Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting an image of an object using a multi-beam imaging system from an x-ray beam having a polychromatic energy distribution are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method can include generating a first X-ray beam having a polychromatic energy distribution. Further, the method can include positioning a plurality of monochromator crystals in a predetermined position to directly intercept the first X-ray beam such that a plurality of second X-ray beams having predetermined energy levels are produced. Further, an object can be positioned in the path of the second X-ray beams for transmission of the second X-ray beams through the object and emission from the object as transmitted X-ray beams. The transmitted X-ray beams can each be directed at an angle of incidence upon one or more crystal analyzers. Further, an image of the object can be detected from the beams diffracted from the analyzer crystals.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 1, 2009
Date of Patent:
March 3, 2015
Assignees:
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NextRay, Inc., Brookhaven Science Associates
Inventors:
Christopher A. Parham, Zhong Zhong, Etta Pisano, Dean M. Connor, Jr.
Abstract: Strain matching of crystals and horizontally-spaced monochromator and analyzer crystal arrays in diffraction enhanced imaging systems and related methods are disclosed. A DEI system, including strain matched crystals can comprise an X-ray source configured to generate a first X-ray beam. A first monochromator crystal can be positioned to intercept the first X-ray beam for producing a second X-ray beam. A second monochromator crystal can be positioned to intercept the second X-ray beam to produce a third X-ray beam for transmission through an object. The second monochromator crystal has a thickness selected such that a mechanical strain on a side of the first monochromator crystal is the same as a mechanical strain on the second monochromator crystal. An analyzer crystal has a thickness selected such that a mechanical strain on a side of the first monochromator crystal is the same as a mechanical strain on the analyzer crystal.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 3, 2010
Date of Patent:
November 20, 2012
Assignee:
Nextray, Inc.
Inventors:
Dean Connor, Zhong Zhong, Christopher Parham, Etta Pisano
Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting an image of an object by use of X-ray beams generated by multiple small area sources are disclosed. A plurality of monochromator crystals may be positioned to intercept the plurality of first X-ray beams such that a plurality of second X-ray beams each having predetermined energy levels is produced. Further, an object to be imaged may be positioned in paths of the second x-ray beams for transmission of the second X-ray beams through the object and emitting from the object a plurality of transmission X-ray beams. The X-ray beams may be directed at angles of incidence upon a plurality of analyzer crystals for detecting an image of the object.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 19, 2010
Date of Patent:
June 19, 2012
Assignee:
Nextray, Inc.
Inventors:
Dean Connor, Christopher Parham, Etta Pisano, Waldo S. Hinshaw, Zhong Zhong, Brian P. Wilfley
Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting an image of an object using a multi-beam imaging system from an x-ray beam having a polychromatic energy distribution are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method can include generating a first X-ray beam having a polychromatic energy distribution. Further, the method can include positioning a plurality of monochromator crystals in a predetermined position to directly intercept the first X-ray beam such that a plurality of second X-ray beams having predetermined energy levels are produced. Further, an object can be positioned in the path of the second X-ray beams for transmission of the second X-ray beams through the object and emission from the object as transmitted X-ray beams. The transmitted X-ray beams can each be directed at an angle of incidence upon one or more crystal analyzers. Further, an image of the object can be detected from the beams diffracted from the analyzer crystals.
Type:
Application
Filed:
December 1, 2009
Publication date:
February 16, 2012
Applicants:
THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLOINA AT CHAPEL HILL, NEXTRAY, INC., BROOKHAVEN SCIENCE ASSOCIATES
Inventors:
Christopher Parham, Zhong Zhong, Etta Pisano, Dean M. Connor, JR.
Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting an image of an object by use of X-ray beams generated by multiple small area sources are disclosed. A plurality of monochromator crystals may be positioned to intercept the plurality of first X-ray beams such that a plurality of second X-ray beams each having predetermined energy levels is produced. Further, an object to be imaged may be positioned in paths of the second x-ray beams for transmission of the second X-ray beams through the object and emitting from the object a plurality of transmission X-ray beams. The X-ray beams may be directed at angles of incidence upon a plurality of analyzer crystals for detecting an image of the object.
Type:
Application
Filed:
February 19, 2010
Publication date:
December 9, 2010
Applicant:
NEXTRAY, INC.
Inventors:
Dean Connor, Christopher Parham, Etta Pisano, Waldo S. Hinshaw, Zhong Zhong, Brian P. Wilfley
Abstract: Strain matching of crystals and horizontally-spaced monochromator and analyzer crystal arrays in diffraction enhanced imaging systems and related methods are disclosed. A DEI system, including strain matched crystals can comprise an X-ray source configured to generate a first X-ray beam. A first monochromator crystal can be positioned to intercept the first X-ray beam for producing a second X-ray beam. A second monochromator crystal can be positioned to intercept the second X-ray beam to produce a third X-ray beam for transmission through an object. The second monochromator crystal has a thickness selected such that a mechanical strain on a side of the first monochromator crystal is the same as a mechanical strain on the second monochromator crystal. An analyzer crystal has a thickness selected such that a mechanical strain on a side of the first monochromator crystal is the same as a mechanical strain on the analyzer crystal.
Type:
Application
Filed:
June 3, 2010
Publication date:
December 9, 2010
Applicant:
NEXTRAY, INC.
Inventors:
Dean Connor, Zhong Zhong, Christopher Parham, Etta Pisano