Methods Patents (Class 250/362)
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Publication number: 20140332689Abstract: Compositions, methods, and systems related to plastic scintillating materials based on a polymer including an aromatic ring structure combined with an oxazole and a cross-linker are disclosed. The disclosed plastic scintillator materials may advantageously provide gamma-neutron pulse shape discrimination capabilities.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2014Publication date: November 13, 2014Applicant: Radiation Monitoring Devices, Inc.Inventors: Edgar V. Van Loef, Kanai S. Shah, Gary Markosyan
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Publication number: 20140333929Abstract: Refractive index of biological specimens is a source of intrinsic contrast that can be explored without any concerns of photobleaching or harmful effects caused by extra contrast agents. This feature also contains rich information that can be related to the metabolism of cells at the cellular and subcellular levels. The present invention relates to systems and methods that can provide, without any moving parts, the 3-D refractive index map of continuously flowing biological samples in a micro-fluidic channel, for example.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2014Publication date: November 13, 2014Inventors: Yongjin Sung, Niyom Lue, Zahid Yagoob, Ramachandra Dasari, Peter T.C. So
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Patent number: 8884233Abstract: A scintillator radiation detector system according to one embodiment includes a scintillator; and a processing device for processing pulse traces corresponding to light pulses from the scintillator, wherein pulse digitization is used to improve energy resolution of the system. A scintillator radiation detector system according to another embodiment includes a processing device for fitting digitized scintillation waveforms to an algorithm based on identifying rise and decay times and performing a direct integration of fit parameters. A method according to yet another embodiment includes processing pulse traces corresponding to light pulses from a scintillator, wherein pulse digitization is used to improve energy resolution of the system. A method in a further embodiment includes fitting digitized scintillation waveforms to an algorithm based on identifying rise and decay times; and performing a direct integration of fit parameters. Additional systems and methods are also presented.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2010Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC.Inventors: Nerine Jane Cherepy, Stephen Anthony Payne, Owen B. Drury, Benjamin W. Sturm
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Patent number: 8884234Abstract: An apparatus for determining a direction of travel of a neutron emitted from a source includes: a chamber containing (i) nuclei that recoil upon interaction with an incoming neutron and (ii) atoms capable of being ionized by the recoiled nuclei thereby releasing electrons; an electron-interaction material disposed at the chamber and configured to receive electrons released by the ionized atoms and to emit photons upon the interaction with the received electrons; an imager configured to form an image of photons emitted by the electron-interaction material, wherein the image comprises a path having the direction of travel of the incoming neutron; and an orientation sensor configured to sense an orientation of the imager in order to relate the direction of travel of the incoming neutron to the orientation of the imager.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2012Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignees: Raytheon Company, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Timothy J. Imholt, Peter C. Colby, Peter Fisher
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Publication number: 20140326891Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting an isotope. Embodiments can detect radioactive isotopes. Embodiments can utilize a detector that incorporates at least two sub-detectors. Each sub-detector can receive energy from an isotope and create a signal corresponding to the received energy. Each sub-detector can incorporate a detector element, such as a detector element incorporating one or more diodes, a detector element incorporating a crystal, a detector element incorporating a solid-state device, or a detector element incorporating a scintillator. The sub-detectors can be configured such that for each isotope to be detected at least two of the sub-detectors produce different output signals, or readings. In an embodiment, each sub-detector is configured such that when there are at least two sub-detectors exposed to the isotope each of the corresponding readings from the sub-detectors is different from each of the other readings.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2013Publication date: November 6, 2014Applicant: H. LEE MOFFITT CANCER CENTER & RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventor: H. LEE MOFFITT CANCER CENTER & RESEARCH INSTITUTE
