Abstract: An X-ray imaging system that produces one or more fan-shaped beams is described. The system includes a target for emitting X rays that includes at least one target focal spot, and one or more graded multilayer optic devices in optical communication with the target. The optics transmits at least a portion of the source X rays to produce the one or more fan-shaped beams. The graded multilayer optic devices include at least a first graded multilayer section for redirecting and transmitting X rays through total internal reflection. The graded multilayer section includes a high-index layer of material having a first complex refractive index n1, a low-index layer of material having a second complex refractive index n2, and a grading zone disposed between the high-index and low-index layers of material. The grading zone includes a grading layer having a third complex refractive index n3 such that Re(n1)>Re(n2)>Re(n3).

Abstract: To produce a grid for radiography, grooves with a high aspect ratio are formed in an X-ray transparent substrate, and a colloidal gold solution is dripped into the grooves in such an amount that the colloidal gold solution does not overflow the grooves. The applied colloidal gold solution flows into the grooves by capillarity. The X-ray transparent substrate is heated from beneath by a laser beam at a portion charged with the colloidal gold solution. Thus, the colloidal gold solution is dried with leaving colloidal gold particles behind. The charging and drying of the colloidal gold solution are repeated, until the grooves are filled with the colloidal gold particles. The grooves and the colloidal gold particles compose X-ray absorbing portions of the grid.

Abstract: A multi-beam x-ray system includes an x-ray source which emits x-rays and a housing with a first part and a second part. The second part is moveable relative to the first part and includes a plurality of optics of different performance characteristics. Each optic, through the movement of the second part relative to the first part, is positioned to a working position so that the optic receives the x-rays from the x-ray source and directs the x-rays with the desired performance attributes to a desired location.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for coupling a fixed-aperture collimator to a variable-aperture collimator. The variable-aperture collimator may be an IRIS collimator having multiple leaves configured to open and close an aperture of the IRIS collimator within which the fixed-aperture collimator is retained.

Abstract: Methods and systems for inspecting objects are disclosed. A portable X-ray backscatter imaging system includes a microfocus X-ray tube to emit X-rays at an object under inspection. A track system rasters the microfocus X-ray tube to inspect the object. A portable hood may enclose the microfocus X-ray tube and the track system against the object A rotation mechanism rotates the microfocus X-ray tube to angle the emitted X-rays at the object. A plurality of solid state detectors receive scattered X-rays to generate an image of the object.

Abstract: An X-ray waveguide according to the present invention includes: a core for guiding an X-ray in such a wavelength band that a real part of the refractive index of a material is 1 or less; and a cladding for confining the X-ray in the core, wherein: the cladding has a periodic structure in which multiple materials having different real parts of the refractive index are periodically arranged in two-dimensional directions perpendicular to the guiding direction of X-ray; and the periodic structure has a period of 100 nm or less.

Abstract: An X-ray waveguide which: shows a small propagation loss of an X-ray; does not deteriorate owing to oxidation; and can be easily produced is realized with an X-ray waveguide, including: a core for guiding an X-ray in such a wavelength band that the real part of refractive index of materials is 1 or less; and a cladding for confining the X-ray in the core, in which: the cladding has a one-dimensional periodic structure consisting of at least two materials having different real parts of refractive index; one of the materials is inorganic one, and another one of materials is any of an organic material, a gas, or vacuum; and the core and the cladding are formed so that the critical angle for total reflection at the interface between the core and the cladding is smaller than a Bragg angle depending on the periodicity of the one-dimensional periodic structure.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for a high resolution radiation treatment system which provide for projecting a field of radiation energy at targeted patient tissue. The system uses a multi-leaf collimator, which is positioned such that a significant clearance is provided between the multi-leaf collimator and the isocenter plane where the targeted tissue is located. The leaves of the multi-leaf collimator are designed to provide for high step resolution in the projected radiation energy shape. Additionally, an embodiment of the system and method herein can provide for a high step resolution in the projected radiation energy shape, and for a dose calculation matrix which has matrix units which coincide with the high step resolution in the projected radiation shape.

