Abstract: The present invention contemplates an integrated oscillator-amplifier system for deep UV generation. The system employs a long cavity oscillator to lengthen the pulse build-up time and to control the pulse spectral bandwidth. Meanwhile the system employs a short cavity amplifier to shorten the energy extraction time to produce a single short pulse with good energy extraction efficiency. The system further integrates the oscillator and the amplifier by inserting the amplifier cavity inside the oscillator cavity via a mirror of low reflectivity. As a result, the integrated system has a long build-up time to generate a seed pulse in the long cavity oscillator and has a short energy extraction time to generate a short amplified single pulse in the short cavity. Consequently, the integrated system can accommodate a relatively long pump pulse to produce a single short amplified pulse suitable for deep UV laser generation.

Abstract: A laser beam pointing and positioning system includes first and second rotatable diffraction gratings. Each grating deviates a laser beam by a predetermined angle of deviation. The relative rotational position of the gratings is controlled to change the beam steering angle and direction of a laser beam. A maximum beam steering angle of twice the angle of deviation may be achieved in any direction. The diffraction gratings may be etched on transmissive substrates of optical glass, sapphire, silicon (Si), Zinc Selenide (ZnSe), Zinc Sulfide (ZnS), or Germanium (Ge). The substrates may be positioned within rotary elements coupled respectively to electromechanical positional control elements to rotate the gratings.

Abstract: Accordingly, a method of suppressing energy spikes is provided comprising projecting a laser beam through a mask having a slit pattern comprising a corner region with edges, and a blocking feature with the corner region to reduce energy spikes projected on a substrate. An alternative method is provided, wherein the corner region is modified such that it is replaced by a more tapered shaped region, preferably a triangle. Also provided, are a variety of mask designs incorporating both corner regions, with and without one or more blocking features, and triangular regions, with or without one or more blocking features. The mask designs provide examples of mask modifications that may be used to reduce energy spikes.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for establishing a non-obtrusive data channel within a voice communication channel to transmit data during an audio transmission without disruption. This audio transmission can be for example, an audio conversation between a first and a second party. The invention uses spread spectrum modulation to hide the reception and transmission of data from the first and second party and allow the ongoing conversation to proceed uninterrupted. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is used to provide an enhanced call waiting feature whereby caller identifying (ID) information of a third party is transmitted over a telephone line from a local central office (CO) to a first party engaged in a telephone conversation with a second party. Advantageously, the use of spread spectrum modulation to transmit data in a voice channel carrying a telephone conversation prevents any interruption in the on-going conversation and does not result in any noticeable disruption.

Abstract: A system and method for maintaining timing in a CDMA rake receiver has a global chip counter that counts CDMA signal chips as they arrive at the CDMA rake receiver. A local pseudo-noise (PN) sequence replica of the incoming CDMA signal is generated and used to perform a sliding window correlation of the locally generated PN sequence replica with the incoming signal to correlate the CDMA signal timing relative to stored CDMA signal chip counts. The PN sequence timing is maintained relative to GCC, which avoids having to keep track of absolute time within each Rake finger.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for data processing particularly useful in combining convolutions of the spreading code, scrambling code and channel response in order to construct a system transmission coefficient matrix, while maintaining the same circuit size and execution time relative to performing each convolution separately. One register for processing real channel response values and a second register for processing imaginary channel response values, are used for moving channel responses through the convolution. In place of multipliers, an optimized minimum number of adders connected in a pyramid configuration are used to perform the necessary multiplication of the codes, for simplicity of construction. By including the channel code transformation from binary representation to complex representation as part of the overall method, unnecessary adders are eliminated from the apparatus.

