Abstract: An apparatus for imaging a structure of interest comprises a plurality of imaging detectors mounted on a gantry. Each of the plurality of imaging detectors has a field of view (FOV), is independently movable with respect to each other, and is positioned to image a structure of interest within a patient. A data acquisition system receives image data detected within the FOV of each of the plurality of imaging detectors.

Abstract: Fluorescence detection utilizes surface plasmon. The intensity of scattered light, which is substantially proportionate to the intensity of an electric field enhancing field generated on a metal film, is employed, to normalize and correct the intensity of fluorescence emitted by fluorescent labels with respect to the intensity of the electric field enhancing field.

Abstract: Provided are devices and methods for quantifying a surface's cleanliness relative to a contaminant. Such devices and methods may comprising and use a source of interrogating radiation to which the contaminant is responsive, a means for directing the interrogating radiation, a detector, and an analyzer. Radiation emitted from the source is directed by the radiation means toward the surface or a surface cleaner that may hold the contaminant. The detector detects radiation from the surface or the surface cleaner produced in response to the interrogating radiation by the contaminant, e.g., fluorescent or phosphorescent radiation, and generate a corresponding signal that is compared by the analyzer relative to an electronic standard that corresponds to the surface in an acceptably clean state so as to quantify the surface's cleanliness.

Abstract: A sensing apparatus comprises: a prism; a metal film provided on a surface of the prism; a substrate that is provided on a surface of the prism and which has formed therein a channel for supplying a sample to the metal film; a light source for issuing light; an optical unit for incident light by which the light being issued from the light source is launched into the prism at such an angle that the light is totally reflected on a boundary surface between the prism and the metal film, the optical unit for incident light including a light intensity distribution adjusting section that reduces difference between the maximum and the minimum values in the intensity distribution of the light that is launched into the prism; and a light detecting unit for detecting the light that is generated in neighborhood of the metal film.

Abstract: A sensing apparatus comprises: a prism; a metal film provided on a surface of the prism and which has provided on its surface a material that binds to an analyte; a substrate that is provided on a surface of the prism and which has formed therein a channel for supplying a liquid sample to the metal film; a light source for issuing light; an optical unit for incident light by which the light issued from the light source is launched into the prism at a specified angle; a light detecting unit for detecting as a first detection signal the light being generated in neighborhood of the metal film before the liquid sample is supplied and for detecting as a second detection signal the light being generated in neighborhood of the metal film that has become dry after the liquid sample is supplied; and an analyte detection unit for detecting the analyte contained in the liquid sample based on a difference between the first and the second detection signals detected by the light detecting unit.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system for linearizing image data corresponding to one or more objects and output by an imaging device is provided. The system includes a processor configured for: receiving the image data from the imaging device; and producing a generally linear relationship between the image data and a thickness of the one or more objects. The generally linear relationship is produced according to the equation I = I o ? ? - ? l ? l . I is an intensity of the image data, I0 is an intensity of energy produced by the imaging device for outputting the image data, ? is an attenuation coefficient of the one or more objects, and l is the thickness of the one or more objects.

Abstract: Information associated with the shape of an irradiation field candidate area is input from an operation panel. A second irradiation field recognition circuit performs irradiation field recognition on the basis of the information associated with the shape.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to collimator assemblies having one or more apertures therein. At least one of the one or more apertures has an aperture size that is configured for adjustment during an examination. The collimator assembly is configured so that gamma rays can pass through the one or more apertures, but the remainder of the collimator assembly is substantially gamma ray absorbent. Embodiments also related to imaging systems and methods of imaging.

Abstract: A measuring instrument has a light source for irradiating light including rays of light having the wavelength of excitation light, an objective lens for focusing light irradiated from the light source to a predetermined focusing position, a first mirror for directly reflecting light from the objective lens, a second mirror for reflecting light reflected by the first mirror, the second mirror having an aperture P, and a measuring device for measuring light generated from a sample and having a wavelength different from the wavelength of excitation light, and the sample being arranged between the first mirror and the second mirror, the focusing position of the objective lens being made to agree with the position of the aperture P, and the measuring device being adapted to measure light of a wavelength different from the wavelength of excitation light generated from the sample and passing through the aperture P.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for obtaining a three-dimensional (3D) representation of the distribution of fluorescent probes inside a sample, such as a mammal. Using a) fluorescent light emission data from one or more images, b) a surface representation of the mammal, and c) computer-implemented photon propagation models, the systems and methods produce a 3D representation of the fluorescent probe distribution in the mammal. The distribution may indicate—in 3D—the location, size, and/or brightness or concentration of one or more fluorescent probes in the mammal.

