Abstract: The current amplifier with automatic drift correction is designed for use in conjunction with computerized tomographic scanners or other apparatus. The amplifier comprises a differential amplifier with a first input connected to a photodiode or other source of current to be amplified. An integrating amplifier is connected between the differential amplifier output and a second differential amplifier input. The integrating amplifier has a time constant which is long compared with the period during which the diode current is to be amplified to provide automatic drift correction. A feedback loop connects the output of the differential amplifier with the first differential amplifier input. The feedback loop comprises a pair of matched transistors interconnected to form a current mirror. A first resistor connects the current mirror with ground. Current flow through these two resistors is summed to form the current flow received by the current mirror.

Abstract: The method of determining collimator aperture efficiency for a computerized tomographic scanner having a plurality of radiation detectors positioned along a detector arc, a source of radiation having a focal spot having radiation flux distribution positioned across a scan circle from at least part of the detector arc, and a collimator having a plurality of apertures arranged in a collimator arc around said source.Also disclosed is a tomographic scanner having a circular detector arc, a radiation source moveable along a circular arc and an arcuate collimator having apertures in which the width of the collimator aperture in the geometry of the system has high efficiency. The ratio of the detector radius to the source radius, to the collimator radius, to the aperture width is 36:24.3;9.4:0.024.

Abstract: The video speed logarithmic analog-to-digital converter includes a plurality of parallel paths. In a first path, a plurality of comparators compare an analog input signal with a plurality of logarithmically incremented first reference signals. The number of first reference signals which fail to exceed the analog input signal is converted into a binary representation of the most significant bits of the logarithm of the analog input signal. A second parallel path determines the least significant bits by producing a logarithmically attenuated analog input signal and comparing the attenuated analog input signal with a plurality of logarithmically incremented second reference signals. The number of second reference signals which fail to exceed the attenuated analog input signal is converted into a binary representation of the least significant bits of the logarithm of the analog input signal.

Abstract: A CT scanner has an outer circular array of stationary radiation detectors for an inner concentrically revolving source of radiation emitted in a fan pattern subtending a number of the detectors. A number of analog signal processing channels equal to the maximum number of subtended detectors at any given time is automatically connected via switching circuitry to receive the outputs of only the detectors within the fan pattern.

Abstract: A radiation detector suitable for use in tomographic scanners comprising at least one cadmium tungstate scintillation crystal optically coupled with a silicon photodiode or other photoelectric transducers. A plurality of cadmium tungstate crystals may be coupled to one silicon photodiode with fiber optic light guides. In a tomographic scanner, radiation passing through the scan circle impinges on the cadmium tungstate crystals causing them to scintillate. The light scintillated strikes the area of the p-n junction of the photodiode causing the photoelectric effect to be manifested. The intensity of radiation striking the crystal is determined by measuring the photoconductive conductance, photoemissive current or photovoltaic potential. From these intensities an image is computed of the radiation attenuation in the examined scan circle.

Abstract: The process of this invention includes detecting gamma radiation with a radiation sensing device, converting the gamma radiation to light radiation, viewing the light radiation with photomultiplier tubes and giving electrical impulses in response thereto. The impulses are operated on to correct for any distortion and to give an indication of the relation to location of the radiation. An area of interest, for the purpose of scanning, is selected and electronically masked. During a first pass, initial scanning is done electronically without physical movement of the radiation sensing device head. After initial electronic scanning, a detector head passes over the radiation of interest while sensing radiation. At the end of the mechanical movement, an area of radiation is again electronically scanned. A cot supporting the section of radiation is moved transverse to the longitudinal movement of the head after the first pass. A scan in the opposite direction occurs similar to that in the first direction.

Abstract: A radiation sensing device including a collimator, a disc-shaped scintillation crystal in close proximity thereto; at least three substantially parallel photomultiplier tubes adjacent to one side of the scintillator and circuitry for locating a scintillation in the crystal. In particular, the circuitry includes a diode bias to correct for distortion and non-uniformity which results from placing the photomultiplier tubes adjacent to the scintillator.