Abstract: An array antenna reception apparatus includes an array antenna, K adaptive receivers, and demodulated signal synthesizer. The array antenna has M (M is an integer of 1 or more) antenna elements linearly laid out on each side (sector) of a polygon having K (K is an integer of 3 or more) sides. Each adaptive receiver receives reception signals from the M antenna elements for a corresponding sector, independently forms a directional pattern having a gain in a desired signal direction for the sector, receives a desired signal, and suppresses an interference signal. The demodulated signal synthesizer receives K demodulated signals as outputs from the K adaptive receivers, weights and synthesizes the signals, and outputs a demodulated signal for a user.

Abstract: A method reduces interference adaptively in a CDMA receiver. A baseband signal is demodulated to determine target symbols. The baseband signal is also demodulated to estimate interfering symbols. The interfering symbols are modulated to generate a cancellation signal, and the cancellation signal is subtracted from the base band signal to reduce interference in the target symbols.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reducing the effect of multipath propagation in a receiver (1) in which a code-modulated spread spectrum signal is received. In the method, at least one reference code (r(x)) corresponding to a code used in modulation is used to form at least two reference signals with different phases. Correlation between a received signal and each reference signal is performed to form correlation values. The method also comprises the steps of forming a divider function and performing at least a deconvolution step, in which a first time-to-frequency transformation is performed on the corelation results to form first transform results, and the first transform results are divided by the values of the divider function to form a division result. The invention also relates to a receiver (1) for receiving a code modulated spread spectrum signal, and an electronic device (24) comprising at least a positioning receiver (1) with count (2) for receiving a code modulated spread spectrum signal.

Abstract: A method is described for estimating channel impulse responses of a mobile radio channel with a broad bandwidth by a code division multiplexing method, and with a synchronization channel continuously transmitting sequences to mobile radio receivers. The sequences are provided for synchronization of each mobile radio receiver and are known to each of the mobile radio receivers. The transmitted sequences have pilot symbols for identifying the synchronization channel, and the pilot symbols are transmitted at points that are known to the receivers within a time slot. When searching for and identifying the synchronization channel, the pilot symbols and, possibly, further symbols and sequences which are known in the receivers, are evaluated to estimate the delay times and the complex amplitudes, of the mobile radio channel responses.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for correlating a received communication of a known sequence over a wireless channel through the use of a finite impulse response (FIR) filter having a small number of taps to reduce hardware requirement by as much as one-half that of conventional techniques while obtaining amplitude degradation which is no worse than experienced when employing conventional techniques.

Abstract: A startup protocol is provided for use in a communications system having a communications line with a master transceiver at a first end and a slave transceiver at a second end, each transceiver having a noise reduction system, a timing recovery system and at least one equalizer all converging at startup of the system. The operation of the startup protocol is partitioned into stages. The first stage includes the step of converging the equalizer and the timing recovery system of the slave while converging the noise reduction system of the master. Upon completion of the first stage the protocol enters a second stage which includes the step of converging the equalizer and the timing recovery system of the master, converging the noise reduction system of the slave, freezing the timing recovery system of the slave, and resetting the noise reduction system of the master.

Abstract: A soft modem having a plurality of selectable operational modes. Each of the operational modes has a different nominal processor utilization level. The soft modem uses a method for changing its nominal processor utilization level while maintaining the logical connection between the local and remote data communication equipment. The method includes operating the soft modem in one of the plurality of operational modes and switching between any one of the plurality operational modes and any other operational mode of the plurality operational modes upon detecting a control signal selected from a group of predetermined control signals for changing the nominal processor utilization level of the soft modem.

Abstract: Modems, methods, and computer program products provide a dual power mode capability in which a maximum power limit is determined for a received signal and, based on that determination, at least one modem operational parameter is adjusted and/or digital impairment learning (DIL) sequence is selected. Adjustments made to the operational parameters may allow a modem to operate in a high power mode to achieve a higher downstream data rate. The higher downstream data rate may be attributed to an improved SNR resulting from an increase in data transmission power. Moreover, the modem may also operate in a normal power mode where the operational parameters may be set to maximize the client modem receiver's dynamic range. By selecting the DIL sequence based on the power limit, a DIL signal containing symbols having power levels within the power limit may be selected.