Abstract: Fluorescence coatings and methods for applying such coatings are provided wherein the coatings can be applied, by way of example, to the window of the housing of an optoelectronic device, thus enabling the coatings to eliminate the need for one or both of an excitation optical filter and an emission optical filter that normally form a portion of the fluorescence equipment that is utilized in furtherance of fluorescence detection and/or measurement applications.

Abstract: An apparatus for selected measurement of at least one of luminescent and fluorescent radiation from at least one sample well, the apparatus comprising: means defining an excitation light path for fluorescence measurements; at least one light source in the excitation path; means defining an emission light path; and at least one detector with a wavelength selector in the emission light path, wherein: the apparatus further comprises at least one first reflector element that encompasses a reflection chamber and projects at least a portion of the light emitted from the at least one sample well directionally onto the wavelength selector; the emission light path extends between the at least one sample well and the wavelength selector through the at least one first reflector element; and the excitation light path extends into the reflection chamber and extends to a point above the at least one sample well.

Abstract: A method and a system for detecting the presence of special nuclear materials in a suspect container. The system and its method include irradiating the suspect container with a beam of neutrons, so as to induce a thermal fission in a portion of the special nuclear materials, detecting the gamma rays that are emitted from the fission products formed by the thermal fission, to produce a detector signal, comparing the detector signal with a threshold value to form a comparison, and detecting the presence of the special nuclear materials using the comparison.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for measuring a fluorescence lifetime. The apparatus for measuring the fluorescence lifetime comprises an excitation light generator that generates excitation light to be irradiated on a sample including fluorescence molecules; a fluorescence photon collecting unit that collects a plurality of fluorescence photons generated by irradiating the excitation light on the sample; a light sensor that converts the collected fluorescence photons into a fluorescence electrical signal; and a fluorescence lifetime signal processor that determines the fluorescence lifetime by calculating the average time of the fluorescence electrical signal with respect to a predetermined apparatus delay time. According to the above configuration, the present invention can accurately and precisely measure a fluorescence lifetime in a short measurement time by easy calculation.

Abstract: A scintillation based imaging system. The device utilizes a single-crystal inorganic scintillator to convert ionizing radiation to light in a spectral range or ranges within the visible or ultraviolet spectral ranges. The conversion takes place inside the single crystal material, preserving special resolution. The single crystal scintillator is sandwiched between a first plate that is substantially transparent to the ionization radiation and a second plate that is transparent to the visible or ultraviolet light. The ionization radiation is directed from the submicron source through a target to create a shadow image of the target inside the scintillator crystal. Several sources of radiation are described.

Abstract: A tomograph type detection device including a plurality of detection elements arranged in a form of a ring and electrodes on each face of the elements. Each electrode includes a connector, all the connectors being located on the external periphery of the ring of detection elements.

Abstract: An exposure method for exposing a substrate with an exposure light via an projection optical system and a liquid includes: a first step of optically observing a liquid contact portion which comes into contact with the liquid and storing first image data obtained by the optical observation; a second step of optically observing the liquid contact portion after the liquid contact portion came into contact with the liquid, for example, after the liquid immersion exposure and obtaining second image data obtained by the optical observation; and a third step of comparing the first image data and the second image data to judge whether abnormality of observation objective portion is present or absent. It is possible to efficiently judge whether or not the abnormality of the liquid-contact portion, of the exposure apparatus which performs the exposure by the immersion method, is present or absent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microcolumnar zinc selenide (ZnSe) scintillator and uses thereof, and methods of fabrication of microcolumnar scintillators using sublimation-based deposition techniques. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a scintillator including a microcolumnar scintillator material including zinc selenide (ZnSe) and a dopant. The microcolumnar scintillators of the present invention provide improved light channeling and resolution characteristics, thereby providing high spatial resolution, highly efficient scintillators.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical imaging detector for fluorescence and bioluminescence imaging of an imaged object that can be used for tomographic imaging. The optical imaging detector comprises at least one micro-lens array with a plurality of micro-lenses. A photo detector can be located either in the focal plane of the micro-lens array or can be connected to the micro-lens array by a network of optical fibres and be located externally.

