Abstract: Various embodiments provide a non-collimated 3D localization technique to detect an unknown radioactive source in a medium material using a plurality of detectors. 3D position information (x, y, z), and strength of the unknown radioactive source(s) can be determined by a comparison or a data fit between the measured detector responses with a mapping of detector responses performed with known calibration radioactive source(s). The non-collimated 3D localization technique can be used to extract lateral and depth position of contaminations in soil, concrete, or metal, to aid in monitoring and localizing radiation for nonproliferation and prevent smuggling of nuclear materials, and/or to detect and localize radioactive source(s) in medical or non-medical purposes.

Abstract: A method of non-destructive inspection of a subject body including one or more elements comprises irradiating the subject body with a neutron ray along an axis line passing through a reference point; synchronously detecting gamma rays from directions inclined at equal angles to the axis line at a plurality of measurement points disposed to have equivalent intervals radially from the axis line, respectively; measuring the detected gamma rays in a plurality of energy ranges; determining whether measured values in the respective energy ranges are beyond thresholds; determining energy ranges where all the measured values are beyond the thresholds; analyzing a type of an element from the determined energy ranges; and detecting a location of the analyzed type of the element in the subject body on the basis of the reference point, the respective measurement points, a relative position relative to a surface of the subject body, and the directions.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems described herein provide for creating detector elements that are configured to be overlaid, such that at least a portion of gap between two detector elements is situated in a plane that is not parallel to a plane through which primary radiation travels. That is, a first detector element comprises a portion that is configured to overlap a portion of a second detector element. The detector element(s) may be direct conversion or indirect conversion detector elements. Moreover, one or more electrodes may be placed within the gap and/or along an edge of the detector element to assist in the movement of charge generated by a charge producing portion of the detector element.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed which relate to the calibration and quality assurance of motion tracking enabled radiation therapy machines. A phantom, capable of mimicking human breathing through inflation and deflation of the lungs, houses an independently moving target (tumor) that detects the amount of radiation received from the radiation therapy machine. This amount can be compared with a desired amount to determine if adjustment or repositioning is necessary. The servo-mechanism(s) of the motion tracking enabled radiation therapy machine(s) are adjusted in comparison of detected versus programmed motion of the respiring phantom having incorporated independently moving target that incorporated radiation dose detector(s). In the invention, motion tracking and irradiation mechanisms of the radiation therapy machine are adjusted to calibrate with reference to performance specifications of the radiation therapy machine.

Abstract: A method, system, and software for calculating the true coincidence summing effects for radionuclide spectroscopy analysis. A set of equations which can be implemented with a stored computer program performs calculations to correct the spectroscopic analysis data for gamma-gamma coincidence events, gamma-X-ray coincidence events, as well as gamma-annihilation photon coincidence events. The net gamma-ray, KX-ray and annihilation photon summing-out probabilities for the analytic gamma-ray is the total summing-out probability from all gamma-ray summing-out chains subtracted by the total summing-out probability from all gamma-ray sub-cascade chains involving the analytic gamma-ray. A total efficiency calculation is performed to eliminate the need for using radioactive sources to create summing specific calibration measurements and for increased accuracy.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a detector, having a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, for performing first and second radiography operations, a bias light source, and a control unit that controls the operation of the detector and the bias light source. In the first radiography operation, image data corresponding to radiation in a first radiation field corresponding to some of the pixels is output. In the second radiography operation, image data corresponding to radiation in a second radiation field larger than the first radiation field is output. In accordance with a change from the first radiation field to the second radiation field, the operation of the bias light source is controlled so that the irradiation with the bias light is performed during a period between the first and second radiography operations at a bias-light integral dose determined based on radiation integral dose information in the first radiography operation.

Abstract: A radiation detection, localization, and identification system uses a searching algorithm to identify hypothetical solutions to Compton scatter data. Model based representations of the physical data collection yield the identity and location of radiation sources when correct associations of gamma ray energies and locations are made with detected data events. The system's detector is an array of radiation detectors networked to act as a single detection system. This network has wide area of view and high sensitivity to radiation sources since no collimation is required.

Abstract: A system and a method of determining a position of a scattering/reflecting element on a surface of a radiation transmissive element adapted to transport scattered/reflected radiation toward one or more detectors. Radiation having different characteristics or properties is transmitted to different areas of the surface whereby the position of the touch may be determined from the radiation scattered/reflected.