Abstract: A data rate detecting device detects a data rate for a received signal based on a variation of the energy for the respective received signals between the two adjacent intervals upon failure to receive information about the data rate, and performs channel decoding of the detected data rate information. First, the data rate detecting device divides an interval defined as between a lowest and highest one of a plurality of given data rates into m discriminating intervals. Then, the device calculates a difference between an average energy of received signals up to an i'th discriminating interval and an average energy of received signals for an (i+1)'th discriminating interval, wherein i is an integer is less than m. If the difference between the average energies is greater than or equal to a threshold value, the device determines that the received signal in the (i+1)'th discriminating interval is transmitted at a data rate corresponding to the i'th discriminating interval.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pulse width modulation control system which is capable of preventing arm short phenomenon and controlling a operation circuit precisely by securing dead time. The present invention comprises a counter which sets initial voltage value differently and outputs chopping wave crossed at its maximum voltage value and minimum voltage value, an adder/subtracter which adds/subtracts signal generated by the counter, a reference voltage value generation unit which is inputted signal outputted from the adder/subtracter and outputs two different reference voltage values to single chopping wave, a comparator which compares reference voltage value generated by the reference voltage value generation unit with voltage value outputted from the adder/subtracter, and an output control unit which outputs PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) positive signal (SPWM+) or PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) negative signal (SPWM−) in accordance with the output voltage value of the comparator.

Abstract: An apparatus for retrieving moving image according to the present invention has an extracting unit for extracting the information of the feature quantity of the moving image from the fixed moving image data, an extracting unit for extracting the information of the unique identification of the moving image to identify the moving image according to the information of the feature quantity of the moving image, and a retrieving unit for retrieving and identifying the fixed moving image from the object moving image for retrieving by comparing the information of the unique identification of the moving image with the information of the unique identification of the moving image beforehand extracted from the object moving image.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems to determine the frequency weighting matrix that will provide the best image quality during MPEG4 FGS enhancement layer encoding, and to change this determination on a scene characteristics change basis, thereby optimizing the resulting output picture quality, especially in bandwidth-deprived applications.

Abstract: An MPEG2 decoder portion decodes an input bit stream and outputs a digital decoded image while extracting coding information and supplying the same to a control portion. An MPEG2 encoder portion re-encodes the digital decoded image output from the MPEG2 decoder portion. Coding information supplied from the control portion is reflected on a coding parameter in re-encoding. Transcoding between the MPEG2 standard and the DV standard can also be executed by arranging a decoder or an encoder corresponding to the DV standard in place of either the MPEG2 decoder portion or the MPEG2 encoder portion.

Abstract: An encoding system capable of preventing the overflow of a buffer and performing the encoding of a VOP within a predetermined time period even where the processing time period necessary for encoding each macroblock is not constant. In order to provide the encoding system, the maximum number of bits Tmax is set for each VOP, and the output of encoding unit and the output of fixed code output unit is switched and outputted so that the number of bits Sc of the VOP may not exceed the Tmax.

Abstract: Time stamps in an encoded digital motion video data stream (such as an MPEG Transport Stream) are re-stamped for seamless splicing. The re-stamping includes attainment of Presentation Time Stamp (PTS) agreement in the video stream, alignment of audio stream and video stream Presentation Time Stamps, and re-stamping of the Program Clock Reference (PCR) to eliminate jitter and to comply with MPEG standards. The MPEG compliance is achieved by padding, stuffing and insertion of freeze B and P frames and pre-encoded black I frames. Freeze frame insertion can be also achieved by replacing B and P frames by, smaller in size, freeze B and P frames respectively. No frames are discarded such that both spatial and temporal frame accuracy (no extra frame insertion assumed) is achieved.

