Abstract: A flat panel detector for radiation imaging includes an array of transistor switches each of which is associated with a pixel electrode. A radiation transducer including a top electrode and a radiation conversion layer is disposed over the array. Inhibiting mechanisms are positioned over dead zones between adjacent pixel electrodes to inhibit the accumulation of charge in the radiation conversion layer at the dead zones when the top electrode is biased and the flat panel detector is exposed to radiation. In one embodiment, the inhibiting mechanism is constituted by islands formed of semiconductor material between the array and the radiation transducer. Each island is positioned over a dead zone between adjacent pixel electrodes and contacts a pixel electrode to allow charges accumulated on the islands to drift to the pixel electrodes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of operating a dual gate TFT electromagnetic radiation imaging device wherein the electrical conditions on each pixel are compared after exposure to radiation and during measurement. The pixel charge electrode is preset to a predetermined voltage level prior to radiation exposure so that the pixel may be operated beyond its linear operating range.

Abstract: A detector for detecting radiant energy includes at least one detecting element and a detector readout element. The at least one detecting element substantially absorbs the radiant energy and exhibits a structural change in response thereto. The detector readout element, positioned in non-contacting proximity to the at least one detecting element, is responsive to the structural change of the at least one detecting element. The non-contacting detector readout element provides an indication signal corresponding to the structural change, whereby the corresponding indication signal is representative of the radiant energy detected by the at least one detecting element.

Abstract: Linearization of an ionization detector is obtained by processing the output signal derived from the ionization detector so as to compensate for the naturally-occurring logarithmic decay of the detector response at high sample concentrations. Linearization is accomplished according to a linearizing formula:I.sub.(lin) =I[1+(I/I.sub.(dec))].sup.pwrwhere:I.sub.(lin) =linearized output signal current of the detectorI=non-linearized output signal current of the detectorI.sub.

Abstract: A solid state radiation detection unit for producing pixel data from electron-hole producing radiation using a photoelectric conversion layer. One aspect of the invention includes a photoelectric conversion layer that is deposited in direct contact with an array of doped semiconductor pixel contacts. Another aspect of the invention uses a buried field electrode formed within a photoelectric conversion layer. The two inventive concepts can be used separately or combined in a single embodiment.

Abstract: An imaging support for supporting a plurality of imaging device tiles at respective tile mounting locations to define a tiled imaging surface is provided. Each of the imaging device tiles has a semiconductor detector with a plurality of pixel cells coupled to a semiconductor substrate with a corresponding plurality of pixel circuits. The semiconductor detector and the semiconductor substrate are carried on a mount having an imaging device tile contact. The imaging support is configured for mounting each of the imaging device tiles on the imaging support in a non-destructive, removable manner at respective tile mounting locations, each of which includes an imaging support contact at a contact position.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device includes a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements arranged in a matrix to continuously read a noise-free image. The plurality of photoelectric conversion elements arranged in each row are commonly connected to respective refresh signal lines. The refresh signal lines are independently set up and respectively connected to refresh signal generators.

Abstract: A novel radiation detector, a detection principle and an associated structure are provided for semiconductor substrate detectors in general and for CMOS based circuits in particular. For an optical detector, photons absorbed in the neutral zone of the substrate generate electron hole pairs that migrate by diffusion. A shadow mask gives a spatial modulation to the incident, and consequently, to the absorbed light in the semiconductor substrate. By measuring the magnitude of the spatial frequency component in the minority carrier distribution with a spatial frequency corresponding to that of the shadow mask, a fast detector is conceived. A shadow mask with higher spatial modulation frequency delivers a faster turn-off. The combination of a plurality of these detectors with an image fiber forms a basic system for constructing high-speed parallel optical interconnects between chips.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring emission time delay during irradiation of targeted samples by utilizing digital signal processing to determine the emission phase shift caused by the sample is disclosed. The apparatus includes a source of electromagnetic radiation adapted to irradiate a target sample. A mechanism generates first and second digital input signals of known frequencies with a known phase relationship, and a device then converts the first and second digital input signals to analog sinusoidal signals. An element is provided to direct the first input signal to the electromagnetic radiation source to modulate the source by the frequency thereof to irradiate the target sample and generate a target sample emission. A device detects the target sample emission and produces a corresponding first output signal having a phase shift relative to the phase of the first input signal, the phase shift being caused by the irradiation time delay in the sample.

Abstract: A process and system for flame detection includes a microprocessor-controlled detector with at least three sensors. A wide band infrared sensor is used as the primary detector, with near band and visible band sensors serving to detect false-alarm energy from nonfire sources. Digital signal processing is used to analyze sensed data and discriminate against false alarms. A multistage alarm system can be-provided, which is selectively triggered by the microprocessor. Spectral recording and analysis of prefire data is provided for. The detector can be housed in an enclosed, sealed, removable, plastic housing that may include an integral plastic window lens.