Abstract: An x-ray imaging system includes a detector positioned to receive x-rays, and an x-ray tube coupled to a mount structure. The x-ray tube is configured to generate x-rays toward the detector and includes a target, a cathode cup, an emitter attached to the cathode cup and configured to emit a beam of electrons toward the target, the emitter having a length and a width, and a one-dimensional grid positioned between the emitter and the target and attached to the cathode cup at one or more attachment points. The one-dimensional grid includes a plurality of rungs that each extend in a direction of the width of the emitter, and the plurality of rungs are configured to expand and contract relative to the one or more attachment points without substantial distortion with respect to the emitter.

Abstract: Described are optical apparatuses and methods for forming optical apparatuses. The optical apparatus includes a plurality of individually fabricated segments and a holder. Each of the plurality of individually fabricated segments include an inner annular surface and an outer contact surface opposite to the inner annular surface. Each of the inner annular reflecting surfaces define a longitudinal segment axis. The holder contacts each of the outer contact surfaces of the plurality of individually fabricated segments. Each of the longitudinal segment axes of the plurality of individually fabricated segments are linearly aligned.

Abstract: Among other things, an applicator means (20) for x-ray radiation therapy for the irradiation of surfaces, as well as a radiation therapy device are described, having an applicator element (21) for taking up a probe tip or a radiation source element of a radiation source means (11). In order to further develop applicator means (20) in such a way that it is especially suitable also for the irradiation of surfaces, it is provided that applicator element (21) for adjusting different beam characteristics has at least one element (27) for influencing the beam, in particular a lens element, which is disposed in an exchangeable manner at/in applicator element (21). In addition, an advantageous fastening means is described, by means of which applicator means (20) can be attached and fixed on the surface to be treated.

Abstract: An x-ray analysis system with an x-ray source for producing an x-ray excitation beam directed toward an x-ray analysis focal area; and a sample chamber for presenting a fluid sample to the x-ray analysis focal area. The x-ray excitation beam is generated by an x-ray engine and passes through an x-ray transparent barrier on a wall of the chamber, to define an analysis focal area within space defined by the chamber. The fluid sample is presented as a stream supported in the space and streaming through the focal area, using a support structure to guide the sample stream. The chamber's barrier is therefore separated from both the focal area and the sample, resulting in lower corruption of the barrier.

Abstract: A multi-beam x-ray system includes an x-ray source which emits x-rays and a housing with a first part and a second part. The second part is moveable relative to the first part and includes a plurality of optics of different performance characteristics. Each optic, through the movement of the second part relative to the first part, is positioned to a working position so that the optic receives the x-rays from the x-ray source and directs the x-rays with the desired performance attributes to a desired location.

Abstract: An X-ray analysis instrument, in particular, an X-ray diffractometer (21), has an X-ray source (22; SC) that emits an X-ray beam (23), an X-ray optics (24), in particular a multi-layer X-ray mirror, and a collimator mechanism (BM), wherein the collimator mechanism (BM) forms an aperture window (2, 2?) with an aperture opening (3, 3?) through which at least part (26) of the X-ray beam (23) passes.

Abstract: A system for determining ionization susceptibility including a sample, an x-ray generator configured to generate a pulsed x-ray beam, and focusing optics disposed between the sample and the x-ray generator, the focusing optics being configured to focus the pulsed x-ray beam into a spot on the sample.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention discloses a method for producing projective and tomographic images using X-rays, allowing structures of similar composition to be imaged particularly well by combined evaluation of the behaviour of the test object with respect to the phase displacement during passage of the X-rays and its absorption. At least one embodiment of the invention also relates to an X-ray system and a CT system with respective source grids, phase grids, and analytical grids for carrying out the method.

Abstract: An imaging area specifying apparatus that includes a storage component and a specifying component is provided. The storage component stores as correlation information a correlation value correlated with the amount of radiation emitted to each of a plurality of predetermined areas divided from a detection region of a radiation detector that outputs an electric signal indicating a radiological image represented by radiation which is emitted to the detection region for detecting the radiation. The specifying component specifies an imaging area capable of capturing the radiological image of a predetermined size while preventing variations in the amount of radiation emitted to each of the divided areas in the detection region, on the basis of the correlation information stored in the storage component.

