Abstract: Methods and apparatus for continuous real-time measurement of bulk material using gamma irradiation. A multi-energy gamma attenuation device monitors bulk material flow and produces a spectrum that is compared to a baseline spectrum to produce a relative weight/impurity/component ratio. A sample analysis, in combination with measurement of the relative weight/impurity/component ratio of the sample, allows for determination of the coefficients for determining the absolute weight/impurity/component values of the bulk material.

Abstract: An inspection system based upon an enclosed conveyance such as a van capable of road travel. The conveyance is characterized by an enclosing body, or skin. The system has a source of penetrating radiation contained entirely within the body of the enclosed conveyance and a spatial modulator for forming the penetrating radiation into a beam for irradiating an object with a time-variable scanning profile. A detector module generates a scatter signal based on penetrating radiation scattered by contents of the object, while a proximity sensor generates a relative motion signal based on a relative disposition of the conveyance and the inspected object. An image is formed of the contents of the object based in part on the scatter signal and the relative motion signal. A detector, which may be separate or part of the scatter detector module, exhibits sensitivity to decay products of radioactive material.

Abstract: A system for detecting and graphically displaying a contents of a fast-moving target object comprises: a radiation source, having a position such that at least a portion of radiation emitted from the radiation source passes through the fast-moving target object, the fast-moving target object having a variable velocity and acceleration while maintaining a substantially constant distance from the radiation source and being selected from the group consisting of: a vehicle, a cargo container and a railroad car; a velocity measuring device configured to measure the variable velocity of the fast-moving target object; a detector array comprising a plurality of photon detectors, having a position such that at least some of the at least a portion of the radiation passing through the target object is received thereby, the detector array having a variable count time according to the variable velocity and a grid unit size; a counter circuit coupled to the detector array for discretely counting a number of photons enterin

Abstract: A method and apparatus for imaging a sample, the method comprising the steps of: a) irradiating a sample to be imaged with a beam of pulsed electromagnetic radiation with a plurality of frequencies in the range from 25 GHz to 100 THz; b) detecting radiation which is both transmitted through and reflected from the sample; and c) generating an image of the sample from radiation detected in step (b). The method and apparatus can be used to generate a three-dimensional image of the sample and/or a compositional image of the sample.

Abstract: The present invention realizes accurate determination on marking without using an infrared sensor having high responsiveness and high precision. An infrared sensor is disposed such that a region of a predetermined range on the downstream side in the feed direction of an X-ray film with respect to a scan line, the region including the scan line as a laser beam irradiation position, becomes a detection region. Not only an infrared ray emitted from the laser beam irradiation position but also infrared rays emitted from a plurality of dots formed on the X-ray film irradiated with a laser beam can be also detected by the infrared sensor. Consequently, an output from the infrared sensor is stabilized and by comparing the output with a threshold, occurrence of erroneous printing, poor printing, and the like can be accurately detected.

Abstract: An X-ray or neutron-optical system comprising an X-ray or neutron source (1) from which corresponding radiation is guided as a primary beam (2) to a sample (4) under investigation, with an X-ray or neutron detector (6) for receiving radiation diffracted or scattered from the sample (4), wherein the source (1), the sample and the detector are disposed substantially on one line (=z-axis) and wherein a beam stop (5; 31; 41) is provided between the sample and the detector whose cross-sectional shape is adjusted to the cross-section of the primary beam is characterized in that the beam stop is disposed to be displaceable along the z-direction for optimum adjustment of the amounts of useful and interfering radiation impinging on the detector. This protects the detector from the influence of the primary beam while allowing a maximum amount of diffracted or scattered radiation to reach the detector, wherein the beam stop can be easily adjusted to temporally changing properties of the beam optics.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for identifying a chemical compound. A neutron source delivers neutrons into the chemical compound. The nuclei of chemical elements constituting the chemical compound emit gamma rays upon interaction with the neutrons. The gamma rays are characteristic of the chemical elements constituting the chemical compound. A spectrum of the gamma rays is generated having a detection count and an energy scale. The energy scale is calibrated by comparing peaks in the spectrum to energies of pre-selected chemical elements in the spectrum. A least-squares fit completes the calibration. The chemical elements constituting the chemical compound can be readily determined, which then allows for identification of the chemical compound.

