Plural Electric Signalling Means Patents (Class 250/366)
  • Publication number: 20120241629
    Abstract: A radiographic image capturing system includes a radiographic image capturing device, a grid, an acquiring unit, and a processor. The radiographic image capturing device includes a radiation detector in which pixels having a sensitivity with respect to radiation or light are disposed two-dimensionally at a predetermined pixel spacing. The grid is placed on a radiation source side of the radiation detector, and includes radiation absorbing members that are disposed at a predetermined spacing. The acquiring unit acquires an inclination angle of the grid, with respect to an array direction of the pixels, with which a spatial frequency of moiré fringes generated by the absorbing members in a captured radiographic image will be equal to or greater than a predetermined spatial frequency. The processor executes predetermined processing for making a relative angle between the grid and the radiation detector the acquired inclination angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takeshi KUWABARA
  • Publication number: 20120235047
    Abstract: A radiation detector is disclosed that includes a scintillation crystal and a plurality of photodetectors positioned to detect low-energy scintillation photons generated within the scintillation crystal. The scintillation crystals are processed using subsurface laser engraving to generate point-like defects within the crystal to alter the path of the scintillation photons. In one embodiment, the defects define a plurality of boundaries within a monolithic crystal to delineate individual detector elements. In another embodiment, the defects define a depth-of-interaction boundary that varies longitudinally to vary the amount of light shared by neighboring portions of the crystal. In another embodiment the defects are evenly distributed to reduce the lateral spread of light from a scintillation event. Two or more of these different aspects may be combined in a single scintillation crystal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: University of Washington through its Center for Commercialization
    Inventors: Thomas K. Lewellen, William C. J. Hunter, Robert S. Miyaoka, Lawrence MacDonald
  • Publication number: 20120228510
    Abstract: Provided are sensors and methods for detecting thermal neutrons. Provided is an apparatus having a scintillator for absorbing a neutron, the scintillator having a back side for discharging a scintillation light of a first wavelength in response to the absorbed neutron, an array of wavelength-shifting fibers proximate to the back side of the scintillator for shifting the scintillation light of the first wavelength to light of a second wavelength, the wavelength-shifting fibers being disposed in a two-dimensional pattern and defining a plurality of scattering plane pixels where the wavelength-shifting fibers overlap, a plurality of photomultiplier tubes, in coded optical communication with the wavelength-shifting fibers, for converting the light of the second wavelength to an electronic signal, and a processor for processing the electronic signal to identify one of the plurality of scattering plane pixels as indicative of a position within the scintillator where the neutron was absorbed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: UT BATTELLE, LLC
    Inventors: Lloyd G. Clonts, Ronald G. Cooper, Morris Lowell Crow, JR., Bruce W. Hannan, Jason P. Hodges, John D. Richards, Richard A. Riedel
  • Publication number: 20120223239
    Abstract: A radiation detector, in particular an X-ray radiation detector, in the form of a flat-panel detector, may comprise a scintillator layer applied to a substrate and comprising elongated needles made from a scintillator material forming the scintillator layer, and an actively readable pixel array composed of photodiodes, wherein the thickness of the scintillator layer may be in the range of 900 ?m-2500 ?m, and wherein the angle at which the needles stand relative to the pixel array, starting from 90° in the center of the detector, may decrease with increasing distance from the center of the detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: Philipp Bernhardt, Martin Spahn
  • Publication number: 20120223238
    Abstract: An X-ray detector having an active array comprising pixel elements for detecting X-ray radiation is provided to enable high-quality X-ray imaging, wherein each pixel element has a scintillator layer for converting X-ray radiation into light and a photodiode produced by means of CMOS technology for converting light into a measurable electrical signal, and wherein the pixel elements are arranged on a silicon substrate and a BOX (buried oxide) layer is sandwiched between the silicon substrate and the photodiode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: Michael Stark
  • Publication number: 20120217386
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for imaging sources of gamma rays with a large area, comparatively low-cost Compton telescope (20). The Compton telescope (20) uses multiple layers (24) of low-cost organic solid plastic or liquid scintillator, arranged in large arrays of identical scintillator pixels (28). Photodiodes, avalanche photodiodes (30), or solid-state photomultipliers are used to read out the fluorescent pulses from scintillator pixels (28). Multiple scintillator pixels (28) are multiplexed into a few fast digitizers (80) and a few fast FPGA programmable digital microprocessors (78). Selection rule methods are presented for processing multiple near-simultaneous gamma ray collisions within the Compton telescope (28) to identify trackable events that yield gamma ray image data of interest. A calibration method achieves improved energy resolution along with (x,y) position information in pixels (28) made of organic scintillator materials with multiple photodetectors (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: BOSS PHYSICAL SCIENCES LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth N. Ricci, Wayne B. Norris, Brad Paden
