Abstract: A portable nuclear material detector generally includes a scintillating fiber radiation sensor, a light detector, a conditioning circuit, a frequency shift keying (FSK) circuit, a fast Fourier transform (FFT) circuit, an electronic controller, an amplitude spectral addition circuit, and an output device. A high voltage direct current (HVDC) source is provided to excite the light detector, while a separate power supply may be provided to power the remaining components. Portability is facilitated by locating the components of the detector within a handheld-sized housing. When bombarded by gamma particles, the radiation sensor emits light, which is detected by the light detector and converted into electrical signals. These electrical signals are then conditioned and converted to spectral lines.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for measuring emissions from radioactive material in a matrix. Consideration is made in the variation in counts observed at different rational positions of the body of material so as to establish the information about the position of the radioactive material within the matrix.

Abstract: A collimator, and in particular a method for making a collimator for use with a small high resolution single-photon emission computed tomographic (SPECT) imaging tool for small animal research. The collimator is sized, both functionally and structurally, particularly smaller than known collimators and appropriately scaled to achieve a highly sensitive collimator which facilitates desired reconstruction resolutions for small animals, as well as compliments other functional imaging modalities such as positron emission tomography (PET), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), electroencephalography (EEG), and event-related potential (ERP), magneto-encephalography (MEG), and near-infrared optical imaging.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus includes an image sensing unit that receives X-rays and converts the received X-ray signal into an image signal, a control unit that controls the image capturing apparatus, including image capturing using the image sensing unit, and a communication unit including at least two communication interfaces to output the acquired image signal.

Abstract: A sensing element or detector activated by radiation comprising a first scintillator activated by gamma radiation; and a neutron sensing layer comprising a second scintillator activated by neutron radiation.

Abstract: A partitioned pipeline read-out circuit architecture eliminates real-time constraints from off-chip read-out control electronics in a solid-state radiation detector system, so that an efficient decoupled architecture is possible. The front-end electronics includes a multi-channel ASIC with independently triggered charge sensitive pre-amplifiers, shaper circuits, and switched sample-and-hold capacitor circuits for each photodiode or pixel of the detector module. With this structure, individual photodiodes of the photodetector array can detect and store scintillation events independently and randomly. The ASIC is interfaced to an external successive approximation A/D converter for conversion and subsequent input to a data processing apparatus.

Abstract: A detector (20) for a nuclear imaging system (10) includes a plurality of sockets (44) which each support an array of individual detector elements (48). Each socket (44) includes a plurality of electrical connectors (54) and socket alignment structures (72). The sockets (44), carrying the detector elements (48), are installed onto a circuit board (40). The circuit board (40) includes a plurality of electrical conductive openings (52) which electrically connect with the electrical connectors (54) and alignment structures (74) which mate with the socket alignment structures (72) to align the sockets (44) and the individual detector elements (48) to the circuit board (40). A collimator (24) is mounted and aligned to a frame (60). The frame (60) and the circuit board (40) each include aligning structures to align the collimator (24) to the circuit board (40) and the individual detector elements (48).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing polarization within an imaging device are provided and include a method of controlling an image detecting device. The method includes applying heat to the image detecting device having at least one ohmic contact and controlling the applied heat to adjust a temperature level of the image detecting device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for an electron beam directed energy device. The device consists of an electron gun with one or more electron beams. The device includes one or more accelerating plates with holes aligned for beam passage. The plates may be flat or preferably shaped to direct each electron beam to exit the electron gun at a predetermined orientation. In one preferred application, the device is located in outer space with individual beams that are directed to focus at a distant target to be used to impact and destroy missiles. The aimings of the separate beams are designed to overcome Coulomb repulsion. A method is also presented for directing the beams to a target considering the variable terrestrial magnetic field. In another preferred application, the electron beam is directed into the ground to produce a subsurface x-ray source to locate and/or destroy buried or otherwise hidden objects including explosive devices.

