Abstract: An X-ray receptor for producing electrical signals representative of an X-ray image. An array of semiconductor elements is mounted on at least one support, each element being formed of semiconductor material which is (1) an element of Group 4A of the Periodic Table of Elements or a compound of such an element, or which is (2) at least one element of Group 3A of the Periodic Table of Elements together with at least one element of Group 5A of the Periodic Table of Elements, and having at least one PN junction therein. The array is positioned to receive impinging X-rays and to produce electrical signals in response thereto. Electrical conducting leads are supported on the support, and the electrical signals which are produced by respective ones of the semiconductor elements are coupled to these electrical conducting leads.

Abstract: With this radiation photographing apparatus, radiation image converting panels (or IPs) of the same size are used. X-rays shot through an X-ray tube are focussed to have a predetermined size by an X-ray diaphragm to expose a patient and to expose the IP with the penetrated X-rays. This IP is picked up from a feed magazine by a spot shot device, and is supported and set at a photographing position by a holder. The exposed IP is set in an image reading device. Only that area which has been exposed by X-rays is irradiated by a laser beam in the reading device. This area is scanned by the laser beam, and phosphorescence is emitted from the IP when it is irradiated and converted to an electric signal by a photodetector. This detection signal is sent to a image reproducing device to display the X-ray image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of measuring radioactivity which is suitable for discriminating between surface and internal contaminations of a body.The radioactivity of a subject is measured to obtain a .gamma.-ray energy spectrum of radioactivity signals obtained thereby, and a discrimination between surface and internal contamination of the subject is performed on the basis of the ratio between a photoelectric effect component and a Compton-scattered component of the .gamma.-ray energy spectrum.According to the present invention, surface and internal contaminations can be clearly identified.

Abstract: A method of improving the radiation resistant characteristic of a BF.sub.3 proportional counter, comprising a tube having electrodes provided thereon and BF.sub.3 gas filled therein, by subjecting the counter before use to any one of 10.sup.4 -2.times.10.sup.5 R gamma ray, 10.sup.4 -2.times.10.sup.5 R X-ray, or 10.sup.10 -10.sup.11 nvt thermal neutron with a direct current high voltage applied between the above stated electrodes. The counter thus adapted exhibits little deterioration even in the surroundings of strong gamma ray, X-ray, and thermal neutron flux, and can maintain a stable operation. In particular, since the upper limit of the radiation amount in the process of improving the radiation resistant characteristic is set at a low value, the remaining life of the BF.sub.3 proportional counter is not shortened unduely.

Abstract: Ion implantation devices in which the ion source is comprised of one or more vacuum spark gaps arranged to create a plasma and manipulated using magnetic fields are described. Each spark gap is comprised of a point electrode and a surface electrode with the plasma being generated from the surface electrode when a spark is initiated across the gap. A plurality of these spark gaps are coupled to a magnetically insulated ion diode. The spark gaps are arrayed around the azimuth of the ion diode so that plasma flows in and out of the diode along the lines of the magnetic field. The method of arraying the gaps results in an efficient, controllable, high density manner with extended pulse length. A second embodiment of these principles results in an advantageous implantation source using permanent magnets rather than grids. The spark gaps permit ion source versatility in that a wide variety of solid surfaces can be used as ion sources.

Abstract: An improved detector dewar assembly comprised primarily of metal subassemblies, which is easily assembled, and leaves the included detector assembly more readily serviceable.

Abstract: A parallel mass spectrometer, which consists of two or more sets of ion extraction means, mass resolution devices and ion detectors connected in parallel, is interfaced with a separation device, such as a gas chromatograph, for sample analysis. The formed sample ions are simultaneously and separately directed into first and second mass resolution devices. The first mass resolution device is operated under either total ion current or select ions monitoring mode with its detection system constantly monitoring the appearance of the chromatographic peaks. The second mass resolution device is operated under a mass scanning mode, but a mass scan operation is initiated only when a chromatographic peak occurs. Alternatively, a mass scan operation can be arranged such that only the raw mass scan data obtained in synchronization with the appearance of the chromatographic peak are acquired or processed.