Abstract: A terminal that supports signaling used in the transmission and reception of the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG)-4 data. The terminal includes a video codec for performing video coding/decoding, an audio codec for performing audio coding/decoding, a multiplexer for performing multiplexing on encoded data, and a system controller for performing signaling for negotiating the terminal capability.

Abstract: A digital transceiver system includes a downlink channel and an uplink channel. In the system, a transmitter transmits signals on the downlink channel and receives signals on the uplink channel. The transmitter includes a pre-coder having a plurality of filters. Each filter has a corresponding filter coefficient. The transmitter also includes a filter coefficient updater coupled to the pre-coder. A receiver of the system receives signals on the downlink channel and transmits signals on the uplink channel. The receiver includes linear equalizers having a plurality of taps. Each tap has a corresponding tap coefficient. The coefficient updater is configured to dynamically update the filter coefficients according to the tap coefficients which are indicative of the frequency response of the receiver.

Abstract: A base band signal is frequency limited by a band limiting circuit 1. The waveform of this output signal rises and falls smoothly against a time axis. A driving circuit 2 functions as a buffer amplifier with voltage gain of 1 between the band limiting circuit 1 and ASK modulation circuit 3, and the output voltage wave is equal to the output waveform of the band limiting circuit 1. The ASK modulation circuit 3 turns on/off a field effect transistor 61 by the output signal voltage from the driving circuit 2, thereby discontinuing the carrier of the microwave band to be externally entered and performing ASK modulation (binary ASK), and provides a desired ASK modulated waveform as a result.

Abstract: An FM broadcast transmitter transmits a broadcast signal having a carrier at a broadcast frequency and sidebands, able to be transmitted at full power, within a transmission band-width around the carrier. It includes a source of a modulated FM stereo signal having a carrier at the broadcast frequency and having sidebands with a bandwidth less than the transmission bandwidth representing a stereo signal. It also includes a source of a modulated IBOC signal, having carrier pulses spaced relative to each other to represent the IBOC digital data signal encoded as a variable pulse width encoded signal, and a bandwidth within the transmission bandwidth not overlapping the FM stereo signal sidebands. A signal combiner combines the modulated FM stereo signal and the modulated IBOC signal to form the broadcast signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for acquiring time synchronization, as well as a channel estimate and a noise estimate for a received signal are described. First, a burst of data which includes a training sequence is received. Then, groups of received training sequence measurements are created. For each of these groups, a set of linear equations is set up. Next, methods according to the present invention determine the least square estimate by solving the matrix equation H=(ATA)−1*ATL for each of the groups. This least square estimate is performed in several steps which reduce the number of calculations to be performed. The term ATA is the same for each group and can be computed once prior to computing the least square estimates. The ATL terms are calculated separately for each group. In the process of calculating the ATL term for each group, the ATL term calculated for the previous group can be reused to reduce the total number of calculations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for estimating a channel bit error ratio in a receiver, and to a receiver. In the method, a pseudo bit error ratio of a channel is determined. The receiver (114) comprises detecting means (202, 204, 206, 208) for detecting a data sequence of a received signal; decoding means (302) for decoding a first encoding of the detected data signal; and re-encoding meant (310) for re-encoding with the first encoding the data sequence decoded from the first encoding. The receiver (114) of the invention further comprises quality determining means (304) for providing the detected data sequence with a value for quality, and estimating means (308) for estimating the bit error ratio-provided that the quality of the detected data sequence fulfils a predetermined quality requirement by comparing the detected data sequence with the data sequence re-encoded with first encoding. The first encoding is typically a convolution coding.

Abstract: An improved receiver is provided having a voltage controlled amplifier for adjusting the gain of a first input signal, a comparator and integrator for controlling the voltage controlled amplifier and connected to the output of the voltage controlled amplifier and connected to a second input signal, a cross-correlator connected to the output of the voltage controlled amplifier and the second input signal, first auto correlator connected to the output of the voltage controlled amplifier, a second auto correlator connected to the second input signal, a first mixer connected to the cross-correlator and the output of the voltage controlled amplifier for providing a correction signal to the signal output by the second auto correlator, and a second mixer connected to the cross-correlator and the second input signal for providing a correction signal to the signal output by the first auto correlator.