Abstract: A sensor system is provided having a precision tracking sensor element and a micro-lamellar spectrometer for determining the wavelength of an electromagnetic source such as a laser designator source. Acquisition sensor elements may be provided and mounted on a rotating base element that rotates about a first axis. The precision tracking sensor elements may be mounted on a hinged or pivoting element or gimbal on the housing and provided with drive means to permit a user to selectively manually or automatically direct it toward a scene target of interest detected by the acquisition sensor elements. At least one of the imaging elements in the precision tracking sensor or acquisition sensors is stacked micro-channel plate focal plane array element.

Abstract: An interrogation component is controllable between three detection/timing modes: neutron generator OFF for predetermined amount of time (Mode 1), neutron generator pulsing at 5-10 kHz/2-10 microseconds (Mode 2), and neutron generator pulsing at 200-400 Hz/25-200 microseconds (Mode 3). Utilizing the interrogation component in the three detection/timing modes to inspect a target facilitates data collection in both passive and active modes for both passive and stimulated emissions of gamma and neutron radiation.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electro-magnetic tomography including: a modulator configured to modulate a generated transmit reference signal using a pseudo-noise signal; a transmitter configured to transmit the signal modulated by the modulator; a receiver configured to receive a signal transmitted from a transmitter; an amplitude detector configured to compare an amplitude magnitude between the signal received by the receiver and the transmit reference signal to measure a received amplitude; and a demodulator configured to demodulate the signal received by the receiver using the pseudo-noise signal to generate a cyclic signal, compare a phase between the transmit reference signal and the cyclic signal to measure the phase of the cyclic signal, and determine the phase of the received signal based on the phase of the measured cyclic signal.

Abstract: Fouling in the fill portion of a cooling tower is monitored by transmitting radiation through a cooling tower, detecting the amount of radiation that has penetrated the cooling tower, and calculating the density of the fill portion of the cooling tower based on the detected radiation. A higher than expected density indicates the presence of fouling on the fill portion of the cooling tower. A rate of fouling may be established by monitoring the density of the fill portion of the cooling tower over time.

Abstract: Disclosed is an radiographic image capturing system, which makes it possible to establish second ?*-correction data for the replacement-use radiographic image capturing apparatus, even if a console is busy. The system includes: a radiographic image capturing apparatus provided with radiation detecting elements two dimensionally arranged, to output image data representing a radiographic image; a radiation source to emit radiation; a cradle provided in an image capturing room; and a console to create a radiographic image based on the image data.

Abstract: A computerized system for locating a device including a sensor module and a processor. A radioactive source, associated with the device, produces a signal in the form of radioactive disintegrations. The sensor module includes a radiation detector capable of receiving a signal from the source attached to the device. The sensor module produces an output signal. The processor receives output signal(s) and translates output into information relating to a position of source.

Abstract: An angle-responsive sensor, comprising: a radiation detector adapted to detect ionizing radiation; at least one collimator arranged to block radiation from reaching the detector in a manner dependent on a relative orientation of a radiation source, the detector and the collimator, the detector and the collimator defining an aim for the sensor; and circuitry coupled to the detector and which generates an output signal which varies as a function of the relative orientation, wherein the detector and the collimator are arranged to have a working volume of at least 10 cm in depth and having an angular width, such that the slope of the signal as a function of angle varies by less than a factor of 2 over the working volume.

Abstract: A detector system measures radioactive material. A fluid path receives at least one aliquot of radiopharmaceutical. The fluid path locates the aliquot within a positioner formed with a concave configuration. A detector is located at an axial distance from the concave surface and determines the level of radioactivity of the aliquot. Alternatively, the fluid path may be less concave and a variable attenuator may be placed between the fluid path and detector. The variable attenuator may have a concavity that is based on the concavity of the fluid path so that the detector's ability to read the radioactivity is optimized. A method for forming an aliquot of radiopharmaceutical in a concave fluid passage. Positioning a detector located a distance from the concave surface to optimize reading spectral energy of the aliquot and activity is determining activity regardless of the position of the aliquot in the passage.

Abstract: A sorting apparatus is described and which includes an inspection station; a multiplicity of electromagnetic radiation emitters and detectors; an optical filter which is positioned in front of the electromagnetic radiation detectors, and which passes electromagnetic radiation having a given polarization; an ejector assembly positioned downstream from the inspection station for removing defective objects of interest which are identified; and a computer/controller for selectively energizing the electromagnetic radiation emitter, and detector, and rendering the ejector assembly operational to remove defective objects of interest, from a stream of objects of interest which have passed through an inspection station.

