Abstract: Apparatus for generating a high contrast image of a living subject includes an X-ray source capable of generating an X-ray beam having an energy between about 4 MeV and about 40 MeV, means for directing the X-ray beam generated by the X-ray source to a preselected area of the body of a living subject, and at least one scintillating detector capable of detecting photons which are generated as a result of the interaction of the X-ray beam with the body of the living subject.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the level of cross-talk between scintillating fibers and the secondary attenuation length corresponding to a desired level of cross-talk and for utilizing cross-talk adjusted scintillating fibers in a medical imaging system is provided by the present invention. An input device receives a secondary attenuation length, which is then stored by a memory device. A central processing unit determines a level of cross-talk between scintillating fibers by calculating an average number of visible light photons produced within the fibers due to simulated interaction of an energized particle within the fibers. An output device displays the level of cross-talk. The central processing unit may also determine a plurality of levels of cross-talk for a plurality of secondary attenuation lengths and select a desired secondary attenuation length corresponding to a desired level of cross-talk.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting gamma rays in a diagnostic imaging system preferably utilizing fast step index scintillating fibers and photomultipliers is provided by the present invention. A plurality of scintillating fibers are formed into layers comprising substantially parallel fibers positioned lengthwise each other in each layer. Each layer is positioned parallel each adjacent layer with each layer having its respective fibers at an angle of substantially either 60.degree. or 90.degree. to each adjacent layer. Preferably, position sensitive photomultipliers are provided and each photomultiplier is coupled to a plurality of fibers and each fiber has at least one end coupled to a photomultiplier. Data output from each photomultiplier is collected and processed to determine spatial coordinates of the origination position of a detected gamma ray. The present invention provides a high resolution gamma ray detector having an improved signal-to-noise ratio.