Abstract: A method of imaging a patient's uncompressed region of interest using X-ray cone beam computed tomography or cone beam digital tomography comprises the step of introducing an effective amount of a contrast agent to the uncompressed region of interest. A system for imaging a patient's uncompressed region of interest using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) or cone beam digital tomography (CBDT) comprises an X-ray source transmitting an X-ray to the uncompressed region of interest, an image acquisition system acquiring a plurality of two-dimensional projection images data for a CBCT or CBDT data set with at least one of the projection images acquired in 35 milliseconds or less, and a processor generating a three-dimensional computed tomography image data set resolving voxels with dimensions of 0.4 mm or less in at least two orthogonal directions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for excess signal compensation in an imaging system is described. In one particular embodiment, the invention provides for non-linear background, offset (due to time dependent dark current) and/or lag (including constant, linear and non-linear terms, due to image persistence) corrections of large area, flat panel imaging sensors.

Abstract: A method of imaging a patient's uncompressed region of interest using X-ray cone beam computed tomography or cone beam digital tomography comprises the step of introducing an effective amount of a contrast agent to the uncompressed region of interest. A system for imaging a patient's uncompressed region of interest using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) or cone beam digital tomography (CBDT) comprises an X-ray source transmitting an X-ray to the uncompressed region of interest, an image acquisition system acquiring a plurality of two-dimensional projection images data for a CBCT or CBDT data set with at least one of the projection images acquired in 35 milliseconds or less, and a processor generating a three-dimensional computed tomography image data set resolving voxels with dimensions of 0.4 mm or less in at least two orthogonal directions.

Abstract: An image acquisition device 30 includes a photoconductor 48 to convert an electromagnetic radiation into electrical signals, a first layer 36 or 37 coupled to the photoconductor 48. The first layer 36 or 37 includes an insulator 54 and a plurality of conductors 56 or 57 embedded in the insulator 54 to conduct the electrical signals. A method of making an image acquisition device 30 includes the step of sandwiching a layer including an insulator and a plurality of conductors embedded in the insulator between a photoconductor layer and an electrode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for excess signal compensation in an imaging system is described. In one particular embodiment, the invention provides for non-linear background, offset (due to time dependent dark current) and/or lag (including constant, linear and non-linear terms, due to image persistence) corrections of large area, flat panel imaging sensors.

Abstract: A method of coating the joined crystals within a semiconductor conversion layer to reduce the dark current without compromising the sensitivity of the conversion layer is presented. A semiconductor conversion layer comprising a plurality of joined crystals and permeated by a polymer material and having microscopic voids is also presented.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for excess signal compensation in an imaging system is described. In one particular embodiment, the invention provides for non-linear background, offset (due to time dependent dark current) and/or lag (including constant, linear and non-linear terms, due to image persistence) corrections of large area, flat panel imaging sensors.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for switching unpolarized light are provided. The apparatus includes GaInAs/GaAs optical switching devices which can be fabricated using conventional processes on a single wafer in matrix arrangement to provide an n.times.m cross bar switch. Switching is accomplished by shifting the band gap of the GaInAs material of a device using electrical or optical power to heat the material. Each switching device may comprise two-polarity (n/p) or single polarity (n or p) semiconductor materials.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus of mechanically stacked photovoltaic cells having two cells. The bottom cell has a layer of GaSb having regions of different conductivity forming a homojunction therein. The GaSb layer is sandwiched between a conductive substrate and a bottom passivating layer. In the bottom cell is a means for forming electrical contacts to the substrate and the incident surface of the bottom passivating layer. The top cell has a layer of GaAs having regions of different conductivity forming a homojunction therein, a top passivating layer contacting the surface of the layer of GaAs which is incident to solar radiation, and a means for forming electrical contacts to the layer of GaAs opposed to solar radiation and the incident surface of the passivating layer.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus of mechanically stacked photovoltaic cells having a bottom heat spreader and a top heat spreader, a bottom photovoltaic cell and a top photovoltaic cell, and means for forming the necessary electrical contacts. The heat spreaders are electrically insulated from each other but are thermally connected to each other. The bottom photovoltaic cell has an anode and a cathode and is thermally bonded to the bottom heat spreader and is thermally connected to the top heat spreader. The top photovoltaic cell has an anode and a cathode, is electrically insulated from the bottom photovoltaic cell, and is thermally bonded to the top heat spreader and is thermally connected to the bottom heat spreader.

Abstract: A mechanically stacked module package is described. The package permits the effective mechanical stacking of two solar cells in a compact arrangement. The design also permits the easy wiring of the package into a voltage matching configuration for module wiring thus eliminating the problems of current matching the top and bottom cells. The package design can be used with any mechanically stacked cells although the design is most suitable for concentrator solar cell configurations where the removal of heat to avoid degradation and shortening of lifetime is a major concern.

Abstract: The invention is a resonant circuit sensor of physical properties of objects that monitors measurable properties of resonant circuits affected by interactions of the objects with the polarized, resonant oscillations of the circuits. The circuits can be passive with excitation by an external energy source or active with a source included as an integral part. Simultaneous or sequential sensing of more than one physical property of objects is obtained by detecting resonant oscillation characteristics such as amplitude, frequency, phase or polarization and by detecting quantities influenced by such characteristics for one or more orientations of the objects relative to the polarization of the oscillations. These resonant oscillations can be in the form of electromagnetic fields, electric fields, magnetic fields, or acoustic waves.