Methods Patents (Class 250/362)
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Patent number: 9029784Abstract: Typical practice of the present invention performs measurement and processing of two forms of light emissions—viz., unfiltered and filtered—of a core-valence luminescent (CVL) scintillator impinged by ionizing radiation emanating from a radioactive source. When unfiltered, the CVL scintillator light emission is inclusive of gamma emissions and neutron emissions. When filtered by a filtering apparatus that transmits CVL light only, the CVL scintillator light emission is inclusive of gamma emissions but is exclusive of neutron emissions. Algorithmic comparison between the two sets of empirical data provides discriminative information regarding gamma emissions versus neutron emissions. Essentially, the difference is taken between the unfiltered pulse height spectra data and the filtered pulse height data.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2011Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Veerendra K. Mathur, John H. Barkyoumb, Noel A. Guardala
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Publication number: 20150123002Abstract: Provided is a measurement unit and measurement method for reducing attenuation due to optical fiber length and SN degradation due to background in a dosage rate monitor that uses optical fiber. This system comprises: a radiation detector for detecting radiation dosage; a light source for irradiating stimulating light on the radiation detector; a photodetector for detecting light generated by the radiation detector; an optical fiber for connecting the photodetector and the radiation detector and light source, and transmitting light from the light source and light from the radiation detector; a measurement unit for counting the pulses outputted from the photodetector; and an analysis unit for extracting the luminous energy originating from the radiation detector, from time information, wave height information, and the count value, which are measurement results obtained by the measurement unit, and converting the luminous energy to a dosage and dosage rate.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2012Publication date: May 7, 2015Applicant: HITACHI, LTD.Inventors: Katsunori Ueno, Hiroshi Kitaguchi, Takahiro Tadokoro, Akihisa Kaihara, Koichi Okada, Yoshinobu Sakakibara, Yuta Inamura, Hitoshi Kuwabara
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Publication number: 20150123003Abstract: An apparatus, and method of using the same, for generating multiple high resolution absorption projection images which can be further processed to yield a high resolution tomographic image using annihilation radiation wherein the apparatus includes an array of gamma-ray tagging detectors and associated digitizing electronics, an array of gamma-ray absorption detectors and associated digitizing electronics, a positron source, a sample to be imaged, and a controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2014Publication date: May 7, 2015Inventor: Michael Kovash
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Patent number: 9024262Abstract: In the present invention, to conduct multiple molecular imaging in a PET device, both a first probe and a second probe, each of which has a nuclide that emits unique gamma rays as a result of gamma decay after beta decay, are administered to a subject to be imaged, and then the image capturing is performed by a multiple probe PET device (100). The multiple probe PET device (100) is provided with a group of PET gamma ray detectors (10) and an energy-resolving gamma ray detector (20), and, when an imaging processor (30) executes image reconstruction based on a pair-annihilation detection signal from the group of PET gamma ray detectors (10), images are reconstructed differently according to the energy values of the unique gamma rays. Imaging can also be carried out using a nuclide that does not emit any unique gamma ray and a nuclide that emits a unique gamma ray.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2012Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: RikenInventors: Tomonori Fukuchi, Shuichi Enomoto
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Publication number: 20150115144Abstract: In an embodiment, scintillator can have a Figure of Merit of 0.4 at a temperature greater than 120° C., a Figure of Merit of at least 0.05 at a temperature of at least 160° C., or both. In another embodiment, a scintillator can include a Br-containing or an I-containing elpasolite. Either scintillator can be used in a radiation detection apparatus that include a photosensor and a radiation detection apparatus. Such an apparatus can be used to detect and discriminate two different types of radiation over a wide range of temperatures. The radiation detection apparatus can be useful in drilling, well logging, or as a portal detector.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2014Publication date: April 30, 2015Inventors: Kan Yang, Peter R. Menge, Julien Lejay, Vladimir Ouspenski
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Patent number: 9018587Abstract: A radiation detection apparatus includes a sonde having a housing and comprising a scintillator disposed within the housing and a calibration source coupled to the scintillator to fluoresce the scintillator at a known wavelength of electromagnetic radiation. The radiation detection apparatus further includes an electromagnetic radiation sensing device coupled to the scintillator and disposed within the housing and a first programmable/re-programmable processing module (PRPM) coupled to the electromagnetic radiation sensing device and disposed within the housing. The PRPM can be programmed to use state information when analyzing pulses corresponding to shock, vibration, or another noise source. In another embodiment, the PRPM can be used to monitor the health of the radiation detection apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2013Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Saint-Gobain Ceramics & Plastics, Inc.Inventor: Artan Duraj