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Patent number: 8878135Abstract: A neutron scintillator composite (NSC) is made of a neutron scintillator and a binder. The neutron scintillator of the composite has the formula LiyMgBry+2, where y=2, 4 or 6 and may further comprise cerium as a scintillation activator. The binder of the composite has an index of refraction substantially identical to that of the neutron scintillator. The neutron scintillator and binder are mixed into a solid or semi-solid neutron scintillator composite having sufficient flowability for molding into a shaped article, such as a neutron sensing element of a radiation detector. The neutron scintillator composite collects and channels photons through the material itself and into a photosensing element optically coupled to the composite. Because the indices of refraction for both the neutron scintillator and the binder are substantially identical, scattering at the scintillator-binder interface(s) is minimized, thereby producing transmission efficiencies that approach single crystals.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2012Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Alok Mani Srivastava, Adrian Ivan
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Publication number: 20140319360Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2012Publication date: October 30, 2014Inventors: Herfried Karl Wieczorek, Jinghan Ye, Lingxiong Shao, Rizwan Hassan
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Publication number: 20140321617Abstract: The invention relates to a detection apparatus for detecting radiation. The detection apparatus comprises a GOS material (20) for generating scintillation light depending on the detected radiation (25), an optical filter (24) for reducing the intensity of a part of the scintillation light having a wavelength being larger than 650 nm, and a detection unit (21) for detecting the filtered scintillation light. Because of the filtering procedure relatively slow components, i.e. components corresponding to a relatively large decay time, of the scintillation light weakly constribute to the detection process or are not detected at all by the detection unit, thereby increasing the temporal resolution of the detection apparatus. The resulting fast detection apparatus can be suitable for kVp-switching computed tomography systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2012Publication date: October 30, 2014Applicant: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventors: Cornelis Reinder Ronda, Roland Proksa, Axel Thran
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Patent number: 8872116Abstract: According to some aspects, a device comprising a plurality of cameras arranged in an array, each of the plurality of cameras producing a signal indicative of radiation impinging on the respective camera, the plurality of cameras arranged such that the field of view of each of the plurality of cameras at least partially overlaps the field of view of at least one adjacent camera of the plurality of cameras, to form a respective plurality of overlap regions, an energy conversion component for converting first radiation impinging on a surface of the energy conversion component to second radiation at a lower energy that is detectable by the plurality of cameras, and at least one computer for processing the signals from each of the plurality cameras to generate at least one image, the at least one processor configured to combine signals in the plurality of overlap regions to form the at least one image is provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2013Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Cmosaix LtdInventors: Jacob Koren, Eduard Batkilin
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Patent number: 8872120Abstract: An imaging device capable of obtaining image data with a small amount of X-ray irradiation is provided. The imaging device obtains an image using X-rays and includes a scintillator and a plurality of pixel circuits arranged in a matrix and overlapping with the scintillator. The use of a transistor with an extremely small off-state current in the pixel circuits enables leakage of electrical charges from a charge accumulation portion to be reduced as much as possible, and an accumulation operation to be performed substantially at the same time in all of the pixel circuits. The accumulation operation is synchronized with X-ray irradiation, so that the amount of X-ray irradiation can be reduced.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2013Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshiyuki Kurokawa, Takayuki Ikeda
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Publication number: 20140312236Abstract: A method for processing electrical signals from a phoswich scintillator including an upstream scintillator and a downstream scintillator, the method including, for each electrical signal: digitization of the electrical signal; determination of an amplitude and an integral surface area of the digitised electrical signal; and representation of an event associated with an electrical signal by a pair of data items.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2012Publication date: October 23, 2014Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMOQUE ET AUX ENE ALTInventors: Vladimir Kondrasovs, Stephane Normand, Karim Boudergui, Matthieu Hamel, Chrystele Pittance, Licinio Rocha, Mathieu Trocme
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Publication number: 20140306116Abstract: Detection apparatus for detecting radiation The invention relates to a detection apparatus for detecting radiation. The detection apparatus comprises at least two scintillators (14, 15) having different temporal behaviors, each generating scintillation light upon reception of radiation, wherein the generated scintillation light is commonly detected by a scintillation light detection unit (16), thereby generating a common light detection signal. A detection values determining unit determines first detection values by applying a first determination process and second detection values by applying a second determination process, which is different to the first determination process, on the detection signal. The first determination process includes frequency filtering the detection signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2012Publication date: October 16, 2014Inventors: Ewald Roessl, Axel Thran, Roland Proksa