  • Publication number: 20120217407
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a radiological image detection apparatus includes: bonding a phosphor to a sensor panel constructed such that a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements are arranged on a substrate; connecting a wiring member to a connection portion that is provided on a front face of the sensor panel opposite to the phosphor and that is electrically connected to the photoelectric conversion elements; covering with a first protective film the connection portion connected to the wiring member; peeling off the substrate from the sensor panel in which the first protective film is formed; and covering, with a second protective film having a moisture prevention property, at least a part corresponding to the connection portion in a rear face of a sensor portion exposed when the substrate is peeled off from the sensor panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Naoto IWAKIRI, Haruyasu NAKATSUGAWA
  • Publication number: 20120217408
    Abstract: The present specification discloses an improved detection system employing multiple screens for greater detection efficiency. More particularly, a first enclosure has two adjacent walls, each with interior surfaces, a first end and a second end. The first ends of the two adjacent walls are connected at an angle to form an interior and the second ends of the two adjacent walls are connected to a semi-circular housing. At least one substrate, positioned on each of the interior surfaces of the adjacent walls, has an active area for receiving and converting electromagnetic radiation into light. A photodetector, positioned in the interior portion of the semi-circular housing, has an active area responsive to the light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventors: Peter Ryge, Ronald Hughes, Andreas F. Kotowski
  • Patent number: 8253109
    Abstract: An article comprising a slab generating scintillation light in response to ionization event and formed with at least two sides. The ionization event is resulted from interaction of high-energy particles within a material of the slab between these sides. A photoreceiver sensitive to the scintillation light is integrated on each side of the slab in an optically-tight fashion. An arrangement is provided for analyzing signals resulted from the ionization event and generated by the photoreceivers. The photoreceivers and the analyzing arrangement are adapted for extracting a position of the ionization event within the slab material relative to the slab sides. A correcting arrangement is provided for correcting the signals and to provide attenuation of the scintillation light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignees: SRI International, Research Foundation of State University of New York
    Inventors: Joseph H. Abeles, Serge Luryi
  • Publication number: 20120205543
    Abstract: A radiological image detection apparatus includes: a first scintillator and a second scintillator that emit fluorescent lights in response to irradiation of radiation; and a first photodetector and a second photodetector that detect the fluorescent lights; in which the first photodetector, the first scintillator, the second photodetector, and the second scintillator are arranged in order from a radiation incident side, and a high activator density region in which an activator density is relatively higher than an average activator density in a concerned scintillator is provided to at least one of the first scintillator located in vicinity of the first photodetector and the second scintillator located in vicinity of the second photodetector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Haruyasu NAKATSUGAWA, Yasuhisa KANEKO, Naoto IWAKIRI
  • Patent number: 8243874
    Abstract: A computed tomography system includes a radiation sensitive detector element (100) which provides outputs (DL, DH) indicative of the radiation detected in at least first and second energies or energy ranges. Energy resolving photon counters (26) further classify the detector signals according to their respective energies. Correctors (24) correct the classified signals, and a combiner (30) combines the signals according to a combination function to generate outputs (EL, EH) indicative of radiation detected in at least first and second energies or energy ranges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Raz Carmi
  • Publication number: 20120199748
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a plurality of radiation conversion elements (32) that convert radiation to light, and a reflector layer (34) disposed around the plurality of radiation conversion elements. The plurality of radiation conversion elements may consist of two radiation conversion elements and the reflector layer is wrapped around the two radiation conversion elements with ends (40, 42) of the reflector layer tucked between the two radiation conversion elements. The reflector layer (34) may include a light reflective layer (50) having reflectance greater than 90% disposed adjacent to the radiation conversion elements when the reflector layer (34) is disposed around the plurality of radiation conversion elements, and a light barrier layer (52).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventors: Steven E. Cooke, Andreas Thon
