Abstract: In a nuclear medicine imaging apparatus as a medical image diagnosis apparatus according to one embodiment, a PET detector is configured to detect a gamma ray emitted from a nuclide introduced into a body of a subject. A PET image reconstruction unit is configured to reconstruct a nuclear medicine image (PET image) as a medical image from the gamma ray projection data created based on the gamma ray detected by the PET detector using successive approximation. A controller is configured to control the PET image reconstruction unit to change the parameter used in the successive approximation depending on information regarding the scanning region in the body of the subject.

Abstract: A variable waveform detector may include multiple stages.

Abstract: A detection system and a method for detecting ions which have been separated in a time-of-flight (TOF) mass analyser, comprising an amplifying arrangement for converting ions into packets of secondary particles and amplifying the packets of secondary particles, wherein the amplifying arrangement is arranged so that each packet of secondary particles produces at least a first output and a second output separated in time and so that during the delay between producing the first and second output the first output produced by a packet of secondary particles is used for modulating the second output produced by the same packet. An increased dynamic range of detection and protection of the detection system against intense ion pulses is thereby provided.

Abstract: An X-ray detector with photon-counting directly converting detector elements and a method for the temperature stabilization of at least one detector element of an X-ray detector of a CT system are disclosed, wherein the detector elements use a sensor material which converts incident photons of radiation directly into free-moving charge in the sensor material and wherein with the aid of a circuit arrangement (e.g. an ASIC), the number of incident photons in relation to predefined energy ranges (e.g., to imaging) is determined, wherein the total electrical power of at least one detector element is kept constant regardless of the incident intensity of radiation.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a detector (104) having a first area where irradiation occurs in a radiation field (A) and a second area other than the first area where irradiation occurs in a radiation field (B) and configured to output image data, and an image processing unit (601) that performs image processing on the image data. The image processing unit (601) includes a storage unit (602) that stores dark output information, a measurement unit (607) that measures the integral dose of the radiation or light applied to a pixel in the first area and the integral dose of the radiation or light applied to a pixel in the second area, and a correction unit (610) that corrects the image data, based on the dark output information obtained from the storage unit (602) and the integral doses measured by the measurement unit (607), when changing of the radiation field has occurred.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for the detection and mapping of radiation, the device comprising a polymeric core (18) located within an external shell material (1), wherein the polymeric core comprises a plurality of stacked polymeric sheets comprising at least one radiation sensitive component which is sensitive to said radiation emitted by said radioactive materials and the external sheath comprises a collimation sheath (1). Preferably, the polymeric core comprises a cubic, cylindrical, spherical or truncated spherical shape which is encased within the external shell. The external shell is preferably comprised of a metal, most preferably tungsten.

Abstract: A radiation detection system can include a radiation detector to detect radiation and an audio output device to produce audible sounds. The detected radiation can correspond to radiation information including energy information and energy intensity information. In an embodiment, the audio output device can produce an audio spectrum in a scanning mode, and in another embodiment, the audio output device can produce sounds at corresponding sound repetition rates depending on the energy intensity of the detected radiation. A method of using a radiation detection system can include placing an object near a radiation detector, generating a radiation signal corresponding to radiation emitting from the object, and analyzing the radiation signal to generate radiation information including energy information and energy intensity information.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing improved detectors for use in SPECT cameras. The improved detectors use pinhole apertures and surfaces calculated to provide improved sensitivity and resolution. In some embodiments, the detectors have non-planar surfaces. In some embodiments, the surfaces are spherical, conical, parabolic, or other non-planar forms.

Abstract: A method is provided for examining mail items with regard to dangerous contents. In a first step, the mail item is scanned in such a manner that the contours of the contents of the mail item are made visible. After an evaluation of the contents of the mail item, a spectral analysis of the content of the mail item occurs in a second step in pre-determinable areas of the mail item.

Abstract: A method for discriminating a radioactive anomaly from naturally occurring radioactive materials includes detecting a first number of gamma photons having energies in a first range of energy values within a predetermined period of time and detecting a second number of gamma photons having energies in a second range of energy values within the predetermined period of time. The method further includes determining, in a controller, a ratio of the first number of gamma photons having energies in the first range and the second number of gamma photons having energies in the second range, and determining that a radioactive anomaly is present when the ratio exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: The present invention provides a radiation detector for detecting both the intensity and direction of one or more sources of radiation comprising a radiation sensor, an inverse collimator that shields the sensor from at least a portion of the incident radiation originating from the direction in which the inverse collimator is pointed and a means for pointing the inverse collimator in different directions.