Abstract: An enhanced heteroscopic turbine including a macroscopic rotor and an interaction, sorting, or interaction and sorting element incorporated into the rotor that operates on individual particles in a fluid. The heteroscopic turbine is enhanced by one or more of pre-processing, enhanced interaction or sorting, or post-processing. The enhancement can involve various properties of the particles, including but not limited to translational kinetic energy, non-translational kinetic energy, electromagnetic energy, electric or magnetic energy, sonic energy, chemical properties including biochemical properties and radiochemical properties, binding sites and potential, radioactive properties, enantiomer properties, ionic excitation properties, weight and properties affecting weight, atomic mass and properties affecting atomic mass, composition, photo-reactivity properties, and excitation level.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for generating a plurality of charged particle beamlets, comprising a charged particle source for generating a diverging charged particle beam, a converging means for refracting said diverging charged particle beam and a lens array comprising a plurality of lenses, wherein said lens array is located between said charged particle source and said converging means. In this way, it is possible to reduce aberrations of the converging means.

Abstract: A low-power atmospheric pressure plasma source, comprising a plasma-forming region for injection of a plasma-forming gas; an excitation region for injection of a source reactive species downstream of the plasma-forming region; and a narrow converging plasma exit for producing a narrow plasma jet, the source being electrically decoupled from a substrate under treatment by the plasma jet. The present source may found applications for example for skin treatment, etching of skin cancer cells, detachment of cells, removal of skin pigmentation and deposition of temporary organic films.

Abstract: An ion source, comprising: a discharge chamber, in which is formed an opening; a coil, provided outside said discharge chamber, for generating plasma within said discharge chamber; an extraction electrode, which extracts ions in said plasma generated in said discharge chamber from said opening and generates an ion beam; a power supply device, which supplies power to said coil; and a control device, which can repeatedly halt output power output from said power supply device over prescribed intervals, while maintaining a value of said output power at a value, set in advance, which renders radial direction distribution of ion beam intensity of said ion beam uniform.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuous cold sterilization of a fluid which comprises at least one ultraviolet radiation source and at least one duct, through which the fluid flows, permeable to such radiation. The duct has a helically shaped portion around the ultraviolet radiation source arranged in a chamber having walls with reflective surfaces. The distance between the walls and the helical portion is sufficient to allow adequate circulation of air between them, whereby excessive heating of the fluid is avoided. In addition, at least the helical portion of the duct has an elliptically-shaped passage section with its major axis generally perpendicular to the direction of irradiation so as to reduce the thickness of fluid exposed to radiation and, thereby, increase treatment efficiency.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a grid structure for holding a specimen of an electron microscopy is made up of materials which have etch resistance in ion etch processes such as FIB ion etch process or ion beam milling process. In the embodiment, the grid structure includes a first specimen holder for holding the specimen, a second specimen holder for holding the first specimen holder, and an adhesive for fixing the first holder and the second holder together. The first holder, here, is made up of at least one type of materials which are selected from silicon, titanium, carbon, vanadium, yttrium, or molybdenum.

Abstract: A charged particle beam examination equipment for examining and measuring a semiconductor wafer, comprising a wafer exchange portion for exchanging an unexamined wafer and an examiner wafer with each other, which has a first arm longitudinally sliding for reciprocation, a first wafer gripping part provided to the distal end of the first arm, for gripping/releasing the wafer, a second arm longitudinally sliding for reciprocation, and a second wafer gripping part provided to the distal end of the second arm, for gripping/releasing the wafer. The apparatus may shorten the time required for exchange of the wafers so as to enhance the throughput during examination and measurement of the wafers.

Abstract: A phase shift measurement system comprises an excitation system, a luminescent material, and a detection system. The excitation system transfers an excitation light wave. The luminescent material transfers a luminescent light wave in response to the excitation light wave. The detection system detects the luminescent light wave and generates a corresponding luminescent signal. The detection system processes the corresponding luminescent signal with DFT logic to determine a phase shift between the excitation light wave and the luminescent light wave.

