Abstract: Scintillator structures are disclosed in which the phosphor is embedded or suspended in an optically transparent matrix which is selected or adjusted to have an index of refraction which is approximately equal to that of the phosphor embedded therein at the wavelength of the light emitted by the phosphor. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, BaFCl:Eu is embedded in a matrix formed by the polymerization of 2-vinyl napthalene and vinyl toluene. The scintillator structures of the present invention provide superior optical coupling to photoelectrically responsive devices. Also disclosed are methods for manufacturing index-matched phosphor scintillator structures.

Abstract: Scintillator structures are disclosed in which the phosphor is embedded or suspended in an optically transparent matrix which is selected or adjusted to have an index of refraction which is approximately equal to that of the phosphor embedded therein at the wavelength of the light emitted by the phosphor. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, BaFCl:Eu is embedded in a matrix formed by the polymerization of 2-vinyl napthalene and vinyl toluene. The scintillator structures of the present invention provide superior optical coupling to photoelectrically responsive devices. Also disclosed are methods for manufacturing index-matched phosphor scintillator structures.

Abstract: Distributed phosphor scintillator structures providing superior optical coupling to photoelectrically responsive devices together with methods for fabricating said scintillator structures are disclosed. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention relating to scintillator structures, the phosphor is distributed in a layered fashion with certain layers being optically transparent so that the visible wavelength output of the scintillator is better directed to detecting devices. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention relating to scintillator structures, the phosphor is distributed throughout a transparent matrix in a continuous fashion whereby emitted light is more readily transmitted to a photodetector. Methods for fabricating said distributed phosphor scintillator structures are also disclosed.

Abstract: Scintillator structures are disclosed in which the phosphor is embedded or suspended in an optically transparent matrix which is selected or adjusted to have an index of refraction which is approximately equal to that of the phosphor embedded therein at the wavelength of the light emitted by the phosphor. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, BaFCl:Eu is embedded in a matrix formed by the polymerization of 2-vinyl napthalene and vinyl toluene. The scintillator structures of the present invention provide superior optical coupling to photoelectrically responsive devices. Also disclosed are methods for manufacturing index-matched phosphor scintillator structures.

Abstract: A scintillator detector array particularly useful in computerized tomography comprises a housing including a plurality of walled cellular chambers, said housing having a front wall member transmissive to x-ray radiation and whose chambers are defined by side wall members comprising materials, such as tungsten and tantalum, which are substantially opaque to x-ray radiation. Within the housing there is disposed a liquid scintillation medium including a soluble fluor and solvent material for the fluor. The solvent may comprise either an intrinsically high Z solvent or may be a solvent which has dissolved therein a high Z compound. Also disposed about the cellular chambers are a plurality of photoelectrically responsive devices. The detector array operates to convert x-ray intensity levels of impinging x-ray radiation to related electrical signal intensity levels.

Abstract: Scintillator bodies comprising fluorescent materials and having high optical translucency with low light absorption and methods of making the scintillator bodies are disclosed. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the scintillator bodies are formed by a hot-pressing process. In another embodiment, cold-pressing followed by sintering is employed. Another embodiment employs controlled cooling. Another embodiment employs hot-forging. The scintillator bodies that result are easily machined to desired shapes and sizes.

Abstract: Distributed phosphor scintillator structures providing superior optical coupling to photoelectrically responsive devices together with methods for fabricating said scintillator structures are disclosed. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention relating to scintillator structures, the phosphor is distributed in a layered fashion with certain layers being optically transparent so that the visible wavelength output of the scintillator is better directed to detecting devices. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention relating to scintillator structures, the phosphor is distributed throughout a transparent matrix in a continuous fashion whereby emitted light is more readily transmitted to a photodetector. Methods for fabricating said distributed phosphor scintillator structures are also disclosed.

Abstract: Structures for containing and supporting scintillator bodies are disclosed in which the optical output of the scintillator body is channeled by light reflective means to photoelectrically responsive devices mounted on the top and bottom of the detector array. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the internal surfaces of the collimating array are coated with either a diffuse or specular reflective coating. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the photoelectrically responsive transducers are located at the top and bottom of the array rather than at the rear. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, reflective light channeling wedges are provided to improve spacing requirements for the photoelectrically responsive transducers. The scintillator structures of the present invention provide superior optical coupling to photoelectrically responsive devices.

Abstract: Disclosed is a double side cooled, pressure mounted semiconductor package and a method for the manufacture thereof. The package is formed by directly bonding upper and lower metal contact assemblies to an annular ceramic housing. Assembly is simplified if at least one contact assembly comprises two parts applied sequentially. An annular flange having a central opening approximately the size of the central opening in the annular housing and having an outside diameter larger than the outside diameter of the ceramic housing is direct bonded to one end of the housing simultaneously with a lower semiconductor contact. After a conventional semiconductor pellet is positioned in the housing, the second part, a metal contact disc with an outside diameter approximately equaling the outside diameter of the flange, is positioned thereover. Finally, the flange and the disc are welded around their peripheries.

Abstract: Radiation sensitive switches which undergo thermal decomposition to physically interrupt the circuit path when activated are operatively associated with a plurality of high voltage flash lamps utilizing a shorting primer material to provide an electrical path across said lamps after flashing as the means of enabling the flash lamps to be sequentially flashed in a high-voltage activated multiple flash lamp array. The thermal decomposition of the radiation sensitive switching elements produces self-destruction of the switch elements per se and which can be accompanied by further destruction of the underlying substrate on which the switch elements have been deposited. The switching elements are deposited on a circuit board member and electrically connected in the sequential lamp firing circuitry at circuit board locations adjacent to the associated flash lamps.

Abstract: A bond between a refractory metal or semiconductor and a ductile metal and a method for making the same includes forming a layer of a refractory metal wetting agent such as titanium on the refractory metal before bonding to allow wetting of the refractory metal by the ductile metal.

Abstract: The reliability of radiation switches is improved in accordance with this invention by mechanically modifying the contact members of the switch structure to reduce the heat sinking effectiveness of the switch contact members.

Abstract: Highly reliable electrical switches useful in multiple flash photolamp units are described as comprising a pair of spaced electrical conductors with radiation and voltage responsive materials overlying a portion of the conductors and the gap therebetween.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of bonding metals to substrates such as ceramics or metals. A bonding agent forms a eutectic alloy with the metal to provide bonding. Several methods of supplying the bonding agent to the system are disclosed. However, regardless of which method of introducing the bonding agent into the system is employed, the quantity of the bonding agent is carefully controlled so that the compound in the region of the bond is hypoeutectic. To form the bond, the metal and the substrate are placed adjacent each other and the bonding agent is introduced into the system. The system is then heated to a temperature between the eutectic temperature and the melting point of the metal for a preselected time. The system is then cooled to form a bond. The heating is carried out in an inert atmosphere or a vacuum.