Abstract: A radiation detection device includes a radiation detection sensor, a first integration section, a second integration section and a determination section. The first integration section obtains a first integration value by integrating values expressed by signals output from the sensor over a predetermined period of time. The second integration section obtains a second integration value by integrating amounts of change per specific time duration in values expressed by the signals output from the sensor over the predetermined period of time. The determination section determines whether or not radiation has been detected by the sensor based on a ratio of the first integration value to the second integration value.

Abstract: Among other things, one or more techniques and/or systems are described for creating virtual channels in a photon emitting imaging modality. The imaging modality comprises a plurality of photon counting channels. Information yielded from two or more photon counting channels during a same or similar acquisition view may be combined to yield a virtual channel that represents a portion of the detection surface substantially equivalent to an area comprised by the two or more photon counting channels. In one example, within a same acquisition view, some virtual channels may comprise a different number of photon counting channels than other virtual channels. Also, different sets of virtual channels may be created for a same acquisition view to produce different images from a single set of data, for example, where there may be overlap between virtual channels such that the same photon counting channel is comprised in more than one virtual channel.

Abstract: A detection unit for detecting ionizing radiation including a crystal that interacts with incoming radiation; a processing module that analyzes the incoming radiation detected by the crystal; a positioning module that determines position of the detection unit; and a network interface module that receives and transmits time stamped radiation data and position information from/to a plurality of other detection units. The detection unit automatically identifies other detection units that are located close to form a cluster. The detection unit also includes radiation data integration logic that integrates the incoming radiation data from all detectors in cluster, the position of the detection unit, the received radiation data from other detection units and the received position information from other detection units in real time, and process it simultaneously, that allows significantly improve performance and reliability.

Abstract: A radiation irradiation initiation detection apparatus includes an acquisition unit, an averaging unit, a calculation unit and a determination unit. The acquisition unit acquires a detection result for each of frames from a detection section that detects radiation. The averaging unit averages the detection results of a plural number of frames, which detection results have been previously acquired by the acquisition unit. The calculation unit calculates at least one of a difference or a ratio between the most recent detection result acquired by the acquisition unit and an averaging result from the averaging unit. The determination unit determines whether or not irradiation of radiation has been initiated on the basis of calculation results from the calculation unit.

Abstract: Radio frequency energy deposition analysis can include receiving information defining one or more radio frequency sources. Information defining one or more objects interacting with energy from the radio frequency sources may also be received. Ray traces of radio frequency energy from the radio frequency source to the object may be calculated. Ray traces of radio frequency energy reflected off of the object can also be calculated. Finally, the radio frequency energy deposited onto the object from the ray traces can be determined. The deposited energy may be graphically displayed and queried.

Abstract: The state of an emitter can be determined by measurements of how the current changes with the extraction voltage. A field factor ? function is determined by series of relatively simple measurements of charged particles emitted at different conditions. The field factor can then be used to determine derived characteristics of the emission that, in the prior art, were difficult to determine without removing the source from the focusing column and mounting it in a specialized apparatus. The relations are determined by the source configuration and have been found to be independent of the emitter shape, and so emission character can be determined as the emitter shape changes over time, without having to determine the emitter shape and without having to redefine the relation between the field factor and the series of relatively simple measurements, and the relationships between the field factor and other emission parameters.

Abstract: A device for combined optical and nuclear image comprises a nuclear image acquisition module and a reference image acquisition module. The reference image acquisition module has: an optical image sensor and an optical imaging system for deflecting the optical radiation from a reference field of view to the image sensor, wherein the optical imaging system comprises a mirror for the optical radiation, which mirror is arranged between the reference field of view and the optical image sensor. On the image sensor, a respective image area is assigned to at least one of nuclear partial fields of view. The optical imaging system is arranged such that the optical radiation coming from the at least one nuclear partial field of view is deflected substantially exactly to the respectively assigned of the image areas.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drawing apparatus which performs drawing on a substrate with a plurality of charged particle beams, the apparatus including a stage configured to hold the substrate and to be moved, a charged particle optical system including a deflector configured to deflect the plurality of charged particle beams, a detector configured to detect a charged particle arrived thereat by causing a charged particle beam to impinge on a mark including a plurality of mark elements formed on one of the substrate and the stage, and a processor configured to perform a process of obtaining a position of the mark.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for amplitude digitization of nuclear radiation pulses.

