Abstract: In an embodiment, a method of using a linear path to transmit X-rays through, sequentially, an object, a scintillator, a lens and an imaging sensor is described. In a further embodiment, an X-ray scanner that uses an amorphous silicon detector plate to detect photons transmitted from a scintillator with lens or fiber coupling is described. In addition, a method for utilizing an amorphous silicon area detector to create digital radiographs of parts which are themselves larger than the active area of the amorphous silicon array is described.

Abstract: A receiver for modulated optical signals including a multiport optical fibre coupler arrangement (10) to one input port of which the modulated optical signals are applied and to another input port of which a local oscillator optical signal of substantially the same optical frequency as the modulated optical signal is applied whereby the output ports of the coupler give separate output signals that are differentially related to the optical frequency phase difference between the modulated input signal and the local oscillator signal, means for individually demodulating (12a-12c) the output signals and means for summing the demodulated output signals.