  • Publication number: 20120193542
    Abstract: There are provided a radiation image pickup apparatus that may suppress deterioration of the transistor characteristic in the circuit in the periphery of the pixel section, and a radiation image pickup/display system including the apparatus. The radiation image pickup apparatus includes a pixel section provided on a substrate and having photoelectric conversion elements, a circuit section provided in the periphery of the pixel section on the substrate to drive the pixel section, and a wavelength conversion layer provided on the pixel section to convert a wavelength of radiation into a predetermined wavelength within a sensitivity range of the photoelectric conversion elements. The circuit section is provided in a region not facing an end of the wavelength conversion layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Yamada
  • Patent number: 8232529
    Abstract: An idling time period after applying a bias to a conversion element until a start of an accumulation of the conversion element for deriving an image and an accumulation period from the start of the accumulation to a termination of the accumulation are measured. An offset correction of the image is conducted by using a dark current accumulation charge quantity in the accumulation calculated based on the measured idling time period and accumulation period and stored dark current response characteristics. Thus, even just after applying the bias to the conversion element, the offset correction can be properly conducted. An imaging apparatus which can execute a good radiographing without increasing costs and a size even just after applying the bias to the conversion element is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsuro Takenaka, Tadao Endo, Toshio Kameshima, Tomoyuki Yagi, Keigo Yokoyama
  • Publication number: 20120181438
    Abstract: A radiation detecting apparatus includes a scintillator, a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements, and a substrate having a first surface opposing the scintillator and a second surface opposite from the first surface. The substrate, the photoelectric conversion elements and the scintillator are arranged in this order from the side of the radiation detecting apparatus where radiation enters, and the second surface includes a plurality of depressions arranged in orthogonal projection areas where orthogonal projections of the plurality of projected photoelectric conversion elements are positioned and projections parts of which are positioned in the orthogonal projection areas and the remaining areas other than the parts of which are positioned between the orthogonal projection areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Minoru Watanabe, Chiori Mochizuki, Keigo Yokoyama, Jun Kawanabe, Kentaro Fujiyoshi, Hiroshi Wayama
  • Publication number: 20120181436
    Abstract: An indirect x-ray imager including one or more semi-transparent layers that reduce lateral spreading of light produced by the scintillator layer. The semi-transparent layers may be one or more layers above and/or below the scintillator, which the light generated by the scintillator goes through prior to being received by an array of photosensors. The semi-transparent layers may have a light transparency that is proportional to the pixel pitch of the photosensor, and/or proportional to a thickness of the layers. The semi-transparent layers have a light transparency that allows a high percent of the light to be received across the thickness of the layer, but restrains most of the light from being received across a lateral distance of more than one pixel pitch. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventor: Ivan P. Mollov
  • Publication number: 20120181439
    Abstract: An X-ray image detection device includes a scintillator, a data integration processing unit and a plurality of X-ray image sensors. The X-ray image sensors are arranged in a matrix form, and located on the back of the scintillator and connected to the data integration processing unit. Each X-ray image sensor includes a plurality of pixels, and each pixel has a dual driving pixel structure and includes two thin film transistors and two thin film photodiodes. The source electrodes of the thin film transistors are connected to the cathodes of the thin film photodiodes respectively, and the gate electrodes are connected to an odd row driving line and an even row driving line respectively, and the drain electrodes are connected to a common signal output line. Both anodes of the two thin film photodiodes are connected to a common ground wire of the pixels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: Shanghai iRay Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Hong-guang Cao, Zhi-li Cui
  • Publication number: 20120181437
    Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for detecting radiation including x-ray photon (including gamma ray photon) and particle radiation for dental x-ray imaging, radiation monitoring, and related industrial and scientific applications. Flat or shaped small (and small hybrid) area storage phosphor plates, incorporated with a protective frame and a movable front protective layer are available in multiple sizes, are encased in SP-carriers and used as detectors for intraoral dental x-ray imaging as a replacement for analog x-ray film and digital x-ray cameras, offering good detection efficiency, high spatial and contrast resolution, and a wide dynamic range. After removal of the SP-carrier, a small area storage phosphor plate is loaded into a dental storage phosphor scanner for readout. Intermediate and large area storage phosphor plates (including hybrid versions) are suitable for non-intraoral dental x-ray imaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: Robert Sigurd Nelson, William Bert Nelson