Abstract: An APS readout circuit includes a pixel sensing unit, an integrating unit, and a voltage offset unit. The pixel sensing unit senses an X-ray irradiation amount to obtain a current signal in varying. The current signal is obtained by subtracting a sensing current in varying from a base current. The integrating unit is coupled with the pixel sensing unit to receive the current signal and convert the current signal into a voltage signal. The integrating unit includes a short circuit switch with a switch-on state for resetting the integrating unit and a switch-off state for directly outputting the current signal. The voltage offset unit is connected to an output terminal of the integrating unit and generates an offset voltage. In a sampling period, a base voltage of the voltage signal output from the pixel sensing unit is substantially removed by the offset voltage. An amplified sensing voltage is then obtained.

Abstract: Test samples for use in conducting integrated circuit alpha particle emissions testing, processes for preparing test samples for use in conducting integrated circuit alpha particle emissions testing, and processes for conducting integrated circuit alpha particle emissions testing using the test samples, are described. The approach takes into account the effects of the relative physical positions of the respective components within a final integrated circuit package, and takes into account the effect of contamination of individual components or of the integrated circuit package as a whole due to conditions and/or processes performed during the production process. The described approach relates to test sample preparation and integrated circuit alpha particle emissions testing for integrated circuits in which the alpha particle emission levels are extremely low, i.e., in the ultra low alpha region, for example, alpha particle emissions less than 0.002 cph/cm2.

Abstract: An defect detection system includes an exoemission sensor having a conductive layer and an insulating layer. The exoemission sensor is mountable to a material of interest and configured to receive exoemissions from the material while in an atmosphere. The exoemission sensor outputs a signal based upon the received emissions. An analysis device is configured to receive the signal from the exoemission sensor and determine whether a defect is present in the material based upon the signal.

Abstract: Field balancing may be performed with an irradiation system including a plurality of adjustable radiant-energy emitters. The irradiation system powers the radiant-energy emitters from a power source and radiant energy is emitted from the radiant-energy emitters, where an amount of radiant energy emitted from each emitter is capable of being varied based on power received from the power source. A plurality of radiant-energy sensors detects an amount of radiant energy which includes radiant energy created directly by at least one of the radiant-energy emitters. The amount of radiant energy detected at at least two of the radiant-energy sensors is compared, and at least one of the radiant-energy emitters is adjusted by varying the power received from the power source so that the amount of radiant energy detected at each of the radiant-energy sensors tends towards becoming approximately equal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-energy secondary electron detector comprising a collector P supporting only three electrodes that are insulated from one another and that are biased relative to the collector: a first repulsion electrode A1 for repelling charges of a first predetermined sign that are to be repelled, this negatively-biased electrode being provided with at least one opening for passing electrons; a second repulsion electrode A2 for repelling charges of the opposite sign that are to be repelled, this positively-biased electrode also being provided with at least one opening for passing electrons; and a selection electrode A3, this electrode also being provided with at least one opening for passing electrons; the openings in said electrodes being in alignment along a conduction cylinder D. Furthermore, the selection electrode A3 is negatively biased. The invention also provides a method of detecting secondary electrons by means of the detector.

Abstract: A discrimination parameter calculation method for photon detectors in this invention, applies two types of fitting functions which approximate waveforms of count numbers relative to energy ratios to the data having accumulated output waveform signals, and calculates fitting parameters of both the fitting functions. Based on both the fitting parameters, count numbers which are 1/n of peaks of both the fitting functions, and a value of the energy ratio of both the fitting functions corresponding to the count numbers is calculated as discrimination parameter k. Thus, whatever kind first photon detecting elements 35 and second photon detecting elements 37 may be, since discrimination parameter k is automatically calculated based on the fitting parameters after carrying out a fitting with the fitting functions, the discrimination parameter can be calculated with high accuracy.

