Abstract: System and method for nanoscale X-ray imaging. The imaging system comprises an electron source configured to generate an electron beam along a first direction; an X-ray source comprising a thin film anode configured to receive the electron beam at an electron beam spot on the thin film anode, and to emit an X-ray beam substantially along the first direction from a portion of the thin film anode proximate the electron beam spot, such that the X-ray beam passes through the sample specimen. The imaging apparatus further comprises an X-ray detector configured to receive the X-ray beam that passes through the sample specimen. Some embodiments are directed to an electron source that is an electron column of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and is configured to focus the electron beam at the electron beam spot.

Abstract: System and method for imaging an integrated circuit (IC). The imaging system comprises an x-ray source including a plurality of spatially and temporally addressable electron sources, an x-ray detector arranged such that incident x-rays are oriented normal to an incident surface of the x-ray detector and a three-axis stage arranged between the x-ray source and the x-ray detector, the three-axis stage configured to have mounted thereon an integrated circuit through which x-rays generated by the x-ray source pass during operation of the imaging system. The imaging system further comprises at least one controller configured to move the three-axis stage during operation of the imaging system and selectively activate a subset of the electron sources during movement of the three-axis stage to acquire a set of intensity data by the x-ray detector as the three-axis stage moves along a three-dimensional trajectory.

Abstract: System and method for nanoscale X-ray imaging of biological specimen. The imaging system comprises an X-ray source including a plurality of spatially and temporally addressable electron sources, an X-ray detector arranged such that incident X-rays are oriented normal to an incident surface of the X-ray detector and a stage arranged between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector, the stage configured to have mounted thereon a biological specimen through which X-rays generated by the X-ray source pass during operation of the imaging system. The imaging system further comprises at least one controller configured to move the stage during operation of the imaging system and selectively activate a subset of the electron sources during movement of the stage to acquire a set of intensity data by the X-ray detector as the stage moves along a three-dimensional trajectory.

Abstract: System and method for nanoscale X-ray imaging. The imaging system comprises an electron source configured to generate an electron beam along a first direction; an X-ray source comprising a thin film anode configured to receive the electron beam at an electron beam spot on the thin film anode, and to emit an X-ray beam substantially along the first direction from a portion of the thin film anode proximate the electron beam spot, such that the X-ray beam passes through the sample specimen. The imaging apparatus further comprises an X-ray detector configured to receive the X-ray beam that passes through the sample specimen. Some embodiments are directed to an electron source that is an electron column of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and is configured to focus the electron beam at the electron beam spot.

Abstract: System and method for nanoscale X-ray imaging of biological specimen. The imaging system comprises an X-ray source including a plurality of spatially and temporally addressable electron sources, an X-ray detector arranged such that incident X-rays are oriented normal to an incident surface of the X-ray detector and a stage arranged between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector, the stage configured to have mounted thereon a biological specimen through which X-rays generated by the X-ray source pass during operation of the imaging system. The imaging system further comprises at least one controller configured to move the stage during operation of the imaging system and selectively activate a subset of the electron sources during movement of the stage to acquire a set of intensity data by the X-ray detector as the stage moves along a three-dimensional trajectory.

Abstract: System and method for imaging an integrated circuit (IC). The imaging system comprises an x-ray source including a plurality of spatially and temporally addressable electron sources, an x-ray detector arranged such that incident x-rays are oriented normal to an incident surface of the x-ray detector and a three-axis stage arranged between the x-ray source and the x-ray detector, the three-axis stage configured to have mounted thereon an integrated circuit through which x-rays generated by the x-ray source pass during operation of the imaging system. The imaging system further comprises at least one controller configured to move the three-axis stage during operation of the imaging system and selectively activate a subset of the electron sources during movement of the three-axis stage to acquire a set of intensity data by the x-ray detector as the three-axis stage moves along a three-dimensional trajectory.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system for interrogating hidden contents of a container comprises a controller, a detector system, and a data system. The controller receives a selection of a source mode of source radiation to generate to interrogate contents of a container. The source mode selection comprises a neutron mode, a gamma ray mode, or a combined neutron-gamma ray mode. The controller instructs a cyclotron to generate the source radiation according to the source mode selection. The detector system detects radiation emitted from the contents in response to the source radiation. The data system analyzes the emitted radiation and describes the contents according to the analysis.

Abstract: Phase-contrast imaging is performed by directing radiation from a plurality of pinhole sources through a phase object to be imaged, wherein the phase object includes a first composition that produces a phase shift in the radiation relative to radiation passing through a second composition in the phase object and detecting a phase-contrast image of the radiation after it passes through the phase object. The phase-contrast image is then decoded to generate an image of the phase object in which the first composition is distinguished from the second composition.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, generating image data includes receiving coded aperture imaging sensor data collected according to coded aperture imaging and receiving Compton imaging sensor data collected according to Compton imaging. The coded aperture imaging sensor data and the Compton imaging sensor data are generated by a sensor system sensing radiation from a radiation source. A coded aperture imaging pixel value and a Compton imaging pixel value are determined for each pixel of an image. A combining function comprising addition is applied to the coded aperture imaging pixel value and the Compton imaging pixel value to yield a combined pixel value for each pixel. Combined image data is generated from the combined pixel values. The combined image data is configured to yield a combined image of the radiation source.