Abstract: Provided is a technique for X-ray reflection, such as an X-ray reflecting mirror, capable of achieving a high degree of smoothness of a reflecting surface, high focusing (reflecting) performance, stability in a curved surface shape, and a reduction in overall weight. A silicon plate (silicon wafer) is subjected to thermal plastic deformation to form an X-ray reflecting mirror having a reflecting surface with a stable curved surface shape. The silicon wafer can be deformed to any shape by applying a pressure thereto in a hydrogen atmosphere at a high temperature of about 1300° C. The silicon plate may be simultaneously subjected to hydrogen annealing to further reduce roughness of a silicon surface to thereby provide enhanced reflectance.

Abstract: An x-ray generating system includes a source of x-ray radiation, a waveguide bundle optic for collimating the x-ray radiation produced by the source, a focusing optic for focusing the collimated x-ray radiation to a focal point.

Abstract: A reference structure tomography device is provided which includes a reference structure configured to intercept and modulate energy in the form of waves or otherwise propagating from a source to a sensor, along longitudinal and traverse directions. The reference structure modulates or otherwise conditions the propagating wave to simplify an inversion process on the data set created by the interaction between the wave and the sensors. The reference structure can modulate a wave through multiple types of interactions with the wave including obscuring, defracting, defusing, scattering, and otherwise altering any characteristic of a portion of the wave. By selecting a reference structure that is compatible with the sensors, the number of measurements needed to resolve the source through the source wave is reduced. The reference structure can also increase the resolution of an imaging system.

Abstract: A collector optical system for EUV and X-ray applications is disclosed, wherein the system includes a plurality of mirrors arranged in a nested configuration that is symmetric about an optical axis. The mirrors have first and second reflective surfaces that provide successive grazing incidence reflections of radiation from a radiation source. The first and second reflective surfaces have a corrective shape that compensates for high spatial frequency variations in the far field intensity distribution of the radiation.

Abstract: An x-ray beam processor system that includes an x-ray beam generator for generating x-ray beams; a collecting cone that includes multilayer waveguide optics; a condensing cone that includes multilayer waveguide optics; and polycapillary tubes with channels, where the polycapillary tubes link the collecting cone and the condensing cone.

Abstract: A phase grating used for X-ray phase imaging is provided, in which a pitch can be narrowed by using a diffraction grating with a low aspect ratio. A phase grating used for X-ray phase imaging, characterized in that the phase grating includes a first diffraction grating in which a first projection part whose thickness is formed so that an in-coming X-ray transmits with a phase ?-shifted, and a first aperture part with the same aperture width as a width of the first projection part are cyclically arranged, and a second diffraction grating in which a second projection part with the same width as a width of the first projection part, and a second aperture part with the same aperture width as the aperture width of the first aperture part are cyclically arranged, and the second diffraction grating is formed as displaced on the first diffraction grating.

Abstract: A support system for breast irradiation including a turntable for supporting and rotating a patient about a generally vertical rotational axis, a body-leaning support for supporting the patient leaning thereupon throughout rotation of the patient about the vertical rotational axis, and a radiation shield arranged for shielding non-breast anatomy of the patient from stray radiation, wherein the body-leaning support and the radiation shield are separated from each other by a gap in which breasts of the patient are placeable for irradiation by a horizontal radiation beam.

Abstract: The invention refers to an X-ray beam device for X-ray analytical applications, comprising an X-ray source designed such as to emit a divergent beam of X-rays; and an optical assembly designed such as to focus said beam onto a focal spot, wherein said optical assembly comprises a first reflecting optical element, a monochromator device and a second reflecting optical element sequentially arranged between said source and said focal spot, wherein said first optical element is designed such as to collimate said beam in two dimensions towards said monochromator device, and wherein said second optical element is designed such as to focus the beam coming from said monochromator device in two dimensions onto said focal spot.

Abstract: An imaging optical system has a plurality of mirrors. These image an object field in an object plane into an image field in an image plane. In the imaging optical system, the ratio of a maximum angle of incidence of imaging light) on reflection surfaces of the mirrors and an image-side numerical aperture of the imaging optical system is less than 33.8°. This can result in an imaging optical system which offers good conditions for a reflective coating of the mirror, with which a low reflection loss can be achieved for imaging light when passing through the imaging optical system, in particular even at wavelengths in the EUV range of less than 10 nm.