Abstract: A data communications receiver incorporating soft decision error correction decoding and a means to set the amplitude or threshold for quantized soft decisions in a near-optimum manner to a soft decision decoder. In one embodiment the means for setting the amplitude or threshold measures the soft decisions from a quantizer and marks data bits as weak or strong. The gain or threshold is automatically adjusted to achieve a desired fraction if each marking. The desired fraction is chosen as the value that optimizes performance of the soft decision decoder.

Abstract: The specification discloses a cancellation circuit that suppresses electromagnetic interference in a high speed circuit using a function generator so as to utilize differential signals to cancel the magnetic field and to couple with the electric field without affecting the quality of signals. The differential signals are generated from a clock pin of the function generator, which is phase shifted by a phase shifter and passes through a microstrip antenna or a stripline antenna so as to emit electromagnetic waves with inversed phases, canceling the originally existent electromagnetic waves.

Abstract: A channelized filter design for partial band reconstruction having high dynamic range requirements. The analysis filter and synthesis filter constraints permit high performance signal detection with an alias free signal recombination capability for signals that span multiple frequency bins. The filter bank allows the use of a single wideband asset to provide for data channelized for detection processing with the ability to recombine one or more adjacent frequency bins into a wider bandwidth baseband time domain data stream suitable for exploitation processing. Use of an efficient partial band reconstruction mechanism allows signal reconstruction using only the frequency subchannels that pertain to the signal of interest that is to be copied. The filter design mechanism separates the specification of the analysis filter to support signal detection in environments of high dynamic range. The signal reconstruction (synthesis) filter uses fewer bins and allows a higher order filter.

Abstract: The capacity of a Mode-S ADS-B surveillance radar system is increased by sectorizing the radar system by the use of a directional array of Mode-S, quarter wavelength, single element, stub antennas. The ensemble of signals from the array of Mode-S antenna elements is processed electronically. The signal processing/receiver architecture increases the capacity of the Mode-S ADS-B system to be capable of effectively functioning within a highly congested airspace.

Abstract: A bit synchronizer for a digital receiver system accounts for loss of bit synchronization due to transmission phenomena. The bit synchronizer includes a DC level estimator for converting a sampled digital signal having a bit rate and a sampling rate into a level-adjusted signal. A delay module generates a first timing signal, a second timing signal, and a third timing signal based on the level-adjusted signal. The timing signals correspond to early, on-time, and late sampling windows. The control module generates an output signal based on the timing signals such that the transmit and receive bit timing are synchronized. In one embodiment, the control module has an absolute value stage, an integration stage, and a signal selector. The signal selector is able to select between the timing signals, adjust the symbol rate to re-center the on-time gate, and memory swap to maintain correct averaging operations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a processing device for digital data which is capable of processing data which have been sampled with a sampling clock which may have any value whatsoever with respect to the basic clock of the device. To achieve this, the device is provided with means for generating from its basic clock an operational clock which is a function of the sampling clock of the data to be processed. This operational clock has a constant integer number of active periods during one cycle of the sampling clock. Application: Digital communication systems, especially demodulation.

Abstract: A detector compares a first bit of a bit stream to a first bit of a pattern. If the first bit of the bit stream and the first bit of the pattern are the same, another detector is allowed to read a second bit of the bit stream and compare it to a second bit of the pattern. This continues until all bits of the pattern are detected. By performing the comparison as each bit of the bit stream arrives on a node, the present detectors are able to detect bit patterns in high-speed bit streams.

