Abstract: The present application discloses an X-ray scanner having an X-ray source arranged to emit X-rays from source points through an imaging volume. The scanner may further include an array of X-ray detectors which may be arranged around the imaging volume and may be arranged to output detector signals in response to the detection of X-rays. The scanner may further include a conveyor arranged to convey an object through the imaging volume in a scan direction, and may also include at least one processor arranged to process the detector signals to produce an image data set defining an image of the object. The image may have a resolution in the scan direction that is at least 90% as high as in one direction, and in some cases two directions, orthogonal to the scan direction.

Abstract: Apparatus for interrupting and/or scanning a beam of penetrating radiation, such as for purposes of inspecting contents of a container. A source, such as an x-ray tube, generates a fan beam of radiation effectively emanating from a source axis, with the width of the fan beam collimated by a width collimator, such as a clamshell collimator. An angular collimator, stationary during the course of scanning, limits the extent of the scan, and a multi-aperture unit, such as a hoop, or a nested pair of hoops, is rotated about a central axis, and structured in such a manner that beam flux incident on a target is conserved for different fields of view of the beam on the target. The central axis of hoop rotation need not coincide with the source axis.

Abstract: A method for adaptive frame scanning for pulsed x-ray imaging comprising the steps of: scanning lines on an image detector sequentially; receiving an indication that radiation is about to begin; waiting a fixed delay after the indication is received; suspending scanning after the fixed delay has lapsed; and resuming scanning of lines on the detector upon receiving an indication that radiation has stopped. By monitoring for completion of a frame a predetermined frame delay can be added before commencing the next line scan to accommodate jitter in the radiation pulse timing.

Abstract: Methods for energy-sensitive computed tomography systems that use checkerboard filtering. A method of enhancing image analysis of projection data acquired using a detector configured with a checkerboard filter includes disposing in a system a detector to receive a transmitted beam of X-rays traversing through an object, where the system is configured so the detector receives both high- and one of total- and low-energy projection data; receiving the high- and one of total- and low-energy projection data at the detector; and then estimating an effective atomic number of the object and/or processing the projection data so as to mitigate reconstruction artifacts. The present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiment(s), and it is recognized that equivalents, alternatives, and modifications, aside from those expressly stated, are possible and within the scope of the appended claims.

Abstract: Methods and systems are generally described for measuring a voltage used by an imaging system to generate radiation used in imaging. In embodiments, different datasets are acquired using different degrees of attenuation of the radiation. The differently attenuated datasets are processed to derive a ratio of the differential attenuation. The attenuation ratio is processed to derive a measure of the voltage used by the imaging system to generate the radiation used to acquire the different datasets.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in imaging an area of interest within a patient's body, including a stationary frame; a rotating assembly mounted on the stationary frame, the rotating assembly including an axle assembly having a substantially horizontal axis of rotation, an X-ray source having a focal spot that coincides with the horizontal axis of rotation; a collimator from which a fan-shaped X-ray beam exits towards a detector assembly, and a rotating frame mechanically coupled to the detector assembly and pivoting about the horizontal axis of rotation. The detector assembly includes a linear X-ray detector for detecting radiation of the fan-shaped X-ray beam after the beam passes through the area of interest, and is mechanically coupled to a motor that enables arcuate movement of the detector assembly in a transverse direction. The motor is mechanically coupled to the rotating assembly to enable rotational movement of the rotating assembly.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a plurality of imaging apparatuses, each of the imaging apparatuses includes a detector for performing an imaging operation for outputting image data corresponding to applied radiation or light and a controller for controlling the operation of the detector. The imaging apparatuses can independently perform an imaging operation and are movable in accordance with a relative positional relationship thereof. Sensing means obtain information indicative of the relative positional relationship between the imaging apparatuses. A control computer sends a control signal for determining operations of the imaging apparatuses to the controller. The control computer determines the operations of the imaging apparatuses by using the information obtained from the sensing means; and sets an appropriate scanning direction of each of the imaging apparatuses in accordance with the positional relationship thereof.

Abstract: Methods and systems for X-ray imaging are disclosed. An X-ray imaging system includes an X-ray tube to generate X-rays and a detector array to capture scattered X-rays. A rotational collimator directs the X-rays at an object under inspection. Rotational mechanisms rotate the X-ray tube and the detector array about a roll axis and a yaw axis to inspect various portions of the object. A track unit mechanism moves the X-ray imaging system linearly along a track unit to further inspect portions of the object.