Abstract: Systems, control subsystems, and methods for projecting an electron beam onto a specimen are provided. One system includes a stage configured to move the specimen with a non-uniform velocity. The system also includes a projection subsystem configured to project the electron beam onto the specimen while the stage is moving the specimen at the non-uniform velocity. In addition, the system includes a control subsystem configured to alter one or more characteristics of the electron beam while the projection subsystem is projecting the electron beam onto the specimen based on the non-uniform velocity. One method includes moving the specimen with a non-uniform velocity and projecting the electron beam onto the specimen during movement of the specimen. In addition, the method includes altering one or more characteristics of the electron beam during projection of the electron beam onto the specimen based on the non-uniform velocity.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a maskless lithography system for transferring a pattern onto a surface of a target, comprising at least one beamlet optical unit for generating a plurality of beamlets, at least one measuring unit for measuring properties of each beamlet, at least one control unit for generating and delivering pattern data to said beamlet optical unit, said control unit being operationally coupled to said measuring unit for identifying invalid beamlets which have a measured property value outside a predefined range of values for said property at least one actuator for inducing a shift of said beamlet optical unit and said target with respect to one another, wherein said actuator is operationally coupled with said control unit, said control unit determining said shift, positioning valid beamlets at the position of said invalid beamlets, thus replacing said invalid beamlets with valid beamlets.

Abstract: A method for routine monitoring and quality assurance of field asymmetry of high energy circular radiation beam producing equipment. The quality assurance process of field symmetry for devices such as stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) systems is simplified by directly measuring the integration of the half-beam profile. The method of the invention provides that the field symmetry is obtained by positioning the tip of an ion chamber, with a collecting length approximately half the diameter of the beam, at the central axis of the beam, and rotating the ion chamber at varying angular positions, acquiring and comparing readings at desired angular positions. Each pair of readings from positions 180 degrees opposed from each other, are plugged into the equation, Asymmetry=2(R1?R2)/(R1+R2) to compute asymmetry.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for generating a plurality of charged particle beamlets, comprising a charged particle source for generating a diverging charged particle beam, a converging means for refracting said diverging charged particle beam and a lens array comprising a plurality of lenses, wherein said lens array is located between said charged particle source and said converging means. In this way, it is possible to reduce aberrations of the converging means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gantry system for a particle therapy facility, having a beam guidance gantry which has elements for beam guidance, and having a measurement gantry which has a device for beam monitoring. The measurement gantry and beam guidance gantry are thus of a mutually independent design and are, in particular, arranged in a mutually concentric manner. A gantry system of this kind is inter alia less susceptible to mechanical deviations during rotation of the beam guidance gantry.

Abstract: An EUV light source apparatus and method are disclosed, which may comprise a pulsed laser providing laser pulses at a selected pulse repetition rate focused at a desired target ignition site; a target formation system providing discrete targets at a selected interval coordinated with the laser pulse repetition rate; a target steering system intermediate the target formation system and the desired target ignition site; and a target tracking system providing information about the movement of target between the target formation system and the target steering system, enabling the target steering system to direct the target to the desired target ignition site.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for protecting an EUV light source plasma production chamber optical element surface from debris generated by plasma formation. In one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, a shield is disclosed which comprises at least one hollow tube positioned between the optical element and a plasma formation site. The tube is oriented to capture debris while allowing light to pass through the tube's lumen via reflection at relatively small angles of grazing incidence. In another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, a shield is disclosed which is heated to a temperature sufficient to remove one or more species of debris material that has deposited on the shield. In yet another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, a system is disclosed which a shield is moved from a light source plasma chamber to a cleaning chamber where the shield is cleaned.