Abstract: A material sheet attribute detection system, the material sheet having a first side and a second side, the system includes a radiation source located proximate to the first side of the material sheet, the radiation source emitting radiation toward the material sheet, a radiation detection array located proximate to the second side of the material sheet, the radiation detection array producing at least one signal based on the radiation detected from the radiation source and a processor utilizing the at least one signal to determine a position of the material sheet.

Abstract: Instrument for measuring the properties of vegetable products, comprising:—an energy source adapted to direct a radiation against the fruit,—means for picking up the radiation being re-emitted by said fruit,—a spectrograph analysing said radiation,—means for conveying said radiation into the spectrograph,—means for processing the data generated by the spectrograph, in which the energy source comprises a plurality of LEDs contained in a single portable casing provided with a handgrip and a probing head. The spectrograph and the processing means are physically separated from said portable casing, to which they are electrically and optically connected via at least a multiple optical/electric connection. The LEDs are provided in closed-loop arrangements on the surface of the probing head and said means for picking up the re-emitted radiation are arranged at the centre of the rings formed by the LEDs that emit radiations whose respective emission spectra are contiguous.

Abstract: A device for detecting a shredded tobacco filling density in a tobacco rod includes four light sources (18, 20, 22 and 24) arranged separately from one another at an angle of 45° around a tobacco rod (T) and causing infrared rays to enter the tobacco rod (T), two light receivers (26 and 28) disposed around the tobacco rod (T) on a side opposite to the four light sources and arranged separately from each other at an angle of 90°, and a measuring device (44) for measuring the shredded tobacco filling density in the tobacco rod (T) based on outputs from the light receivers (26 and 28).

Abstract: A method and device for photothermal imaging tiny metal particles which are immersed in a given medium like a living cell deposited onto a transparent glass slide. The given medium and immersed tiny metal particles are illuminated through separate phase reference laser beam and sensitive probe laser beam, with the sensitive probe laser beam including a heating laser beam undergoing through impingement on the given medium slight phase changes induced by photothermal effect due to a local heating, in the absence of any substantial phase changes to the phase reference laser beam. Illuminating is performed by focusing the separate phase reference and sensitive probe laser beam through the transparent glass slide at a given depth within the given medium and a transmitted phase reference laser beam and a transmitted sensitive probe laser beam undergoing the slight phase changes are generated.

Abstract: A method of improving spatial resolution of a pump-probe terahertz (THz) imaging system for producing an image of an object. The method provides a chopped optical gating beam focused on a semiconductive layer that is either part of the object or a discrete layer placed over the object. The gating beam is focused on a gating pulse focal spot having a diameter effective to cause measurable modulation in transmission of a THz beam through the semiconductive layer when the gating pulse is on as compared to when the gating pulse is off, creating alternating modulated THz beams for detection and processing. Systems for performing the method in transmission and reflection modes are also described.

Abstract: In a method of restoring phase information, the estimated accuracy of phase is enhanced by correcting blue amount, which is caused by a focal size of a radiation source, in X-ray intensity to be used in a solving method such as the finite-element method. The method includes the steps of: (a) correcting blur amount for at least one of plural sets of detection data obtained by detecting intensity of radiation on plural detection planes at different distances from the object; (b) obtaining differential data representing difference between the plural sets of detection data where the blur amount has been corrected for at least one thereof; (c) obtaining Laplacian of phase on the basis of the differential data and the detection data; and (d) obtaining phase data of the radiation by performing inverse Laplacian computation on the Laplacian of phase.