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Patent number: 9018586Abstract: Apparatuses and a related method relating to radiation detection are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first scintillator and a second scintillator adjacent to the first scintillator, with each of the first scintillator and second scintillator being structured to generate a light pulse responsive to interacting with incident radiation. The first scintillator is further structured to experience full energy deposition of a first low-energy radiation, and permit a second higher-energy radiation to pass therethrough and interact with the second scintillator. The apparatus further includes a plurality of light-to-electrical converters operably coupled to the second scintillator and configured to convert light pulses generated by the first scintillator and the second scintillator into electrical signals.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2012Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Batelle Energy Alliance, LLCInventors: Douglas W. Akers, Mark W. Drigert
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Publication number: 20150108354Abstract: An X-ray detector includes a light sensor configured to receive light energy from a scintillator receiving X-rays. The light sensor includes a grid of pixels having a light reception surface oriented toward the scintillator and configured to receive light from the scintillator. Each pixel includes a diode assembly, a control assembly and a capacitor assembly. The diode assembly is disposed on the light reception surface and is configured to produce electric charge responsive to light received by the diode assembly. The diode assembly includes plural diodes selectably configurable in plural combinations, wherein an amount of the electric charge produced by the diode assembly varies based on a selection of diode combination. The control assembly is operably connected to the diode assembly and configured to selectably configure the diodes. The capacitor assembly is operably connected to the diode assembly and configured to receive and store the electric charge from the diode assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2013Publication date: April 23, 2015Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: James Zhengshe Liu, Paul Richard Granfors
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Patent number: 9012854Abstract: When employing specular reflective material in a scintillator crystal array, light trapping in the crystal due to repetitive internal reflection is mitigated by roughening at least one side (16) of each of a plurality of pre-formed polished scintillator crystals. A specular reflector material (30) is applied (deposited, wrapped around, etc.) to the roughened crystals, which are arranged in an array. Each crystal array is coupled to a silicon photodetector (32) to form a detector array, which can be mounted in a detector for a functional scanner or the like.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2012Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventors: Herfried Karl Wieczorek, Andreas Thon, Steven Cooke
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Patent number: 9012855Abstract: A radiation detector includes a scintillator crystal (2) in the form of a slab mounted to be rotated by a drive (4) in a housing (8). A photon detector (6) detects photons emitted by the crystal (2). The crystal (2) is rotated to a number of measurement angles and the radiation emitted by a radiation source determined by counting the photons detected by the photon detector. This is used to determine the direction towards the radiation source.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2012Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: UCL Business PLCInventor: Robert Speller
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Patent number: 9012856Abstract: A gantry free nuclear imaging system (10) images a region of interest (ROI) (16). The system (10) includes one or more radiation detectors (20) generating radiation data indicating the location of gamma photon strikes. The system includes a reconfigurable frame (22) positioning the radiation detectors (20) at fixed viewing angles of the ROI (16) and at least one processor (44, 48). The processor (44, 48) receives the radiation data from the radiation detectors (20) and reconstructs an image of the ROI (16) from the received radiation data.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2012Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventors: Herfried Karl Wieczorek, Jinghan Ye, Lingxiong Shao, Rizwan Hassan
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Patent number: 9012853Abstract: A highly scalable platform for radiation measurement data collection with high precision time stamping and time measurements between the elements in the detection array uses IEEE 1588 with or without Synchronous Ethernet (timing over Ethernet) to synchronize the measurements. At a minimum, the system includes at least two radiation detector units, an IEEE 1588 and SyncE enabled Ethernet switch, and a computer for processing. The addition of timing over Ethernet and power over Ethernet (PoE) allows a radiation measurement system to operate with a single Ethernet cable, simplifying deployment of detectors using standardized technology with a multitude of configuration possibilities. This eliminates the need for an additional hardware for the timing measurements which simplifies the detection system, reduces the cost of the deployment, reduces the power consumption of the detection system and reduces the overall size of the system.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2011Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: FLIR Detection, Inc.Inventors: Andrey K. Gueorguiev, Martin F. Ohmes, Jeffrey R. Preston, Leslie D. Hoy, Hartmut Brands
