Abstract: A radiotherapy apparatus comprising a radiation source configured to radiate a radiation ray, a multi leaf collimator, including a plurality of leaves, configured to limit a radiation range of the radiation ray and a drive unit configured to move at least one of the leaves with an ultrasonic wave.

Abstract: A method of producing a radiating plasma with an increased flux stability and uniformity is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of generating a primary target by urging a liquid under pressure through a nozzle; directing an energy pre-pulse onto the primary target to generate a secondary target in the form of a gas or plasma cloud; allowing the thus formed secondary target to expand for a predetermined period of time; and directing a main energy pulse onto the secondary target when the predetermined period of time has elapsed in order to produce a plasma radiating X-ray or EUV radiation. The pre-pulse has a beam waist size that is larger, in at least one dimension, than the corresponding dimension of the primary target.

Abstract: An x-ray apparatus has a flat panel x-ray detector, the operation of which is susceptible to interference by strong magnetic fields. In order to allow the x-ray system to be operated concurrently with a magnetic system, such as a magnetic tracking system or a magnetic localization system, that emits a magnetic field of sufficient field strength to interfere with the operation of the flat panel x-ray detector, a control unit is provided that operates both the flat panel x-ray detector and the magnetic system. The control unit synchronizes operation of the magnetic system with the operation of the flat panel x-ray detector so that the magnetic system emits the magnetic field only at times that do not interfere with the operation of the flat panel x-ray detector.

Abstract: An optical mask layer for a CT detector is disclosed and is disposed between the photodiode array and scintillator array of a CT detector. The optical mask layer, which may extend along the x-axis, z-axis, or both, is designed to absorb and/or reflect light emitted the scintillators of the scintillator array. Through this absorption and/or reflection, transference of light photons from a scintillator to the photodiode corresponding to a neighboring scintillator is reduced. This reduction in cross-talk reduces artifacts in a reconstructed image and therefore improves the diagnostic value of the image.

Abstract: An x-ray inspection is provided featuring a single x-ray source and a planar array of linear sensors aligned in parallel. An article to be inspected is moved between the x-ray source and the linear sensors in a series of passes parallel to the array of linear sensors and substantially perpendicular to the long axes of the linear sensors. Alternately, the x-ray source and the sensors are moved as a unit relative to a stationary article. As a result, a transmission image of the article is captured for each of the linear sensors. These transmission images are then combined mathematically to generate a layer image for each separate conceptual layer of the article. In some embodiments, these layer images may then be interpreted in order to determine the quality of the article.

Abstract: According to a radiation imaging apparatus, any separate AEC sensor need not be prepared. Additionally, the apparatus main body can be made compact. To accomplish this, the radiation imaging apparatus has a first optical conversion element that converts incident radiation into an electrical signal, and generates image information on the basis of the electrical signal output from the first optical conversion element. Below a portion that is aligned to the gap between the first optical conversion elements, a plurality of second optical conversion elements which detect the incident amount of the radiation from the gap are formed. Exposure control for the radiation or control of the optical conversion elements is executed on the basis of the detection result by the second optical conversion element.

Abstract: A holder for an x-ray sensing device having a first retention member and a handle. The first retention member includes a back plate, a first retention guide, and a second retention guide. The first retention guide is connected with an end of the back plate and the second retention guide connected with an opposing end of the back plate. The first retention guide faces the second retention guide. The handle is connected with the first retention member. Preferably, the first retention member includes a retention stop on a front surface of the back plate and between the retention guides.

Abstract: An X-ray tube apparatus (2) having an anode rotating mechanism for preventing damage of the anode (23) of the X-ray tube apparatus thereby to shorten the X-ray exposure waiting time. When the measured number of revolutions of a rotary anode is determined to be predetermined number from only the impedance or current information on the basis of both voltage information and current information on a stator coil (22) of motor constituent elements for rotating the rotary anode, a DC high voltage outputted from an X-ray high-voltage unit (1) is applied between the anode (23) and a cathode (24) of the X-ray tube apparatus, thus exposing a subject (130) to X-rays and imaging the subject. An X-ray generating device and a radiograph are also disclosed.

Abstract: To provide an X-ray microscopic inspection apparatus capable of performing non-destructive inspection with high resolving power within a very short period, and having advantageous functions such as a high precision electron probe control function, a CT function, an elemental analysis function, and a target switching function. The apparatus includes a magnetic superposition lens having a magnetic field generating portion disposed in the vicinity of an electron generating portion of an electron gun; reflected electron detecting means having a detecting portion disposed above the target for X-ray generation, for detecting a reflected electron from the target; and electron image generating means for performing imaging of a target surface utilizing the signals from the reflected electron detecting means, wherein the apparatus is arranged so that alignment including focus adjustment to the target for X-ray generation and astigmatism correction may be performed based on image information of the electron image.

Abstract: An inspection system based upon an enclosed conveyance such as a van, capable of road travel, for inspecting persons or objects. The conveyance is characterized by an enclosing body, or skin. A source of penetrating radiation and a spatial modulator for forming the penetrating radiation into a beam, both contained entirely within the body of the enclosed conveyance, irradiate the person or object with a time-variable scanning profile. A detector module generates a scatter signal based on the scatter of penetrating radiation. A proximity sensor may be employed to generate a relative motion signal based on a relative disposition of the conveyance and the inspected object. An image is formed of the contents of the object based in part on the scatter signal and the relative motion signal. A detector, which may be separate or part of the scatter detector module, may exhibit sensitivity to decay products of radioactive material.