Abstract: A collimator device has at least one masking device that is adjustable between two end positions for collimation of a beam fan in an x-ray CT device, wherein the x-ray fan is schematically not masked in a first end position. The x-ray beam is more than half-masked in a second end position of the masking device. In a method for operation of such a collimator device as well as an x-ray CT device for examination of a subject having an x-ray source, a collimator device, and a control device for regulation of the aperture width of the masking device, an x-ray detector is arranged opposite the x-ray source and the collimator device and that detects the x-rays modified due to the intervening examination subject; and an image construction device reconstructs an image of the examination subject therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in imaging an area of interest within a patient's body, including a stationary frame; a rotating assembly mounted on the stationary frame, the rotating assembly including an axle assembly having a substantially horizontal axis of rotation, an X-ray source having a focal spot that coincides with the horizontal axis of rotation; a collimator from which a fan-shaped X-ray beam exits towards a detector assembly, and a rotating frame mechanically coupled to the detector assembly and pivoting about the horizontal axis of rotation. The detector assembly includes a linear X-ray detector for detecting radiation of the fan-shaped X-ray beam after the beam passes through the area of interest, and is mechanically coupled to a motor that enables arcuate movement of the detector assembly in a transverse direction. The motor is mechanically coupled to the rotating assembly to enable rotational movement of the rotating assembly.

Abstract: Methods and systems are generally described for measuring a voltage used by an imaging system to generate radiation used in imaging. In embodiments, different datasets are acquired using different degrees of attenuation of the radiation. The differently attenuated datasets are processed to derive a ratio of the differential attenuation. The attenuation ratio is processed to derive a measure of the voltage used by the imaging system to generate the radiation used to acquire the different datasets.

Abstract: Imaging apparatus comprises a radiation source arranged to generate a divergent imaging beam and an associated radiation detector mounted on a C-arm which can rotate. A first drive is arranged to move the radiation source and the detector relative to a subject in a scanning direction to generate output signals from the detector, thereby performing a scan generating image data containing distortion in a direction transverse to the scanning direction. A second drive is arranged to rotate the C-arm, to change the orientation of the radiation source in a direction transverse to the scanning direction incrementally between repeated scans, thereby to generate a plurality of sets of image data.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inspecting personnel or their effects. A first and second carriage each carries a source for producing a beam of penetrating radiation incident on a subject. A positioner provides for synchronized relative motion of each carriage vis-à-vis the subject in a direction having a vertical component. A detector receives radiation produced by at least one of the sources after the radiation interacts with the subject.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inspecting personnel or their effects. A first and second carriage each carries a source for producing a beam of penetrating radiation incident on a subject. A positioner provides for synchronized relative motion of each carriage vis-á-vis the subject in a direction having a vertical component. A detector receives radiation produced by at least one of the sources after the radiation interacts with the subject.

Abstract: When distance compute unit 81 received the instruction of the moving destination at the center of the exposure field 4a from center transfer operation unit 74, calculates the moving amount. Operating information processing unit 8 sends beam-limiting control unit 62 the calculated moving amount. Upside beam-limiting control unit 63 to right side beam-limiting control unit of beam-limiting control unit 62 makes the moving amount at the center of the exposure field 4a prescribed-times ((H1/H2) times in FIG. 3), calculates the moving amount of each diaphragm blade unit 51 in the upper part, the lower side, and the left part and the right part respectively.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an x-ray apparatus. The x-ray apparatus comprises a vacuum tube. A cathode is located in the vacuum tube and capable of emitting electrons. A rotatable magnetic anode located in the vacuum tube, capable of being rotated by a motor located outside of the vacuum tube, and capable of generating an x-ray beam in response to receiving the electrons emitted by the cathode.

Abstract: An inspection system based on penetrating radiation in which the field of view of a scan may be varied. First and second primary limiting apertures are provided for interposition between a source of penetrating radiation and an inspected object. This allows for significantly increasing the flux of penetrating radiation on this narrowed region of interest, thereby advantageously improving detectability. The relative position of the source with respect to either the first or the second aperture may be varied, in a direction either along, or transverse to, a normal to the aperture.

Abstract: A digital imaging apparatus and method which includes a radiation source and a sensor arrangement for detecting radiation. The sensor arrangement contains one or more sensors formed of one or more preferably elongated sensor modules, which sensor module contains one or more pixel columns which receive image data. The digital imaging apparatus includes means for positioning the object to be Imaged which is situated within the area between the radiation source and the sensor arrangement, and means for limiting the beam from the radiation source essentially according to the active sensor surface of the said sensor arrangement. Also included is means to move the beam across the object being positioned to be imaged and means to move the at least one sensor belonging to the sensor arrangement in synch with the scanning movement of the beam in order to keep the active sensor surface essentially at right angles to the beam on the plane formed by the scanning movement.