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Patent number: 9006663Abstract: A method for real-time RL and/or ROSL dose rate measuring in an environment exposed to a radiation source(s). The method comprises the steps of exposing a dosimeter to the environment for irradiation by the radiation source(s), the dosimeter comprising a phosphor-doped fluoroperovskite compound, sensing the RL or ROSL emitted light from the dosimeter during irradiation by the radiation source(s) and generating a representative light detection signal, and recording or generating a real-time measure of dose rate in the environment based on the light detection signal. A radiation dosimeter detection system comprising a phosphor-doped fluoroperovskite compound, the dosimeter coupled to a detector by an optical fiber. The detector comprises first and second optical stimulation sources that transmit light over the optical fiber to the dosimeter in first and second wavelength ranges. An optical detector senses light emitted from the dosimeter from which read-out dose information is generated.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2011Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Industrial Research LimitedInventor: Grant Victor McLelland Williams
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Publication number: 20150098549Abstract: Apparatus for radiography is disclosed, which includes a scintillator having a first surface for being exposed to radiation and a second surface for emitting visible light in response, and an associated imaging system. The imaging system includes a plurality of scanning mirrors, each associated with a respective sub-region of the scintillator second surface, each scanning mirror being mounted and controlled so as to re-direct light from along a predetermined scan path within the respective sub-region towards a respective optical channel. A photodetector is associated with each scanning mirror and optical channel for receiving the re-directed light and generating an electrical signal representing light intensity. A processor receives the electrical signal from each photodetector and the corresponding position of each mirror to generate therefrom a reconstructed two-dimensional image.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2013Publication date: April 9, 2015Inventor: Malcolm Humphrey
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Patent number: 9000381Abstract: Described is a method for determination of an unknown radiation dose to which an optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) sensor has been exposed utilizing a pulsed optically stimulated luminescence (POSL) technique and a battery operated portable instrument.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2014Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Landauer, Inc.Inventors: Mark S. Akselrod, Kent J. Dillin
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Publication number: 20150090888Abstract: A radiation detection system can include a scintillator capable of emitting scintillating light in response to capturing radiation, a photosensor optically coupled to the scintillator, and an analyzer device electrically coupled to the photosensor. The analyzer device can include a plurality of circuits and can be configured to receive a pulse from the photosensor, analyze a pulse shape of the pulse, and adjust a pulse parameter based on the pulse shape, wherein the plurality of circuits is configured to perform the analysis of the pulse or the adjustment of the pulse. In an embodiment, the analyzer device can determine a rise time of the pulse, an integration of intensity over time, a pulse height of the pulse, a depth-of-interaction, or any combination thereof. In a further embodiment, the analyzer device can generate a compensation coefficient based on the rise time of the pulse to adjust the pulse height.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2014Publication date: April 2, 2015Inventor: Kan Yang
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Publication number: 20150090889Abstract: A radiation detection apparatus includes a selecting unit that allows a light having a light emission wavelength and a polarization direction to pass thorough the selecting unit, an optical system that forms an image of the light, a photon detecting unit that observes the image formed by the optical system, and detects the photon in whole range of the image, a counting unit that calculates the number of the alpha ray based on a result of counting the photon derived from the light emission of gas excited by the alpha ray, and is possible to sufficiently eliminate background light (noise light) even if background light is strong, and therefore observe weak light emission.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2014Publication date: April 2, 2015Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Hidehiko KURODA, Kunihiko NAKAYAMA, Kei TAKAKURA, Mikio IZUMI, Naoto KUME
