With Optics Patents (Class 250/368)
  • Publication number: 20120318993
    Abstract: Disclosed below are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for detecting particles, such as radiation or charged particles. One exemplary embodiment disclosed herein is particle detector comprising an optical fiber with a first end and second end opposite the first end. The optical fiber of this embodiment further comprises a doped region at the first end and a non-doped region adjacent to the doped region. The doped region of the optical fiber is configured to scintillate upon interaction with a target particle, thereby generating one or more photons that propagate through the optical fiber and to the second end. Embodiments of the disclosed technology can be used in a variety of applications, including associated particle imaging and cold neutron scattering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventors: Lynn A. Boatner, John T. Mihalczo
  • Publication number: 20120312994
    Abstract: A scintillation detector includes: a photodetector; a scintillating material configured to emit light in response to exposure to ionization particles; an optically transparent material having a light absorption coefficient that is less than a light absorption coefficient of the scintillating material, the optically transparent material optically coupled to a surface of the scintillating material and configured to transmit the emitted light; and a reflective material at least partially surrounding the scintillating material and the optically transparent material, the reflective material configured to reflect the emitted light and direct the emitted light toward the photodetector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Anton Nikitin, Loren Patrick Roberts, Nikolay N. Velker, Alexandr A. Vinokurov
  • Publication number: 20120292519
    Abstract: A radiation detection apparatus can include a radiation sensor having a corresponding radiation sensing region, and a photosensor that is optically couple to the radiation sensor. The radiation sensing region can include optical fibers. In an embodiment, some or all of the optical fibers can be coated. The coating can include a phosphorescent material. In an embodiment, the optical fibers can be arranged in a manner such that optical substrates have substantially no bends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: SAINT-GOBAIN CERAMICS & PLASTICS, INC.
    Inventors: John M. Frank, Eric E. Mattmann
  • Publication number: 20120292518
    Abstract: Apparatus for detecting ionizing radiation includes a mobile telephone, including an imaging assembly, which includes a solid-state image sensor. A radiation converter is mounted in proximity to the image sensor and is configured to emit, in response to the ionizing radiation, lower-energy radiation for detection by the image sensor. A processor, contained in the mobile telephone, is configured to process images captured by the image sensor so as to assess an intensity of the ionizing radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: DANIMAR LTD.
    Inventor: Michael D. Goldstein
  • Publication number: 20120294416
    Abstract: An imaging detector includes a scintillator having a scintillator pixel that is configured to emit light. The detector also includes a photosensor that defines a photosensor pixel that is configured to absorb light emitted by the scintillator pixel. A lens is positioned between the scintillator pixel and the photosensor pixel for directing light emitted from the scintillator to the photosensor pixel. The lens is configured to converge light emitted from the scintillator pixel toward the photosensor pixel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Renganathan Ashokan, Reinaldo Gonzalez
  • Publication number: 20120292520
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a scintillation detector, which is largely divided into a scintillator and a photomultiplier, as a constituent element of a medical diagnostic imaging equipment, a scintillator, and a medical diagnostic imaging equipment using the same, and more specifically, to a plastic scintillator, and a scintillation detector and a medical diagnostic imaging equipment using the same wherein a plastic scintillator is provided as a scintillator constituting a scintillation detector of a medical diagnostic imaging equipment instead of a known crystal scintillator, thereby allowing easy processing of a scintillator, improving detection due to various configurations and remarkably reducing processing costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Jun-Suhk Suh, Hyeun Suk Park
  • Publication number: 20120280132
    Abstract: In a lattice-like pixel structure in which a reflecting plate that reflects a fluorescent light from a fluorescent material-based neutron detecting sheet is arranged along a vertical axis at a regular interval, and a reflecting plate that reflects a fluorescent light is arranged along a horizontal axis at a regular interval and at a right angle with respect to a series of fluorescent plates formed arranged along the vertical axis, a lattice-like fluorescent light detecting member is formed by providing such a structure that a groove may be formed at upper half position of the vertical axis direction reflecting plate and at a center position in a vertical axis interval for accommodating a wavelength shifting fiber for vertical axis detection for detecting the fluorescent light, and a groove may be formed at lower half position of the horizontal axis direction reflecting plate and at a center position in a horizontal axis interval for accommodating a wavelength shifting fiber for horizontal axis detection for d
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicants: CHICHIBU FUJI CO., LTD., JAPAN ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY
    Inventors: Tatsuya Nakamura, Masaki Katagiri, Noriaki Tsutsui
  • Patent number: 8304738
    Abstract: A positron emission tomography scanner system that includes detector modules arranged adjacent to one another to form a cylindrical detector ring. Each of the detector modules includes an array of scintillation crystal elements, a plurality of photosensors arranged to cover the array of crystal elements and configured to receive light emitted from the array of crystal elements, and a fiber optics plate arranged between the array of scintillation crystal elements and the plurality of photosensors, the fiber optics plate including a plurality of fibers configured to guide the light emitted from the scintillation crystal to the plurality of photosensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Gagnon, Kent Burr