Abstract: Methods of controlling semiconductor lasers are provided where the semiconductor laser generates an output beam that is directed towards the input face of a wavelength conversion device. Particular aspects of the present invention relate to alignment and/or intentional misalignment of a beam spot of an output beam on an input face of a wavelength conversion device. Additional embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A method of detecting edges of a preamplifier signal including identifying a first portion of the signal wherein each part thereof has an instantaneous slope having a first polarity, identifying a second portion immediately following the first portion wherein each part thereof has an instantaneous slope having a second opposite polarity, and identifying a third portion immediately following the second portion wherein each part thereof has an instantaneous slope having the first polarity. The method further includes determining a first difference between the magnitudes associated with an end point and a beginning point of the second segment, determining a second difference between the magnitude associated with an end point of the third segment and the magnitude associated with a beginning point of the first segment, and detecting an edge if. (i) the first difference exceeds a threshold, and (ii) the second difference exceeds a fraction of the threshold.

Abstract: A method and a system for detecting the presence of special nuclear materials in a suspect container. The system and its method include irradiating the suspect container with a beam of neutrons, so as to induce a thermal fission in a portion of the special nuclear materials, detecting the gamma rays that are emitted from the fission products formed by the thermal fission, to produce a detector signal, comparing the detector signal with a threshold value to form a comparison, and detecting the presence of the special nuclear materials using the comparison.

Abstract: A method and a system for detecting the presence of special nuclear materials in a suspect container. The system and its method include irradiating the suspect container with a beam of neutrons, so as to induce a thermal fission in a portion of the special nuclear materials, detecting the gamma rays that are emitted from the fission products formed by the thermal fission, to produce a detector signal, comparing the detector signal with a threshold value to form a comparison, and detecting the presence of the special nuclear materials using the comparison.

Abstract: A semiconductor photodiode includes: an insulative substrate; a first conductivity type semiconductor layer formed on the insulative substrate; an i-type semiconductor layer formed on the first conductivity type semiconductor layer; a second conductivity type semiconductor layer formed on the i-type semiconductor layer; and a metal electrode. The metal electrode is provided between the insulative substrate and the first conductivity type semiconductor layer so that a peripheral face of the metal electrode is located inside a peripheral face of the first conductivity type semiconductor layer.

Abstract: A gamma vector camera is described for detecting and determining the energy spectrum of a gamma ray source and the direction to the gamma ray source. The gamma vector camera includes a detection system that records a track of a recoil electron produced by a Compton-scattering of an incident gamma ray emitted by the gamma ray source. A processor is configured to determine the energy and the direction of the recoil electron based on the track of the recoil electron recorded by the detection system, and to determine the energy spectrum of the gamma ray source and the direction to the gamma ray source based on the determined energies and directions of a plurality of recoil electrons produced by the Compton-scatterings of a respective plurality of incident gamma rays.

Abstract: Dual modality detection devices and methods are provided for detecting nuclear material, the devices include a neutron detector including multiple neutron detection modules; and a gamma detector including multiple gamma detection modules, where the multiple neutron detection modules and the multiple gamma detection modules are integrated together in a single unit to detect simultaneously both gamma rays and neutrons.

Abstract: Methods and systems for imaging a patient using an imaging system is provided. The method includes rotating a detector assembly about an examination axis of the imaging system, maintaining a first detector of the detector assembly at a first distance from the patient while receiving imaging data from the patient, and maintaining a second detector of the detector assembly at a second distance from the patient while receiving imaging data from the patient wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance and wherein the resolution of the imaging data from the first detector is smaller than the resolution of the imaging data from the second detector due to the difference between the first distance and the second distance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for discriminating the types of radiation interacting with an integrated radiation detector having of a pulse-mode operating photosensor which is optically coupled to a gamma-ray scintillator sensor and a neutron scintillator sensor and uses an analog to digital converter (ADC) and a charge to digital converter (QDC) to determine scintillation decay times and classify radiation interactions by radiation type. The pulse processing provides for, among other things, faithful representation of the true energy spectrum of the gamma radiation field and allows for radioisotope identification by searching for the presence of characteristic energy lines in the gamma energy spectrum. The pulse shape discrimination method ensures that the high sensitivity and resolution of the isotope identification function is not affected during operation in mixed neutron-gamma fields.

Abstract: Substrates, systems and methods for analyzing materials that include waveguide arrays disposed upon or within the substrate such that evanescent fields emanating from the waveguides illuminate materials disposed upon or proximal to the surface of the substrate, permitting analysis of such materials. The substrates, systems and methods are used in a variety of analytical operations, including, inter alia, nucleic acid analysis, including hybridization and sequencing analyses, cellular analyses and other molecular analyses.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a computer program, method, and system to facilitate hybrid CT attenuation correction. In one embodiment, the method generally includes acquiring data from a scanner, utilizing an ordered subset expectation maximization-bayesian algorithm to reconstruct the acquired data, and forward projecting the reconstructed data. Such a configuration minimizes the computing resources required for reconstruction and improves attenuation correction accuracy.