Abstract: A non-destructive method for quantifying the hydrogen content or a hydrogen-bearing constituent in a material is based on the principle of moderating neutron spectroscopy. This technique is particularly suited for analyzing materials containing the high scattering/capture cross-section element of hydrogen. The method involves exposing a neutron moderator to a beam of radiation comprising neutrons and measuring thermal neutron intensities at a plurality of locations in the moderator. These measured intensities reflect the energy distribution of the beam of radiation incident upon the moderator. Thus, by measuring these intensities with the material present, and comparing these intensities to a model, to those of a composition standard(s), or combinations thereof, the hydrogen content of the material is quantified. Furthermore, the hydrogen-bearing constituent of the material is quantified by knowing or estimating the chemical or molecular structure of the material.

Abstract: Apparatus for imaging cross-sectional views of the inner structure of the breast, the apparatus comprising: a source of light (12) illuminating the breast situated at a first position of the breast a matching interface (19) situated, at a second position, on a surface of the breast, which reduces scatter caused by said surface; and an imaging detector (24) focused on a plane within the breast, through said matching interface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system to characterize the contamination levels of bulk materials, the method comprises drilling into the material, sampling material from the drill point at predetermined intervals, and analyzing the sampled material. Such an embodiment may be accomplished by using a drill with a specialized cutting and sampling head, drill bits, a sample collection units and a vacuum pump. The embodiment in conjunction with portable radiometric instruments produces a profile of radiological or chemical contamination through the material being studied.

Abstract: A non-destructive method for quantifying the hydrogen content or a hydrogen-bearing constituent in a material is disclosed. The method is based on the principle of moderating neutron spectroscopy which is particularly suited for analyzing materials containing the high scattering/capture cross-section element of hydrogen. The method comprises the steps of exposing a neutron moderator to a beam of radiation comprising neutrons and measuring thermal neutron intensities at a plurality of locations in the moderator. These measured intensities reflect the energy distribution of the beam of radiation incident upon the moderator. Thus, by measuring these intensities with the material present, and comparing these intensities to a model, to those of a composition standard(s), or combinations thereof, the hydrogen content of the material is quantified. Furthermore, the hydrogen-bearing constituent of the material is quantified by knowing or estimating the chemical or molecular structure of the material.

Abstract: A system provides non-invasive stoichiometric detection and imaging of chemical elements and compounds in a material to be analyzed. The system includes a particle generator which generates first and second particles at a target position a first distance from the material. The system further comprises a photon detector capable of detecting photons resulting from irradiation of the material by the first particles and generating a plurality of first electrical signals. The system further comprises a particle detector array for detecting the second partices at a second distance, larger than the first distance, from the target position and generating a plurality of second electrical signals. The system further comprises an analyzer comprising a processor that produces a plurality of filtered electrical signals.

Abstract: A method of the present invention includes exposing a structure to first electromagnetic radiation including at least one wavelength absorbed by a predetermined substance that is to be detected. Such substance can be water, a water-soluble substance, or fungi, the presence of which can be a significant problem in a structure such as a house or building. The method includes sensing second electromagnetic radiation from the structure, the second radiation based on the first radiation. The method also includes determining whether the substance is present in the structure, based on the sensed second radiation. If the substance to be detected is water and the determining step reveals a water-suspect area in the structure, the method can include testing the water-suspect area of the structure to determine whether water is present therein. If water is confirmed by the determination to be present in the structure, the method can include a step of determining the source of the water.

Abstract: A neutron detection system for detection of contaminants contained within a bulk material during recycling includes at least one neutron generator for neutron bombardment of the bulk material, and at least one gamma ray detector for detection of gamma rays emitted by contaminants within the bulk material. A structure for analyzing gamma ray data is communicably connected to the gamma ray detector, the structure for analyzing gamma ray data adapted. The identity and concentration of contaminants in a bulk material can also be determined. By scanning the neutron beam, discrete locations within the bulk material having contaminants can be identified.