Abstract: An absorption spectroscopy device for determining the concentration of a gas (such as oxygen) in a sample cell includes a neutral density absorber or a quarter wave plate. Laser radiation from a laser diode passes through the neutral density absorber or the quarter wave plate, then passes through the sample cell, and then is incident upon a detector. In some embodiments, the laser diode is driven with a drive current having a stepped periodic waveform.

Abstract: A single photon emission computer tomography (SPECT) imager for the study of a patient to whom a radionuclide has been administered. The imager has an arcuate detector carrier encompassing at least 180.degree. of arc about an examination axis through a target area of the patient. One or more scintillation detectors are carried by the detector carrier for taking a plurality of readings of gamma ray emissions from the radionuclide. While the plurality of readings are taken, the carrier remains substantially immobile relative to the patient.

Abstract: UV sensing apparatus comprises a substantially light-proof housing (1), an aperture (1a) formed in the housing, a filter (2) positioned within the housing at the internal mouth of the aperture, a fluorescent member (3) positioned within the housing on that side of the filter remote from that adjacent to the aperture, and a light sensor (4) positioned within the housing to receive light emitted by the fluorescent member. The filter (2) is such that it substantially removes visible light, the fluorescent member (3) is such as to fluoresce when subjected to UV radiation, and the light sensor (4) is positioned so that substantially none of any electromagnetic radiation entering the housing (1) via the aperture (1a) impinges upon the light sensor.

Abstract: In order to improve the reliability of apparatus and to attain signal outputs with high S/N ratios, a driving method of photoelectric conversion apparatus has a first mode for performing drive of photoelectric conversion elements, irrelevant to reading of information, and a second mode for dealing with reading of information, and transition to the second mode is carried out after a lapse of a desired time from the first mode.

Abstract: A high responsivity thermochromic infrared detector which has an operating temperature that is established on the steepest part of the phase transition curve and is maintained there while the infrared detector is operated.

Abstract: Electromagnetic and nuclear radiation is detected by micromechanical sensors that can be coated with various interactive materials. As the micromechanical sensors absorb radiation, the sensors bend and/or undergo a shift in resonance characteristics. The bending and resonance changes are detected with high sensitivity by any of several detection methods including optical, capacitive, and piezoresistive methods. Wide bands of the electromagnetic spectrum can be imaged with picoJoule sensitivity, and specific absorptive coatings can be used for selective sensitivity in specific wavelength bands. Microcantilevers coated with optical cross-linking polymers are useful as integrating optical radiation dosimeters. Nuclear radiation dosimetry is possible by fabricating cantilevers from materials that are sensitive to various nuclear particles or radiation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for radiography, and especially for planar beam radiography, and also a detector for detecting incident radiation. In the method and the apparatus, wherein X-rays are emitted from an X-ray source, the X-rays are formed into a planar beam and are transmitted through an object to be imaged, and the X-rays transmitted through said object are detected in a detector. The detector, which detects incident radiation is a gaseous parallel plate avalanche chamber, including electrode arrangements between which a voltage is applied for creating an electrical field, which causes electron-ion avalanches of primary and secondary ionization electrons released by incident radiation. The detector is oriented, in relation to the incident radiation, so that the radiation enters sideways between a first and a second parallel plate, between which the electrical field is created.

Abstract: A measurement of polyurethane pad characteristics is used to predict performance characteristics of polyurethane pads used for chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) of semiconductor wafers, and to adjust process parameters for manufacturing polyurethane pads. In-situ fluorescence measurements of a pad that has been exposed to a high pH and high temperature environment are performed. The fluorescence characteristics of the pad are used to predict the rate of planarization of a wafer. A portion of one pad from a manufacturing lot is soaked in an organic solvent which causes the portion to swell. The relative increase in size is indicative of the performance characteristics of pads within the manufacturing lot. Statistical Process Control methods are used to optimize the CMP pad manufacturing process. Predicted pad characteristics are available for each pad.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, phosphor powder in a binder is deposited on a flat first side of a fused silica substrate. The UV output of a laser beam is reflected off an angled beam splitter so as to be incident upon a flat second side of the fused silica substrate. The phosphor is energized by the UV light transmitted through the fused silica and re-radiates a visible wavelength. The binder is selected to be opaque to UV wavelengths so that only a thin layer (10-20 microns) of the phosphor is energized by the incident UV beam. Since the energized phosphor layer against the first side of the substrate is extremely thin and flat, the energized phosphor produces a visible light which precisely corresponds to the incident UV light. The visible light may then be used to determine the characteristics of the UV beam.

Abstract: A bulk material analyzer of the type in which the bulk material is transported through the material analyzer assembly on a conveyor belt between at least one radiation source and at least one radiation detector, includes a plurality of lower and upper modules that contain radiation shielding material and are so shaped as to define a passageway for the conveyor belt between the upper modules and the lower modules when the upper modules are placed on the lower modules. A primary centrally located lower module also includes the radiation sources and a primary centrally located upper module also includes the radiation detectors. Some of the outwardly located modules contain less radiation shielding material. The radiation shielding material includes a plurality of personally portable blocks. The conveyor belt is supported by compressed air passed through central upper wails in the outwardly located lower modules.