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Publication number: 20150090887Abstract: An imaging apparatus (400) includes a detector array (412) with at least one detector tile (418). The detector tile includes a photosensor array (422) with a two dimensional array of individual photosensitive detector pixels (424) located within a non-photosensitive area (426) and readout electronics (432) coupled to the photosensor array. The readout electronics includes individual analog readout channel wells (602, 604) corresponding to the individual detector pixels, wherein an analog readout channel well electrically isolates analog electrical components therein from analog electrical components in other analog readout channel wells. Decoupling circuitry optionally is located in at least one of metal layers of the individual analog readout channels or in the individual analog readout channel wells.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2013Publication date: April 2, 2015Inventors: Marc Anthony Chappo, Randall Peter Luhta, Chris J. Vrettos
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Patent number: 8993971Abstract: A method for extracting photon depth of interaction information in a positron emission tomography system is provided. A pulse is detected in a photodetector. A height of the pulse is measured. A determination of whether the pulse height is within a set range is made. Photon depth of interaction is extracted from the pulse height. An energy of interaction is calculated from the pulse height and calibration data. The extracted photon depth and calculated energy spectrum are used in image reconstruction.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2012Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior UniversityInventors: Farhad Taghibakhsh, Craig Steven Levin
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Publication number: 20150083911Abstract: An electron-detector comprises a scintillator plate 207, electron optics 204 for directing a plurality of electron beams 9 onto the scintillator plate so that the electron beams are incident onto the scintillator plate at locations of incidence disposed at a distance from each other, a light detector 237 comprising a plurality of light receiving areas 235 disposed at a distance from each other, and light optics for generating a first light-optical image of at least a portion of the scintillator plate at a region 243 where the light receiving areas of the light detector are disposed so that, by the imaging, each of the locations of incidence is associated with a light receiving area; and wherein the electron optics comprise an electron beam deflector 255 for displacing the locations of incidence of the electron beams on the scintillator plate in a direction orthogonal to a normal 249 of a surface 208 of the scintillator plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2014Publication date: March 26, 2015Inventors: Dirk Zeidler, Jörg Jacobi
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Patent number: 8987671Abstract: An image intensifier tube and a night vision system fitted with such a tube. The tube body of the image intensifier tube includes a multilayer ceramic substrate fixed in a sealed manner to an input device and to an output device so as to assure leaktightness of a vacuum chamber delimited by the tube body. The multilayer substrate also maintains a microchannel plate arranged between a photocathode and a phosphorus screen, and supplies voltage to the photocathode, the plate, and the phosphorus screen.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2008Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Photonis FranceInventors: Gert Nutzel, Leo Pierre, Matthieu Feuerstein, Carlo Kaiser, Pascal Lavoute
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Patent number: 8987672Abstract: An apparatus and a corresponding system and method for reading out X-ray information stored in a storage phosphor plate includes a receiving device, in particular a cassette, for receiving the storage phosphor plate, a removal device for removing the storage phosphor plate from the receiving device, and a reading device for irradiating the storage phosphor plate removed from the receiving device with stimulation light and for detecting emitted light excited thereby in the storage phosphor plate. In order to permit as reliable a removal and/or return of the storage phosphor plate from and to the receiving device as possible while providing a simple design, the removal device has at least one removal element, which can be coupled to the storage phosphor plate and which can move along a curved path.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2012Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Agfa Healthcare NVInventors: Patrick Sandmann, Anton Pirmann, Günther Schindlbeck, Johannes Hölzl, Sven Behr
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Patent number: 8981305Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for nanoparticles, methods of making nanoparticles, materials including nanoparticles, the use of materials including nanoparticles, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2012Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.Inventors: Paul Howard Holloway, Jihun Choi, Teng-Kuan Tseng, Luiz G. Jacobsohn
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Publication number: 20150069250Abstract: Timing pick-off is provided in time-of-flight positron emission using digital output photo sensors (e.g., SPAD or dSiPM). The timing-to-digital converter (TDC) is replaced for timing detection with a mixed analog and digital timing pick-off (MTP) where a processor determines the timing from an output of the MTP. The digital SPAD or dSiPM output is summed into an analog waveform, allowing for triggering based on signal statistics or other than at a particular number of discrete detections. The trigger is used by the processor to extrapolate the time of occurrence without an integrated TDC.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2014Publication date: March 12, 2015Inventors: Matthias J. Schmand, Nan Zhang