Abstract: An illumination system is used to illuminate a specified illumination field of an object surface with EUV radiation. The illumination system has an EUV source and a collector to concentrate the EUV radiation in the direction of an optical axis. A first optical element is provided to generate secondary light sources, and a second optical element is provided at the location of these secondary light sources, the second optical element being part of an optical device which includes further optical elements, and which images the first optical element into an image plane into the illumination field. Between the collector and the illumination field, a maximum of five reflecting optical elements are arranged. These optical elements reflect the main beam either grazingly or steeply. The optical axis, projected onto an illumination main plane, is deflected by more than 30° between a source axis portion and a field axis portion.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging device and alignment/scanning system include at least one multilayer X-ray mirror mounted on a multi-axis adjustable mirror mount pivotable about a scanning axis. A mirror scanner is coupled with the mirror mount and synchronized with the X-ray source so that the mirror scanner moves the mirror mount about the scanning axis. The invention may include a plurality of mirrors, optionally in a stack, and preferably including first and second mirrors respectively adapted to reflect X-rays of first and second energies. A movable attenuation plate having a window selectively allows X-rays to be transmitted by one of the mirrors and blocks X-rays from the other mirror(s). Sets of the mirrors may be configured in blocks or interspersed. The mirror scanner may be operable at variable speeds to enable selective control of the scanning speed of the mirror.

Abstract: A focus-detector arrangement of an X-ray apparatus is disclosed for generating projective or tomographic phase contrast recordings with a phase grating. According to at least one embodiment of the invention, in the gaps between its bars, the phase grating includes a filler material whose linear attenuation coefficient in the relevant energy range is greater than that of the bars. The height of the filler material in the gaps is dimensioned on the one hand so that the X-radiation with the energy used for measuring the phase shift generates a phase shift in the X-radiation such that, after the phase grating, the rays which pass through the bars are phase shifted by one half wavelength relative to the rays which pass through the gaps with the filler material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an area X-ray detector for the taking of a projectional radiographic X-ray image of an object exposed to X-ray radiation, comprising an areal X-ray image memory screen (1) made for the detection of the projectional radiographic X-ray image and a plurality of scanning modules (2-1, 2-2, . . . ) made for the scanning of the X-ray image memory screen, with at least two of the plurality of scanning modules each having: a laser (2a-1, 2a-2, . . . ) made to excite fluorescent light in the X-ray memory screen; a coupling unit (2b-1, 2b-2, . . . ) made for the coupling of the laser beam which can be generated or is generated by the laser of this scanning module onto a partial area (T-1, T-2, . . . ) of the X-ray image memory screen and for the scanning of this partial area by the coupled laser beam; a decoupling unit (2c-1, 2-c-2, . . .

Abstract: When distance compute unit 81 received the instruction of the moving destination at the center of the exposure field 4a from center transfer operation unit 74, calculates the moving amount. Operating information processing unit 8 sends beam-limiting control unit 62 the calculated moving amount. Upside beam-limiting control unit 63 to right side beam-limiting control unit of beam-limiting control unit 62 makes the moving amount at the center of the exposure field 4a prescribed-times ((H1/H2) times in FIG. 3), calculates the moving amount of each diaphragm blade unit 51 in the upper part, the lower side, and the left part and the right part respectively.

Abstract: An X-ray shield device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an X-ray shielding plate positioned between an X-ray source and a support member for a subject; a shielding plate driving mechanism including a supporting portion for supporting the X-ray shielding plate, the shielding plate driving mechanism being operable to move the shield plate supported by the supporting portion in a movement plane of the shielding plate perpendicular to a path of X-ray irradiation; and an X-ray shielding plate exchanging means for exchanging the X-ray shielding plate supported by the supporting portion for another X-ray shielding plate of different size.

Abstract: An examination apparatus, such as for inspection of baggage or any object of interest, has a source of radiation which is moved during scanning of the object of interest. A scattered radiation are detected which is scattered by the object of interest under a particular predetermined scatter angle, without moving the detector array. By detecting the scatter radiation scattered under the predetermined scatter angle, the vertical coordinate of the location of the scatter center in the object of interest and its composition may be derived.