Abstract: An x-ray absorption grid produced by a lithography method for use in a phase-contrast CT system has at least two individual grids arranged atop one another in the radiation direction. Each individual grid has a grid area with a grid structure including grid webs and grid gaps in alternation. Each individual grid has a region outside of the grid area (outer region). The outer region of the at least two individual grids has toothed structures corresponding to one another at least two points. The toothed structures are generated as well in the production of the grid structure. The toothed structures have a position that is defined relative to the grid structure, such that a defined alignment of the individual grids occurs given a combination of the individual grids by engagement of the toothed structures of individual grids lying atop one another.

Abstract: A scanning probe microscope system capable of identifying an element with atomic scale spatial resolution comprises: an X-ray irradiation means for irradiating a measurement object with high-brilliance monochromatic X-rays having a beam diameter smaller than 1 mm; a probe arranged to oppose to the measurement object; a processing means for detecting and processing a tunneling current through the probe; and a scanning probe microscope having an alignment means for relatively moving the measurement object, the probe, and the incident position of the high-brilliance monochromatic X-rays to the measurement object.

Abstract: A new device for x-ray optics is proposed which is an analogous to zone plates but works for higher x-ray energies. This is achieved by using both refraction and diffraction of the x-rays and building the new device(s) in a three dimensional structure, contrary to the zone plates which are basically a two dimensional device. The three dimensional structure is built from a multitude of prisms, utilizing both refraction and diffraction of incoming x-rays to shape the overall x-ray flux. True two dimensional focusing is achieved in the x-ray energy range usually employed in medical imaging and may be used in a wide area of applications in this field and in other fields of x-ray imaging. The device can be readily produced in large volumes.

Abstract: A high strength window for a radiation detection system includes a plurality of intersecting ribs defining a grid having openings therein with tops of the ribs terminate substantially in a common plane. The intersecting ribs are oriented non-perpendicularly with respect to each other and define non-rectangular openings. The window also includes a support frame around a perimeter of the plurality of intersecting ribs, and a film disposed over and spanning the plurality of intersecting ribs and openings. The film is configured to pass radiation therethrough. An associated radiation detection system includes a sensor disposed behind the window. The sensor is configured to detect radiation passing through the high strength window.

Abstract: A system is in a standby mode as an imaging preparation condition in step S1. If gripping of an operation handle is detected in step S2, the operation goes to step S3, in which an electromagnetic brake is released, thereby allowing a radiation detector to be rotated substantially around the center of an imaging region. If a rotation angle is detected in step S5, a first limiting device covering an effective imaging region of the radiation detector is changed to a second limiting device so as to be constantly arranged within the effective imaging region even during rotation of the radiation detector.

Abstract: An x-ray optical system for producing high intensity x-ray beams. The system includes an optic with a surface formed by revolving a defined contour around a revolving axis that is different than the geometric symmetric axis of the optic. Accordingly, the system may use a source that has a circular emission profile or a large source to provide increased flux to a sample.

Abstract: An x-ray beam processor and system that includes an x-ray beam generator for generating x-ray beams; a mirror shield for shielding the x-ray beams from select areas; a cylindrical waveguide for guiding x-ray beams traveling through the waveguide, which includes a plurality of entry ports and exit ports; a plurality of ring-shaped mirrors disposed adjacent to and generally parallel with the entry ports and the exit ports and sharing a common axis “X” with the waveguide; and mountings for mounting the mirrors to the waveguide.

Abstract: Systems for improving a spatial resolution of an image are described. One of the systems includes an X-ray source configured to generate X-rays, a transmission detector configured to detect the X-rays to output a plurality of electrical signals, and a plate configured to improve the spatial resolution upon receiving the X-rays. The plate is configured to output a fan-beam upon receiving the X-rays.