Abstract: An active detector and methods for detecting molecules, including large molecules such as proteins and oligonucleotides, at or near room temperature based on the generation of electrons via field emission (FE) and/or secondary electron emission (SEE). The detector comprises a semiconductor membrane having an external surface that is contacted by one or more molecules, and an internal surface having a thin metallic layer or other type of electron emitting layer. The kinetic energy of molecules contacting the semiconductor membrane is transferred through the membrane and induces the emission of electrons from the emitting layer. An electron detector, which optionally includes means for electron amplification, is positioned to detect the emitted electrons.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for radiation detection is herein described. The apparatus consists of two radiation-detection arrays: A primary radiation-detection array, based on scintillator-CMOS design, and a secondary radiation-detection array, mounted on the back of said primary array. A method of controlling the detection operation is described, where output of the secondary array is exploited for controlling the acquisition-start and acquisition-stop of the primary array. Further, the apparatus is equipped with fast memory for storage of correction tables, and with a processor for fast computation of the correction. A method of calibration is also describes with tables for: offset correction, gain correction, and for defect-pixel correction. These tables are evaluated by the fast processor and stored on the fast memory. A method of real-time evaluation of the signal corrections is described, which depends on the acquisition-start and acquisition-stop timings and which results a clean, artifact-free image.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for inspecting UV illuminance in multi-level UV bake furnace for TFT-LCD manufacturing process and a pickup assembly device for performing the method. The method for inspecting UV illuminance in multi-level UV bake furnace for TFT-LCD manufacturing process includes the following steps: Step 1: providing a multi-level bake furnace for TFT-LCD manufacturing process, a pickup device, an inspection control system, and a sensor for inspecting UV illuminance; Step 2: mounting the sensor on the pickup device; Step 3: connecting the inspection control system and the sensor with communication; Step 4: operating the pickup device to bring the sensor to a site in a level of the multi-level UV bake furnace where inspection of UV illuminance is to be made; and Step 5: sensor collecting data and transmitting the data so collected to the inspection control system to thereby realize inspection.

Abstract: A photon counting detector and a photon counting and detecting method using the same is provided. The photon counting detector includes readout circuits configured to count photons in multi-energy radiation incident to a sensor, the photons being counted with respect to each of a plurality of energy bands of the multi-energy radiation, the readout circuits respectively corresponding to pixels of a region onto which the multi-energy radiation is irradiated, each of the readout circuits being configured to count photons in a predetermined one of the energy bands, at least one of the readout circuits being configured to count photons in at least one of energy bands other than the predetermined one of the energy bands.

Abstract: A particle beam generating device includes at least one accelerator unit for generating a particle beam and at least one emission unit for the output of the at least one particle beam onto a workpiece. The device is configured to release at least two particle beams including hadronic particles with at least one of a different mass or a different charge.

Abstract: An X-ray imager includes a photo detector, a pixel array, a scan line and a data line. The photo detector includes a plurality of X-ray sensitive particles that are configured to be electrically isolating and to generate charge carriers upon absorption of X-ray photons. In one example embodiment, the photo detector includes a layer of an electrically isolating material, within which the plurality of X-ray sensitive particles are distributed. The pixel array includes multiple pixels each defined by a space between a first surface and a second surface of the layer. The scan line is configured to activate a corresponding row of the pixels in the pixel array. The data line is configured to read data from a corresponding column of the pixels in the pixel array.

Abstract: A mechanical device for supporting and attaching at least one ionizing radiation detection probe. For each detection probe it includes one probe-holder ending in a collimator-holder able to support a collimator intended to delimit a field of observation of the detection probe, and an attachment device intended to be attached to a glove port of a glove box, where the probe-holder, or each probe-holder, cooperates with the said attachment device.

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: Systems and methods are provided for efficiently performing daily maintenance or quality assurance on proton therapy systems. Specifically, a system is provided which includes a solid-state phantom, a plurality of ionization chambers disposed within the solid-state phantom, and a measuring device coupled to the plurality of ionization chambers and operable to perform radiation measurements of proton beams received within the plurality of ionization chambers. Measurements of proton beams received in the ionization chambers may be used to derive the dose at the ionization chambers and be subsequently compared to pre-generated target data (e.g., data corresponding to proper treatment according to a radiation therapy treatment plan). If the data obtained through the maintenance procedure does not conform to the target data, the proton beam generator may be further calibrated.