Abstract: A spectral reflectance sensor including: a light source for emitting a modulated beam of red light; a light source for emitting a modulated beam of near infrared light; a receiver for receiving reflected light produced by either the red source or the near infrared source; a receiver for receiving incident light from either the red source or the infrared source; a signal conditioner responsive to the modulation such that the signals produced by the receivers in response to reflected and incident light from the source can be discriminated from signals produced by ambient light; and a microprocessor having an input such that the microprocessor can determine the intensities of incident red light, reflected red light; incident near infrared light; and reflected near infrared light. From these intensities, and by knowing the growing days since emergence or planting, the sensor can calculate the mid-growing season nitrogen fertilizer requirements of a plant.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for analyzing the surface characteristics of opaque materials. The method comprises in one embodiment the use of a UV reflectometer to build a calibration matrix of data from a set of control samples and correlating a desired surface characteristic such as roughness or surface area to the set of reflectances of the control samples. The UV reflectometer is then used to measure the reflectances of a test sample of unknown surface characteristics. Reflectances are taken at a variety of angles of reflection for a variety of wavelengths, preferably between about 250 nanometers to about 400 nanometers. These reflectances are then compared against the reflectances of the calibration matrix in order to correlate the closest data in the calibration matrix. By so doing, a variety of information is thereby concluded, due to the broad spectrum of wavelengths and angles of reflection used.

Abstract: A body fat measuring apparatus is provided with a light emitting device 1 for projecting light rays to a subject's tissue, light receiving devices 3 and 4 for detecting a transmitted light ray having passed through the subject's tissue and/or a reflected light ray reflected inside the subject's body, and a CPU 6 for calculating the subject's subcutaneous fat thickness and/or body fat percentage by performing an operation by use of the detection results of the light receiving devices 3 and 4. The light receiving devices 3 and 4 are situated at different distances from the light emitting device 1.

Abstract: An autoadjusting electron microscope in which an image processor derives a third image constituting an analysis image from first and second images of a specimen by Fourier-transforming the first and second images to produce Fourier-transformed first and second images, computing a phase variant image from the Fourier-transformed first and second images, and Fourier-transforming or inverse Fourier-transforming the phase variant image to obtain the third image. A computer determines an amount of displacement between the first image and the second image based on a peak appearing in the third image. An identifier determines whether a consistency between the first image and the second image is within a predetermined range based on a magnitude of the peak appearing in the third image. A transformer transforms results obtained by the computer and the identifier into an amount of defocus of an electron lens relative to the specimen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and portable apparatus which is used to detect substances, such as explosives and drugs, by neutron irradiation. The apparatus has a portable neutron generating probe and corresponding controllers and data collection computers. The probe emits neutrons in order to interrogate an object. The probe also contains gamma ray detectors for the collection of gamma rays from fast neutron, thermal neutron and neutron activation reactions. Data collected from these detectors is sent to the computer for data de-convolution then object identification in order to determine whether the object being interrogated contains explosives or illicit contraband.

Abstract: A system and method of density detection in a target object involve irradiating the target object, detecting a first and second discrete number of photons penetrating the target object through respective first and second prescribed volumes and entering respective first and second radiation detectors. First and second numbers of photons detected by the first and second radiation detectors are counted, and a display output signal is generated in response to the first and second numbers. A graphical representation of the densities within the first and second volumes of the target object is displayed.

Abstract: A device for detecting properties of a web of material has a crossbar extending across the web of material. An infrared spectrometer having a holographic grating is provided an has an input side and an output side. Infrared detectors are arranged at the output side of the infrared spectrometer and are formed by a detector matrix having n lines and m rows of infrared sensitive individual sensors. A plurality of optical waveguides are provided, each waveguide having an entrance area and an exit area. The entrance area is fastened to said crossbar, located in vicinity of the surface of the web of material and is oriented towards said surface. The exit areas of the optical waveguides are connected to the input side of the infrared spectrometer.