Abstract: A differential charge pump with integrated common-mode control circuitry (100) for a fully differential phase-locked loop is described, having two output lines (OUT+; OUT−) and including a charge pump section (103) and a common-mode feedback section (106). In the charge pump section (103), current generating circuitry (111, 112, 113, 114) generates a first current signal having a first magnitude and a certain polarity on the first signal output (OUT+), and a second current signal having a second magnitude and opposite polarity on the second signal output (OUT−).

Abstract: The present invention has an object to perform phase synchronization pull-in at high speed and with good stability. A predetermined frequency band of a reproduced signal is emphasized by a waveform equalization means 1. Its output signal is sampled by an A/D converter 2 using a reproduction clock. Low-band noises of a sampled signal are suppressed by a low-band noise suppression means 3. Then, cycle information is detected from a specific pattern length or pattern interval using a cycle detection means with high precision and high efficiency. The obtained cycle information is converted into a frequency error by a frequency error detector 9. On the other hand, a phase error is detected by a phase error detector 10 from the output of the low-band noise suppression means 3. The frequency error and the phase error are passed through loop filters and thereafter added, whereby an oscillator 15 which generates a reproduction clock is controlled.

Abstract: A multiple phase-locked loop circuit is provided which is capable of being reliably restored from a deadlock state without disturbing normal operations. The multiple phase-locked loop circuit includes a first phase/frequency comparator to output an UP signal or first DN signal, a second phase/frequency comparator to output a second DN signal when a frequency of a first frequency-divided clock is lower than that of a second frequency-divided clock, a charge pumping circuit to cause a current to flow in or flow out, a low pass filter to smooth the current that flows in or out, a voltage controlling oscillator to change an output clock frequency based on a control voltage, a first frequency divider to generate the first frequency-divided clock by dividing a frequency of an output clock, and a second frequency divider to generate the second frequency-divided clock by dividing a frequency of a reference clock.

Abstract: A digital counter that uses non-volatile memories as storage cells, wherein the storage cells are sub-divided into two groups, one for the implementation of a rotary counter that keeps track of the less significant part of the count and a binary counter that keeps track of the more significant part of the count. The rotary counter implements a counting method that maximizes the count that can be obtained before the endurance limit of the memory is reached by making sure that each change of state of each cell is recorded as one count and that all cells in the rotary counter experience two change of state in every cycle. The binary counter records the number of cycles the rotary counter has gone through.

Abstract: In a method for controlling a tomogram acquisition device acquiring tomograms of a subject and a control device and tomography apparatus operating according to the method, reference images of the subject are presented at a graphic user interface, and the positions of tomograms to be subsequently acquired are defined by slice position markings within the displayed reference images. A sequence of time-dependent slice position markings is first set in the reference images, with a time mark being allocated to the individual slice position marking of the sequence. On the basis of this sequence of time-dependent slice position markings, the positions of the tomograms to be subsequently acquired are determined dependent on the acquisition time of each tomogram relative to a reference time.

Abstract: A method of correcting the extrafocal radiation of an X-ray tube in image recordings with a computed tomograph, includes subjecting measured data, obtained from detector channels of at least one detector row in the computed tomography, to logarithmic manipulation and back projection in order to obtain the image recordings. The measured data, before the logarithmic manipulation and back projection, is subjected to convolution with a detector-channel-dependent convolution core EN(k), which is derived from a distribution of the extrafocal radiation on at least one detector channel of the computed tomograph or a computed tomograph of an identical type. The present method permits good correction of the extrafocal radiation without reference to the convolution cores to be used for the filtered back projection.

Abstract: In a CT device with a multi-line detector system, different columns of the detector system can be connected to different numbers of electronic elements in order to read the signals generated in the detector elements. Thus, by using the detector systems, regions of the object to be examined can be scanned with a high resolution, and other regions can be scanned with a lower resolution. A high resolution in regions can therefore be achieved with a simplified and less expensive detector system, which generates a comparatively low data rate and amount of data.