Abstract: A radiation shield includes a radio-opaque drape which has an open area extending completely through the drape to provide a viewing site. Radiation control structure in the form of a vent system is located in the open area. The vent system includes a plurality of radio-opaque slats extending at least partially across at least a portion of the open area. The slats preferably extend outwardly away from the surface of the drape to facilitate the capturing of scattered radiation.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the lateral position of an edge of a web are disclosed. The system includes an array of light transmitting elements and a corresponding array of lenses and an array of light receiving elements and a corresponding array of lenses. The light transmitting elements are each paired with a light receiving element and the light transmitting elements each transmit a beam of light energy towards the corresponding receiving element. The beams of light can be occluded by a web passing between the transmitting elements and the receiving elements, thereby reducing the light received by the receiving elements. The receiving elements can generate a signal that is proportional to the amount of they receive, and a controller can be used to determine the lateral position of an edge of the web in response to the signals generated by the receivers. A compensation light beam can be employed to enable the controller to compensate for several factors that can affect measurement accuracy.

Abstract: An electromagnetically driven valve has a valve stem; a valve element which reciprocates in the direction in which the valve stem extends; a disc which extends from a driving end, which is operatively linked with the valve element, to a pivoting end, and pivots around the pivoting end; a valve opening coil and a valve closing coil which oscillate the disc; and a electric current supply portion which supplies electric current to the valve opening coil and the valve closing coil. The valve opening coil and the valve closing coil are serially connected. The reduced electric current, which in greater than 0, runs through the valve opening coil and the valve closing coil when moving the disc from one of the valve opening coil and the valve closing coil to the other.

Abstract: A self locking air nozzle for an inflatable product includes a mounting seat with a first through hole, a shoulder and a tubular extension extending from the mounting seat, a rotatable cylinder rotatably mounted on the shoulder, a driven sleeve received in the rotatable cylinder to be linearly movable relative to the rotatable cylinder, a sealing seat securely connected to the driven sleeve and selectively engaged with a bottom peripheral edge of the mounting seat so as to be linearly movable relative to the mounting seat that the sealing seat is moved to close communication between the first through hole of the mounting seat and air holes defined in a periphery of the sealing seat.

Abstract: A spherical disc valve is provided. The spherical disc valve comprises a valve body including body portions positioned adjacent one another. The body portions each have a collar portion, wherein the collar portions of the body portions are substantially aligned and together define an aperture. A valving member including a shaft segment is positioned within the aperture, wherein the valving member is configured to rotate about an axis defined by the shaft segment for selectively closing and opening the disc valve. A clamping member is positioned about the collar portions of the body portions, the clamping member being configured to urge the collar portions toward the shaft segment and maintain the body portions adjacent one another.

Abstract: A process for producing an extinguishing agent comprises a step of incorporating sodium chloride in an amount of 5 to 15 g relative to 500 ml of water into hot water at a temperature of 30 to 40 degree C. to solve sodium chloride into the hot water, and a step of incorporating sodium hydrogen carbonate in an amount of 50 to 70 g relative to 500 ml of water into the solution. The resulting extinguishing having being incorporated in thus produced is incorporated in a container can be used for a fire extinguisher which is thrown at the origin of a fire when fire occurs. A safety extinguishing agent having no or little influence upon human body can be provided.

Abstract: A surface treatment solution for finely processing a glass substrate containing multiple ingredients is used for the construction of liquid crystal-based or organic electroluminescence-based flat panel display devices without invoking crystal precipitation and/or increasing surface roughness. An etching solution of the invention contains, in addition to hydrofluoric acid (HF) and ammonium fluoride (NH4F), at least one acid whose dissociation constant is larger than that of HF. The concentration of the acid in the solution can advantageously be adjusted to maximize the etching rate.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in a method for transporting charge using the molecular orientation in a liquid-crystalline state, a novel benzene derivative having a long, linear conjugated structure expected to have satisfactory charge-transport properties without photoexcitation, a process for producing the benzene derivative, and a liquid-crystal material including the benzene derivative.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel high speed liquid crystalline compound with high birefringence and low rotational viscosity, comprising a general formula as formula (1): wherein R1 comprises C1-C12 alkyl or alkoxy groups, R2, R3 independently represents H or F, y represents an integer of 1 or 2, and A is selected from 1,4-phenylene or 1,4-trans-cyclohexylene.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluorescence ink having a high fluorescence intensity, and an ink jet recording method using the same. The ink contains a first fluorescent coloring material that emits fluorescence at a predetermined fluorescence wavelength to be used for measurement or determination with excitation at a predetermined excitation wavelength, a second fluorescent coloring material that emits fluorescence on excitation at the predetermined excitation wavelength, where the excitation spectrum of the first coloring material in the ink to obtain the fluorescence at the predetermined emission wavelength has a peak wavelength range next to the predetermined fluorescence wavelength, and the emission fluorescence spectrum of the second coloring material has an emission wavelength region substantially including at least the above peak wavelength range.