  • Patent number: 8217357
    Abstract: An integrated tomosynthesis/molecular breast imaging device having improved sensitivity includes tomosynthesis imaging components and molecular breast imaging components. The imaging components may be used individually or in combination to provide a system with improved sensitivity and specificity. Molecular imaging components may be smoothly advanced or withdrawn depending upon the desired imaging mode. The system supports both PET and SPECT imaging and enables SPECT collimation to be modified in accordance with image capture requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay Stein, Baorui Ren, Andrew P. Smith, Kenneth F. Brooks, Jing Zhenxue, Ian Shaw, Ken DeFreitas
  • Publication number: 20120168630
    Abstract: A liquid scintillator detector for three-dimensional dosimetric measurement of a radiation beam is provided wherein a volumetric phantom liquid scintillator is exposed to the radiation beam to produce light that is captured by the cameras that provide a three-dimensional image of the beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: The Board of Regents of the University of Texas System
    Inventors: A. Sam Beddar, Radhe Mohan, Michael Gillin, Louis Archambault, Falk Poenisch
  • Publication number: 20120168632
    Abstract: An electronic cassette for radiation imaging has an image detection device for forming an image of an object irradiated with radiation. The image detection device includes a housing. A window opening is formed in the housing, for receiving the radiation. A scintillator is contained in the housing, for converting the radiation from the window opening into light. A detection panel is contained in the housing, disposed between the scintillator and window opening, for converting the light into a signal. A radio transparent plate of a quadrilateral shape is disposed to close the window opening, is radio transparent to the radiation, has at least high and low thermal conductivity sheets arranged in a direction of entry of the radiation into the housing, the radio transparent plate being so anisotropic that thermal conductivity is higher in a longitudinal direction of the quadrilateral shape than in a transverse direction of the quadrilateral shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Keita YAGI, Yusuke KITAGAWA, Katsumi SHIMADA
  • Patent number: 8212220
    Abstract: A radiation detection apparatus and method, the apparatus (100) comprising a first scintillator (112) for interacting with radiation and outputting light in response thereto, a first photodetector (102) adjacent to the first scintillator (112) for receiving and detecting light from the first scintillator (112) and outputting (108) a first output signal in response thereto, a second scintillator (114) located around the first scintillator (112), for interacting with radiation and outputting light in response thereto, and a second photodetector (104) adjacent to the second scintillator (114) for receiving and detecting light from the second scintillator (114) and outputting (110) a second output signal in response thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: University of Wollongong
    Inventors: Michael Lloyd Franz Lerch, Anatoly Rozenfeld, Olexander Gektin
  • Publication number: 20120161015
    Abstract: A scintillator detector of high-energy radiation comprising a semiconductor slab that is composed of alternating layers of barrier and well material. The barrier and well material layers are direct bandgap semiconductors. Bandgap of the well material is smaller than the bandgap of the barrier material. The combined thickness of the well layers is substantially less than the total thickness of said slab. The thickness of the barrier layers is substantially larger than the diffusion length of minority carriers. The thickness of the well layers is sufficiently large to absorb most of the incident scintillating radiation generated in the barrier layers in response to an ionization event from interaction with an incident high-energy particle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: Serge Luryi, Arsen Subashiev
  • Publication number: 20120153168
    Abstract: The present specification discloses a radiological threat monitoring system capable of withstanding harsh environmental conditions. The system has (a) one or more cables for measuring a signal induced by a radiological material emitting ionizing radiation when the radiological material comes within a predefined distance of the cables; (b) one or more stations connected with one or more cables for measuring and recording the induced signal; and (c) a central station in communication with one or more stations for gathering the recorded measurements. Radiological material includes fissile threat material such as a ‘Special Nuclear Material’ (SNM).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventor: Willem Gerhardus Johannes Langeveld
  • Publication number: 20120153169
