Abstract: The invention relates to digital scanning imaging by electromagnetic radiation. To reduce the difference between the resolutions in, the scanning direction and the direction perpendicular thereto, pixels (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6) in the scanning direction are connected to counters (C1, C2, C3) through switching means (Sm1, Sm2, Sm3) which allow pulses to be directed to the counter of a neighboring pixel, in addition to its own pixel, for counting, whereby the reading area can be divided into a plurality of “partial pixels” and by suitably changing the switch positions, it is possible to follow the imaging scan as reading areas formed by the “partial pixels”.

Abstract: A detector drawer for an X-ray detector has at least one stop (5) by which the mobility of an inserted X-ray detector in at least one direction is restricted. The mobility of the inserted X-ray detector is hindered by the at least one stop to two alternate stop positions with respect to that direction; and that the respective stop position becomes operative as a function of the motion of the X-ray detector upon its insertion, for instance as a function of the direction of the motion. By using the alternate stop positions, which automatically become operative, portable digital X-ray detectors, which are constructed asymmetrically, are automatically positioned centrally in the detector drawer regardless of their orientation or the desired orientation of the image to be made. The detector drawer is advantageously used in an X-ray system, and desirably in an X-ray system with a detector that is pulled out from opposite sides of a patient examination table.

Abstract: Devices are disclosed for generating X-rays, especially in a vacuum chamber from plasma formed by irradiating a target material with laser light, that provide convenient removal from the vacuum chamber of high-frequency-maintenance components without disturbing other components. In one configuration denoted a liquid-jet-type of X-ray generator, a nozzle (for spraying target material) and a mirror are situated in a vacuum chamber. The nozzle has a higher maintenance frequency than the mirror. A flange member is provided on an outer wall of the vacuum chamber to cover an opening in the wall. The nozzle is connected to a conduit having a base mounted to the flange member. The nozzle is removable for maintenance by detaching the flange member and withdrawing the nozzle through the opening. Thus, the highest-frequency-maintenance component, the nozzle, is removed without moving or removing any other component in the chamber, such as the mirror.

Abstract: A method for reducing the amount of shielding used in radiation sources, as well as, an improved radiation source (e.g., an x-ray producing device), are provided. The inventive method involves placement of a radiation producing target at the end of a vacuum drift tube and closer to and substantially in the center of a shield for blocking radiation emitted from the radiation producing target.

Abstract: An X-ray equipment includes a movable carriage, an X-ray tube for irradiating an X-ray on a subject, and a cassette storage box for storing a cassette with a radiographic storage medium such as a film. In the X-ray equipment, when the cassette storage box is pulled and tilted, a gateway for the cassette is opened. When the cassette storage box is pushed back, the gateway is closed. The X-ray equipment further includes a storage box locking device for locking the cassette storage box in a state where the gateway is closed and for unlocking the cassette storage box when the locked state is released, and a locking release holding device for holding the storage box locking device in a released state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a computer tomograph comprising a detector unit (2) consisting of a plurality of detectors (1) for identifying X-ray radiation (40). According to the invention, the individual detectors (1) of the detector unit (2) are configured to receive incident quanta of the X-ray radiation (40) and to record the received X-ray radiation (40), both in terms of its intensity and in terms of the quantum energy of the individual X-ray quanta of the received X-ray radiation (40). The invention also relates to a corresponding method for identifying X-ray radiation by means of a computer tomograph that comprises a detector unit (2) consisting of a plurality of detectors (1).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing signals output from an array of X-ray radiation detectors which receive X-ray radiation emanating from an object irradiated by a source beam of X-ray radiation, to thereby produce an visual image of internal object features, utilizes repetitive sampling P times and digital accumulation of signals output from each detector to increase signal-to-noise ratio of the images by the factor 1/?P. In a basic embodiment, each of the N detectors in a linear detector array is sampled P times. In another embodiment, artifacts resulting from decay of detector pre-amplifier output voltages on capacitors of low-pass filter circuits, referred to as pseudo-integrators, are reduced by sequentially sampling and accumulating each of N detector amplifier output voltages P times in turn, and repeating the sampling and accumulating sequence Q times, thereby reducing variations in the P×Q accumulated values between the first and last detector channels of an N detector array.

Abstract: A method of and a system for stabilizing High Voltage Power Supply (HVPS) DC and AC voltages in multi-energy X-ray computed tomography scanners are provided. The method comprises generating filter ratios, computing DC and AC voltages, and feeding back the computed DC and AC voltages to the commanded voltages. The filtered ratios including an air ratio and a copper ratio are modeled as nonlinear functions of the DC and AC voltages. Computing DC and AC voltages include computing an m-ratio and an n-ratio. The parameters of the nonlinear model comprise an exponent parameter and a set of polynomial coefficients. The parameters are determined by a calibration procedure, which performs scanning at different combination of DC and AC voltages. The optimal parameters are obtained through a nonlinear least square minimization, which is solved through a brute force search over the exponent parameter and a closed form solution of the polynomial coefficients.

Abstract: An electron emitter assembly and a method for adjusting a size of electron beams are provided. The electron emitter assembly includes a laser configured to emit a first light beam. The electron emitter assembly further includes a lens assembly configured to receive the first light beam. The lens assembly is configured to adjust a size of the first light beam between a first predetermined size and a second predetermined size larger than the first predetermined size. The lens assembly emits the first light beam toward a photo-cathode. The photo-cathode is configured to emit a first electron beam having a third predetermined size when the first light beam having the first predetermined size contacts the photo-cathode. The photo-cathode is further configured to emit a second electron beam having a fourth predetermined size when the first light beam having the second predetermined size contacts the photo-cathode.

