Abstract: In a focus detector arrangement and method for an x-ray apparatus for generating projection or tomographic phase-contrast images of an examination subject, a beam of coherent x-rays is generated by an anode that has areas of different radiation emission characteristics arranged in bands thereon, that proceed parallel to grid lines of a phase grid that is used to generate the phase-contrast images.

Abstract: An interactive method for radiation treatment planning is disclosed. The method applies to staged treatment planning algorithms, as used, for example, with arc therapy. It allows the user to hold the optimization algorithm at a stage in order to make adjustments to the objective function before advancing to the next stage. If adjustments are made, the user can revert to an earlier stage and re-run the optimization process using the adjusted objective function. While a hold is imposed, the treatment planning software may continue optimization at the current stage.

Abstract: An x-ray diffraction imaging device includes at least one x-ray detector and at least one scatter collimator positioned upstream of the at least one x-ray detector. The at least one collimator includes a plurality of successive plates. Each of the plurality of plates defines a plurality of rectangular holes. The plurality of successive plates are arranged such that the plurality of rectangular holes define a plurality of quadrilateral passages extending through the at least one scatter collimator. Each of the plurality of quadrilateral passages is configured to increase a rate of detection of first x-rays that define an x-ray transit path enclosed within a single such quadrilateral passage. Also, the plurality of quadrilateral passages is configured to decrease a rate of detection of second x-rays that define an x-ray transit path that intersects more than one such quadrilateral passage.

Abstract: A laser angle guide assembly has a stand, a laser guide and a reflector. The laser guide is mounted adjustably on the stand and has a body, a side index line, a front index line and an index protrusion. The side index line is formed on the side faces of the body. The front index line is formed on the front face of the body. The index protrusion is formed on the front surface at the bottom of the body and has an inclined top and a front face. The reflector is attached and inclined relative to the front surface of the laser guide at an angle and has a reflecting side facing to the inclined top of the index protrusion. Accordingly, the laser angle guide assembly can provide a guide effect to help a doctor to puncture a needle assembly at a desired angle precisely.

Abstract: In an X-ray diffraction apparatus, a high brightness source, such as a rotating anode generator, is combined with demagnification X-ray optics to produce a beam with small image size and high-intensity. In one embodiment, an elliptical X-ray optic is positioned relative to the source and image focal points so that the magnification of the optic is less than one. The combination can produce high-intensity beams with beam images at the sample of less than 0.1 mm.

Abstract: A method, code and system for planning the treatment a lesion on or adjacent to the retina of an eye of a patient are disclosed. There is first established at least two beam paths along which x-radiation is to be directed at the retinal lesion. Based on the known spectral and intensity characteristics of the beam, a total treatment time for irradiation along each beam paths is determined. From the coordinates of the optic nerve in the aligned eye position, there is determined the extent and duration of eye movement away from the aligned patient-eye position in a direction that moves the patient's optic nerve toward the irradiation beam that will be allowed during treatment, while still maintaining the radiation dose at the patient optic nerve below a predetermined dose level.

Abstract: A medical imaging system is provided. The medical imaging system includes an imaging device with a radiation source and a detector, a control unit; and a processing unit. The processing unit is operable to compare a stored reference image taken using a high radiation dose with a current image taken using a lower radiation dose. The control unit is operable to trigger the imaging device to take a further image using a high radiation dose based on the comparison.

Abstract: A treatment planning method and system for optimizing a treatment plan used to irradiate a treatment volume including a target volume, such as a tumor, is disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, gradients of a cost function that defines a treatment volume are back projected to a surface of interest. The method and system of preferred embodiments of the present invention calculate the gradients with respect to the dose received by the treatment volume. Machine parameters that are associated with the surface of interest may then be optimized based on the back projected gradients.

Abstract: In a known type of tomosynthesis x-ray source and x-ray detector are linearly moved and x-rays images are taken for a large number of positions, the images being reconstructed to give a 3D image record. According to the invention x-ray source and x-ray detector are swiveled and a sequence of x-rays is subsequently taken again, x-ray source and x-ray detector again being moved in a straight line. One drawback of simple tomosynthesis with movement in a straight line is suppressed thereby, the drawback being that the quality of reconstruction is particularly poor in a certain direction.