Abstract: An X-ray lens assembly, a device including the X-ray lens assembly and a method of manufacturing the X-ray lens assembly are described. The X-ray assembly comprises a tube member (50) including an inlet opening (90) for X-rays and an outlet opening (94) for X-rays. Additionally, the assembly comprises a capillary X-ray lens (28) mounted inside the tube member (50). The X-ray lens (28) may be mounted inside the tube member (50) by a stabilizing agent and/or by one or more separate mounting structures (96A, 96B).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus of multi-energy data acquisition. An imaging system is also provided and includes a number of HF electromagnetic energy filters. The filters include at least a first and a second filter wherein the first filter is positioned in a path of HF electromagnetic energy when an HF electromagnetic energy source is energized to a first voltage and the second filter is positioned in the path of HF electromagnetic energy when the HF electromagnetic energy source is energized to a second voltage.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus of multi-energy data acquisition. An imaging system is also provided and includes a number of HF electromagnetic energy filters. The filters include at least a first and a second filter wherein the first filter is positioned in a path of HF electromagnetic energy when an HF electromagnetic energy source is energized to a first voltage and the second filter is positioned in the path of HF electromagnetic energy when the HF electromagnetic energy source is energized to a second voltage.

Abstract: Enhanced methods and a device enabling a plurality of tools for implementing a plurality of procedures for the accurate alignment and calibration of multiple components of the experimental set up at a synchrotron beam line are provided. The device includes an alignment pin or needle for centering a sample rotation axis. The device includes a YAG crystal for visualization of the beam and beam alignment and a metal foil for transmission or fluorescence measurements used for the monochromator calibration. The same, or different foils, or powders, or polymers, can be used for obtaining powder rings for finding the direct beam coordinates, for centering the beamstop on the direct beam and for calibration of the sample-to-detector distance.

Abstract: In a method to determine phase and/or amplitude between interfering, adjacent x-ray beams in a detector pixel in a Talbot interferometer for projective and tomographical x-ray phase contrast imaging and/or x-ray dark field imaging, after an irradiation of the examination subject with at least two coherent or quasi-coherent x-rays, an interference of the at least two coherent or quasi-coherent x-rays with the aid of an irradiated phase grating is generated, and the variation of multiple intensity measurements in temporal succession after an analysis grating is determined in relation to known displacements of one of the gratings or of an x-ray source fashioned like a grating, positioned upstream in the beam path, relative to one of the gratings.

Abstract: An X-ray beam conditioning device that has a crystal holder and a motor is provided. The crystal holder supports a first crystal block and a second crystal block, each of which diffracts X-ray by a specific diffraction angle. The motor can rotate the crystal holder around an axis extending at right angles to a plane including an optical axis of X-ray and can fixedly support the crystal holder at the rotated position. The crystal holder holds the first and second crystal blocks at such angles to each other such that both crystal blocks diffract X-ray. The optical axes of the two crystal blocks can be adjusted by rotating the crystal holder about the axis, that is, the only one axis.

Abstract: A system in one embodiment includes a source for directing a beam of radiation at a sample; a multilayer mirror having a face oriented at an angle of less than 90 degrees from an axis of the beam from the source, the mirror reflecting at least a portion of the radiation after the beam encounters a sample; and a pixellated detector for detecting radiation reflected by the mirror. A method in a further embodiment includes directing a beam of radiation at a sample; reflecting at least some of the radiation diffracted by the sample; not reflecting at least a majority of the radiation that is not diffracted by the sample; and detecting at least some of the reflected radiation. A method in yet another embodiment includes directing a beam of radiation at a sample; reflecting at least some of the radiation diffracted by the sample using a multilayer mirror; and detecting at least some of the reflected radiation.

Abstract: An apparatus for engagement with a LINAC head of a LINAC machine, the LINAC machine generating radiation for intensity modulated radiation therapy of a cancer patient. The apparatus is a member incorporating separately a beam shaping material and a beam sculpting material. The member typically includes a tray and the tray is designed to fit into or adjacent the head of a LINAC machine. When radiation passes through the tray mounted member, it will be modulated and shaped to conform to the tumor of the cancer patient, which patient is radiated by the modified radiation beam.