Abstract: An input apparatus includes a first optical waveguide and a second optical waveguide disposed so as to intersect each other and coupled to each other at the intersection portion. The intersection portion has a stress-luminescent material. When each of the first and second optical waveguides is configured as an optical fiber, the stress-luminescent material is provided in a clad of the optical fiber. The stress-luminescent material is represented by a composite material of SrAl2O4:Eu and polyester. The composite material emits luminescence, for example, by contact with a finger with the material, or applying ultrasonic vibration to the material. An optical waveguide apparatus, an optomechanical apparatus, a detecting apparatus, an information processing apparatus, a key-input apparatus, and a fiber structure, each of which uses the stress-luminescent material, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A phosphor and a vacuum ultraviolet excited light-emitting device are disclosed. The phosphor comprises a compound represented by the following formula (1) Ca1?a?bSraEubMgSi2O6??(1) wherein 0.1<a?0.35 and 0.003?b?0.02. The phosphor is excited by vacuum ultraviolet and emits blue light with high brightness. The vacuum ultraviolet excited light-emitting device comprises the above phosphor.

Abstract: To provide a phosphor for an electron beam excitation with a small deterioration in an emission efficiency and capable of maintaining a high luminance, even when an excitation density of an electron beam for a phosphor excitation is increased. As raw materials, Ca3N2(2N), AlN(3N), Si3N4(3N), and Eu2O3(3N) are prepared, and the raw materials thus prepared are measured and mixed, so that a molar ratio of each element becomes (Ca+Eu):Al:Si=1:1:1. Then, the mixture thus obtained is maintained and fired for at 1500° C. for 3 hours, and thereafter crushed, to manufacture the phosphor having a composition formula Ca0.985SiAlN3:Eu0.015.

Abstract: Novel orange phosphors are disclosed having the comprise silicate-based compounds having the formula (Sr,A1)x,(Si,A2)(O,A3)2+x:Eu2+, where A1 is at least one divalent cation (a 2+ ion) including Mg, Ca, Ba, or Zn, or a combination of 1+ and 3+ cations; A2 is a 3+, 4+, or 5+ cation, including at least one of B, Al, Ga, C, Ge, P; A3 is a 1?, 2?, or 3? anion, including F, Cl, and Br; and x is any value between 2.5 and 3.5, inclusive. The formula is written to indicate that the A1 cation replaces Sr; the A2 cation replaces Si, and the A3 anion replaces O. These orange phosphors are configured to emit visible light having a peak emission wavelength greater than about 565 nm. They have applications in white LED illumination systems, plasma display panels, and in orange and other colored LED systems.

Abstract: This invention relates to an indicator for detecting a photocatalyst wherein the indicator comprises at least one redox-sensitive material and either at least one electron donor or at least one electron acceptor. The invention also relates to a method for detecting a photocatalyst using an indicator. In particular, the photocatalyst may be a semiconductor such as titanium dioxide on a glass substrate.

Abstract: Compositions and methods useful in facilitating or conducting a reaction at effective conditions, such as room temperature (e.g. about 70 degrees F.), utilize a compound including at least two different heteroatoms, and optionally a heterocycle, and a transition metal. The compound is effective in facilitating a variety of reactions including hydrolysis reactions, alcoholysis reactions, aminolysis reactions, carbon dioxide conversion reactions, hydroamination reactions, hydration reactions, and the like.

