Abstract: An apparatus for plasma treatment of a non-conductive hollow substrate, including a plurality of ionization energy sources disposed adjacent to each other all along the part of the substrate to be treated. The apparatus also includes a processor to sequentially power the plurality of ionization energy sources from a radio frequency power source. Each ionization energy source includes two parts sandwiching the substrate. The ionization energy sources can be capacitively or inductively coupled plasma sources.

Abstract: The method consists of computing (E1-E4) a set of two-dimensional images in a three-dimensional geometrical space representing a virtual object from respective different viewpoints. The virtual object is represented by digital data stored in a computer. Holograms are computed (E5-E6) for the respective two-dimensional images using a fast complex transform, such as a Fourier transform. The holograms are then juxtaposed (E7) to form a digital hologram of the object which is physically reproduced (E8) by a spatial light modulator. A three-dimensional image of the object is obtained by illuminating the spatial light modulator with a coherent source.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for sealing, comprising: a first capsule (20); a second capsule (30); electronic means (23, 33), for placing in at least one of the capsules, and capable of containing an electronic identity that is remotely interrogatable; and closure means (25-1, 25-2, 25-3, 25-4; 35-1, 35-2, 35-3, 35-4) to seal the two capsules together.

Abstract: A neutron amplifier assembly of the invention includes an array of fissile material which is subjected to a primary neutron flux. According to the invention a thin layer of fissile material is located on the inner surface of a hollow support cylinder of moderator material, the diameter of the cylinder being chosen such that the array is close to criticality.

Abstract: A method for producing mixed oxide nuclear fuel pellets comprises the steps of preparing an U-Pu oxide blend powder having a Pu content in excess of the finally desired value, preparing uranium oxide powder, mixing adequate quantities of both powders in order to achieve the desired plutonium content and compacting and sintering the mixture for obtaining the pellets. The step of preparing the uranium oxide powder involves the following sequence of substeps: a) preparing an aqueous solution of uranyl nitrate to which between 0.5 and 2 wt % of organic thickeners are added such that the viscosity of the solution is adjusted to values between 20 and 100 centipoise, b) dispersing of the solution into droplets, c) introducing the droplets into a hydroxide bath, d) washing the resulting beads, e) drying the beads by azeotropic distillation using an immiscible organic solvent, f) thermally treating the beads in an oxidizing atmosphere and g) thermally treating in a reducing atmosphere.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for making identity cores for ultrasound seals. Each core comprises a chip consisting of a brazed stack of metal disks 1 bearing at least one notch 3, the resulting identity being defined by the number, the size and the random angular position of the various notches in the stack and by the unpredictability of the brazing. The invention is characterized in that the notched disks 1 provided with a central hole 2 are first stacked in large numbers in a tubular metal sheath 4 with a circular cross-section corresponding to said disks 1. The stack is then axially compressed in the sheath 4 and a brazing bead 7 is inserted in the channel constituted by the assembly of aligned central holes 2. After brazing in a vacuum oven, the two ends of the sheath are eliminated and the resulting column is segmented perpendicularly to its axis into a series of individual identity chips 8 of predetermined thickness.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to generate a time-varying magnetic field through a field admission window of a plasma processing chamber to create or sustain a plasma within the chamber by inductive coupling. The apparatus includes a magnetic core presenting a pole face structure,—an inductor means associated with the magnetic core, arranged to generate a time-varying magnetic field through the pole face structure, and—a device for injecting gas into the chamber and through the chamber and through the magnetic core.

Abstract: The apparatus for plasma treatment of a non-conductive hollow substrate (5), comprises a plasma chamber (12) provided with two oppositely facing field admission windows (8, 9), and first and second opposite coil arrangements (20, 30) located on an outer surface (8a; 9a) of the first and second windows respectively. The first and second coil arrangements being connected to power supply means (4) such that a current (I) of a same direction flows simultaneously in the first and second coil arrangements. The two coil arrangements (20, 30) induce through the substrate a magnetic flux (7) transversal and perpendicular to a substrate depth (L) for generating an electrical field in the substrate plan.