    Abstract: A radiographic imaging apparatus including: a scintillator that includes at least a columnar crystal and converts irradiated radiation into light; a light receiving element that receives light emitted from the scintillator; and a sensor substrate that comprises a light receiving element that receives light emitted from the scintillator and converts the received light into an electric signal, a cross-sectional diameter of the columnar crystal in a region located at a sensor substrate side being larger than that in a region located at a side opposite to the sensor substrate side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Fumito NARIYUKI, Haruyasu NAKATSUGAWA
  • Publication number: 20120153166
    Abstract: A highly scalable platform for radiation measurement data collection with high precision time stamping and time measurements between the elements in the detection array uses IEEE 1588 with or without Synchronous Ethernet (timing over Ethernet) to synchronize the measurements. At a minimum, the system includes at least two radiation detector units, an IEEE 1588 and SyncE enabled Ethernet switch, and a computer for processing. The addition of timing over Ethernet and power over Ethernet (PoE) allows a radiation measurement system to operate with a single Ethernet cable, simplifying deployment of detectors using standardized technology with a multitude of configuration possibilities. This eliminates the need for an additional hardware for the timing measurements which simplifies the detection system, reduces the cost of the deployment, reduces the power consumption of the detection system and reduces the overall size of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Andrey K. Gueorguiev, Martin F. Ohmes, Jeffrey R. Preston, Leslie D. Hoy, Hartmut Brands
  • Publication number: 20120145908
    Abstract: A radiographic image capture device includes a wavelength conversion layer that converts radiation that has passed through an imaging subject into visible light, a first photodetector that detects the converted visible light and that converts the converted visible light into a first image signal expressing a radiographic image, a second photodetector that detects the converted visible light and that converts the converted visible light into a second image signal expressing a radiographic image, and a synthesizing section that combines the first image signal read from the first photodetector and the second image signal read from the second photodetector such that misalignment between the first and the second photodetectors is eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Keiichiro SATO
  • Publication number: 20120145911
    Abstract: A radiation detection device 80 according to an embodiment of the present invention is a radiation detection device for a foreign substance inspection using a subtraction method, and includes a first radiation detector 32 that detects radiation in the first energy range transmitted through a specimen; and a second radiation detector that detects radiation in the second energy range higher than the radiation in the first energy range, and the thickness of a first scintillator layer 322 of the first radiation detector 32 is smaller than the thickness of a second scintillator layer 422 of the second radiation detector 42, and a first area S1 of each pixel 326 in a first pixel section 324 of the first radiation detector 32 is smaller than a second area S2 of each pixel 426 in a second pixel section 424 of the second radiation detector 42.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.
    Inventor: Toshiyasu Suyama
  • Publication number: 20120145910
    Abstract: A radiation detection device 80 according to an embodiment is a radiation detection device for a foreign substance inspection using a subtraction method, and includes a first radiation detector 32 that detects radiation in a first energy range transmitted through a specimen S and generates a first image, a second radiation detector 42 that detects radiation in a second energy range higher than the radiation in the first energy range and generates a second image, a first image processing section 34 that applies image processing to the first image, and a second image processing section 44 that applies image processing to the second image, wherein a first pixel width in an image detection direction of each pixel of the first radiation detector 32 is smaller than a second pixel width in the image detection direction of each pixel of the second radiation detector 42, and the first image processing section 34 and the second image processing section 44 carry out pixel change processing to make the number of pixels o
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
    Inventor: Toshiyasu Suyama
  • Publication number: 20120132814
    Abstract: An omni-directional sensor device is provided for detecting radiation emission sources, such as nuclear and atomic weapons and dirty bombs. The omni-directional sensor device is constructed as a three-dimensional structure formed of a plurality of walls of gamma ray detector arrays. The walls face in multiple directions to establish omni-directional sensing of incident gamma rays from substantially all directions. As constructed, a first wall of the device intercepts an incident gamma ray at a first location. The gamma ray experiences a Compton scattering effect whereby a deflected gamma ray is emitted into the inner chamber of the device before intercepting a second wall of the device at a second location. The first and second locations can be used to trace the location of the emission source. Also provided are radiation detection systems including the omni-directional sensor devices, and methods of locating a radiation emission source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventor: Irving WEINBERG
  • Patent number: 8188439