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Publication number: 20150069251Abstract: There is provided a radiation detector and a method of detecting radiation capable of more accurately correct fluorescence pileup. A table T in which the peak value h and the time course Tc of the intensity of fluorescence are related is previously prepared before radiation detection. The table T is based on actually-measured variation with time of the fluorescence intensity, and therefore faithfully represents the variation with time of fluorescence. When the occurrence of pileup is determined, the time course Tc corresponding to the peak value h immediately before the occurrence of the pileup is read out, and the time course Tc is subtracted from variation with time of the intensity data D to thereby estimate variation with time of the intensity of fluorescence after the occurrence of the pileup.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2014Publication date: March 12, 2015Inventor: Masayuki NAKAZAWA
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Patent number: 8969814Abstract: Systems and methods of generating timing triggers to determine timing resolutions of gamma events for nuclear imaging includes receiving a pulse signature representing a succession of triggers associated with a photomultiplier. When a number of triggers occurring within a predetermined time interval matches a predetermined number, an event trigger can be initiated. A delayed version of the pulse signature can be generated and compared to a predetermined timing trigger level. When the delayed version matches the predetermined timing trigger level, a timing trigger can be generated. Based on the timing trigger level, the timing trigger can be generated at the pulse of the delayed version that corresponds to the first photoelectron of a gamma event. The timing trigger can correspond to a timestamp for the first photoelectron so that a data acquisition system can identify the pulse from which to acquire energy information to generate a nuclear image.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2012Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignees: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc., Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Debora Henseler, Peter Hansen, Meinrad Schienle
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Patent number: 8969813Abstract: A scintillation detector includes: a photodetector; a scintillating material configured to emit light in response to exposure to ionization particles; an optically transparent material having a light absorption coefficient that is less than a light absorption coefficient of the scintillating material, the optically transparent material optically coupled to a surface of the scintillating material and configured to transmit the emitted light; and a reflective material at least partially surrounding the scintillating material and the optically transparent material, the reflective material configured to reflect the emitted light and direct the emitted light toward the photodetector.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2012Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Anton Nikitin, Loren Patrick Roberts, Nikolay N. Velker, Alexandr A. Vinokurov
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Patent number: 8963093Abstract: Some embodiments can comprise a tomographic imaging data acquisition method(s) and/or systems embodying the method(s). Some methods according to embodiments of the invention include simultaneously reading each photoconverter of a scintillation detector; reading the photoconverters at a frequency sufficient to obtain a plurality of digital sample measurements of a scintillation wave front; and recording the data read from each of the plurality of photoconverters as a function of time.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2011Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: FMI Technologies, Inc.Inventors: William K. McCroskey, Timothy W. Milliff, Christ H Heipp
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Patent number: 8962370Abstract: A radiation detector includes a sensor substrate and a scintillator layer. The sensor substrate is configured to be capable of performing photoelectric conversion. The scintillator layer includes a first area and a second area, the first area including an activator, the second area including the activator with a concentration lower than the concentration of the activator in the first area, the scintillator layer being provided on the sensor substrate so that the first area and the second area are arranged in a thickness direction of the scintillator layer and the first area is arranged from an end portion on a side of the sensor substrate in the scintillator layer in the thickness direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2013Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Mitsuhiro Kawanishi, Ikumi Kusayama, Takahiro Igarashi
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Patent number: 8957385Abstract: A radiation sensing unit for a radiation detection system can include a scintillator and a photosensor optically coupled to the scintillator. In an embodiment, the radiation detection system may provide an output signal to a particular radiation flux that is substantially temperature independent over a normal operating temperature range for the scintillator. The radiation sensing unit may further include a controllable radiation source configured to emit radiation and another photosensor coupled to controllable radiation source. A radiation detection system can include a radiation sensing unit and a control module that is coupled to the controllable radiation source and the photosensors. The control module may control the controllable radiation source and control a power supply coupled to the second photosensor in response to signals from the photosensors. In another aspect, a dynode tap from a photomultiplier tube can be used during calibration. Methods of using the foregoing are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2011Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Saint-Gobain Ceramics & Plastics, Inc.Inventors: John M. Frank, Artan Duraj