Abstract: A three-dimensional image is stored (E0) in a computer memory in the form of digital data and defined in a three-dimensional geometrical space. Two-dimensional images are calculated (E1) by determining, in the three-dimensional geometrical space, the intersections between the three-dimensional image and a plurality of parallel section planes. Respective holograms are calculated (E2) for the two-dimensional images, and are then reproduced (E3) sequentially on a spatial light modulator illuminated by a coherent light source. A transparent three-dimensional image is thus reproduced.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and an apparatus for preparing Bi-213 to be integrated in a radioimmunocojugate for human therapeutic use. According to the invention the method comprises the sequence of steps as follows: a) an ampoule 5 containing colloid-free actinium-225, obtained from drying an actinium nitrate solution, is loaded into a container 20 provided with radiation panels 21; b) a dissolving medium is poured into the ampoule 5; c) the solution obtained in the ampoule is transferred into an ion exchange column 6; d) an elution medium is circulated through the column 6; e) the eluate containing eluted Bi-213 is pumped towards a vial 10 for quantification and quality control.

Abstract: A differential transducer for measuring the curvature variations of a surface such as the surface of a diaphragm (5). The transducer includes an assembly of two L-shaped optical elements (6, 7) having first legs (8) intended to be mounted on the surface in such a way that the outer faces of both second legs (9) extend substantially in parallel to each other and at a right angle away from the surface, an optical cavity (19) defined therebetween, a laser source (17) having a beam (16) directed parallel to the surface onto the assembly and perpendicularly to the outer faces of the second legs (9), and a photodetector (18) for receiving the beam after having passed through the cavity (19). The optical elements (6, 7) are provided with three support tips (10, 11, 12) firmly applied against the surface and arranged at the corners of an equilateral triangle whose symmetry axis is parallel to the beam (16) axis, one of the support tips (10) on the symmetry axis being located close to one of the second legs (9).

Abstract: A method is provided for the quantitative determination of fissile material content in small size particles present in samples. The samples are sandwiched in organic sheets and then submitted to a defined thermal neutron fluence whereupon fission products of the fissile material in the sample create in the sheets fission tracks which are rendered visible by etching the sheets. Then the size of selected particles having created such tracks is. determined by means of a microscope and thereafter these visible tracks of the selected particles are compared to pre-established standard tracks obtained by the same process from particles of different stepped known size and enrichment ratio.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus comprises a processing chamber having at least one opening for receiving field energy by inductive coupling, and at least one field energy source arranged to induce the field energy into the chamber via the corresponding opening. The field energy source comprises an inductor device associated with a magnetic core. The magnetic core forms a closure and gas seal for the corresponding opening.

Abstract: This invention refers to a method for producing Actinium-225, comprising the steps of preparing a target (1) containing Radium-226, of irradiating this target with protons in a cyclotron and of chemically separating Actinium from the irradiated target material thereafter. According to the invention the proton energy in the cyclotron is adjusted such that the energy incident on the Ra-226 is between 10 and 20 MeV, preferably between 9 14 and 17 MeV. By this means the yield of production of the desired isotope Ac-225 is enhanced with respect to other radioisotopes.

Abstract: A device for directing a defined light beam onto a photosensitive area, for testing the performance of a photovoltaic module including said photosensitive area, comprising a support structure (1) which can be turned about a vertical central axis (4) in accordance with the actual azimuthal sun position. Housing (7) receives the photovoltaic module with the photosensitive area (6) of said module in a horizontal position, the housing being located in the lower portion of the support structure. A first mirror (2) which can be tilted about a horizontal axis (3) in order adapt its position continuously to the sun elevation position and to optimize the sun light impact thereon, and a second mirror (5) is fixed to the support structure (1) vertically above the photosensitive area (6) of the module and receives the light beam from the first mirror (2) for reflexion towards said area (6).