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Publication number: 20140299776Abstract: An organic intermediate layer is used in a photosensitive component for increasing the limit frequency of the component, preferably in the range of low radiation intensities. The photosensitive component is in particular a diode having a photoactive organic semiconductor layer, a first and a second electrode. An organic intermediate layer is arranged between the photoactive semiconductor layer and at least one of the electrodes. The organic intermediate layer is in particular a charge-blocking layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2012Publication date: October 9, 2014Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Jon Ajuria Arregui, Francesco Arca, Oliver Hayden, Maria Sramek, Sandro Francesco Tedde, Guido Zoli
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Publication number: 20140291529Abstract: A high resolution single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging system comprising: a rotating ring for surrounding anatomy which is to be imaged; at least one camera mount movably mounted to the rotating ring so that the camera mount can be moved radially relative to the axis of rotation of the rotating ring; and at least one gamma camera carried on the at least one camera mount, wherein the at least one gamma camera is focused on a single SPECT focal point; whereby, when the rotating ring is rotated about the anatomy which is to be imaged and the at least one camera mount is moved radially on the rotating ring, the single SPECT focal point of the at least one gamma camera carried by a camera mount follows a spiral pattern through the anatomy, whereby to produce a scan of the anatomy.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2014Publication date: October 2, 2014Applicant: NEUROLOGICA CORP.Inventors: Andrew Tybinkowski, Eric Bailey, Lidia Nemirovsky, Daniel Allis
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Patent number: 8846000Abstract: The present invention is directed to radiolabeled pyrimidinone compounds of general structural formula I which are useful as radiotracers for quantitative imaging of PDE10 in mammals.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2010Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.Inventors: Christopher D. Cox, Broc A. Flores, Eric Hostetler, Hong Fan
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Publication number: 20140264042Abstract: A rugged scintillation crystal assembly includes several scintillator crystals, which are optically coupled to each other by resilient optical-coupling material such as silicone pads and/or grease. The scintillator crystals are configured to collectively emit optical signals. Such a stack may combine the advantages of both a long form-factor for the overall assembly with the ruggedness of the assembly's component short crystals.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: CBG CorporationInventor: Paul L. Sinclair
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Publication number: 20140264043Abstract: An x-ray imager includes a scintillator layer configured to generate light from x-rays, a detector array configured to detect light generated in the scintillator layer, and a lens array situated between the scintillator layer and the detector array. The lens array may be configured to collect light and focus the collected light to the detector array.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Arundhuti Ganguly, Ivan Mollov
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Publication number: 20140264041Abstract: An imaging system includes a magnetic resonance portion that produces an electric field and a second imaging portion, including a detector with a two dimensional array of detector tiles, wherein adjacent tiles along an axial direction are spaced apart by an electrically conductive material, which shields the tiles from the electric field. An imaging system includes a first imaging portion having a detector, which includes an array of scintillation crystals and a photo-sensor coupled to the array of scintillation crystals, wherein an output of the photo-sensor includes a unique ratio of information that identifies each crystal.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N. V.Inventors: Volkmar SCHULZ, Andre Frank SALOMON
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Publication number: 20140264040Abstract: A nuclear level sensing gauge for measuring the level of product in a bin utilizes a plurality of scintillators arranged in a serial fashion. A source of nuclear radiation is positioned adjacent the bin, and the scintillators, which may be bundles of one or more scintillating fibers or scintillating crystals, are positioned in a serial fashion adjacent the bin opposite the source of nuclear radiation, such that nuclear radiation passing through the bin impinges upon the bundles. Light guides carry photons emitted by the scintillators—which are indicative of radiation passing through the bin—to a common photomultiplier tube. The tube is connected to electronics which convert counts of photons from the PMT into a measure of the level of radiation-absorbing product in the bin.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: VEGA AMERICAS, INC.Inventor: VEGA AMERICAS, INC.