Abstract: A system for detecting and graphically displaying a contents of a fast-moving target object comprises: a radiation source, having a position such that at least a portion of radiation emitted from the radiation source passes through the fast-moving target object, the fast-moving target object having a variable velocity and acceleration while maintaining a substantially constant distance from the radiation source and being selected from the group consisting of: a vehicle, a cargo container and a railroad car; a velocity measuring device configured to measure the variable velocity of the fast-moving target object; a detector array comprising a plurality of photon detectors, having a position such that at least some of the at least a portion of the radiation passing through the target object is received thereby, the detector array having a variable count time according to the variable velocity and a grid unit size; a counter circuit coupled to the detector array for discretely counting a number of photons enterin

Abstract: A nuclear density gauge and test method is provided for measuring bulk density, especially of a cylindrically shaped sample such as asphalt paving material. The gauge comprises a base; a sample holder carried by the base and having a surface configured for receiving and holding a first generally planar end of the cylindrically shaped sample; a plate mounted in proximity to said sample holder; and at least three sources of gamma radiation located in said plate adjacent the sample holder. The sources are positioned in spaced-apart relation from one another for emitting gamma radiation from at least three spaced-apart locations into said one end of the sample. Each of the sources comprises an isotope having a characteristic primary energy. A detector is mounted to the base and is positioned adjacent the opposite end of the cylindrically shaped sample for receiving gamma radiation which has penetrated the sample.

Abstract: A neutron detection system for detection of contaminants contained within a bulk material during recycling includes at least one neutron generator for neutron bombardment of the bulk material, and at least one gamma ray detector for detection of gamma rays emitted by contaminants within the bulk material. A structure for analyzing gamma ray data is communicably connected to the gamma ray detector, the structure for analyzing gamma ray data adapted. The identity and concentration of contaminants in a bulk material can also be determined. By scanning the neutron beam, discrete locations within the bulk material having contaminants can be identified.

Abstract: A spectroscopic method for characterizing a sample including: positioning the sample adjacent to a non-centrosymmetric material; directing at least one temporal pulse of coherent EM radiation into the non-centrosymmetric material to generate a polariton therein and cause EM radiation from the polariton to propagate into the sample, wherein the polariton has a frequency less than or equal to the bandwidth of the pulse; and measuring a response of the sample to the EM radiation from the polariton.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for registering the presence of an ophthalmic moulding consisting of a biocompatible polymeric material, especially an ophthalmic lens, particularly a contact lens, in a package. The invention solves the problem through the use of an IR camera. Packages containing a moulding, especially a contact lens, have a change in their temperature distribution compared with a package without a contact lens. By evaluating the temperature difference, it is possible to determine whether or not there is a contact lens in a package. In particular, by using the detecting method according to the invention, one can determine whether there is a contact lens in the package directly after the filling procedure.

Abstract: A developability sensing system with an optical sensor for measuring the density of imaging material samples on an imaging surface of a printer, with an illumination source and photosensor system for measuring the amount of reflected illumination from the imaging materials. A first lens system and its first photosensor may receive both specularly and diffusely reflected illumination from certain imaging materials. A separate lenslet system is positioned outside of the first lens system. It may comprise one to four spaced apart generally cylindrical lenslets with a central axis generally perpendicular to the imaging material sample and an end surface facing the imaging material sample defined by a segment of a hyperbolic curved surface to form a rotationally symmetrical lens with a hyperbolic cross-section.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for analyzing the surface characteristics of opaque materials. The method comprises in one embodiment the use of a UV reflectometer to build a calibration matrix of data from a set of control samples and correlating a desired surface characteristic such as rouglness or surface area to the set of reflectances of the control samples. The UV reflectometer is then used to measure the reflectances of a test sample of unknown surface characteristics. Reflectances are taken at a variety of angles of reflection for a variety of wavelengths, preferably between about 250 nanometers to about 400 nanometers. These reflectances are then compared against the reflectances of the calibration matrix in order to correlate the closest data in the calibration matrix. By so doing, a variety of information is thereby concluded, due to the broad spectrum of wavelengths and angles of reflection used.