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Patent number: 8957384Abstract: A gamma ray detector having a scintillator with segments allows for a linearity calibration of the gamma ray detector without the use of a linearity phantom. The segments in the scintillator are configured to channel output radiation received by the gamma ray detector to loci identifiable in image data generated by photomultiplier tubes. The non-linearity in the detector system may be characterized, and a correction map may be generated, based upon the identifiable loci.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2011Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jean-Paul Bouhnik, Yaron Hefetz
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Patent number: 8957386Abstract: Strontium halide scintillators, calcium halide scintillators, cerium halide scintillators, cesium barium halide scintillators, and related devices and methods are provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2012Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Radiation Monitoring Devices, Inc.Inventors: Vivek V. Nagarkar, Harish B. Bhandari
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Patent number: 8941074Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus, comprising a sensor panel including a sensor array on which a plurality of sensors arranged in an array form and a scintillator layer provided on the sensor array, and a unit configured to perform signal processing based on a signal from the sensor array, wherein the sensor array includes a peripheral region and a central region located inside the peripheral region, the scintillator layer is disposed over the peripheral region and the central region so as to have uniform luminance efficiency with respect to the sensor array, and the unit performs the signal processing by using only signals from sensors disposed in the central region, of signals from the plurality of sensors, output from the sensor panel.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2013Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masato Inoue, Shinichi Takeda, Satoru Sawada, Takamasa Ishii, Taiki Takei, Kota Nishibe
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Patent number: 8937285Abstract: Methods and systems for signal communication in gamma ray detectors are provided. One gamma ray detector includes a scintillator block having a plurality of scintillator crystals and a plurality of light sensors coupled to the scintillator crystals and having a plurality of microcells. Each of the plurality of light sensors has a first set of signal traces connected to the microcells and a second set of signal traces connected along the first set of signal traces and together forming a signal path to a summing signal trace. Each of the plurality of light sensors also has a pin-out connected to the summing signal trace.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2012Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Chang Lyong Kim, David Leo McDaniel, James Lindgren Malaney, William Todd Peterson, Gary V. McBroom
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Publication number: 20150001400Abstract: A method and apparatus for compensating for the presence of a magnetic field during medical imaging are disclosed. Gamma photons are acquired at a detector. An orientation of the detector (e.g., relative to the surface of the earth) corresponding to the acquisition is determined. Based on the determined detector orientation, one or more compensation value(s) are determined from a memory of a computer, e.g., based on interpolation, parametric computation, or a look-up table. Energy signal variation of a detected signal due to the detector orientation is compensated for by applying the determined compensation value.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2014Publication date: January 1, 2015Inventor: James Frank Caruba
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Publication number: 20150001398Abstract: A host lattice modified GOS scintillating material and a method for using a host lattice modified GOS scintillating material is provided. The host lattice modified GOS scintillating material has a shorter afterglow than conventional GOS scintillating material. In addition, a radiation detector and an imaging device incorporating a host lattice modified GOS scintillating material are provided. A spectral filter may be used in conjunction with the GOS scintillating material.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2013Publication date: January 1, 2015Inventors: Cornelis RONDA, Herbert SCHREINEMACHER, Guenter ZEITLER, Norbert CONRADS, Simha LEVENE
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Publication number: 20150001402Abstract: Apparatuses, computer-readable mediums, and methods are provided. In one embodiment, a positron emission tomography (“PET”) detector array is provided which includes a plurality of crystal elements arranged in a two-dimensional checkerboard configuration. In addition, there are empty spaces in the checkerboard configuration. In various embodiments, the empty spaces are filled with passive shielding, transmission source assemblies, biopsy instruments, surgical instruments, and/or electromagnetic sensors. In various embodiments, the crystal elements and the transmission source assemblies simultaneously perform emission/transmission acquisitions.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2014Publication date: January 1, 2015Inventors: Christian J. Michel, Maurizio Conti, Ronald Grazioso, Peter Carl Cohen, A. Andrew Carey, Larry Byars