Abstract: An apparatus for non-destructively inspecting an arbitrary heat exchanger tube among a group of heat exchanger tubes. The apparatus includes a radiation detector inserted in a heat exchanger tube to be inspected, at least one radiation source inserted in a plurality of heat exchanger tubes surrounding the heat exchanger tube to be inspected, and a CT processing unit. A cross section of the heat exchanger tube to be inspected is imaged by the CT processing. Also, by setting at least one radiation source in an inner portion of the heat exchanger tube, on the inner side of a group of heat exchanger tubes or on the outer side of the group of heat exchanger tubes, and by setting at least one radiation detector carrying a collimator on the outer side of the group of heat exchanger tubes, a cross section of the group of heat exchanger tubes can be imaged by the CT processing.

Abstract: Radiation is irradiated to an object, and the radiation, which carries image information of the object, is detected at a plurality of positions for image recording, which are set at different distances from the object, a plurality of radiation images of the object being thereby acquired. The acquisition of the radiation images is performed by use of a plurality of two-dimensional detectors, such that the radiation, which carries the image information of the object, at a position for image recording, which is remote from the object, is detected with a two-dimensional detector having a sensitivity higher than the sensitivity of a two-dimensional detector for detecting the radiation at a position for image recording, which is close to the object.

Abstract: A digital image representation of a radiological image is acquired and applied to a display device connected to a computer and displayed. A measurement scheme is retrieved from the computer and activated. Measurements are performed on the displayed image under guidance of the activated measurement scheme.

Abstract: The present technique provides a variety of processing schemes for decomposing soft tissue and bone images more accurately from low and high-energy images acquired from an imaging system, such as a dual-energy digital radiography system using flat-panel technology. In particular, a modified decomposition process is provided to mitigate noise and to reduce contrast artifacts, such as blooming, while decomposing soft tissue and bone images from low and high-energy images.

Abstract: A computationally efficient and accurate procedure for calculating radiation dose distributions within a volume of interest in a patient incorporating variations in patient density and source particle energy, position, direction, and type. The procedure iteratively simulates energy depositions from source particles using the Monte Carlo radiation transport method and then applies methods for reducing noise inherent in Monte Carlo results to obtain an accurate and computationally efficient representation of an actual radiation dose distribution compared to that produced by Monte Carlo methods alone. The invention makes an analogy between real measured data and transformed Monte Carlo generated computer data and then applies data denoising techniques to reduce the noise in the Monte Carlo dose images. Conversely, the present invention can produce a dose distribution having a predetermined noise level in a reduced amount of computation time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing or updating a radiotherapy plan within the framework of inversely planned radiotherapy, wherein an up-to-date radiotherapy plan is calculated at least partly on the basis of the results of an already existing, approved, older plan.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mapping film thickness of one or more textured polycrystalline thin films. Multiple sample films of known thickness are provided. Each sample film is irradiated by x-ray at a measurement point to generate a diffraction image that captures a plurality of diffraction arcs. Texture information (i.e., pole densities) of the sample film, is calculated based on incomplete pole figures collected on the diffraction image and used to correct the x-ray diffraction intensities from such sample. The corrected diffraction intensities are integrated for each sample film, and then used for constructing a calibration curve that correlates diffraction intensities with respective known film thickness of the sample films. The film thickness of a textured polycrystalline thin film of unknown thickness can therefore be mapped on such calibration curve, using a corrected and integrated diffraction intensity obtained for such thin film of unknown thickness.

Abstract: An EUV radiation source (50) that employs a steering device (74) for steering a stream (66) of droplets (68) generated by a droplet generator (52) so that the droplet (68) are directed towards a target location (76) to be vaporized by a laser beam (78). The direction of the stream (66) of droplets (68) is sensed by a sensing device (84). The sensing device (84) sends a signal to an actuator (88) that controls the orientation of the steering device (74) so that the droplets (68) are directed to the target location (76).