods used to characterize the acoustic properties of the agents, and results of studies on some agents. Chapter 8 shows how the theory and the experimental results can be combined and used to model various phenomena by means of computer simulations. The main purpose of the simulations is to get insight into the mechanisms behind the described phenomena, not to get accurate predictions and values. The book is aimed at both newcomers into the field, as well as those who are more experienced but want better insight into the acoustics of the contrast bubbles.

This book constitutes the Proceedings of the 26th Symposium on Acoustical Imaging held inWindsor, Ontario, Canada during September 9-12, 2001. This traditional scientific event is recognized as a premier forum for the presentation of advanced research results in both theoretical and experimental development. The lAIS was conceived at a 1967Acoustical Holography meeting in the USA. Since then, these traditional symposia provide an opportunity for specialists who are working in this area to make new acquaintances, renew old friendships and present recent results of their research. Our Symposium has grown significantly in size due to a broad interest in various topics and to the quality of the presentations. For the firsttime in 40 years, the IAIS was held in the province of Ontario in Windsor, Canada's Automotive Capital and City of Roses. The 26th IAIS attracted over 100specialists from 13countries representing this interdisciplinary field in physical acoustics, image processing, applied mathematics, solid-state physics, biology and medicine, industrial applications and quality control technologies. The 26th lAIS was organized in the traditional way with only one addition-a Special Session "History of Acoustical Imaging" with the involvement of such well known scientists as Andrew Briggs, Noriyoshi Chubachi, Robert Green Jr., Joie Jones, Kenneth Erikson, and Bernhard Tittmann. Many of these speakers are well known scientists in their fields and we would like to thank them for making this session extremely successful.

Musculoskeletal Ultrasound is the latest edition of this comprehensive reference guide to the applications of this imaging technique.The book is edited by US- based experts Marnix van Holsbeeck and Joseph Introcaso. The book is divided into 23 chapters, beginning with the physical principles of ultrasound imaging. Subsequent chapters cover the sonography of particular anatomical structures of the musculoskeletal system, from muscle, ligaments and tendons, to peripheral nerves, skin and bone. Later chapters cover the sonography of broader anatomical areas, including shoulder, arm and hand, leg and foot, chest and abdominal wall. This edition of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound reflects the rapid growth of this technique, with more information on ultrasound anatomy, indications for ultrasound examinations, pathology and signs of disease. A new glossary has been included with important terminology. Key Points Latest edition of this comprehensive reference guide to musculoskeletal ultrasound Previous edition published 2001 (9780323000185) Edited by US experts from Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, and Clinical Neuroscience Programs, Ministry Healthcare Eastern Region, Wisconsin

Over the past two decades it has been increasingly recognized that whole-body ultrasound is an invaluable tool in the critically ill. In addition to offering rapid whole-body assessment, it has the advantage of being a bedside approach that is available at all times and can be repeated at will. Accordingly, it permits the immediate institution of appropriate therapeutic management. Whole-Body Ultrasound in the Critically Ill is the sequel to the author s previous books on the subject, which were first published in French in 1992 and 2002 and in English in 2004. This new volume reflects the latest state of knowledge by including a variety of improvements, revised definitions, and updated algorithms. Findings in respect of individual organs are clearly presented, and a particular feature is the in-depth coverage of the lungs, traditionally regarded as an area unsuitable for ultrasound. Throughout, the emphasis is on the practical therapeutic impact of the technique. Its value in a variety of settings, including unexplained shock, management of hemodynamic instability, acute respiratory failure (the BLUE protocol), and the critically ill neonate, is carefully explained. Interventional ultrasound and less widely recognized applications, such as mesenteric infarction, pneumoperitoneum, and intracranial hypertension, are also described. Pitfalls of the technique receive due attention. Today, whole-body ultrasound touches upon every area of critical care. This book, from the chief pioneer in the field, shows that the technique enables critical care physicians to detect therapeutically relevant signs easily and quickly. It will serve as an invaluable guide to the practice of a form of visual medicine."