Abstract: An X-ray-generator irradiates X-rays at a subject. The X-ray-detector detects the X-rays that have permeated the subject. The rotating body on which the X-ray-generator and the X-ray-detector are installed rotates around the subject. The rotating body is rotated by the drive part. The power source supplies electrical power to the drive part. The step-down part lowers the voltage of the regenerative electrical power generated at the drive part during the deceleration of the rotating body. The accumulation part charges the lowered electrical power. The step-up part raises the voltage of the electrical power from the accumulation part and supplies electrical power to the drive part.

Abstract: Embodiments provide method and systems for determining alignment of a patient's body part, such as an eye, in an external coordinate system of a treatment or diagnostic device, such as a radiotherapy device, so as to define a reference axis for guiding device operation. Additional embodiments provide image-based methods and systems for aligning, tracking and monitoring motion of a body part and a treatment target in relation to a radiation beam axis. Particular ophthalmic embodiments provide method and systems including an eye-contact guide device and imaging system for aligning and tracking motion of an eye and ocular treatment target in relation to an orthovoltage X-ray beam axis, so as to monitor application of radiation to a lesion, such as a macular lesion of the retina.

Abstract: A method for the correction of lag charges in a flat-panel X-ray detector makes it possible, for each integration phase of the detector, to determine an initial read phase situated just before said integration phase. The method of the invention enables the measurement, for each integration phase, of the charges present in the detector at the corresponding initial read phase, the production of a lag image from the latent charges measured in the initial read phase and the subtraction of the lag image from the raw image. The use of the measurement of charges enables the direct correction of the lag image in the acquisition without the use of a correction module as in the prior art.

Abstract: An electron source has an electron emitter, an anode, a voltage source connected between the electron emitter and the anode, as well as a switch connected with the electron emitter. The switch is fashioned as a optoelectronic switching element.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a radiation inspection system, such as an X-ray system, that can operate efficiently even in inclement weather conditions while being highly mobile. Thus the improved inspection system of the present invention is capable of operating in high temperature and corrosive environments and is designed to withstand moisture, dirt and/or dust from the articles of inspection as well.

Abstract: Cast collimators for use in CT imaging systems are described, as are methods of making them. Such collimators may comprise pre-patient collimators, pre-patient filter/collimator assemblies, and/or post-patient collimators. The filters and/or collimators may be made of any suitable high-density, high atomic number material such as lead, a lead alloy, tantalum, tungsten, tungsten suspended in an epoxy matrix, tungsten suspended in a slurry, or the like. Embodiments of these collimators comprise specially-designed channels and vanes that allow them to be precision cast to the necessary degree of accuracy. These channels and vanes are preferably tapered. These collimators and filter/collimator assemblies help minimize the x-ray dose to the patient by minimizing the scattered radiation creation mechanism and by collimating out much of the scattered radiation that would otherwise be subjected to the patient.

Abstract: A positioning technique for aligning an X-ray lens (28) is described. A positioning apparatus (16) comprises a lens mounting component (44) and a positioning component (42). The positioning component (42) includes at least one goniometer stage (64, 66) having a center of rotation that substantially coincides with the X-ray emitting portion (36) (“hot spot”) of the X-ray source (12). The provision of one or more goniometer stages (64, 66) and, if required, one or more additional translation stages (60, 62) facilitates the adjustment of the X-ray lens (28) and makes the adjustment more intuitive.

Abstract: A CT system performing reconstruction processing based on projection-image-data items obtained from a CT apparatus, wherein the CT system performs the reconstruction processing by, for example, distributing opposed projection-image-data items to a submachine as a single set.

Abstract: A new X-ray diffraction (XRD) method is provided to acquire XY mapping of the distribution of single crystals, poly-crystals, and twin defects across an entire wafer of rhombohedral super-hetero-epitaxial semiconductor material. In one embodiment, the method is performed with a point or line X-ray source with an X-ray incidence angle approximating a normal angle close to 90°, and in which the beam mask is preferably replaced with a crossed slit. While the wafer moves in the X and Y direction, a narrowly defined X-ray source illuminates the sample and the diffracted X-ray beam is monitored by the detector at a predefined angle. Preferably, the untilted, asymmetric scans are of {440} peaks, for twin defect characterization.

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: A method of imaging an object that includes directing a plurality of x-ray beams in a fan-shaped form towards an object, detecting x-rays that pass through the object due to the directing a plurality of x-ray beams and generating a plurality of imaging data regarding the object from the detected x-rays. The method further includes forming either a three-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography, digital tomosynthesis or Megavoltage image from the plurality of imaging data and displaying the image.