Abstract: The invention relates to the scan methods and means for tomographic examination of two-dimensional structure of planar objects. The invention aims at developing a method of studying nanodimensional or microscopic objects with a resolution of the order of 30 nanometer and means of implementation of such a method. The task in view is performed such that the scanning microscope comprises a radiation source 1, as well as, positioned along the radiation rays, an opaque screen 2 with a slit, an object stage 4 with a mobility device for disposing of and maneuvering with an object under examination within the scan plane 7, a radiation detector 8 connected to an information processing unit 9, wherein according to the embodiment, the opaque screen is supplied with at least one slit shutter 3 movable in the plane of the opaque screen, the slit shutter providing the variability of cross-sectional dimensions of the slit.

Abstract: A system and method for molecular breast imaging (MBI) provides enhanced tumor analysis and, optionally, a real-time biopsy guidance. The system includes a detector head including a gamma ray detector and a collimator. The collimator include multiple collimation sections having respectively different spatially-oriented structures. In addition or alternatively, the multiple collimating section have respectively different collimation characteristics. An image of the tissue acquired with the system may include spatially separate image portions containing image information about the same portion of the imaged tissue. A system is optionally configured to acquire updatable images to provide real-time feedback about the biopsy procedure.

Abstract: A tool having a neutron source, a gamma ray detector, and a photomultiplier tube is provided. The gamma ray detector and the photomultiplier tube are at least partially surrounded by a layer of boron. The tool is used to make measurements, and the number of prompt gamma rays emitted by the boron is determined from the measurements. The number of neutrons detected may be inferred using the determined number of prompt gamma rays. The tool may also have a layer of neutron absorbing material different from boron or a layer of heavy metal at least partially surrounding the boron. The tool may be a logging tool used to delineate a porous formation and to determine its porosity. The tool may have a plurality of gamma ray detector/photomultiplier tube pairs and those pairs may be used to determine a formation hydrogen index and/or a borehole hydrogen index.

Abstract: This invention provides a system for estimating change of status of one or a plurality of particle beams, the system comprises a plurality of particle detectors and an estimating unit, wherein one or a plurality of particle beams is being projected to a substrate. The particle detectors detect the one or the plurality particle beams reflected from the substrate to generate one or a plurality of detected signals. The estimating unit estimates change of the status of the one or the plurality of particle beams according to the one or the plurality of detected signals. By such arrangement and estimating method, the system could estimate multiple beams and achieve beam placement accuracy.

Abstract: A detector system measures radioactive material. A fluid path receives at least one aliquot of radiopharmaceutical. The fluid path locates the aliquot within a positioner formed with a concave configuration. A detector is located at an axial distance from the concave surface and determines the level of radioactivity of the aliquot. Alternatively, the fluid path may be less concave and a variable attenuator may be placed between the fluid path and detector. The variable attenuator may have a concavity that is based on the concavity of the fluid path so that the detector's ability to read the radioactivity is optimized. A method for forming an aliquot of radiopharmaceutical in a concave fluid passage. Positioning a detector located a distance from the concave surface to optimize reading spectral energy of the aliquot and activity is determining activity regardless of the position of the aliquot in the passage.

Abstract: A high quality stereo image is displayed by a radiation imaging apparatus that obtains an image for two dimensional observation and two images for stereo display while using a grid. An input section 7 receives input of a user's dominant eye. Radiation image data obtained by imaging with an imaging angle of 0° is employed for an image for the dominant eye during stereo image display, and radiation image data corresponding to the eye opposite the user's dominant eye, from between radiation image data obtained by imaging with an imaging angle of +4° or +4°, are employed for an image for the other eye, to display a stereo image of a breast on a monitor 9.