    Abstract: A gamma ray detector module that includes at least one crystal element arranged in a plane, a plurality of light sensors arranged to cover the at least one crystal element and to receive light emitted from the at least one crystal element, and a light guide arranged between the at least one crystal element and the light sensors, the light guide being optically connected to the at least one crystal element. Further, the light guide includes a narrow portion that positions at least one light sensor of the plurality of light sensors closer to the at least one crystal element than other light sensors of the plurality of light sensors. In addition, the light guide may include an angled recessed portion that positions another light sensor at an oblique tilt angle with respect to the plane of the at least one crystal element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Gagnon, Kent Burr
  • Publication number: 20120126126
    Abstract: A radiation detection apparatus includes a scintillator configured to convert incident radiation into visible light, a photoelectric conversion unit and an electrically conductive member. The photoelectric conversion unit includes a two-dimensional array of pixels arranged on a substrate. Each pixel is configured to convert the visible light into an electric signal. The electrically conductive member is supplied with a fixed potential. The electrically conductive member, the substrate, the photoelectric conversion unit, and the scintillator are disposed in this order from the radiation-incident side of the radiation detection apparatus to the opposite side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Keigo Yokoyama, Chiori Mochizuki, Minoru Watanabe, Jun Kawanabe, Kentaro Fujiyoshi, Hiroshi Wayama
  • Publication number: 20120119095
    Abstract: The present invention deals with a Multigrid High Pressure Gas Proportional Scintillation Counter for the detection of ionizing radiation such as X-rays, gamma-rays, electrons or other charged leptons, alpha-particles or other charged particles as well as neutrons, which gives information about the energy dissipated in the gas and the time of occurrence of the detection, through an electronic pulse with an amplitude approximately proportional to that energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: Carlos Alberto Nabais Conde, Filipa Isabel Gouveia De Melo Borges Belo Soares, Sergio José Coelho Do Carmo, João Carlos Raimundo Mariquito
  • Publication number: 20120119094
    Abstract: A scintillator includes a scintillator layer which converts radiation into light, the scintillator layer having a first end forming part of a contour of the scintillator layer and a second end forming another part of the contour, wherein the first end and the second end are located on opposite sides of the scintillator layer when viewed from the center of the scintillator layer, wherein an efficiency of conversion from radiation into light decreases from the first end to the second end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masato Inoue, Masayoshi Akiyama, Shinichi Takeda, Satoru Sawada, Takamasa Ishii, Taiki Takei
  • Patent number: 8173967
    Abstract: A method includes detecting a neutron based on a time proximity of a first signal and a second signal. The first signal indicates detection of at least one of a neutron and a gamma ray. The second signal indicates detection of a gamma ray. The method further includes measuring an amount of detected gamma rays, for example, an amount different from an amount detected and associated with the second signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Nova Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: W. Bruce Feller, Namdoo Moon, P. Brian White, Paul L. White
  • Publication number: 20120104265
    Abstract: A system for efficient neutron detection is described. The system includes a neutron scintillator formed with a number of protruding parallel ribs each side of the scintillator, forming a first set of ribs and a second set of ribs. The ribs have a protrusion height that provides a selected neutron absorption efficiency. The system includes a set of wavelength shifting fibers positioned between each adjacent pair of ribs on both the first side and the second side. Each set of wavelength shifting fibers are in optical proximity to the adjacent pair of the ribs that set of fibers are positioned between.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Herschel Ellis Workman, Craig R. Kline
  • Publication number: 20120104261
    Abstract: A fuel assembly radiation measuring apparatus has a radiation signal generation apparatus including a LaBr3(Ce) scintillator, an A/D converter, a signal processing apparatus, and a data analysis apparatus. The signal processing apparatus has a FPGA and a CPU. ? rays emitted from a fuel assembly disposed in water in a fuel pool enter into the LaBr3(Ce) scintillator that emits scintillator light, then a photomultiplier tube converts the light into an electric signal as a radiation detection signal. A pulse height analyzer of the FPGA inputs a radiation detection signal having a digital waveform generated by the A/D converter and changes the digital waveform into a trapezoid waveform to obtain a maximum peak value. The data analysis apparatus quantifies a target nuclide using a plurality of inputted maximum peak values to obtain burnup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kitaguchi, Takahiro Tadokoro, Katsunori Ueno, Yutaka Iwata, Ryusuke Kimura
  • Publication number: 20120097857
    Abstract: An object is to prevent occurrence of an insensitive zone to radiation in parallel arrangement of multiple units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.