Reinforce your understanding of Hagen-Ansert's Textbook of Diagnostic Sonography, 9th Edition with this practical workbook! With chapters corresponding to the textbook, this study guide provides exercises allowing you to review, practice, and apply sonography concepts. Case studies offer opportunities to apply your knowledge to the clinical setting. Like the text, this edition of the workbook includes updated images and scans, in addition to content that reflects the newest curriculum standards. It's a useful review and an excellent preparation tool for national board examinations in diagnostic sonography! Review questions are presented in a variety of formats, including multiple-choice, matching, short answer, fill-in-the-blank, and labeling, with answers at the back of the book. Exercises in each chapter provide review and practice with terminology, anatomy, physiology, laboratory values, sonographic anatomy and technique, and pathology. Anatomy labeling activities test your ability to recognize anatomic structures in sonographic images. Review of key terms in each chapter allows you to test your knowledge of the terminology used in the textbook. Case studies include images from the textbook, testing your skills at identifying key anatomy and pathology and in interpreting sonographic findings. Content reviews include multiple-choice questions to test your knowledge of the four main content areas covered on ARDMS board exams: general sonography, pediatric, cardiovascular anatomy, and obstetrics and gynecology. NEW! Updated content keeps pace with the 9th edition of Textbook of Diagnostic Sonography, reflecting the newest curriculum standards and preparing you for the national board examinations. NEW! Updated images and scans reflect the latest advances in the field and help you prepare for boards and for clinicals.

The 29th International Symposium on Acoustical Imaging was held in Shonan Village, Kanagawa, Japan, April 15-18, 2007. This interdisciplinary Symposium has been taking place every two years since 1968 and forms a unique forum for advanced research, covering new technologies, developments, methods and theories in all areas of acoustics. In the course of the years the volumes in the Acoustical Imaging Series have developed and become well-known and appreciated reference works.

Offering both a broad perspective on the state-of-the-art in the field as well as an in-depth look at its leading edge research, this Volume 29 in the Series contains again an excellent collection of seventy papers presented in nine major categories: (1) Strain Imaging, (2) Biological and Medical Applications, (3) Acoustic Microscopy, (4) Non-Destructive Evaluation and Industrial Applications, (5) Components and Systems, (6) Geophysics and Underwater Imaging, (7) Physics and Mathematics, (8) Medical Image Analysis, (9) FDTD method and Other Numerical Simulations.

Since 1968, the International Acoustical Imaging Symposium has provided a unique forum for advanced research, promoting the sharing of technology, developments, methods and theory among all areas of acoustics. Volume 28 of the Proceedings offers an excellent collection of papers presented in six major categories, offering both a broad perspective on the state of the art in the field as well as an in-depth look at its leading edge research.

Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) of bone is a relatively recent research field. The research community is steadily growing, with interdisciplinary branches in acoustics, medical imaging, biomechanics, biomedical engineering, applied mathematics, bone biology and clinical sciences, resulting in significant achievements in new ultrasound technologies to measure bone, as well as models to elucidate the interaction and the propagation of ultrasonic wave in complex bone structures. Hundreds of articles published in specialists journals are accessible from the Web and from electronic libraries. However, no compilation and synthesis of the most recent and significant research exist. The only book on QUS of bone has been published in 1999 at a time when the propagation mechanisms of ultrasound in bone were still largely unknown and the technology was immature. The research community has now reached a critical size, special sessions are organized in major international meetings (e.g., at the World Congress of Biomechanics, the annual meetings of the Acoustical Society of America, International Bone Densitometry Workshop, etc...). Consequently, the time has come for a completely up to date, comprehensive review of the topic. The book will offer the most recent experimental results and theoretical concepts developed so far and is intended for researchers, graduate or undergraduate students, engineers, and clinicians who are involved in the field. The central part of the book covers the physics of ultrasound propagation in bone. Our goal is to give the reader an extensive view of the mathematical and numerical models as an aid to understand the QUS potential and the types of variables that can be determined by QUS in order to characterize bone strength. The propagation of sound in bone is still subject of intensive research. Different models have been proposed (for example, the Biot theory of poroealasticity and the theory of scattering have been used to describe wave propagation in cancellous bone, whereas propagation in cortical bone falls in the scope of guided waves theories). An extensive review of the models has not been published so far. We intend in this book to present in details the models that are used to solve the direct problem and strategies that are currently developed to address the inverse problem. This will include analytical theories and numerical approaches that have grown exponentially in recent years. Most recent experimental findings and technological developments will also be comprehensively reviewed.