Abstract: The invention relates to imaging systems that include a coded aperture detection system and an optical detection system. The coded aperture detection system is configured to detect radiation emitted by a radionuclide present within an object and to provide a first detector signal from the detected radiation. The optical detection system is configured to detect optical radiation from the object and to provide a second detector signal from the detected optical radiation. The system also includes a processor configured to prepare first image data from the first detector signal, second image data from the second detector signal, and registered data indicative of a spatial relationship in at least one dimension between the first and second image data. The invention also includes methods of using the new systems, e.g., for sentinel lymph node mapping and tissue resection.

Abstract: Phase-contrast imaging is performed by directing radiation from a plurality of pinhole sources through a a phase object to be imaged, wherein the phase object includes a first composition that produces a phase shift in the radiation relative to radiation passing through a second composition in the phase object and detecting a phase-contrast image of the radiation after it passes through the phase object. The phase-contrast image is then decoded to generate an image of the phase object in which the first composition is distinguished from the second composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to imaging systems that include a coded aperture detection system and an optical detection system. The coded aperture detection system is configured to detect radiation emitted by a radionuclide present within an object and to provide a first detector signal from the detected radiation. The optical detection system is configured to detect optical radiation from the object and to provide a second detector signal from the detected optical radiation. The system also includes a processor configured to prepare first image data from the first detector signal, second image data from the second detector signal, and registered data indicative of a spatial relationship in at least one dimension between the first and second image data. The invention also includes methods of using the new systems, e.g., for sentinel lymph node mapping and tissue resection.

Abstract: The invention relates to imaging systems that include a coded aperture detection system and an optical detection system. The coded aperture detection system is configured to detect radiation emitted by a radionuclide present within an object and to provide a first detector signal from the detected radiation. The optical detection system is configured to detect optical radiation from the object and to provide a second detector signal from the detected optical radiation. The system also includes a processor configured to prepare first image data from the first detector signal, second image data from the second detector signal, and registered data indicative of a spatial relationship in at least one dimension between the first and second image data. The invention also includes methods of using the new systems, e.g., for sentinel lymph node mapping and tissue resection.

Abstract: A radiation detection system that measures radiation (e.g., signature energy-level gamma radiation and neutrons) is employed aboard a ship or other transport vehicle along with conventional cargo to monitor for the presence of a fissile material, as would be found in a nuclear weapon, or for the presence of other sources of radiation. The detection system can be used over the course of the cargo transport, thereby enabling finely tuned monitoring for fissile material across distances of many meters extending through surrounding cargo containers. Because the system can be utilized during a ship's transport, a positive detection of fissile material can be made and acted upon while the ship is still at sea far from the destination port, where detonation of a nuclear weapon could have catastrophic consequences.

Abstract: Improved systems and methods for coded aperture imaging of radiation-emitting sources. According to one aspect, the present invention is directed to reducing and/or eliminating the artifacts that are inherent in previous near field coded aperture imaging systems such that the improved sensitivity and resolution of these systems can be practically utilized. A system and method of the present invention utilizes two projections of radiation from an object, the first through a first coded aperture mask pattern, and the second through a second coded aperture mask pattern, where a decoding array associated with the second mask pattern is the negative of a decoding array associated with the first mask pattern. Data from both projections is combined to produce a reconstructed object image that is substantially free of near-field artifacts. The present invention additionally relates to further improvements in the sensitivity and spatial resolution of coded aperture imaging applications.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus involving neutron resonance radiography are used to map the elemental composition of an object. Sets of neutrons having energies within particular energy bands are directed through an object to be imaged. The attenuation of the neutrons passed through the object is detected, and that data can be used to detect explosives, weapons, drugs and other contraband.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus involving neutron resonance radiography are used to map the elemental composition of an object. Sets of neutrons having energies within particular energy bands are directed through an object to be imaged. The attenuation of the neutrons passed through the object is detected, and that data can be used to detect explosives, weapons, drugs and other contraband.

Abstract: Improved systems and methods for coded aperture imaging of radiation-emitting sources. According to one aspect, the present invention is directed to reducing and/or eliminating the artifacts that are inherent in previous near field coded aperture imaging systems such that the improved sensitivity and resolution of these systems can be practically utilized.

Abstract: This invention provides coded aperture imaging apparatus and methods for the detection and imaging of radiation which results from nuclear interrogation of a target object. The apparatus includes: 1) a radiation detector for detecting at least a portion of the radiation emitted by the object in response to nuclear excitation and for producing detection signals responsive to the radiation; 2) a coded aperture disposed between the detector and the object such that emitted radiation is detected by the detector after passage through the coded aperture; and 3) a data processor for characterizing the object based upon the detection signals from the detector and upon the configuration of the coded aperture.

Abstract: This invention provides coded aperture imaging apparatus and methods for the detection and imaging of radiation which results from nuclear interrogation of a target object. The apparatus includes: 1) a radiation detector for detecting at least a portion of the radiation emitted by the object in response to nuclear excitation and for producing detection signals responsive to the radiation; 2) a coded aperture disposed between the detector and the object such that emitted radiation is detected by the detector after passage through the coded aperture; and 3) a data processor for characterizing the object based upon the detection signals from the detector and upon the configuration of the coded aperture.