Abstract: A focus-detector arrangement of an X-ray apparatus is disclosed for generating projective or tomographic phase contrast recordings of an observed region of a subject. In at least one embodiment, the arrangement includes a radiation source which emits a coherent or quasi-coherent X-radiation and irradiates the subject, a phase grating which is arranged behind the subject in the beam path of the radiation source and generates an interference pattern of the X-radiation in a predetermined energy range, and an analysis-detector system which detects at least the interference pattern generated by the phase grating in respect of its phase shift with position resolution. Further, the beam path of the X-radiation used diverges in at least one plane between the focus and the detector.

Abstract: An x-ray inspection system (198) arranged to inspect at least one object and comprising: a source of radiation (200) a detector (216), in use, capable of detecting the radiation passing through an irradiation zone (214) and generating a periodic output of data therefrom; processing circuitry arranged to process the output generated by the detector (216); a speed determination means (228) arranged, in use, to determine and output to the processing circuitry the speed at which an object passes the detector (216); wherein the processing circuitry is arranged to vary the period of the output of the detector (216) according to the output from the speed determination means (228).

Abstract: A system for and a method of controlling a spatial distribution of radiation intensity in a beam of radiation is provided. The system includes a control device located to receive the initial beam of radiation from the radiation source. The control device includes a first radiation absorbing structure located at a position in generally superposing alignment relative a position of a second radiation absorbing structure. Each first and second radiation absorbing structure is operable to independently articulate. The modulator configuration signal is operable to cause adjustment of the position of at least one of the first and second radiation absorbing structures relative to the other so as to selectively adjust a spatial distribution of radiation intensity of a modulated beam.

Abstract: The invention is related to the systems of so-called “security entrance” and, in particular, to the systems for preventing the entry of forbidden articles and/or substances from an unprotected area to a protected one. The simplicity, efficiency and secrecy of examination in a security system for preventing the entry of forbidden articles and/or substances from a surrounding area to a protected one, said system comprised of a partitioning separating a protected area from an unprotected one, at least, one walk-gate made in said partitioning, an information control-and-processing device and a detector of forbidden articles and/or substances is achieved due to said detector of forbidden articles and/or substances made an X-ray kind to provide secret examination of every person passing through said walk-gate.

Abstract: The invention relates to the recording of an object (4) by imaging with a radiation source (2) on a recording medium (3) using aperture (6), the size of which may be adjusted using adjusting means (7), depending on the size of said object. Sensors (8) are provided for determination of object size. The quality of the images, which are in particular X-ray images, can thus be improved.

Abstract: An optic device, system and method for imaging are described. The optic device includes a first solid phase layer having a first index of refraction with a first photon transmission property and a second solid phase layer having a second index of refraction with a second photon transmission property, the solid phase layers being situated between an output face and a non-flat input face. The first and second layers are conformal to each other. The imaging system includes a source of electrons and a target, with an array of the optic devices coupled thereto to form limited cone beams of X-ray radiation.

Abstract: An x-ray generating device includes at least one field-emission cold cathode having a substrate and incorporating nanostructure-containing material including carbon nanotubes. The device further includes at least one anode target. Associated methods are also described.

Abstract: A terahertz imaging system uses a terahertz light source to illuminate a target object with a series of short pulses of terahertz light. The pulses have a low average output power but a high peak output power, thereby enabling imaging of the suspicious object or person at a safe distance while avoiding injury to the person being imaged. For each pulse, the reflection of the light is imaged by a detector array. The terahertz light pulses are individually narrow band and the emitted pulse train is rapidly tuned in wavelength across a wide frequency range in the terahertz band. Within the terahertz frequency range, molecules have unique absorption spectra. The energy reflected from the illuminated threat object is measured for each of the discrete narrow frequency bands and compared to the absorption spectra of known dangerous materials to determine whether the threat object contains or carries a known dangerous material.

Abstract: Scatter effects are reduced in a radiographic imaging device, such as a digital slot scan mammographic imaging device, by reducing detected scatter and processing detector information to compensate for scatter effects. A digital mammographic imaging system (10) may include a source (24) for transmitting a narrow beam (28) and a detector assembly (32) for detecting the beam (28). The beam (28) and the detector assembly (32) may synchronously scann across the patient's breast (48) to obtain an image. Collimator slats (74) at the leading and trailing edges of the detector may reduce detected scatter. Attenuators (76 and 92) at the ends of the scanned motion and at the anterior edge of the detector array may assist in determining a spatial intensity profile. The spatial intensity profile information together with other imaging signal and patient dependent parameters may be used to estimate and compensate for various scatter effects.