    Inventors: Kenzo Hayatsu, Mitsutoshi Sugiya, Keisuke Nagura, Shigeru Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20120097856
    Abstract: An imaging detector includes a scintillator array (202), a photosensor array (204) optically coupled to the scintillator array (202), a current-to-frequency (I/F) converter (314), and logic (312). The I/F converter (314) includes an integrator (302) and a comparator (310), and converts, during a current integration period, charge output by the photosensor array (204) into a digital signal having a frequency indicative of the charge. The logic (312) sets a gain of the integrator (302) for a next integration period based on the digital signal for the current integration period. In one instance, the gain is increased for the next integration period, relative to the gain for the current integration period, which allows for reducing an amount of bias current injected at an input of the I/F converter (314) to generate a measurable signal in the absence of radiation, which may reduce noise such as shot noise, flicker noise, and/or other noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Marc A. Chappo, Randall P. Luhta
  • Publication number: 20120091351
    Abstract: A neutron measurement apparatus 1A includes a neutron detection unit 10, a photodetection unit 20 that detects scintillation light emitted from the neutron detection unit 10, a light guide optical system 15 that guides the scintillation light from the neutron detection unit 10 to the photodetection unit 20, and a shielding member 30 which is located between the neutron detection unit 10 and the photodetection unit 20 for shielding radiation passing in a direction toward the photodetection unit 20. Further, a scintillator formed of a lithium glass material in which PrF3 is doped to a glass material 20Al(PO3)3-80LiF is used as a neutron detection scintillator composing the neutron detection unit 10. Thereby, the neutron detection scintillator and the neutron measurement apparatus which are capable of suitably performing neutron measurement such as measurement of scattered neutrons from an implosion plasma can be realized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicants: OSAKA UNIVERSITY, TOKAI UNIVERSITY EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM, HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K., FURUKAWA CO., LTD, NAGASAKI PREFECTURAL GOVERNMENT, TOKUYAMA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroshi Azechi, Nobuhiko Sarukura, Yasunobu Arikawa, Mitsuo Nakai, Hirofumi Kan, Takahiro Murata, Toshihisa Suyama, Shigeru Fujino, Yoshiyuki Usuki, Hideki Yoshida, Akira Yoshikawa
  • Publication number: 20120085914
    Abstract: A detection device for beta radiation includes first and second adjacent detectors and a coincidence counter unit. The same beta particle may be counted twice. Alternatively, one or more positrons may be detected along with one or more gamma photons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: JAN AXELSSON, HARALD SCHNEIDER
  • Publication number: 20120085913
    Abstract: A slab detector for PET and/or SPECT imaging comprising a scintillation crystal slab and a plurality of photoconverters each in optical communication with a surface of the scintillation crystal. In some embodiments, the plurality of photoconverters define a two dimensional array, wherein each photoconverter abuts adjacent photoconverters. Furthermore, according to some embodiments a plurality of slab detectors can be juxtaposed with one another so that their slab crystals abut edgewise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: FMI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: William K. McCroskey, Timothy W. Milliff, William D. Dickinson
  • Publication number: 20120085911
    Abstract: Some embodiments can comprise a tomographic imaging data acquisition method(s) and/or systems embodying the method(s). Some methods according to embodiments of the invention include simultaneously reading each photoconverter of a scintillation detector; reading the photoconverters at a frequency sufficient to obtain a plurality of digital sample measurements of a scintillation wave front; and recording the data read from each of the plurality of photoconverters as a function of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: FMI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: William K. McCroskey, Timothy W. Milliff, Christ H. Heipp
  • Publication number: 20120061577
    Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to a scintillation detector for registering the position of gamma photon interactions, an comprises an array of two or more elongated first and second scintillation crystal elements connected together along their respective long sides, and an array of discrete photosensitive areas disposed on a common substrate of a solid-state semiconductor photo-detector. The array of first and second scintillation crystal elements have proximal output windows optically coupled to the array of discrete photosensitive areas in a one-to-one relationship. The invention may be characterized in that the first and second scintillation crystal elements include a rooftop portion at their distal ends, wherein the rooftop portion optically couples one of the first and second scintillation crystal elements to the other and is configured to reflect and transmit light resulting from a gamma photon interaction from one of the first and second scintillation crystal elements to the other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: ZECOTEK IMAGING SYSTEMS PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: Alexei Oleinik, Alexander Zagumennyi, Serge Khorev, Abdelmounaime Faouzi Zerrouk
