A NEW FINITE-ELEMENT APPROACH TO RECONSTRUCT A BOUNDED AND DISCONTINUOUS 2-DIMENSIONAL CURRENT IMAGE FROM A MAGNETIC-FIELD MAP

We introduce a new technique for constrained reconstructions of current distributions from magnetic field maps. By utilizing the finite element method, we can incorporate as much prior information as possible into the solution of the inverse problem, thereby improving the quality of a current image. In addition to constraining the current within the correct spatial region, boundary conditions can also be incorporated into the inverse solution. We also introduce a technique to avoid the difficulties in reconstruction of a discontinuous function, as occurs when electric current is injected into a conducting sample. (C) 1995 Academic Press, Inc.