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Patent number: 8835126Abstract: Tritiated planar carbon forms and their production are provided. Methods are provided for the stoichiometrically controlled labeling of planar carbon forms capitalizing on normal flaws of carboxylic acids ubiquitously present in commercial preparations of these planar carbon forms. Alternative methods include generation of a metallated intermediate whereby a metal is substituted for hydrogen on the carbon backbone of a planar carbon form. The metalized intermediate is then reacted with a tritium donor to covalently label the planar carbon form. The tritiated planar carbon forms produced are useful, for example, for determination of a biological property or environmental fate of planar carbon forms.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2011Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: PerkinElmer Health Sciences, Inc.Inventor: Crist N. Filer
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Patent number: 8835858Abstract: Systems and methods for attenuation compensation in nuclear medicine imaging based on emission data are provided. One method includes acquiring emission data at a plurality of energy windows for a person having administered thereto a radiopharmaceutical comprising at least one radioactive isotope. The method also includes performing a preliminary reconstruction of the acquired emission data to create one or more preliminary images of a peak energy window and a scatter energy window and determining a body outline of the person from at least one of the reconstructed preliminary image of the peak energy window or of the scatter energy window. The method further includes identifying a heart contour and segmenting at least the left lung. The method additionally includes defining an attenuation map based on the body outline and segmented left lung and reconstructing an image of a region of interest of the person using an iterative joint estimation reconstruction.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2012Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Lana Volokh, Yaron Hefetz, Alexander Ganin, Ravindra Manjeshwar
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Publication number: 20140257093Abstract: The present technology describes various embodiments of positron emission tomography (PET) systems for use with mammography machines and associated devices and methods. In several embodiments, a PET system includes a tissue platform and one or more PET detection panels removably coupled to the mammography machine. The panels are configured to generally surround the tissue platform and obtain an approximately 360 degree data sample of tissue. The system can further include an output device configured to output the data sample for image reconstruction. In some embodiments, the system is configured to provide high resolution images, quantitative image accuracy, dynamic imaging, and/or biopsy guidance.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2012Publication date: September 11, 2014Inventors: Lawrence R. MacDonald, Paul E. Kinahan
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Publication number: 20140252238Abstract: Method of determination of an irradiation dose deposited in a scintillator (5) by ionising radiation, comprising the steps of: irradiating the scintillator (5) during a predetermined time; detecting a moment of excitation of the scintillator (5) with a first photodetector (11); then detecting a moment of reception of a scintillation photon with a second photodetector (14), functioning in single photon counting mode; identifying each sequence consisting of the detection of a moment of excitation by the first photodetector (11), and the detection of a moment of reception by the second photodetector (14) with a coincidence event; counting the number of coincidence events; obtaining the irradiation dose deposited during the irradiation time as a function of the number of coincidence events counted and of a predetermined proportionality factor.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2012Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (C.N.R.S.)Inventors: Jean-Marc Jung, Till Sohier, Mélodie Munier, Rémi Barillon, Mauricio Torres
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Patent number: 8829443Abstract: The present invention is a radially symmetric imaging detector that measures an incident neutron's or gamma-ray's energy and identifies its source on an event-by-event basis.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2008Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: University of New HampshireInventors: James M. Ryan, John R. Macri, Mark L. McConnell, Ulisse Bravar
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Patent number: 8829445Abstract: Strontium halide scintillators, calcium halide scintillators, cerium halide scintillators, cesium barium halide scintillators, and related devices and methods are provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2012Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Radiation Monitoring Devices, Inc.Inventor: Vivek Nagarkar