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Publication number: 20150001399Abstract: A multiplexing circuit for a positron emission tomography (PET) detector includes a delay circuit and a multiplexer communicating with the delay circuit. The delay circuit configured to receive a plurality of timing pickoff (TPO) signals from a plurality of positron emission tomography (PET) detector units, add a delay time to at least one of the plurality of TPO signals, and transmit the TPO signals based on the delay time to the multiplexer, the multiplexer configured to a multiplex the TPO signals and output a single TPO signal from the plurality of TPO signals to a Time-to-Digital Convertor (TDC). A method of operating a multiplexer and a imaging system including a multiplexer are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2013Publication date: January 1, 2015Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Mark David Fries, David Leo McDaniel
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Publication number: 20150001401Abstract: A neutron spectrometer is described. The neutron detector comprises a conversion layer provided on an outer surface of a spherical core of neutron-moderating material. The conversion layer comprises a neutron absorbing material and a phosphor material. The spherical core is arranged to receive photons emitted from the phosphor material of the conversion layer. The neutron detector further comprises a photodetector optically coupled to the spherical core and arranged to detect the photons emitted from the conversion layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2013Publication date: January 1, 2015Applicant: Symetrica LimitedInventor: David Ramsden
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Patent number: 8921795Abstract: Described is a method for determination of an unknown radiation dose to which an optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) sensor has been exposed utilizing a pulsed optically stimulated luminescence (POSL) technique and a battery operated portable instrument.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2013Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Landauer, Inc.Inventors: Mark S. Akselrod, Kent J. Dillin
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Patent number: 8921796Abstract: A positron emission tomography (PET) system includes a PET detector configured to generate energy signals indicative of a set of events at the PET detector, a first discriminator coupled to the PET detector and configured to generate a primary timing signal in response to a primary event of the set of events, a second, derivative-based discriminator coupled to the PET detector and configured to generate a pileup timing signal in response to a piled-up event of the set of events, and a logic circuit to gate the primary and pileup timing signals of the first and second discriminators.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2013Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventors: Roger E. Arseneau, James Frank Caruba
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Publication number: 20140374603Abstract: The present disclosure provides novel measurement techniques based on moiré techniques and optical frequency conversion. For example, in the IR realm, the configuration can be any moiré configuration, the detector is an IR detector, and the light source can be at any wavelength. The optical configuration, the detector, and the type of light source depend on the physical properties of object/scene and the parameter(s) to be measured.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2014Publication date: December 25, 2014Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHARLOTTEInventors: Faramarz FARAHI, Mehrdad ABOLBASHARI, Gelareh BABAIE
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Publication number: 20140374607Abstract: Systems, devices and methods of reconstructing an image from a positron emission tomography scan that may include detecting a plurality of photons selected from scattered photons and unscattered photons by a plurality of detectors, identifying a time interval for each of the plurality of photons by a processing device, matching each of the plurality of photons into a plurality of pairs of coincident photons based upon a substantially simultaneous time interval identified by the processing device, measuring an energy produced by each of the plurality of photons by the plurality of detectors, determining a scattering angle for each pair of coincident photons from an annihilation point relative to the position of the plurality of detectors by the processing device based on the energy produced and reconstructing an image using a reconstruction algorithm, wherein the reconstruction algorithm uses the scattering angle of each pair of coincident photons.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2014Publication date: December 25, 2014Inventors: Stephen Pistorius, Hongyan Sun
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Patent number: 8916829Abstract: A system for assaying a radionuclide includes a liquid scintillation detector, an analyzer connected to the liquid scintillation detector, and a delay circuit connected to the analyzer. A gamma detector and a multi-channel analyzer are connected to the delay circuit and the gamma detector. The multi-channel analyzer produces a signal reflective of the radionuclide in the sample. A method for assaying a radionuclide includes selecting a sample, detecting alpha or beta emissions from the sample with a liquid scintillation detector, producing a first signal reflective of the alpha or beta emissions, and delaying the first signal a predetermined time. The method further includes detecting gamma emissions from the sample, producing a second signal reflective of the gamma emissions, and combining the delayed first signal with the second signal to produce a third signal reflective of the radionuclide.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2012Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLCInventors: James R. Cadieux, George S. King, III, Glenn A. Fugate