Abstract: An apparatus for photometrically testing several specimens each irradiated by a light source, the light altered by the specimens being detected by an optical device and analyzed, the apparatus including a light source, a plurality of sample holders configured adjacent to one another on a support, a detector that receives altered light from sample within the sample holders, the detector including a filter for eliminating interfering light, a sensor having a sensor face and a diffusing optical member located between the filter and the sensor, wherein light is diffused and shines on a greater portion of the sensor surface, and with a more homogeneous brightness as compared to when the light is not diffused.

Abstract: An x-ray inspection system for identifying fissile material includes one or more sources of penetrating radiation that generate first, second, and third instantaneous spectra where the object is exposed to the second only if there is no penetration of the first and the object is exposed to the third only if there is no penetration of the second. Further, the source of the second and the third spectra is a source adapted to provide single pulses. Consequently, ambient levels of radiation may be held below cabinet levels while identifying objects containing fissile material.

Abstract: Method for correction of the temperature dependency of a light quantity L emitted by a light emitting diode (LED), being operated in pulsed mode with substantially constant pulse duration tP, and measured in a light detector, using a predetermined parameter X, correlated to the temperature T of the LED in a predetermined ratio, whereby a correction factor K is determined from the parameter X, preferably using a calibration table, especially preferred using an analytic predetermined function, whereby the measured emitted light quantity L is corrected for the temperature contingent fluctuations of the emitted light quantity, whereby the parameter X is determined from at least two output signals of the LED, which are related to each other in a predetermined manner.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for selectively forming a scintillator layer on a substrate as well as related devices. The method includes positioning an electrostatic dissipative organic resin layer on a first portion of a substrate surface, and depositing scintillator material on both the resin layer and a second portion of the substrate surface. The method further includes removing the resin layer from the substrate as to remove from the substrate scintillator material deposited on the resin layer while leaving scintillator material on the second portion of the substrate.

Abstract: A vehicle such as an aircraft (400) is provided (101) with a source of power having a power output such as a source of light (401). This power output can then be combined with an identifier (103, 416) that is substantially unique to the aircraft. An optical conduit (405) can then be used (104) to couple this source of light to a light-to-electricity conversion apparatus (406). So configured, the optical conduit delivers light from this source of light to the light-to-electricity conversion apparatus such that the light source then serves as a source of electricity in the vehicle and as a source of a substantially unique identifier as corresponds to the vehicle is available for such use as may be appropriate.

Abstract: A radiation detector includes: a radiation detecting unit including a radiation sensor detecting a radiation sensitive to light, a signal amplifier, a pulse-height discriminator, and a counter; an optical pulse emitting unit configured to emit an optical pulse for confirming operational integrity of the radiation detecting unit; an emission controlling unit configured to control an operation of the optical pulse emitting unit; and a light path through which light is led from the optical pulse emitting unit to a vicinity of the radiation sensor. The emission controlling unit including a mechanism for adjusting emission time characteristics of the optical pulse emitting unit.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for inspecting a surface containing a material that emits luminescent radiation in response to absorbing excitation radiation. The apparatus comprises a laser disposed in or adjacent to a housing. A sensor opening is defined in the housing and permits emission of excitation radiation generated by the laser and permits admission of the luminescent radiation emanating from the surface in response to the excitation radiation. A sensor monitors whether ambient light is being admitted between an edge of the sensor opening and the surface upon which the sensor opening is in contact. A safety circuit permits the laser to be actuated only when the sensor detects a substantially or completely light-impermeable contact between the edge of the sensor opening and the surface.

Abstract: A portable directional gamma ray radiation detector having a plurality of gamma ray radiation detectors separated by lead shielding arranged in an enclosure. Outputs from the detectors are applied to a signal processor to determine the location of a gamma ray emitter, and the signal processor is connected to a display device on the detector that indicates the direction to the gamma ray emitter.