Abstract: A pallet (10) for use with a gamma camera includes a rigid sheet (30) having a thickness (d) of less than six millimeters and a strength-enhancing curvature transverse to an axial direction (DA). At least a portion of an edge (32) of the rigid sheet has a bevel (B) with a length (x) along the sheet of at least about ten millimeters and a height (y) of at least about four-fifths of the sheet thickness. A protective covering (34) is disposed over the beveled edge. In a nuclear imaging method, a subject is disposed on the rigid sheet and a radiological image is acquired of at least a portion of the subject disposed on the sheet with at least one radiation detector head (8) positioned underneath or at an oblique angle below the subject. The bevel is effective to reduce or blur an edge artifact in the acquired image.

Abstract: A tomographic image of a subject is generated from projection image data acquired in a series of image capturing processes carried out by a radiation detector based on radiation emitted from a radiation source and transmitted through the subject. An extrapolating process is performed on each of the projection image data along a prescribed direction, and a smoothing process is performed on each of the projection image data along a direction perpendicular to the prescribed direction, thereby determining values of a plurality of pixels in non-detecting regions, which do not belong to a detecting region of the radiation detector. The determined values of the pixels also are used to generate the tomographic image.

Abstract: An Aharonov-Bohm (AB) sensor is provided. The AB sensor includes a beam splitter configured to split a first electron beam into a first wave and a second wave. The beam splitter is configured to direct the first wave along a first path through a field-free cage. A phase of the first wave is configured to shift in response to a vector potential of a signal. The vector potential is present within the field-free cage. The AB sensor includes a beam combiner configured to combine the phase shifted first wave with the second wave to generate a second electron beam, which is modulated based on the phase shift of the first wave. The AB sensor includes a detector configured to receive the second electron beam and to detect the signal based on the modulation of the second electron beam.

Abstract: A radiation image capturing device is provided with plural pixels, a detection unit and a control unit. The pixels are each provided with a sensor portion and a switching element that reads out charges generated at the sensor portion and outputs the charges to a signal line. The detection unit detects the start of irradiation if electronic signals according to the charges satisfy a pre-specified condition for irradiation detection. After the start of irradiation of radiation is detected, the control unit acquires electronic signals corresponding to the charges and determines whether the acquired electronic signals include an electronic signal caused by noise. If the electronic signal caused by noise is included, the control unit controls a reporting unit so as to report this.

Abstract: A method and system for facilitating the identification and/or authentication of objects, and to a method and system for the marking of objects with an identity and/or as of authentic origin, and a set of objects marked to facilitate subsequent identification and/or authentication are described. The marking comprises incorporating into an object or part thereof or onto a tag mechanically engaged therewith a marker material exhibiting a characteristic radiation interaction response to incident high-energy ionizing radiation from a test source that is known to vary spectroscopically across the spectrum of the source. The presence or otherwise of the marker material may be determined by subsequent interrogation of an object with a suitable radiation source and detector to infer whether an object is of marked identity or origin.

Abstract: Digital images or the charge from pixels in light sensitive semiconductor based imagers may be used to detect gamma rays and energetic particles emitted by radioactive materials. Methods may be used to identify pixel-scale artifacts introduced into digital images and video images by high energy gamma rays. Statistical tests and other comparisons on the artifacts in the images or pixels may be used to prevent false-positive detection of gamma rays. The sensitivity of the system may be used to detect radiological material at distances in excess of 50 meters. Advanced processing techniques allow for gradient searches to more accurately determine the source's location, while other acts may be used to identify the specific isotope. Coordination of different imagers and network alerts permit the system to separate non-radioactive objects from radioactive objects.