Abstract: A focusing and shielding device for encephalic photon knife consisting of a body of ray source, a switch and an armet, the ray source body is a hemispherical shell with certain thickness, a ray source cavity for placing ray source and a pre-collimation hole are defined on the hemispherical shell; the ray source cavity is defined on the outer surface of the hemispherical shell, and the pre-collimation hole is define on the inner surface of the hemispherical shell and connecting with the ray source cavity; the switch is defined inside the body of the ray source, and the outer surface of the switch is in hemispherical shape, a middle collimation hole is set on the switch; the armet is deposited inside the switch, and the inner surface is in columnar shape, an end collimation hole is defined on the armet, a therapy path is defined where the middle collimation hole connected with the pre-collimation hole to form the end collimation hole.

Abstract: A system for an intensity-modulated proton therapy of a predetermined target volume within an object includes a proton source to generate a proton beam, a number of proton beam forming units and a beam nozzle having an outlet for the proton beam to penetrate the predetermined target volume of the object, thereby defining a cross sectional scanning exit area. The system includes further a beam bending magnet disposed upstream of the nozzle, and an x-ray tube and an x-ray imager. The x-ray tube is associated with an irradiation channel within the beam bending magnet, wherein the irradiation channel is oriented along the prolongation of the nominal proton beam direction thereby delivering the x-ray beam along the proton beam direction.

Abstract: A CT scanner includes a pair of shields to protect an operator from x-rays from the CT scanner. The CT scanner has a gantry that provides structural support and housing for the components including an x-ray source and a detector arranged on the gantry to face one another. Lead shields are located on opposing sides of the x-ray source and extend between the x-ray source and the detector. The CT scanner further includes a computer located on an opposing side of the gantry from the x-ray source and the detector. The lead shields rotate with the gantry and prevent the x-ray from reaching the operator while the CT scanner is in operation.

Abstract: Described are optical apparatuses and methods for forming optical apparatuses. The optical apparatus includes a plurality of individually fabricated segments and a holder. Each of the plurality of individually fabricated segments include an inner annular surface and an outer contact surface opposite to the inner annular surface. Each of the inner annular reflecting surfaces define a longitudinal segment axis. The holder contacts each of the outer contact surfaces of the plurality of individually fabricated segments. Each of the longitudinal segment axes of the plurality of individually fabricated segments are linearly aligned.

Abstract: An X-ray optical transmission grating of a focus-detector arrangement of an X-ray apparatus is disclosed, for generating projective or tomographic phase contrast recordings of a subject. In at least one embodiment, the grating includes a multiplicity of grating bars and grating gaps arranged periodically on at least one surface of at least one wafer, wherein the X-ray optical transmission grating includes at least two sub-gratings arranged in direct succession in the beam direction.

Abstract: When a tabletop is rolling, an aperture specifying unit calculates an aperture of diaphragm blades such that a radiation field is to be R? based on a rolling angle, where R? is a radiation field having the same radiation area of X-rays after tabletop rolling as a radiation area before the tabletop rolling. The aperture specifying unit instructs a beam-limit control unit to take the calculated aperture of the diaphragm blades in an X-ray beam limiting device. Then, the beam-limit control unit controls the aperture of the diaphragm blades such that the radiation field is to be R?.

Abstract: An x-ray optical system for producing high intensity x-ray beams. The system includes an optic with a surface formed by revolving a defined contour around a revolving axis that is different than the geometric symmetric axis of the optic. Accordingly, the system may use a source that has a circular emission profile or a large source to provide increased flux to a sample.

Abstract: A radiosurgery system is described that is configured to deliver a therapeutic dose of radiation to a target structure in a patient. In some embodiments, inflammatory ocular disorders are treated, specifically macular degeneration. In some embodiments, other disorders or tissues of a body are treated with the dose of radiation. In some embodiments, the target tissues are placed in a global coordinate system based on ocular imaging. In some embodiments, the target tissues inside the global coordinate system lead to direction of an automated positioning system that is directed based on the target tissues within the coordinate system. In some embodiments, a treatment plan is utilized in which beam energy and direction and duration of time for treatment is determined for a specific disease to be treated and/or structures to be avoided. In some embodiments, a fiducial marker is used to identify the location of the target tissues.