Abstract: In a method for operating an x-ray device, an x-ray beam is generated at a focal spot of a rotary anode that is rotatable around a rotation axis, and the x-ray beam is gated with a slit-shaped diaphragm to produce a fan-shaped x-ray beam, that is moved through an examination region in the manner of a scan. To improve the image resolution, the fan-shaped x-ray beam can be moved over the examination region essentially in the direction of the rotational axis of the rotary anode by tilting the x-ray tube on the focal spot, with the x-ray tube being tilted on the focal spot so that the fan-shaped x-ray beam is always gated from the region of the overall emitted x-ray beam having the highest image resolution or the highest image definition in the movement through the examination region.

Abstract: The magnification Mref for a line scan camera can be found by exploiting a difference in the way Mref affects the notion of ‘focus’ in the x and y directions. Mref enters into the calculations for selecting z while focusing in the y direction, but not in x. A thin opaque calibration target is provided at a convenient height in z called the reference plane, and has straight edges aligned parallel to the x and y directions. To find Mref the line scan camera forms images of the calibration target over a range of trial z values known to include the height of the calibration target. An arbitrary and possibly incorrect trial value Mi of Mref is then assumed and many slices of the calibrations target are calculated. Within these slices the edge parallel to the x direction will be sharply defined for some zx, while at some other zy the edge parallel to the y direction will be sharply defined. Make a note of ei=zy. Repeat these steps for some number different trial Mi that cover the plausible range of Mref.

Abstract: An x-ray device includes an x-ray tube for generation of an x-ray emanating from a focal spot of a rotary anode rotatable around a rotation axis and a slit-shaped diaphragm for generation of a fan-shaped x-ray beam that is gated from the x-ray and emission is moved through an examination region in the manner of a scan. To improve the image resolution, the fan-shaped x-ray beam can be moved over the examination region essentially in the direction of the rotational axis of the rotary anode by tilting the x-ray tube on the focal spot, with the x-ray tube being tilted on the focal spot so that the fan-shaped x-ray beam is always gated from the region of the overall emitted x-ray beam having the highest image resolution or the highest image definition in the movement through the examination region.

Abstract: An economical X-ray apparatus that allows a rapid exposure of comparatively large-format digital X-ray images has an exposure unit, with which a predetermined surface segment of an exposure plane can be exposed with X-ray radiation, and a digital X-ray detector that is moved in the exposure plane, with the X-ray detector being continuously periodically driven.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for detecting X-ray radiations comprising a carrying member on one face arranged with detectors consisting of a plurality of sensors arranged on a substrate. The detectors are arranged substantially edge to edge at lease in one row on at least one side of said carrying member.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus and related method comprising a source that projects a beam of radiation in a first trajectory; a detector located a distance from the source and positioned to receive the beam of radiation in the first trajectory; an imaging area between the source and the detector, the radiation beam from the source passing through a portion of the imaging area before it is received at the detector; a detector positioner that translates the detector to a second position in a first direction that is substantially normal to the first trajectory; and a beam positioner that alters the trajectory of the radiation beam to direct the beam onto the detector located at the second position. The radiation source can be an x-ray cone-beam source, and the detector can be a two-dimensional flat-panel detector array.

Abstract: A system for forming an image of an object. The system includes a first scanning x-ray source for generating x-rays that diverge from a source point along a first scan path, the point being variable and determined by an input signal provided by a controller. A plurality of x-ray detectors are positioned with respect to the first scan path and are readout by the controller. A conveyor moves the object relative to the first scanning x-ray source and the plurality of x-ray detectors. The object is divided into a plurality of voxels, and the x-ray detectors are positioned such that x-rays pass through each voxel and arrive at one of the detectors when the source point is located at a plurality of points along the first scan path. The controller preferably generates a three-dimensional representation of the object from the x-ray measurements.

Abstract: A dual-energy scanning-based radiation detecting apparatus comprises a line detector; a device for scanning said line detector across an object while said line detector is exposed to an ionizing radiation beam, which has impinged on said object, to thereby record a plurality of line images of said object; a filter device arranged in the path of said ionizing radiation beam upstream of said object to filtrate said ionizing radiation beam, the filter device being capable of operating in two operation modes having different filter characteristics; and a control device for altering operation mode of the filter device subsequent to at least every second of said line images being recorded.