Abstract: An ion generating apparatus prevents a determination that no ions are being generated even when ions are being generated. The ion generating apparatus includes: an ion generator that generates ions; an ion detector that detects generated ions; an air blower that blows the generated ions to an outside through an air supply passage; and a control section that controls driving of the ion generator and the air blower. The control section stops the air blower at a start of operation, performs ion detection using the ion detector, and determines whether ions are being generated. When the control section determines that no ions are being generated, the control section continuously performs a determination of ion generation. When the control section determines that no ions are being generated in all determinations, it is finally determined that no ions are being generated.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an image acquisition unit configured to acquire a pixel value range for each of a plurality of partial images captured for a plurality of partial imaging ranges which an imaging region of a subject is divided into, an offset value acquisition unit configured to acquire a value indicating pixel value distribution of an overlapping area in each of the plurality of partial images, a correction value acquisition unit configured to calculate for each partial image a shift amount for minimizing a difference between the values indicating pixel value distribution of the overlapping areas, and setting each of the pixel value range within a predetermined range, and a correction unit configured to shift pixel values by the shift amount for each partial image.

Abstract: Provided is a system for overlay measurement in semiconductor manufacturing that includes a generator for exposing an overlay target to radiation and a detector for detecting reflected beams of the overlay target. The reflected beams are for overlay measurement and include at least two different beams.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for minimizing signal noise (20, 22) in thermal, epithermal, and cold neutron fluorescence processes using neutron flux modulation and gamma ray detector pulse gating synchronized to neutron time of flight (NTOF). The apparatus includes a source (12) of thermal, epithermal, and/or cold neutrons, optionally switched between flux or power settings in various embodiments, a gamma ray detector (14) or detection system capable of either being turned ON and OFF, in some embodiments, or else being told to regard or disregard gamma ray signals (20, 22) in other embodiments, a control mechanism (24), and either a target range detector (26) or a prior measurement of target range, in embodiments where the range remains fixed.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed which relate to the calibration and quality assurance of motion tracking enabled radiation therapy machines. A phantom, capable of mimicking human breathing through inflation and deflation of the lungs, houses an independently moving target (tumor) that detects the amount of radiation received from the radiation therapy machine. This amount can be compared with a desired amount to determine if adjustment or repositioning is necessary. The servo-mechanism(s) of the motion tracking enabled radiation therapy machine(s) are adjusted in comparison of detected versus programmed motion of the respiring phantom having incorporated independently moving target that incorporated radiation dose detector(s). In the invention, motion tracking and irradiation mechanisms of the radiation therapy machine are adjusted to calibrate with reference to performance specifications of the radiation therapy machine.

Abstract: Fissionable materials are distinguished from other high-effective atomic number materials by producing dual-energy x-ray radiation sufficient to cause fission in fissionable materials and directing the dual-energy x-ray radiation sufficient to cause fission in fissionable materials towards a physical region. X-ray radiation and a product of fission from the physical region are sensed. An absorption of the dual-energy x-ray radiation by the physical region is determined based on the sensed x-ray radiation, and whether the physical region includes fissionable material is determined based on the presence of a product of fission.

Abstract: A method of determining the presence of 99Tc in a container includes the steps of (a) subjecting the exterior of the container to neutron bombardment of sufficient energy to assure passage of the neutrons to the interior of the container; and (b) observing the emission or non-emission of gamma radiation from the container at energy levels of about 540 keV and about 591 keV as an indicator of the presence or non-presence, respectively, of 99Tc within the container.

Abstract: When a substrate is curved cylindrically, stress concentrates along a stress concentration line on the substrate. First to fourth sub-diffraction gratings are arranged on the substrate such that the stress concentration line overlaps one of the sub-diffraction gratings. This reinforces the substrate to improve its stiffness along the stress concentration line and thus prevents the damage to the substrate along the stress concentration line. Additionally, for example, the first to fourth sub-diffraction gratings are arranged on the substrate such that a gap between the first and second sub-diffraction gratings is out of alignment with a gap between the third and fourth sub-diffraction gratings in a direction of the stress concentration line. This also reinforces the substrate and prevents the damage to the substrate along a line or a portion other than the stress concentration line.

Abstract: An imaging system and method of imaging are disclosed. The imaging system can include an external radiation source producing pairs of substantially simultaneous radiation emissions of a picturization emission and a verification emissions at an emission angle. The imaging system can also include a plurality of picturization sensors and at least one verification sensor for detecting the picturization and verification emissions, respectively. The imaging system also includes an object stage is arranged such that a picturization emission can pass through an object supported on said object stage before being detected by one of said plurality of picturization sensors. A coincidence system and a reconstruction system can also be included. The coincidence can receive information from the picturization and verification sensors and determine whether a detected picturization emission is direct radiation or scattered radiation.