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Patent number: 8912498Abstract: A halide scintillator material is disclosed. The material is single-crystalline and has a composition of the formula A3MBr6(1-x)Cl6x (such as Cs3CeBr6(1-x)Cl6x) or AM2Br7(1-x)Cl7x (such as CsCe2Br7(1-x)Cl7x), 0?x?1, wherein A consists essentially of Li, Na K, Rb, Cs or any combination thereof, and M consists essentially of Ce, Sc, Y, La, Lu, Gd, Pr, Tb, Yb, Nd or any combination thereof. Furthermore, a method of making halide scintillator materials of the above-mentioned compositions is disclosed. In one example, high-purity starting halides (such as CsBr, CeBr3, CsCl and CeCl3) are mixed and melted to synthesize a compound of the desired composition of the scintillator material. A single crystal of the scintillator material is then grown from the synthesized compound by the Bridgman method. The disclosed scintillator materials are suitable for making scintillation detectors used in applications such as medical imaging and homeland security.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2011Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignees: University of Tennessee Research Foundation, Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventors: Kan Yang, Mariya Zhuravleva, Charles L. Melcher, Piotr Szupryczynski
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Publication number: 20140361179Abstract: A device designed to be used for neutron imaging, immersed in a medium containing specimens to be analyzed, comprises a first converter comprising a first material capable of converting thermal neutron radiation into remnant beta radiation and a second converter comprising a second material capable of converting a remnant beta radiation into light radiation, the second converter being in contact with the first converter. A method is also provided for neutron imaging immersed in a medium and using the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2012Publication date: December 11, 2014Inventor: Eric Simon
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Patent number: 8907292Abstract: A tungstate-based scintillating material and a method for using a tungstate-based scintillating material is provided. In addition, a radiation detector and an imaging device incorporating a tungstate-based scintillating material are provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2010Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventors: Thomas Juestel, Cornelis Reinder Ronda
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Patent number: 8907289Abstract: A subatomic particle detection apparatus includes a scintillator to scintillate if struck by subatomic particles, and to scintillate if subjected to mechanical stresses, the scintillator to emit an electrical discharge if scintillating due to the mechanical stresses. A detector is optically coupled to the scintillator to detect scintillations by the scintillator. Furthermore, an antenna is associated with the scintillator and/or the detector to detect the electrical discharge. In addition, circuitry is coupled to the detector and the antenna to determine whether the scintillator scintillated due to the mechanical stresses, based upon the antenna detecting the electrical discharge.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2012Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Peter David Wraight
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Publication number: 20140353511Abstract: For each photomultiplier tube in an Anger camera, an R×S array of preamplifiers is provided to detect electrons generated within the photomultiplier tube. The outputs of the preamplifiers are digitized to measure the magnitude of the signals from each preamplifier. For each photomultiplier tube, a corresponding summation circuitry including R row summation circuits and S column summation circuits numerically add the magnitudes of the signals from preamplifiers for each row and for each column to generate histograms. For a P×Q array of photomultiplier tubes, P×Q summation circuitries generate P×Q row histograms including R entries and P×Q column histograms including S entries. The total set of histograms include P×Q×(R+S) entries, which can be analyzed by a position calculation circuit to determine the locations of events (detection of a neutron).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2013Publication date: December 4, 2014Applicant: UT-Battelle, LLCInventors: Lloyd G. Clonts, Yacouba Diawara, Cornelius Donahue, JR., Christopher A. Montcalm, Richard A. Riedel, Theodore Visscher
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Publication number: 20140353510Abstract: A method for extracting photon depth-of-interaction of an incident photon in a crystal with a reflective coating optically coupled to all sides of the crystal, except for an opening, wherein a photodetector is optically coupled to the opening. A pulse shape of a photodetector output as a result of detection of scintillation photons from the crystal generated by the incident photon is measured, wherein the reflective coating optically coupled to all sides of the crystal, except for an opening optically coupled to the photodetector reflects the scintillation photons passing to all sides of the crystal, except for the opening optically coupled to the photodetector. The pulse shape is used to determine photon depth-of-interaction within the crystal.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2012Publication date: December 4, 2014Inventors: Virginia CH Spanoudaki, Craig Steven Levin