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Patent number: 8822931Abstract: When constructing a nuclear detector module in a gantry, a plurality of overlapping light guide modules (10) are mounted to the gantry in a spaced-apart fashion, and a plurality of underlapping light guide modules (12) are mounted in between each pair of overlapping light guide modules (10). Each of the underlapping modules and the overlapping modules includes a scintillation crystal array (16) on an interior surface thereof, and a plurality of PMTs on an exterior surface thereof. Overlapping modules (10) have overlapping structures (22) that interface with underlapping structures (18) on the underlapping modules (12) and thereby eliminate a seam directly beneath PMTs that overlap the crystal arrays of both an overlapping module and an underlapping module. Optical grease is used to form a resilient grease coupling and reduce light scatter between the underlapping and overlapping modules.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2011Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventors: Thomas Leroy Laurence, Jinling Liu, Steven E. Cooke, Steven John Plummer
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Patent number: 8822930Abstract: In a flat image detector and method for the generation of medical digital images, the flat image detector is in particular suitable for a medical X-ray device and equipped with at least one active matrix (MX, MX2) made up of pixel-readout units, wherein the light generated in the scintillator (SZ) can be read out on both sides in the direction of the incoming X-ray radiation (R) in front of and behind the scintillator, with the aid of such an active matrix in each case arranged on each side of the scintillator.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2011Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Peter Soukal, Martin Spahn
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Publication number: 20140231653Abstract: The present invention provides a flow cell that can be used to improve the linear detection range of a radio-detector. The flow cell of the present invention is simple and cost-effective to set up and provides technical advantages over methods known in the prior art, as set out in more detail hereunder. The present invention also provides a method to determine the RCP of a radioactive composition making use of said flow cell, and a HPLC system comprising said flow cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2012Publication date: August 21, 2014Inventors: Alan Peter Clarke, Thanushan Rajanayagam, Roger Paul Pettitt, Robert F. Chisholm
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Patent number: 8809790Abstract: A method and system for nuclear imaging normally involves detection of energy by producing bursts of photons in response to interactions involving incident gamma radiation. The detector sensitivity is increased by as much as two orders of magnitude, so that some excess sensitivity can be exchanged to achieve unprecedented spatial resolution and contrast-to-noise (C/N) ratio comparable to those in CT and MRI. Misplaced pileup events due to scattered radiation are rejected for each of the central groups to reduce image blurring, thereby further improving image quality. The reduction in detector thickness minimizes depth-of-interaction (DOI) blurring as well as blurring due to Compton-scattered radiation. The spatial sampling of the detector can be further increased using fiber optic coupling to reduce effective photodetector size. Fiber-optic coupling also enables to increase the packing fraction of PMTs to 100% by effectively removing the glass walls.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2013Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Inventor: Tilahun Woldeselassie Woldemichael
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Patent number: 8809793Abstract: Present embodiments relate to the calibration of detectors having one or more arrays of pixelated detectors. According to an embodiment, a method includes detecting optical outputs generated by a plurality of scintillation crystals of a detector with an array of pixelated detectors, generating, with the array of pixelated detectors, respective signals indicative of the optical outputs, generating, from the respective signals, a unique energy spectrum correlated to each of the plurality of scintillation crystals, grouping subsets of the plurality of scintillation crystals into macrocrystals, determining a representative energy spectrum peak for each macrocrystal based on the respective energy spectra of the scintillation crystals in the macrocrystal, comparing a value of the representative energy spectrum peak for each macrocrystal with a target peak value, and adjusting an operating parameter of at least one pixelated detector in the array of pixelated detectors as a result of the comparison.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2012Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Ashwin Ashok Wagadarikar, Ravindra Mohan Manjeshwar, Sergei Ivanovich Dolinsky
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Publication number: 20140224994Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2012Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicant: UCL Business PlcInventor: Robert Speller