Abstract: A remote sensor for detecting a nuclear source, comprises: a Field-of-View (FOV) structure having an aperture therethrough of area A and a Field-of-View (FOV) angle, the FOV angle centered on a source, and subtending a solid angle &OHgr; to the nuclear source; a plurality of optical filters for filtering photons outside a selected Ultraviolet (UV) band and for transmitting in-band photons according to a selected Transfer Function defining an out-of-band rejection ratio and an in-band transmittance ratio for the selected UV band, the Transfer Function supporting a sensor sensitivity S at the selected UV band for the Field-of-View (FOV) structure to support a Signal-to-Noise ratio of greater than one (1) to detect a nuclear source of nuclear material having a brightness of at least about IR, the selected UV band being selected such that naturally occurring in-band photons are at a brightness of about less than 104 R during daylight and are not naturally occurring at night up to about 20 km Earth altitude, and t

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for analyzing the surface characteristics of opaque materials. The method comprises in one embodiment the use of a UV reflectometer to build a calibration matrix of data from a set of control samples and correlating a desired surface characteristic such as roughness or surface area to the set of reflectances of the control samples. The UV reflectometer is then used to measure the reflectances of a test sample of unknown surface characteristics. Reflectances are taken at a variety of angles of reflection for a variety of wavelengths, preferably between about 250 nanometers to about 400 nanometers. These reflectances are then compared against the reflectances of the calibration matrix in order to correlate the closest data in the calibration matrix. By so doing, a variety of information is thereby concluded, due to the broad spectrum of wavelengths and angles of reflection used.

Abstract: A system and method of determining the quality of a spot weld based on a set of image data includes separating the weld data from the background data and estimating a diameter of a weld (e.g., the nugget diameter of a spot weld) based on the weld data. The image data (e.g., a digital image) represents an image of the weld and includes weld data and background data. The estimation indicates the quality of the weld. In one embodiment, the surface brightness of the image data attributable to the spot weld is used to estimate the inner diameter of the spot weld.

Abstract: Providing a UV/fluorescence detecting apparatus and a sensing method thereof which is capable of detecting a fluorescent pattern and an ultraviolet reflection light and small and cheap. Further, providing a UV/fluorescence detecting apparatus and a sensing method thereof capable of detecting a fluorescence of a specific color.

Abstract: An analytical method for determining a cable occupancy volume includes obtaining a cable length and identifying a number and location of a plurality of cable supports for supporting the cable along its length. The cable occupancy volume that is generated is based on the cable length, the number of supports and the location of the supports. The instructions for practicing the method are encoded on a computer-readable storage medium.

Abstract: Described are a process and an apparatus for the remote measurement of uranium or plutonium in radioactive materials. in which the sample of the material to be analyzed is to be handled as little as possible. To attain that object it is proposed that the laser beam of a laser is focussed by means of a focussing unit onto the sample to be analyzed, so that a light-emitting plasma is generated, an image of the emission spectrum of the plasma is formed in a spectrograph by means of an imaging unit, and finally it is analyzed by means of an analyzing unit.

Abstract: A method of measuring the movement of solid particles and particle interactions in a flowing system includes the step of providing two gamma cameras set up at right angles to each other to periodically record the position of a radioactively tagged particle in the flowing system. Probability distribution functions, particle positions, particle velocities, amongst other useful information, may be determined from the camera data.

Abstract: A digital representation of a radiation image of an at least partially tubular object is obtained. An attenuation profile over a tangentially imaged wall of the object is taken from the digital image on a straight line. The attenuation profile is reflected in the direction of the center of the object and the attenuation profile is reconstructed to form a relative density distribution by means of a transmission tomography-projection reconstruction method in which the measured reflected attenuation profile is used for all record annular positions.