Abstract: A detector array (110) of an imaging system (100) includes a radiation sensitive detector (114, 116) that detects radiation and generates a signal indicative thereof. A current-to-frequency (I/F) converter (202) converts the signal to a pulse train having a frequency indicative of the signal for an integration period. Circuitry (120) generates a first moment and at least one higher order moment based on the pulse train.

Abstract: An apparatus and method obtain an image of an object from a first radiation source in the presence of a second radiation source. The first radiation source is directed at a first side of the object while the second radiation source is directed at the second side of the object. At least one portion of the radiation is detected at the second side of the object. A first signal is produced based on the at least one portion of detected radiation. The first signal has a first radiation component and a second radiation component. At least one other portion of radiation at the second side of the object is filtered and then detected. A second signal is produced based on the detected filtered radiation. The second signal has at least one of a filtered first radiation component and a filtered second radiation component. Then a third signal is produced from the first and second signals. The third signal is a representation of a first radiation component.

Abstract: An imaging operation includes a first imaging operation for outputting image data according to irradiation to the detector with radiation or light in an irradiation field A corresponding to a part of the plurality of pixels, and a second imaging operation for outputting image data according to irradiation to the detector 104 with radiation or light in an irradiation field B wider than the irradiation field A, wherein, responsive to a changing from irradiation in the irradiation field A to irradiation in the irradiation field B, an operation of the detector is controlled so that the detector performs an initializing operation for initializing conversion elements during a period between the first and second imaging operations.

Abstract: A system may include transmission of an activation beam to one or more non-radioactive elements disposed in a patient volume, wherein the elements become radioactive in response to the activation beam, detection of radiation emitted by the one or more now-radioactive elements, determination of respective locations of the one or more now-radioactive elements based on the detected radiation, and transmission of a treatment beam to the patient volume based on the respective locations.

Abstract: One purpose of this invention is to provide radiation tomography apparatus with easier maintenance. A specific approach for this purpose is as follows. That is, a detector ring in the radiation tomography apparatus includes two or more rings. Moreover, a ring moves as to approach a next ring, whereby both the rings are connected. If radiation tomography is conducted while a clearance is provided between the rings, detection sensitivity of the detector ring decreases due to the clearance. On the other hand, according to this invention, the ring moves as to approach the next ring, which results in a narrower clearance. Accordingly, radiation that is not observed may be reduced as much as possible.

Abstract: A presence detection system for detecting objects which move through an entrance of a space. The system is based on the idea to create a signature of a moving object which can be used to determine whether the object is a human being.

Abstract: An apparatus and method relating to screening radioactive waste are disclosed for ensuring that at least one calculated parameter for the measurement data of a sample falls within a range between an upper limit and a lower limit prior to the sample being packaged for disposal. The apparatus includes a radiation detector configured for detecting radioactivity and radionuclide content of the of the sample of radioactive waste and generating measurement data in response thereto, and a collimator including at least one aperture to direct a field of view of the radiation detector. The method includes measuring a radioactive content of a sample, and calculating one or more parameters from the radioactive content of the sample.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for effectively detecting and locating explosive substances within remote targets, including improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The detection apparatus includes a neutron beam generator, a pixilated gamma ray detector, data collection modules and sensors, and a detection processing module. The neutron beam generator includes a fast neutron source, a neutron moderator to slow some or all of the fast neutrons to thermal energies, a partially enclosing neutron shield, and a rotatable neutron shield surrounding the generated neutrons. The neutron shield has an aperture to form a neutron beam directed at a remote target. If the remote target contains explosive substances, gamma rays radiate isotropically from the remote target when it is bombarded by the neutrons. A portion of these gamma rays are intercepted and detected by a plurality of discrete gamma sensing elements contained in the gamma ray detector, which is spaced apart from the neutron source.

Abstract: A method of reconstructing a tomographic image of a region of investigation with reduced artifacts, said method comprises the steps of (a) reconstructing a first partial image and a second partial image of the region of investigation from first and second projection profiles each of which including projection data collected at first and second different groups of parallel projection lines, resp., wherein the first and second projection profiles are provided such that streak aliasing artifacts in the first and second partial images have different spatial phases, and (b) generating the tomographic image of the region of investigation by superimposing the first and second partial images. Preferably, the first and second projection profiles are constructed such that streak aliasing artifacts in the first and second partial images have opposite spatial phases relative to each other. Furthermore, an imaging method and an imaging device for imaging a region of investigation in an object are described.