Abstract: An apparatus for verifying, under ambient lighting conditions, the authenticity of an optical security mark on an item, the mark comprising a luminescent material which absorbs light within a first predetermined range of wavelengths and emits luminescence within a plurality of other predetermined wavelength ranges with a predetermined characteristic time response. The apparatus distinguishes the luminescence of the mark from fluorescence the item may have by distinguishing the slower luminescence decay rate of the security mark from the faster decay rate of the inherent fluorescence. The apparatus comprises an optical arrangement, having an illumination assembly and a luminescence detector assembly, and a signal processor assembly, all contained in a single housing. The illumination assembly and the luminescence detector assembly have a common focusing lens and are arranged along a common axis to illuminate the security mark and to detect emitted light from the security mark in a retro-reflective manner.

Abstract: An apparatus for imaging a structure of interest comprises a plurality of imaging detectors mounted on a gantry. Each of the plurality of imaging detectors has a field of view (FOV), is independently movable with respect to each other, and is positioned to image a structure of interest within a patient. A data acquisition system receives image data detected within the FOV of each of the plurality of imaging detectors.

Abstract: Emission contamination data are collected in a shifted mock scan simultaneous with the collection of transmission data during a transmission scan of a patient with a collimated gamma point source, the transmission data are corrected with the emission contamination data, and the corrected transmission data are used for attenuation correction of emission data for reconstruction of an emission image of the patient. In a preferred implementation, when the point source is at a particular axial location and illuminates an axial beamwidth of “Fz” over the gamma detector, emission contamination data are collected from the gamma detector over an axial separated region “Fz?” having about the same axial extent but axially displaced by about half of the axial field of view (FOV).

Abstract: Rays incident upon a plurality of detection plates arranged along a normal direction are detected. A distance between the ray and the ray source is estimated based on the number of counted rays detected by each detection plate, and each interval distance of the detection plates. Moreover, the direction of the source of the ray is estimated based on each image obtained from each detection plate.

Abstract: A method and a system for detecting the presence of special nuclear materials in a container. The system and its method include irradiating the container with an energetic beam, so as to induce a fission in the special nuclear materials, detecting the gamma rays that are emitted from the fission products formed by the fission, to produce a detector signal, comparing the detector signal with a threshold value to form a comparison, and detecting the presence of the special nuclear materials using the comparison.

Abstract: The gamma-radiation module includes a housing having a box-like container and a cover for hermetically sealing a pair of cylinders within the housing. Each cylinder includes scintillation material and a photomultiplier tube on a common cylindrical axis. The hermetically sealed module may be used singly or in multiple modules in portal applications whereby gamma-radiation from a source may be detected through a gamma-radiation transparent cover on the module.

Abstract: A gamma vector camera detects and determines the energy and the direction of an incident gamma ray. The gamma vector camera includes a detector that produces scintillation light upon interaction with the incident gamma ray. A sensor records the locations and the intensities of the scintillation light produced in the detector. A processor determines the energy and the direction of the incident gamma ray based on the locations and the intensities of the scintillation light recorded by the sensor.

Abstract: An instrumentation package in broad terms includes at least one substantially cylindrical instrumentation component; a substantially cylindrical shield surrounding the instrumentation component, the shield having a diameter less than a standard predetermined diameter; and a sizing sleeve around the shield, thereby increasing the diameter of the sleeve to the standard predetermined diameter. A nuclear detector package is also disclosed that includes a substantially cylindrical crystal element; a photomultiplier tube arranged coaxially with the crystal element; an optical coupler sandwiched between one end of the crystal element and an adjacent end of the photomultiplier tube; the crystal element, optical coupler and photomultiplier tube hermetically sealed within a cylindrical shield; and a flexible support sleeve extending exteriorly along the crystal element and the photomultiplier tube and radially inside the cylindrical shield.

Abstract: A limiting device (9) for electromagnetic radiation (3; 5; 7) includes an essentially flat beam cross-section limiter (10) which partly or completely encloses at least one passage aperture (12; 13) for beams (5; 7) and is constructed so that it also includes at least one second beam cross-section limiter (14) which, in the active position, constitutes at least one longitudinal component extending at an angle to the first beam cross-section limiter (10).

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 systems for controlling a positron emission tomography (PET) system are provided. The method includes receiving timing information from a PET system during an imaging scan using the PET system. The method further includes processing the received timing information and timing bias information relating to the PET system to control the PET system.

Abstract: The present system and method for simulating particles and waves is useful for calculations involving nuclear and full spectrum radiation transport, quantum particle transport, plasma transport and charged particle transport. The invention provides a mechanism for creating accurate invariants for embedding in general three-dimensional problems and describes means by which a series of simple single collision interaction finite elements can be extended to formulate a complex multi-collision finite element.