Abstract: The present invention related generally to bulk material analyzers suitable for the direct on-line analysis of materials such as coal and minerals. It is targeted particularly at direct on-conveyor belt analysis. It includes: a shielded enclosure defining an analysis zone within it and having a passageway through it to allow transport of bulk material through the analysis zone. At least one neutron source (1,4) and at least two gamma ray detectors (3,5) are disposed within the enclosure to measure gamma-rays produced in the bulk material by both the neutron inelastic scatter and thermal neutron capture processes. A neutron source and a gamma-ray detector are arranged in either a transmission or backscatter geometry. A second gamma-ray detector is arranged either in a transmission or backscatter geometry with or without using a second neutron source.

Abstract: A process for the detection of flaws in an article comprising infra-red scanning of the article as its temperature changes and comparing the infra-red scans for regularity of cooling/heating pattern. Where the article is irregular, such as in marginal areas, thermodynamic modelling is performed to establish a hypothetic cooling/heating pattern for an unflawed article.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for high resolution breast imaging using collimated non-ionizing radiation in the near ultraviolet, visible, infrared and microwave regions (i.e. “light”) rather than ionizing x-radiation. The incident collimated light is transmitted through and backscattered out of a breast and loses intensity due to the properties of the breast materials in the beam path. Normal and diseased breast materials may exhibit comparatively distinct characteristics when exposed to different wavelengths of light and thereby be differentiated. Collimation can be used to control the level of scattered radiation which reaches the detector. Transmission and/or backscattered measurements can be acquired from a number of perspectives.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of localizing an object in a turbid medium. After measurement of the intensities for a plurality of light paths between the light sources and the detectors, the measured intensities are normalized. Subsequently, an image of the interior of the turbid medium is reconstructed on the basis of the measured intensities. In order to counteract artefacts in the reconstructed image, the combination includes a weighting factor which reduces the effect exerted on the reconstructed image by the measured intensities with a high noise factor in comparison with the effect exerted thereon by the measured intensities with a low noise factor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for analyzing the surface characteristics of opaque materials. The method comprises in one embodiment the use of a UV reflectometer to build a calibration matrix of data from a set of control samples and correlating a desired surface characteristic such as roughness or surface area to the set of reflectances of the control samples. The UV reflectometer is then used to measure the reflectances of a test sample of unknown surface characteristics. Reflectances are taken at a variety of angles of reflection for a variety of wavelengths, preferably between about 250 nanometers to about 400 nanomneters. These reflectances are then compared against the reflectances of the calibration matrix in order to correlate the closest data in the calibration matrix. By so doing, a variety of information is thereby concluded, due to the broad spectrum of wavelengths and angles of reflection used.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of time gated scattered light, for determining the location and composition of material within various organs of the human body. The systems and methods of the present invention provide for medical imaging in three dimensions of internal body structures for diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: An improved nuclear diagnostic method identifies a contained target material by measuring on-axis, mono-energetic uncollided particle radiation transmitted through a target material for two penetrating radiation beam energies, and applying specially developed algorithms to estimate a ratio of macroscopic neutron cross-sections for the uncollided particle radiation at the two energies, where the penetrating radiation is a neutron beam, or a ratio of linear attenuation coefficients for the uncollided particle radiation at the two energies, where the penetrating radiation is a gamma-ray beam. Alternatively, the measurements are used to derive a minimization formula based on the macroscopic neutron cross-sections for the uncollided particle radiation at the two neutron beam energies, or the linear attenuation coefficients for the uncollided particle radiation at the two gamma-ray beam energies.

Abstract: Brightness information of, e.g., an average value of brightnesses at an X-ray image of a first connected part when an electronic component (422) is mounted onto only one face of a printed board (421) is obtained. Binary images of an X-ray image of the board with the electronic components mounted to both faces are formed by an upper and a lower levels relative to the brightness information. The binary images are synthesized with each other so as to extract an image of only a second connected part. The image of only the second connected part can be obtained in this manner on the basis of the X-ray image of the double face-mounted board, so that an accuracy for connection inspection is improved in comparison with the related art. Also, a relationship between a density in the X-ray image of the connected part and a thickness of the connected part is obtained beforehand, based on which a plurality of thickness images are obtained for a plurality of X-ray images of different image storage times.