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Publication number: 20140224993Abstract: Embodiments pertain to a method and apparatus for detection of radiation. Embodiments relate to the detection of fast and/or thermal neutrons. Embodiments are directed to detection of neutrons in high backgrounds of gamma rays. Embodiments can have high sensitivity and/or high gamma discrimination. Embodiments can include a given single material that can detect fast neutrons and simultaneously detect gamma rays with moderate energy resolution. Embodiments pertain to liquid, viscous liquid, gel, and/or solid scintillating materials. Embodiments relate to a scintillating matrix, such as a liquid, having a highly polar matrix, such as a liquid solvent, dissolved dyes, and a high concentration of a dissolved organo metallic compound. The use of a single material for a large area detector of fast neutrons and gamma rays can provide material and cost benefits.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2012Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicant: NANOPTICS, INCORPORATEDInventors: Youngwook Noh, Richard T. Farley, James K. Walker
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Publication number: 20140217294Abstract: A method for using lutetium-based scintillator crystals' background beta decay emission in a positron emission tomography (PET) scanner as a transmission scan source for generating attenuation maps is disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2014Publication date: August 7, 2014Applicant: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventors: Harold E. Rothfuss, Christian J. Michel, James J. Hamill
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Publication number: 20140217293Abstract: A method is disclosed for generating a PET or SPECT image dataset. In an embodiment, the method includes acquiring a plurality of PET or SPECT measurement signals from an examination region; acquiring a plurality of anatomy image datasets that show the examination region using a second imaging modality at the same time as acquiring the PET or SPECT measurement signals; determining the similarity of a reference anatomy image dataset acquired at a time point t? using the second imaging modality to at least one anatomy image dataset acquired at a different time point and/or predetermining a temporal weighting function; and generating a PET or SPECT image dataset taking into account the similarity of the anatomy image datasets and/or weighting the PET measurement signals temporally. A hybrid imaging modality is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2014Publication date: August 7, 2014Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventor: Björn HEISMANN
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Patent number: 8796631Abstract: Polymer composite neutron detector materials are described. The composite materials include an aromatic polymer matrix, such as an aromatic polyester. Distributed within the polymer matrix are neutron capture agents, such as 6LiF nanoparticles, and organic or inorganic luminescent fluors. The composite materials can be formed into stretched or unstretched thin films, fibers or fiber mats.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: University of Tennessee Research FoundationInventors: Dayakar Penumadu, Indraneel Sen, Rohit Uppal
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Publication number: 20140209805Abstract: A bulk semiconducting scintillator device, including: a Li-containing semiconductor compound of general composition Li-III-VI2, wherein III is a Group III element and VI is a Group VI element; wherein the Li-containing semiconductor compound is used in one or more of a first mode and a second mode, wherein: in the first mode, the Li-containing semiconductor compound is coupled to an electrical circuit under bias operable for measuring electron-hole pairs in the Li-containing semiconductor compound in the presence of neutrons and the Li-containing semiconductor compound is also coupled to current detection electronics operable for detecting a corresponding current in the Li-containing semiconductor compound; and, in the second mode, the Li-containing semiconductor compound is coupled to a photodetector operable for detecting photons generated in the Li-containing semiconductor compound in the presence of the neutrons.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2014Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicants: FISK UNIVERSITY, BABCOCK & WILCOX TECHNICAL SERVICES Y-12, L.L.C.Inventors: Ashley C. Stowe, Arnold Burger, Michael Groza
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Publication number: 20140209804Abstract: An apparatus for generating an image may include a plurality of scintillator layers configured to convert an incident beam into an optical signal; a plurality of micro cells configured to turn on or off depending on whether or not the micro cells detect the optical signal; a reaction depth determining unit configured to detect a decay pattern of the optical signal, on the basis of on/off signals of the micro cells, and configured to determine a type of the scintillator layers with which the incident beam has reacted; and/or a reading unit configured to decide an occurrence location of the incident beam and then generates a photographed image.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2013Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Chae-hun LEE, Young KIM, Jae-chul PARK, Yong-woo JEON
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Publication number: 20140203179Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2012Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: AGFA HEALTHCARE NVInventors: Patrick Sandmann, Anton Pirmann, Günther Schindlbeck, Johannes Hölzl, Sven Behr
