Abstract: A focal track region of an x-ray anode in an example is electrochemically etched. In a further example, an x-ray anode comprises a thermally-compliant focal track region for impingement of electrons from an x-ray cathode to create an x-ray source. The thermally-compliant focal track region comprises a pattern of discrete relative expanses and gaps.

Abstract: A focal track region of an x-ray anode in an example is electrochemically etched. In a further example, an x-ray anode comprises a thermally-compliant focal track region for impingement of electrons from an x-ray cathode to create an x-ray source. The thermally-compliant focal track region comprises a pattern of discrete relative expanses and gaps.

Abstract: A system and method for imaging a volume having a detector including a first atomic species with an absorption edge at a first wavelength. The system also includes a source having a second atomic species for emitting an ionizing energy. The second atomic species has a characteristic emission peak that substantially matches the absorption edge of the detector. A filter may be provided for blocking ionizing energy from the source in regions other than a region proximate the characteristic emission peak. Effective imaging with a lower radiation dose may be achieved with the system and method.

Abstract: A multi-filament superconducting wire in which the filaments comprise zirconia-stabilized ultra-fine grain Nb3Sn. The superconducting wire is formed by wire-drawing a preform comprising a metallic matrix and at least one niobium alloy rod having zirconium and oxygen in solid solution and heat treating the drawn wire in the presence of tin to yield at least one continuous filament comprising ultra-fine grain Nb3Sn having semi-coherent ZrO2 precipitates disposed therein. The ZrO2 precipitates serve to stabilize the ultra-fine grain microstructure of the Nb3Sn at temperatures up to 1100° C. and allows Nb3Sn to maintain the ultra-fine grain microstructure when heat treated at temperatures that are greater than those previously used. By using higher temperatures to form Nb3Sn, the time required for heat treatment can be significantly reduced.

Abstract: A system and method for imaging an object that takes into account movement of the object in producing an MR image. A system may include a target volume location sensor for determining a location of an object being imaged. A moving-target algorithm may use the location information and other image information to match appropriate data to construct an image of the object. A moving-target algorithm may use the location information to provide instruction on changing a gradient field of an imaging system to account for a location of an object.

Abstract: A system and method for imaging a volume having a detector including a first atomic species with an absorption edge at a first wavelength. The system also includes a source having a second atomic species for emitting an ionizing energy. The second atomic species has a characteristic emission peak that substantially matches the absorption edge of the detector. A filter may be provided for blocking ionizing energy from the source in regions other than a region proximate the characteristic emission peak. Effective imaging with a lower radiation dose may be achieved with the system and method.

Abstract: An electroslag-cold hearth (ESCH) system for refining or producing a desired metal or metal alloy is described. The system includes at least one cold hearth vessel capable of holding a pool of molten liquid metal and an overlying slag layer, and an ingot mold laterally off-set from the cold hearth. A source of raw material, e.g., a feed electrode, is positioned above the cold hearth, and fed into the molten slag in a refining operation. A flow-over dam separates the ingot mold from the cold hearth, preventing the flow of inclusions and other foreign bodies into the ingot mold. In some instances, a non-consumable electrode provides additional thermal energy to the slag. In the production operation, the metal source can be a salt from which the desired metal can be electrochemically extracted. Related methods for refining or producing metals such as titanium alloys are also described.

Abstract: A composition of matter suitable for use as a permanent magnet includes a rare earth-transition metal-boron alloy, where at least 30 weight percent of the rare earth content of the alloy comprises Pr, at least 50 weight percent of the transition metal content of the alloy comprises Fe, and the alloy contains less than 0.6 weight percent oxygen.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device is provided including providing at least one magnet positioned between a keeper device and a yoke, the keeper device being positioned at a pole region of the at least one magnet, positioning at least one pole device at the pole region of the at least one magnet, and removing the keeper device from the pole region to allow the at least one pole device to be positioned at the pole region of the at least one magnet.