Abstract: Using a chemical vapor-phase deposition (CVD), physical vapor phase deposition (PVD) process or similar, novel directionally-oriented piezoelectric materials are created from zinc oxide (ZnO) and similar materials with innovative features that enhance their performance as ultrasonic transducers. Applications for these enhanced piezoelectric materials and transducers include: underwater sonar devices, non-destructive testing devices, tank level indicators, eddy current detectors, ultrasonic wellfield characterization devices, and in-fluid imaging devices (e.g., under-water and under-sodium viewing devices).

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a system and method for improving the quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) of advanced radiation treatment techniques using a patient-specific, multi-material, multi-dimensional anthropomorphic human equivalent phantom technology.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for regulating electrical power generated from a decay of radiation-emitting isotopes. The systems include a diode formed of a semiconductor material capable of mitigating radiation damage by operating at temperatures greater than 300° C. In some embodiments, the semiconductor material includes uranium oxide, UO2±x, where 0?x?0.5. The systems also include a fluid comprising an isotope emitting alpha particles. The systems additionally include a closed circuit having the fluid disposed therein and configured to bring the fluid in contact with the diode. The methods involve flowing a fluid across a surface of a diode and generating electrical power from the diode in response to radiation absorbed therein. The fluid includes an isotope that emits alpha particles. The surface of the diode defines a portion of a closed circuit in which the fluid flows. The methods additionally involve extracting, from the fluid, decay products of the isotope.

Abstract: Devices and methods are presented for converting energy from radiation into electrical power. In one illustrative embodiment, a device for converting energy from radiation into electrical power includes a diode formed of a semiconductor material capable of mitigating radiation damage by operating at temperatures greater than 300° C. The device also includes a radiation source comprising an isotope emitting alpha particles. In another illustrative embodiment, a device for converting energy from radiation into electrical power includes a diode formed of a semiconductor material comprising uranium oxide, UO2±x, where 0?x?0.5. The device also includes a radiation source comprising an isotope emitting alpha particles. The semiconductor material may include a single-crystal of uranium oxide. Other devices and methods are presented.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a system and method for producing Technetium-99m. More specifically, the present invention relates to a novel method and device for modifying commercially-available, widely-used low energy positron emission tomography (PET) cyclotrons in order to produce Technetium-99m in a more efficient, less expensive manner that previously known.

Abstract: The system may include a photonic optical sensor including a photonic crystal and an incident light source arranged so as to project light onto the photonic optical sensor, and such that the photonic optical sensor returns a portion of the light projected onto the photonic optical sensor as returned light. The system may further include a detector positioned with respect to the photonic optical sensor so as to detect the returned light. The detector produces a data output based on the returned light. Additionally, a processing unit receives and processes the data output.