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Publication number: 20140203178Abstract: The present invention relates to a position-sensitive detector for detecting photon or particle distributions, in which the detector receiving surface (1) is formed by several detector cells (2) comprised of individual detector elements, which are connected with several readout channels (5). The allocation of detector cells (2) to the readout channels (5) is selected in such a way that the center of gravity position of the photon or particle distribution impinging on the detector receiving surface (1) can be locally determined from signals of the readout channels (5). The detector enables a high spatial resolution given a low number of readout channels.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2012Publication date: July 24, 2014Inventor: Peter Fischer
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Patent number: 8786474Abstract: An apparatus and method for inserting delay into a start signal of a metastable ring oscillator chain-based time-to-digital circuit (TDC). Included therein is a signal generating circuit that generates the start signal, a plurality of carry elements connected as a chain, each of the carry elements having an input to receive a stop signal, a delay chain circuit including one or more delay modules selected from the plurality of carry elements, at least one feedback line connected between at least one of the delay modules and the signal generating circuit, and a plurality of enable inputs each provided in a respective one of the delay modules. The delay chain circuit generates an amount of delay based on a delay selection signal that is received at the enable inputs and that selects the amount of delay. The delay chain circuit additionally provides the selected amount of delay to the signal generating circuit, which incorporates the delay into the start signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems CorporationInventor: Gregory J. Mann
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Publication number: 20140197320Abstract: Timing is determined in positron emission tomography (PET). Two or more different types of timing detection are used for each event. The difference in time from the different types of timing detection may indicate whether or not an error has occurred. An average difference or other typical offset difference may be used to correct the error. During pile up, the difference information may be used to create a missing time, such as using an average difference between second derivative and constant fraction discrimination as an offset to determine constant fraction timing from second derivative timing.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2013Publication date: July 17, 2014Applicant: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventor: Roger E. Arseneau
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Patent number: 8772726Abstract: A detector tile (116) of an imaging detector array (112) includes a scintillator array (202), a photosensor array (204), which includes a plurality of photosensitive pixels, optically coupled to the scintillator array (202), and a current-to-frequency (I/F) converter (302). The I/F converter (302) includes an integrator (304) that integrates charge output by a photosensitive pixel during an integration period and generates a signal indicative thereof and a comparator (310) that generates a pulse when the generated signal satisfies predetermined criteria during the integration period. A reset device (316) resets the integrator (304) in response to the comparator (310) generating a pulse. Circuitry (320, 324) samples the generated signal at a beginning of the integration period and/or at an end of the integration period and generates quantized digital data indicative thereof. Logic (322) estimates the charge at the input of the integrator (304) based on the generated digital data.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2010Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventors: Christoph Herrmann, Michael Overdick
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Publication number: 20140183368Abstract: A radiographic image reading device includes: a casing that has a conveyance inlet/outlet for conveying in and conveying out a storage phosphor sheet on which a radiographic image is recorded, and a discharge outlet for discharging the storage phosphor sheet; an image reading unit that reads the radiographic image recorded on a storage phosphor sheet that has been conveyed in from the conveyance inlet/outlet; and a conveyance unit that conveys the storage phosphor sheet that has been conveyed in from the conveyance inlet/outlet to a read position at which reading is performed by the image reading unit and that conveys the storage phosphor sheet, from which the radiographic image has been read, to the conveyance inlet/outlet or the discharge outlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2013Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATIONInventors: Hiromi ISHIKAWA, Nobuhiko OGURA, Yasunori OHTA
