Abstract: The invention provides tomographic image generation from four-dimensional projection data of an imaged object. The ability is provided to extract implicit information from time dependent aspects of volumetric projection data corresponding to multiple data acquisition cycles. The result is improved volumetric image quality from volumetric projection data previously used for slice by slice image reconstruction. The invention provides particular advantages for volumetric imaging of a patient's heart, or a portion thereof, at a selected phase of the cardiac cycle.

Abstract: RD-25953-17-A method of fabricating an imager array having a plurality of pixels is provided in which each pixel is made up of a photodiode and a corresponding thin film transistor (TFT) switching device, the method including the steps of depositing materials to form the photodiode island and to form a TFT body over a gate electrode, then depositing a layer of source/drain metal over the silicon layers of the TFT body, and over a common dielectric layer, removing sections of the source/drain metal layer to expose a portion of the silicon layers of the TFT body, but leaving regions of sacrificial source/drain metal over the photodiode islands, and forming a back channel in the TFT body by a back channel etch step. The method further includes then removing the sacrificial regions of source/drain metal from above the photodiode islands, and depositing a passivation layer over the entire exposed surface of the array.

Abstract: In an imager having an array of light-sensitive elements and employing striped common electrodes, exposed edges of preimidized polyimide layers above the light-sensitive imaging elements are sealed with the material of the common electrode (e.g., indium tin oxide). Similarly, exposed preimidized polyimide edges in electrical contacts for the array and bridge members electrically coupling adjacent light-sensitive imaging elements are also sealed with the material of the common electrode.

Abstract: An anti-scatter grid for radiography includes a plurality of generally radiation absorbing elements and a plurality of generally non-radiation absorbing elements in which the generally non-radiation absorbing elements include a plurality of voids. Desirably, the non-radiation absorbing elements include an epoxy or polymeric material and a plurality of hollow microspheres. Disclosed is also an apparatus for forming an anti-scatter grid in which the apparatus includes a pivoting arm and surface for use in aligning a plurality of spaced-apart generally radiation absorbing elements relative to a radiation source.

Abstract: An X-ray tube assembly includes an anode, a cathode, and an X-ray transparent window. The anode includes an X-ray-producing target having a surface. The cathode has an electron-beam axis which intersects the target surface at a focal point and which is oriented at a first angle, with respect to the target surface, wherein the first angle is generally twenty degrees. The window includes a surface having a center point. A line between the focal and center points makes a second angle, with respect to the target surface, wherein the second angle is generally seven degrees. A method for producing X-rays employs these angles.

Abstract: A radiation imager includes a light sensitive imaging array, a barrier layer formed over the light sensitive imaging array, a continuous polymer layer formed over the barrier layer, and a scintillator formed directly on the continuous polymer layer. The continuous polymer layer improves the adherence of the scintillator by reducing delamination especially under adverse environmental conditions.

Abstract: A method for performing design trade-off. A plurality of critical to quality parameters corresponding to features of the design are obtained. A plurality of design specifications, each design specification corresponding to one of the critical to quality parameters, are also obtained. A plurality of designs are obtained where each design includes a plurality of design values and each design value corresponds to one of the critical to quality parameters. The design values are compared to the design specifications for each of the plurality of designs. A total score is generated for each design in response to the comparison.

Abstract: A light block material disposed over the photosensitive region of a switching device (e.g., TFT) of a radiation imager is disclosed. The light block material prevents optical photons emitted from a scintillator from passing into the switching device and being absorbed. Cross-talk and noise in the imager are thereby reduced. Also, non-linear pixel response and spurious signals passing to readout electronics are avoided. Optionally, opaque caps comprising the same light block material may be included in the imager structure. The caps cover contact vias filled with a common electrode and located in the contact finger region of the imager. The integrity of the filled vias is thereby maintained during subsequent processing. Also disclosed is a radiation imager containing these structures.

Abstract: A magnet, such as an open magnetic-resonance-imaging (MRI) magnet) has a first assembly including a superconductive main coil and a magnetizable pole piece which, during magnet operation, has a temperature equal to generally the temperature of the main coil. In one example, a cryogenic-fluid (e.g., liquid helium) dewar encloses the main coil, and the dewar has an interior surface defined in part by a surface portion of the pole piece. A method for providing a homogeneous imaging volume for a magnet includes steps to construct the above-described magnet.

Abstract: A fiber optic scintillator includes, for example, a first plurality of radiation absorbing elements comprising a scintillating material for converting radiation into light and a second plurality of radiation absorbing elements interspersed among the first plurality of radiation absorbing elements. The first plurality of radiation absorbing elements has a first radiation absorption efficiency. The second plurality of radiation absorbing elements has a second radiation absorption efficiency and an effective atomic number greater than about 50. The second radiation absorption efficiency is greater than said first radiation absorption efficiency. A scintillator forming method provides a bundle of the second plurality of radiation absorbing elements interspersed among the first plurality of radiation absorbing elements by drawing the bundle, The drawn bundle is cut into a plurality of sections.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for obtaining x-ray tomosynthesis data desirable for mammography. The apparatus operates in conjunction with gravity to quickly and smoothly move an x-ray source through a plurality of positions relative to a stationary digital detector and a patient's breast to obtain a plurality x-ray images of the patient's breast which can then be processed for examination by a physician or radiologist. In one embodiment, an actuator such as a hydraulic system is operably connectable to the radiation source to controllably allow the radiation source to move under the influence of gravity from an elevated position to a lower position relative to the digital detector.

Abstract: A product design tradeoff method is provided. A transfer function, which generates an output in response to an input is obtained. A type of optimization to be performed is identified and the input to the transfer function is perturbed in order to achieve the type of optimization identified. Output information representing the output of the transfer function is then generated to provide the user with the result of the optimization. Generating the output information comprises generating a sensitivity matrix. The sensitivity matrix comprises a plurality of sensitivity values that indicates a relationship between a change in input versus a change in output, wherein each of the sensitivity values provides a corresponding numerical value for comparing an effect of the change in the input versus the change in the output.

Abstract: A cryostatic vessel 12 is radially interconnected inside a tubular thermal shield 18. A shield first endplate 20 includes a plurality of spacers 30 which are disposed in axial abutment with a corresponding first endplate 14 of the vessel during assembly. A shield second endplate 22 is disposed in axial abutment against an opposite end of the shield, and includes alignment holes 36 receiving corresponding alignment pins 32 extending from an opposite endplate 16 of the vessel. The spacers maintain a predetermined clearance between the endplates of the vessel and shield which clearance is precisely maintained upon fixedly joining both shield endplates to the shield.

Abstract: A laminated composite shell assembly includes composite shells assembled together and having joint bonds connecting the assembly with an external structure and pinch rings assembled to the shells adjacent the joint bonds so as to reinforce the same. The composite shells and pinch rings are cylindrical in configuration and made of layers of graphite-epoxy material having fibers oriented in desired stacking sequences. The shells and pinch rings are concentrically assembled in a desired sequence with some of the shells being adapted to perform a structural load bearing function while others of the shells are adapted to perform a load transfer function and with the pinch rings adapted to perform additional stiffening as well as load redistributing and transfer functions in the regions of the joint bonds between the assembled shells and the external structure.