Abstract: A Laminography system with x-ray source and a detector assembly. The x-ray source uses a narrow, deflected pencil beam to scan to a linear target. An x-ray cone beam detected by the detector assembly is produced where the electron beam strikes the target. The target is a layer of high-emitting material that is partitioned with narrow regions of low-emitting material, where the low flux intensity is sufficiently low to be easily distinguished from the flux intensity of the high-emitting material. The target may be constructed as a discontinuous layer of high-emitting material applied to a substrate of low-emitting material, or as strips of low-emitting material applied to a continuous layer of high-emitting material.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of engineering physics in particular to the technique for detecting X-radiation, and it may be used for photometry, dosimetry as well as for measuring of space energy characteristics of optical-and-ionizing radiation fields with the aim of body X-ray scanning, human body in particular, to identify thereon or therein some highly undesirable objects or substances both for medical and security applications i.e. to prevent thefts and acts of terrorism and to provide the security of residential and other buildings that is in airports, banks and other high-risk areas. The X-ray screening of the body is realized by means of scanning it with a pre-shaped collimated bunch of X-radiation of low intensity due to moving the body and a source of X-radiation provided relative to one another, reception of X-radiation transmitted by the body, shaping and analysis of the image in its electronic form.

Abstract: A scanning-based radiation detector apparatus for recording an image of an object comprises a 1D detector unit exposed to a fan-shaped ionizing radiation beam, after having interacted with the object; a device for moving the 1D detector unit and the fan-shaped beam relative the object while repeatedly detecting to thereby create a 2D image of the object; and a control device for controlling the repeated detections. The one-dimensional detector unit has an ionizing radiation sensitive thickness, which is larger than the thickness of the fan-shaped beam when impinging on the one-dimensional detector unit. To obtain a short exposure time of each 1D image, but still a high spatial resolution in the 2D image, a 1D image of the fan-shaped beam is recorded every n'th length unit of the movement, where n is not lower than essentially half the thickness of the fan-shaped beam in that length unit, but lower than the ionizing radiation sensitive thickness of the 1D detector unit in that length unit.

Abstract: In order to provide an improved X-ray imaging quality an X-ray detector (14) is equipped with means (13, 15) for orienting it towards an X-ray source (2) during a scan (8a, 8b, 27). Means (9, 10, z) for reorienting a housing (10) comprising the X-ray detector (14) and a conventional cassette holder (4) and detector positioning means (9-12) cooperate to receive an X-ray beam (26a) with improved collimation quality. Thus the detection efficiency is increased, the image resolution is enhanced, and the beam exposure of patients (5) can be minimized. Embodiments relate to a linear X-ray detector (14) designed for a serial readout of image pixels, a collimator (3, 3a, 3b) for both scanning and wide-perture X-ray imaging, and a supporting arm (9) carrying the X-ray source (2), collimator (3) and detector arrangement (17).

Abstract: A method for producing an image in a x-ray imaging system is provided. The x-ray imaging system includes an x-ray source which projects an x-ray beam collimated by a collimation assembly to pass through an object and impinge on an x-ray receptor to produce the image. The method includes rotating the collimation assembly about a focal point while the x-ray source is substantially fixed and producing x-rays. The method further includes adjusting the position of the x-ray receptor during rotation of the collimation assembly to receive the x-ray beam.

Abstract: There is provided an illumination system for light having wavelengths ?193 nm. The system includes (a) a first raster element for receiving a first diverging portion of the light and directing a first beam of the light, (b) a second raster element for receiving a second diverging portion of the light and directing a second beam of the light, where the first raster element is oriented at an angle with respect to the second raster element to cause a center ray of the first beam to intersect with a center ray of the second beam at an image plane, and (c) an optical element for imaging secondary sources of the light in an exit pupil, where the optical element is situated in a path of the light after the first and second raster elements and before the image plane.

Abstract: A method for controlling a computed tomography scanner for producing projections of a measurement object is proposed, in which the projections are used to create images of the measurement object. The method has comprises specifying a set-point value (&sgr;set-point) for a factor (&sgr;(I)) that is characteristic of a quality of the projections to be produced; determining an actual value of the factor (&sgr;(I)) that is characteristic of the quality of the particular projection produced by the computed tomography scanner between the productions of successive projections; and regulating the primary intensity (I0) of an X-ray source of the computed tomography scanner, between the productions of successive projections, such that the actual value for the characteristic factor (&sgr;(I)) of each of the projections produced by the computed tomography scanner is kept at the specified set-point value (&sgr;set-point). A computed tomography scanner that is suitable for performing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for detection of radiation comprising at least a first collimator arranged to transmitted radiation through at least a first slit in a Z-direction and prevent radiation in said Z-direction apart from through said at least first slit.