Abstract: A dual energy x-ray densitometer is incorporated into a standard patient examination table to provide improved access to this screening tool during regular examinations. A repositionable scanning head allows the table to remain unobstructed when scanning is not occurring and a limited scanning area allows the examination table to retain standard examination table features such as table extensions, foot end drawers, trays and stirrups, and a step for access to the high examination table surface.

Abstract: An illumination optical system illuminates a surface to be illuminated. The illumination optical system includes a mirror having a surface effective to shape X-rays from a source into X-rays having an arcuate sectional shape, and an optical system for illuminating the surface to be illuminated, with the X-rays having an arcuate sectional shape from the mirror and in an oblique direction with respect to that surface.

Abstract: A method for inspection of a sample that includes a first layer having a known reflectance property and a second layer formed over the first layer. The method includes directing radiation toward a surface of the sample and sensing the radiation reflected from the surface so as to generate a reflectance signal as a function of elevation angle relative to the surface. A feature due to reflection of the radiation from the first layer is identified in the reflectance signal. The reflectance signal is calibrated responsively to the identified feature and to the known reflectance property of the first layer. The calibrated reflectance signal is analyzed to determine a characteristic of the second layer. Other enhanced inspection methods are disclosed, as well.

Abstract: An anode target is roratably supported by a rotating mechanism having a rotary body and a staionary body. A fitted portion between the rotary body and the stationary body is formed of bearing areas having dynamic pressure type sliding bearings and a non-bearing area having a clearance between the rotary body and the stationary body larger than that in the bearing areas. The rotary body facing the non-bearing area is positioned where a time for heat transfer from the anode target is shorter than the rotary body facing the bearing areas. Thus, the characteristics of heat radiation from the anode target can be improved, and a stable bearing operation can be maintained.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a set of functional parameters using a fluoroscopic radiography apparatus of the type comprising an X-ray source, a detector or recorder of the radiation facing the source, the source and the detector or recorder being installed on a mobile support capable of movement with respect to a table placed between the source and the detector or recorder on which a patient with a region of interest to be X-rayed will be placed. The method comprises a) movement of the support following a given movement with respect to the table, repeated during a given time; b) acquisition by the detector or recorder of a series of images of the region of interest during movement of the support with respect to the table; c) reconstitution of a series of three-dimensional models of the region of interest, starting from a series of acquired images; and d) determination of all functional parameters.

Abstract: An apparatus for X-ray analysis includes (1) a focusing optical system including an X-ray source, a specimen table and a two-dimensional X-ray detector, (2) a device for shifting the angle of incidence of X-rays relative to a specimen supported by the specimen table, (3) a device for moving the two-dimensional X-ray detector in parallel with a central axis of rotation of the specimen and (4) a mask arranged in front of the two-dimensional X-ray detector. The mask has a slit arranged on a line intersecting a plane rectangularly intersecting the central axis of rotation of the specimen and containing a central optical axis of incident X-rays. The mask is driven to move in parallel with the axis of rotation of the specimen so that measuring can be conducted.

Abstract: A mammography system using a tissue exposure control relying on estimates of the thickness of the compressed and immobilized breast and of breast density to automatically derive one or more technic factors. The system further uses a tomosynthesis arrangement that maintains the focus of an anti-scatter grid on the x-ray source and also maintains the field of view of the x-ray receptor. Finally, the system finds an outline that forms a reduced field of view that still encompasses the breast in the image, and uses for further processing, transmission or archival storage the data within said reduced field of view.

Abstract: The invention provides an image processing apparatus and method wherein image signals can be arithmetically processed on the real-time basis. Infrared rays introduced into a light reception section are photoelectrically converted in synchronism with a reset pulse signal supplied from a timing generator and are outputted to an amplification section in synchronism with a light reception section transfer pulse signal supplied from the timing generator. The signal inputted to the amplification section is amplified to a level necessary for processing in an apparatus in the following stage in synchronism with an amplification section drive pulse signal supplied thereto from the timing generator, and outputted to an arithmetic operation section.

Abstract: A normal incidence reflectometer includes a rotatable analyzer/polarizer, which permits measurement of a diffracting structure. Relative rotation of the analyzer/polarizer with respect to the diffracting structure permits analysis of the diffracted radiation at multiple polarity orientations. A spectograph detects the intensity of the spectral components at different polarity orientations. Because the normal incidence reflectometer uses normally incident radiation and an analyzer/polarizer that rotates relative to the diffracting structure, or vice-versa, the orientation of the diffracting structure does not affect the accuracy of the measurement. Thus, the sample holding stage may use X, Y, and Z, as well as r-? type movement and there is no requirement that the polarization orientation of the incident light be aligned with the grating of the diffraction structure.

Abstract: Action on the tested wafer 1 is rendered with X-ray beam 3 converging in a point located inside the wafer or under it. Determination of relative position of the interference maxima is performed for diffraction reflections from crystallographic planes having the form of {nKK}, where n is equal to H, K or L and differs for distinct crystallographic planes. Means 11 for beam shaping creates beam 3 simultaneously acting on multiple crystallographic planes. Detectors 13 receive diffracted radiation in the whole angular range containing the interference maxima corresponding to the reflections from the irradiated planes.

Abstract: The CT threat resolution system includes an primary EDS scanning process to identify threats and the nature of threats and a plurality of secondary CT scanning processes to resolve threats. The primary EDS scanning process and secondary CT scanning processes can be either separate machines or multiple processes within a single scanner. The secondary scanning process may utilizes dual energy scanning and/or high resolution scanning to resolve threats based upon the nature of the threat. An alarm indicates threats which cannot be resolved by the secondary CT scanning process for further operator investigation. Threats may be reviewed and resolved by an operator before the secondary CT scanning process.