Abstract: An electrolyte solution for driving an electrolytic capacitor having a solvent composed of 20 to 80 wt % of an organic solvent and 80 to 20 wt % of water, characterized in that it comprises one or more nitro compounds or nitroso compounds exclusive of nitrophenol, nitrobenzoic acid, dinitrobenzoic acid, nitroacetophenone and nitroanisole; an electrolytic capacitor comprising the electrolyte solution for driving an electrolytic capacitor; and an electrolytic capacitor comprising one or more nitro compounds or nitroso compounds located at another portion than an electrolyte solution therein. The electrolyte solution preferably contains a carboxylic acid or a salt thereof or an inorganic acid or a salt thereof as an electrolyte.

Abstract: A conductive resin composition produced by melt-kneading a mixture comprising a polyamide (A), a polyphenylene ether (B) (non-terminal-modified polyphenylene ether and/or terminal-modified polyphenylene ether), a rubbery polymer (C), a conductive carbonaceous material (D) (carbon black and/or carbon fibril), and a low molecular weight modifier compound (E) (compatibility agent), wherein the mixture has the following characteristics: (1) the amount of (D) is 0.2 to 3% by weight, based on the total weight of (A) to (E), (2) the amount of (E) is more than 0.01% by weight and less than 0.20% by weight, based on the total weight of (A) to (E), and (3) the amount (a) of a volatile substance contained in (B) satisfies the following formula: 0?a??7.3×E+1.83, wherein E is the % by weight of (E), based on the total weight of (A) to (E), the amount (a) being expressed in terms of a weight decrease (% by weight) of (B) as measured by subjecting (B) to vacuum drying in vacuo at 180 ° C. for 1 hour.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of flame retarding a polymeric substrate using a specific group of azo and peroxide derivatives as flame retardants, to flame retardant compositions as well as to novel azo compounds usable as flame retarding compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to preparations composed of metal salts of organic phosphonic acids which feature high thermal stability, for use as flame retardants in engineering thermoplastics, and also to a process for preparation of these preparations.

Abstract: A hoisting machine, such as a cable block, includes a support frame having at least two face plates, which are detachably joined together and spaced apart by at least two longitudinal members. The support frame includes a simple structural design, in which the longitudinal members are detachably joined to the face plates such that the ends of the longitudinal members are pressed against a bearing surface of the face plates in the direction of their lengthwise axis, transversely to the longitudinal member.

Abstract: A rail and supported panel assembly having first and second rail portions, each portion having a constant cross section defining an elongate recessed channel on an underside. Also included are a panel supported at a top edge, a post for supporting the rail portions, and a rail-to-post connection assembly located between the post and the rails. The connection assembly has a pair of partially overlapping arms movable with respect to each other about a pivot to accommodate a range of first and second rail portion alignment angles.

Abstract: Covers for the guide railings in ballparks, stadiums, arenas and other public gathering places are formed from a durable sheet material having a length approximately the same as that of a section of guide railing and a width somewhat less than twice the height of the railing. The cover is draped over the railing for covering both sides of the railing and for providing substantially increased space in ballparks, stadiums and arenas for the display of decorative, informational and/or advertising materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides embodiments of wrought iron picket assemblies having fasteners for mounting wooden hand rails for use in constructing railings, said fasteners also serving a fixing function during surface treatment of a picket.

Abstract: A phase change memory element and methods for forming the same are provided. The memory element includes a first electrode and a chalcogenide comprising phase change material layer over the first electrode. A metal-chalcogenide layer is over the phase change material layer. The metal chalcogenide layer is tin-telluride. A second electrode is over the metal-chalcogenide layer. The memory element is configured to have reduced current requirements.

Abstract: Method for fabricating an integrated device, comprising the step of providing a substrate, which includes an electrode element, and a step of providing a solid electrolyte element coupled to the electrode element. The solid electrolyte element is provided in a crystalline state and in conjunction with electrode element such to form a programmable resistance element. The method furthermore comprises a heating process, after providing the solid electrolyte element.