  • Publication number: 20120273686
    Abstract: One embodiment disclosed relates a method of detecting a patterned electron beam. The patterned electron beam is focused onto a grating with a pattern that has a same pitch as the patterned electron beam. Electrons of the patterned electron beam that pass through the grating un-scattered are detected. Another embodiment relates to focusing the patterned electron beam onto a grating with a pattern that has a second pitch that is different than a first pitch of the patterned electron beam. Electrons of the patterned electron beam that pass through the grating form a Moiré pattern that is detected using a position-sensitive detector. Other embodiments, aspects and features are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventors: Shinichi KOJIMA, Christopher F. BEVIS, Joseph MAURINO, William M. TONG
  • Publication number: 20120267519
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus configured to detect radiation at high temperatures in a borehole penetrating the earth. The apparatus includes a scintillation material that interacts with the radiation to generate photons, at least one solid-state photodetector optically coupled to the scintillation material and configured to detect the radiation by detecting the generated photons, and at least one optical element disposed between the scintillation material and the at least one solid-state photodetector and configured to concentrate the photons generated in the scintillation material onto the at least one solid-state photodetector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Anton Nikitin, Rocco DiFoggio, Alexandr Vinokurov, Mikhail Korjik
  • Patent number: 8294108
    Abstract: In a scintillator of a radiation detector according to this invention, first reflectors provided in first scintillation counter crystal layer adjacent to one another have gaps wider than first reflectors provided in second scintillation counter crystal layer such that an overall width of the first reflectors in the first scintillation counter crystal layer in an arranging direction is identical to an overall width of the first reflectors in the second scintillation counter crystal layer in an arranging direction. Such construction improves spatial resolution at a side end of the scintillator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Hiromichi Tonami, Tomoaki Tsuda
  • Publication number: 20120256095
    Abstract: In a radiation detector, a scintillator converts radiations penetrating through a sensor panel to light, and the light is detected by a photosensor in the sensor panel. A reflector layer including a specular reflection and retro-reflection layers is provided on the opposite side of the scintillator to the sensor panel. The specular reflection layer specularly reflects short-wavelength components of the light from the scintillator, and lets long-wavelength components of the light pass through it. The photosensor can detect the short-wavelength components efficiently at positions close to their origins because they are guided along columnar crystals of the scintillator. Since long-wavelength components are less refrangible and tend to deviate from their origins, causing crosstalk, the retro-reflection layer retroreflects the long-wavelength components toward the sensor panel, so that the long-wavelength components also reach the sensor panel at positions close to their origins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Haruyasu NAKATSUGAWA, Yasuhisa KANEKO
  • Patent number: 8278114
    Abstract: A luminescence detecting apparatus and method for analyzing luminescent samples is disclosed. A detecting apparatus may be configured so that light from luminescent samples pass through a collimator, a a first lens, a filter, and a camera lens, whereupon an image is created by the optics on the charge-coupled device (CCD) camera. The detecting apparatus may further include central processing control of all operations, multiple wavelength filter wheel, and/or a robot for handling of samples and reagents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Applied Biosystems, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Gambini, Jeff Levi, John Voyta, John Atwood, Susan Atwood-Stone, legal representative, Bruce De Simas, Edward Lakatos, Israel Metal, George Sabak, Yongdong Wang
  • Publication number: 20120228472
    Abstract: The invention provides a hermetically sealed scintillation crystal package with a window made of a ruggedized material such as ALON (aluminum Oxynitride) or Spinel ceramic (MgAl2O4) where the window is sealed to an external metallic housing part by a brazing or soldering process and the external housing part is welded to the housing containing the scintillation crystal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventors: John J. Simonetti, Donna Simonetti, Christian Stoller, Albert Hort, Edward Durner
  • Publication number: 20120228512
    Abstract: A method and system of constructing and assembling a radiological imaging sensor having a transparent crystalline substrate plate, such as a glass or sapphire plate, for use in assembling the radiological imaging sensor using either a clear fiber optic plate of a dark fiber optic plate with ultraviolet curable adhesives. The transparent glass substrate plate may further include at least one crystalline sapphire strip disposed in an aperture therewithin. Flexible cable connections are provided by wire bonding to the imaging die substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventors: Anton van Arendonk, Andriy Lomako, Weidong Tang, Brian Benwell
  • 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: 20120187302