Abstract: A method for sensing a level of ionizing radiation directed from a radiation source through a subject and toward an imaging detector, the method executed at least in part by a logic processor, obtains positional coordinate data that is indicative of at least a portion of the subject to be exposed to radiation and that defines a radiation measurement area relative to the subject. The method assigns one or more sensing elements to sense radiation within the radiation measurement area. A measurement signal is acquired from each of one or more assigned sensing elements.

Abstract: A radiographic imaging system includes an imaging apparatus which takes a radiographic image of a subject and outputs image data of the radiographic image; an image processing apparatus which performs image processing of at least one of an exposure field recognition process and a trimming process on the image data of the radiographic image; an image processing information storage apparatus which stores the imaging conditions of the radiographic image and image processing information which indicates the image processing and its applicable range in an associated manner; and an image processing information search apparatus which searches for image processing information according to imaging conditions of current imaging, among the image processing information of past imaging stored.

Abstract: A read circuit includes: an integration circuit section configured to perform an integral operation and whose input is connected to an integration node; and a bias circuit connected between a connection node to which a variable resistive element is connected and the integration node. The bias circuit includes: an integration transistor whose source and drain are respectively connected to the connection node and the integration node; an operational amplifier whose output is connected to a gate of the integration transistor, to whose first input a bias voltage is supplied, and whose second input is connected to the source of the integration transistor; and at least one diode element that is connected between the gate and source of the integration transistor and clips a gate-source voltage of the integration transistor.

Abstract: A radiation-detecting probe instrument has a forward working portion housing a radiation detector and a rearward user directed portion, and is in communication with a control assembly for processing and outputting signals received from the radiation detector correlative to a located radionuclide source emitting energy above 88 KeV (for Pb). The disclosed probe instrument forward portion has an annular housing having a radiation transparent tip. The radiation detector is disposed behind the radiation transparent tip. A characteristic x-ray radiation emitting wafer (e.g., Pb) is disposed either between or behind the radiation transparent tip and the radiation detector. A radiation resistant (e.g., W) shield is disposed between the annular housing and the radiation detector and the characteristic x-ray emission wafer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electron emitting element, comprising: a first electrode; an insulating fine particle layer formed on the first electrode; and comprising first insulating fine particles and second insulating fine particles larger than the first insulating fine particles, a surface of the insulating fine particle layer having a projection formed from the second insulating fine particles, and a second electrode formed on the insulating fine particle layer, wherein when a voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode, electrons provided from the first electrode are accelerated in the insulating fine particle layer to be emitted from the second electrode via the projection.

Abstract: A medical imaging device is provided. The medical imagining device includes an object support; a handle; a radiation source configured to emit radiation from a plurality of positions about the object support, wherein the positions are located substantially in a plane; a radiation detector configured to detect the radiation emitted by the radiation source; and displacement means configured to shift the handle relative to the radiation detector and to the radiation source.

Abstract: The invention includes an irradiation nozzle which radiates a line scanning beam, an irradiation position sensor which detects an irradiation position of the line scanning beam, an arithmetic processing circuit unit which measures the stationary time of the line scanning beam at the irradiation position detected by the irradiation position sensor, and an irradiation control unit which performs scanning control of the line scanning beam by utilizing the irradiation position measured by the irradiation position sensor and the stationary time detected by the arithmetic processing circuit unit.

Abstract: A photon generator incorporates a fiber optic element placed in a magnetic field such as that generated by an electric motor or an electric generator for generating a stream of photons. The fiber optic element is coated with a magnetically reactive material such as mercury or a mercury compound, whereby photons are released when the fiber optic element is placed in the electromagnetic field. The photons may be directed by controlling the cross section of the fiber optic element. A collector may be utilized for collecting the stream of photons for conversion into useable energy.

Abstract: A movement distance measuring device that measures, as a movement distance, an amount of change per unit of time in a distance to a detected detection target object, an alarm signal output control device that performs control such that an alarm signal is outputted when the measured movement distance is a predetermined determination threshold value or more, and a determination threshold value varying device that varies the determination threshold value to a larger value when a state in which the movement distance is not less than the determination threshold value continues for not less than a first predetermined period and when a state in which the movement distance is less than the determination threshold value and a difference between the determination threshold value and the movement distance is not greater than a predetermined value continues for not less than a second predetermined period.