Abstract: An x-ray system for use with image-guided medical procedures is programmed to move in a first scan path to acquire cone beam attenuation data from which a three-dimensional digital subtraction angiogram of selected vasculature is reconstructed. The x-ray system is also programmed to move in a second scan path to acquire a series of tomosynthesis images during the inflow of a contrast agent into the selected vasculature. Parametric images are produced from information in the tomosynthesis images which indicate blood perfusion physiology of the tissues served by the vasculature.

Abstract: In a rotary anode type X-ray tube, a rotary anode and a rotary structure supporting the anode are arranged within the vacuum envelope. A stationary shaft has a middle section which is fitted into a cylindrical portion of the rotary structure, and a dynamic pressure type radial bearing is arranged between the cylindrical portion and the middle section. The stationary shaft also has a first section between one end of the middle section and one end of the stationary shaft, and a second section between the other end of the middle section and the other end of the stationary shaft, which are fixed to the vacuum envelope. A transverse stiffness of the second section is set to be larger than a transverse stiffness of the first section, and a center of gravity is positioned in the middle section.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying an absorptive coating to a portion of the evacuated enclosure in an x-ray generating device is disclosed. The absorptive coating is applied to the inner surface of the evacuated enclosure to enhance its heat dissipation characteristics, which in turn assists in tube cooling during x-ray production. The absorptive coating is applied atop an intermediate bonding layer. Both the absorptive coating and the intermediate bonding layer are applied to the evacuated enclosure surface by electroplating processes. A plating apparatus comprising the evacuated enclosure portion, a plating fixture, and a base plate is used both to contain the electroplating solution during the plating process, as well as to facilitate its entry into and removal from the evacuated enclosure. A method of employing the plating apparatus to apply the intermediate bonding layer and the absorptive coating is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for registering a 2D radiographic image of a target with previously generated 3D scan data of the target. A reconstructed 2D image is generated from the 3D scan data. The radiographic 2D image is registered with the reconstructed 2D images to determine the values of in-plane transformation parameters (x, y, ?) and out-of-plane rotational parameters (r, ?), where the parameters represent the difference in the position of the target in the radiographic image, as compared to the 2D reconstructed image. An initial estimate for the in-plane transformation parameters is made by a 3D multi-level matching process, using the sum-of-square differences similarity measure. Based on these estimated parameters, an initial 1-D search is performed for the out-of-plane rotation parameters (r, ?), using a pattern intensity similarity measure. The in-plane parameters (x, y, ?) and out-of-plane parameters (r, ?) are iteratively refined, until a desired accuracy is reached.

Abstract: A collimator includes a pair of first plate members which define an X-ray passing aperture by a spacing between their opposed end faces, a second plate member which is movable in a direction parallel to a moving direction of the first plate members, a pair of third plate members which are movable symmetrically with each other in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the first plate member and which define an X-ray passing aperture by a spacing between their opposed end faces, and a fourth plate member which is movable in a direction parallel to the moving direction of the third plate members.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for a dentomaxillofacial X-ray imaging. It is provided an X-ray beam (15) having a first radiation spectrum and a flat cross-sectional form towards a predetermined dentomaxillofacial area (Q) of a patient (P), and an image receptor (8) in a carrier (7) positioned outside the head of a patient. During a first exposure said X-ray beam and said carrier with the inserted image receptor are moved in a first rotational or linear direction, whereupon a first image of the dentomaxillofacial area is created on said image receptor. Then it is provided an X-ray beam having a second radiation spectrum and the flat cross-sectional form. During a second exposure said X-ray beam and said carrier with the same image receptor are moved in a second rotational or linear direction that is e.g. opposite to said first direction, whereupon a second image of the same dentomaxillofacial area is created on said image receptor.

Abstract: In fabricating an X-ray mask, a chromium oxide film serving as an etching stopper is formed on a diamond film serving as an X-ray transmitter. Then, a diamond layer serving as a first X-ray absorber is formed on the chromium oxide film. Thereafter, a tungsten layer serving as a second X-ray absorber is formed on the diamond layer. Consequently, the diamond layer and the tungsten layer form an X-ray absorber having a laminated structure. When the X-ray absorber has a laminated structure including substances having different compositions, the transmittance and the phase shift quantity of the overall X-ray absorber can be readily adjusted. Thus, a method of fabricating an X-ray mask providing improved resolution of the pattern of a semiconductor device or the like is obtained.

Abstract: A method for identifying hazardous substances in a printed wiring assembly having a plurality of discrete components, using micro X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. A micro X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (?-XRF) and/or X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (XAFS) spectroscopy are used as detecting analyzers, to identify materials of concern in an electronic device. The device or assembly to be examined is analyzed by moving it in the X, Y, and Z directions under a probe in response to information in a reference database, to determine elemental composition at selected locations on the assembly, the probe positioned at an optimum analytical distance from each selected location for analysis. The determined elemental composition at each selected location is then correlated to the reference database, and the detected elements are assigned to the various components in the assembly.

Abstract: An X-ray optical diaphragm (3; 4) which is provided with at least one passage opening (3a; 4a) for rays is constructed in such a manner that the edge zone (9; 10) of the X-ray optical diaphragm (3; 4) which faces the passage opening (3a; 4a) is angulated at least partly relative to the direction of propagation (7) of the rays.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for conducting a medical procedure on a number of patients respectively disposed at a number of different locations, a component of a medical device for implementing the medical procedure is moved along a pre-assembled track that extends to each of the locations. When the component is moved to the intended location by the track, the medical procedure is implemented at that location with the component retained on the track.