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Publication number: 20140177783Abstract: An imaging system (100) includes a radiation source (110) and a radiation sensitive detector array (116), which includes a scintillator array (118) and a photosensor array (120) optically coupled to the scintillator array, wherein the scintillator array includes Gd2O2S:Pr,Tb,Ce. A method includes detecting radiation with a radiation sensitive detector array (116) of an imaging system (100), wherein the radiation sensitive detector array includes a Gd2O2S:Pr,Tb,Ce based scintillator array (118). A radiation sensitive detector array (116) includes a scintillator array (118) and a photosensor array (120) optically coupled to the scintillator array, wherein the scintillator array includes Gd2O2S:Pr,Tb,Ce, and an amount of Tb3+ in the Gd2O2S:Pr,Tb,Ce is equal to or less than two hundred mole parts per million.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2012Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Cornelis Reinder Ronda, Norbert Conrads, Henning Ohland, Herbert Schreinemacher
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Publication number: 20140175293Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2012Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: RIKENInventors: Tomonori Fukuchi, Shuichi Enomoto
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Publication number: 20140175292Abstract: Tritiated planar carbon forms and their production are provided. Methods are provided for the stoichiometrically controlled labeling of planar carbon forms capitalizing on normal flaws of carboxylic acids ubiquitously present in commercial preparations of these planar carbon forms. Alternative methods include generation of a metallated intermediate whereby a metal is substituted for hydrogen on the carbon backbone of a planar carbon form. The metalized intermediate is then reacted with a tritium donor to covalently label the planar carbon form. The tritiated planar carbon forms produced are useful, for example, for determination of a biological property or environmental fate of planar carbon forms.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2014Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: PerkinElmer Health Sciences, Inc.Inventor: Crist N. Filer
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Publication number: 20140175291Abstract: A spatially-aware radiation probe system/method allowing for detection and correction of radiation readings based on the position and/or movement of a radiation detector is disclosed. The system incorporates a radiation detector combined with a spatially-aware sensor to permit detection of spatial context parameters associated with the radiation detector and/or object being probed. This spatial context information is then used by analysis software to modify the detected radiation values and/or instruct the radiation probe operator as to appropriate measurement activity to ensure accurate radiation measurements. The spatially-aware sensor may include but is not limited to: distance sensors to determine the distance between the radiation detector and the object being monitored; accelerometers integrated within the radiation detector to detect movement of the radiation detector; and/or axial orientation sensors to determine the axial orientation of the radiation detector.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2013Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: Canberra Industries, Inc.Inventors: Olivier Gaëtan Giarmana, Archibald Dupont, Frederic Pierre Henri Meyer, Damien du Bouëtiez de Kerorguen
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Patent number: 8754379Abstract: A radiation sensor including a scintillation layer configured to emit photons upon interaction with ionizing radiation and a photodetector including in order a first electrode, a photosensitive layer, and a photon-transmissive second electrode disposed in proximity to the scintillation layer. The photosensitive layer is configured to generate electron-hole pairs upon interaction with a part of the photons. The radiation sensor includes pixel circuitry electrically connected to the first electrode and configured to measure an imaging signal indicative of the electron-hole pairs generated in the photosensitive layer and a planarization layer disposed on the pixel circuitry between the first electrode and the pixel circuitry such that the first electrode is above a plane including the pixel circuitry. A surface of at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode at least partially overlaps the pixel circuitry and has a surface inflection above features of the pixel circuitry.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2013Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Regents of the University of MichiganInventor: Larry E. Antonuk
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Publication number: 20140158890Abstract: 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: May 29, 2012Publication date: June 12, 2014Inventors: Stephen Pistorius, Hongyan Sun
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Patent number: 8748824Abstract: An optical fiber can include a polymer and a scintillation quencher. The optical fiber can be a member of a radiation sensor or radiation detecting system. The scintillation quencher can include a UV-absorber or a scintillation resistant material. In one embodiment, the radiation sensor includes a scintillator that is capable of generating a first radiation having a wavelength of at least about 420 nm; and a scintillation quencher is capable of absorbing a second radiation having a wavelength of less than about 420 nm. The optical fiber including a scintillation quencher provides for a method to detect neutrons in a radiation detecting system.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2012Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Saint-Gobain Ceramics & Plastics, Inc.Inventor: Michael R. Kusner