  • Publication number: 20120061576
    Abstract: A nuclear medical imaging system employing radiation detection modules with pixelated scintillator crystals includes a scatter detector (46) configured to detect and label scattered and non-scattered detected radiation events stored in a list mode memory (44). Coincident pairs of both scattered and non-scattered radiation events are detected and the corresponding lines of response (LOR) are determined. A first image representation of the examination region can be reconstructed using the LORs corresponding to both scattered and non-scattered detected radiation events to generate a lower resolution image (60) with good noise statistics. A second higher resolution image (62) of all or a subvolume of the examination region can be generated using LORs that correspond to non-scattered detected radiation events. A quantification processor is configured to extract at least one metric, e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Carsten Degenhardt, Andrew Buckler
  • Publication number: 20120056096
    Abstract: An article comprising a slab generating scintillation light in response to ionization event and formed with at least two sides. The ionization event is resulted from interaction of high-energy particles within a material of the slab between these sides. A photoreceiver sensitive to the scintillation light is integrated on each side of the slab in an optically-tight fashion. An arrangement is provided for analyzing signals resulted from the ionization event and generated by the photoreceivers. The photoreceivers and the analyzing arrangement are adapted for extracting a position of the ionization event within the slab material relative to the slab sides. A correcting arrangement is provided for correcting the signals and to provide attenuation of the scintillation light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventors: Joseph H. Abeles, Serge Luryi
  • Publication number: 20120049074
    Abstract: A radiation sensitive detector array includes a plurality of detector modules (118) extending along a z-axis direction and aligned along an x-axis direction with respect to the imaging system (100). At least one of the detector modules (118) includes a module backbone (124) and at least one detector tile (122). The at least one detector tile (122) is coupled to the module backbone (124) through a non-threaded fastener (142). The at least one detector tile (122) includes a two-dimensional detector (126) and a two-dimensional anti-scatter grid (128) that is focused at a focal spot (112) of an imaging system (100).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Randall P. Luhta, Rodney A. Mattson, Brian E. Harwood
  • Publication number: 20120043468
    Abstract: Composite photodetection devices are described comprising layers with different photodetector embodiments, in connection through vias in bonded layers with electronic circuitry upon them. Standard photodetectors with isolation structures are defined as well as photodetectors with the capability for avalanche operation. Still further embodiments with micropixel embodiments comprising silicon photomultipliers are also described. Embodiments with incorporated transistors are also defined. Methods of using the attached electronics associated with each pixel element to define novel operational set points for the composite photodetector devices are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventors: Frederick Flitsch, Daniel Codi
  • Patent number: 8115172
    Abstract: Determining a scintillation event location bevent along an axis B of an array of photomultiplier tubes, each photomultiplier tube having a location bPMT and an output ZPMT. Determining a preliminary event location bprelim along the B axis as a centroid of the photomultiplier tube outputs. Determining a position-weighted characteristic (ZPMT·(bPMT?bprelim)2) of each of the photomultiplier tubes. Determining event location bevent along the B axis as a centroid of the outputs of those photomultiplier tubes characterized by a position-weighted characteristic less than or equal to a predetermined cutoff.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald E. Malmin
  • Publication number: 20120025086
    Abstract: A radiation detection device includes a first radiation detector that is positioned on the upstream side of a radiation incident direction and detects radiation in a low-energy range, and a second radiation detector that is positioned on the downstream side and detects radiation in a high-energy range. In such a configuration, a pixel width p1 of pixels 13 in an imaging element 12 in the first radiation detector and a pixel width p2 of pixels 23 in an imaging element 22 in the second radiation detector are set to be different in width from each other by considering the distance ?d between the imaging elements, and the pluralities of pixels in the first and second imaging elements 12 and 22 are respectively divided into pluralities of pixel units, and a pixel unit width w2 in the second imaging element 22 is set to be larger than a pixel unit width w1 in the first imaging element 12.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.
    Inventor: Shinji Takihi