Abstract: 4-Fluoro-4-phenylpiperidin-1-yl ? antagonists of general structure as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising compounds of formula I, are disclosed. These compounds and compositions are useful as treatments of conditions or diseases associated with binding opioid receptors including pain, obesity, hyperalgesia, inflammation, osteoarthritis, drug addiction, and cancer. These compounds and compositions are also useful as treatments for tardive dyskinesia.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a drive laser system producing an amplified light beam of pulses that travels along a drive axis; a beam delivery system that directs the amplified light beam of pulses toward a target region; a target material delivery system that provides a target mixture containing a target material in the target region; two or more sensors radially separated from a main axis that crosses the target region, the two or more sensors being configured to detect energy of ultraviolet electromagnetic radiation emitted from a plasma state of the target material when the amplified light beam of pulses intersects the target mixture; and a controller that receives the output from the two or more sensors. The controller is configured to estimate a relative radial alignment between the target mixture and the drive axis within the target region based on an analysis of the detected energy.

Abstract: An Aharonov-Bohm (AB) sensor is provided. The AB sensor includes a beam splitter configured to split a first electron beam into a first wave and a second wave. The beam splitter is configured to direct the first wave along a first path through a field-free cage. A phase of the first wave is configured to shift in response to a vector potential of a signal. The vector potential is present within the field-free cage. The AB sensor includes a beam combiner configured to combine the phase shifted first wave with the second wave to generate a second electron beam, which is modulated based on the phase shift of the first wave. The AB sensor includes a detector configured to receive the second electron beam and to detect the signal based on the modulation of the second electron beam.

Abstract: In an ion implanter, a detector assembly is employed to monitor the ion beam current and incidence angle at the location of the work piece or wafer. The detector assembly includes a plurality of pairs of current sensors and a blocker panel. The blocker panel is coupled to the detector array to move together with the detector array. The blocker panel is also disposed a distance away from the sensors to allow certain of the beamlets that comprise the ion beam to reach the sensors. Each sensor in a pair of sensors measures the beam current incident thereon and the incident angle is calculated using these measurements. In this manner, beam current and incidence angle variations may be measured at the work piece site and be accommodated for, thereby avoiding undesirable beam current profiles.

Abstract: An apparatus including a scintillator panel which absorbs X-rays radiated from an X-ray generator and converts the X-rays into visible light; an image detector including a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix array and charging the plurality of pixels with electric charges proportional to intensity of the visible light converted by the scintillator panel; a gate driver which selects a line in the image detector and applies a drive signal to pixels in the selected line; an automatic exposure request signal generator which generates an automatic exposure request signal as a trigger signal informing of X-ray radiation through detection of X-rays radiated from the X-ray generator; and a controller which controls a time point of performing an exposure operation depending on a state of the drive signal applied to the pixels of the selected line in response to the automatic exposure request signal is disclosed.

Abstract: Electronic devices may include time-of-flight image pixels. A time-of-flight image pixel may include first and second charge storage regions coupled to a photosensor and a transfer transistor with a gate terminal coupled to the first storage region. An electronic device may further include a light pulse emitter configured to emit pulses of light to be reflected by objects in a scene. Reflected portions of the emitted pulses of light may be captured along with background light by the time-of-flight image pixels. Time-of-flight image pixels may be configured sense the time-of-flight of the reflected portions of the emitted pulses. The electronic device may include processing circuitry configured to use the sensed time-of-flight of the reflected portions to generate depth images of a scene. Depth images may include depth-image pixel values that contain information corresponding to the distance of the objects in the scene from the electronic device.

Abstract: With the aid of discriminators on a picture element of an X-ray detector, digital outputs are generated that indicate energy intervals to which X-ray quanta are allocated. If this occurs for adjacent picture elements, a distinction may be made between true coincidences, in which k-fluorescence photons play a part, and random coincidences in which two primary quanta randomly strike adjacent picture elements. The energy of the primary quantum may also be at least roughly reconstructed in the case of true coincidences. An energy-triggering measurement may thereby be provided to the extent that different materials of a picture object should be distinguished.

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: A system and method are disclosed for the simultaneous optical disinfection and detection of biological particles in a flowing fluid, such as air or water, medium. A light source for irradiating the flowing medium is a dual wavelength laser element simultaneously emitting a visible laser beam and an ultraviolet laser beam. In particular, a laser diode may generate a first visible laser light beam, and a second ultraviolet laser light beam may be generated by passing the first laser light beam through a frequency doubling crystal. Optical detectors measure scattering, fluorescence and/or transmission of the laser light beams from the air or water medium to determine the presence of biological particles in real-time.