    Abstract: A gamma-ray spectrometer comprising a scintillation body (34) for receiving gamma-rays and generating photons therefrom and a photodetector for detecting photons from the scintillation body and generating a corresponding output signal is described. The photodetector comprises a photocathode (26), an anode (28), and a reflecting surface (28A). The photocathode is arranged to receive photons from the source and generate photo-electrons therefrom. The anode is arranged to receive photoelectrons generated at the photocathode and is coupled to a detection circuit/amplifier configured to generate an output signal indicative of the photoelectrons received at the anode. The reflecting surface is arranged so as to reflect photons which have passed through the photocathode without interaction back towards the photocathode to provide the photons with another opportunity to interact with the photocathode, thus enhancing the overall effective quantum efficiency of the detector. The reflector may be specular or diffuse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventor: David Ramsden
  • Patent number: 8227754
    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 fibers and be located externally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Deutsches Krebforschungszentrum Stiftung Des Oeffentlichen Rechts
    Inventors: Jörg Peter, Ralf Schulz, Daniel Unholtz
  • Publication number: 20120153170
    Abstract: There is provided a radiographic imaging device including: a converting layer that is flat-plate-shaped and that converts irradiated radiation into light; a light detecting substrate that is disposed at one surface side of the converting layer, and detects light converted by the converting layer; an illuminating section that illuminates light with respect to another surface side of the converting layer; and a half-mirror that is provided over an entire surface of a region, which is between the converting layer and the light illuminating section and which corresponds to a detection region at which light is detected by the light detecting substrate, the half-mirror reflecting at least a portion of light converted by the converting layer, and transmitting at least a portion of light illuminated by the light illuminating section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Fumito NARIYUKI
  • Patent number: 8180022
    Abstract: An X-ray line-scan camera utilizes an image transferring means to alter the optical path and thus eliminates the X-ray radiation damage on the electrical components of the camera system. The camera comprises a layer of scintillating material, a fiber optic face plate (FOFP) block, and an array of image sensors. One face of the FOFP block is bonded to the surface of the image sensors. The layer of scintillating material is placed on other face of the FOFP block and used to convert an impinging X-ray beam into visible light. The FOFP block is used to transfer the visible light from the scintillating layer onto the image sensor array, which in turn converts the visible light into electrical video signals. The FOFP block has a rotation angle of 32 to 40 degree relative to the impinging X-ray beam to prevent direct impingement of the X-ray beam onto the image sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: X-Scan Imaging Corporation
    Inventors: Hsin-Fu Tseng, Linbo Yang
  • Publication number: 20120091348
    Abstract: A radiation detector that includes multiple adjacent modular detector segments. Each segment includes an array of scintillation crystal elements, a light guide arranged adjacent to the array of scintillation crystal elements, and reflectors arranged around a periphery of the segment so that light produced by a scintillation event in the segment is substantially confined to the segment. In one embodiment, each segment is coupled to multiple photosensors, each photosensor receiving light from at least one of the segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicants: TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION, KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Zhengyan WANG, Kent BURR
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8158949
    Abstract: A radiation detector characterized by includes a photoelectric conversion element, a scintillation layer which converts radioactive rays to fluorescence, the scintillation layer being formed on the photoelectric conversion element, and a reflective film formed on the scintillation layer, the reflective film containing light-scattering particles for reflecting the fluorescence from the scintillation layer and a binder material binding the light-scattering particles, and having depletion portions without being filled with the binder material, the depletion portions being formed in a periphery of the light-scattering particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Toshiba Electron Tubes & Devices Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuhisa Homma, Shinetsu Fujieda
  • Publication number: 20120068075
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring radiation levels in vivo in real time. Apparatus and methods include a scintillating material coupled to a retention member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: A. Sam Beddar, Tina Marie Briere, Louis Archambault
  • Publication number: 20120061574
    Abstract: A detector for detecting ionising radiation comprises a scintillator 10 selected to emit light in response to incidence thereon of radiation to be detected, at least one detector 16 for detecting said emitted light, and at least one optical waveguide 12 for transmitting said emitted light to said detector 16. The optical waveguide typically comprises a flexible solid or hollow fibre that can be incorporated into a flexible mat or into a fibre-reinforced structure, so that the detector is integrated therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: BAE SYSTEMS plc
    Inventors: Michael Dunleavy, Sajad Haq, Douglas Beverley Stevenson King, Nicholas Giacomo Robert Colosimo, Jonathan Alexander Silive, Philip Lawrence Webberley
  • Publication number: 20120061575
    Abstract: A detector for detecting ionising radiation comprises a scintillator 10 selected to emit light in response to incidence thereon of radiation to be detected, at least one detector 16 for detecting said emitted light, and at least one optical waveguide 12 for transmitting said emitted light to said detector 16. The optical waveguide typically comprises a flexible solid or hollow fibre that can be incorporated into a flexible mat or into a fibre-reinforced structure, so that the detector is integrated therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: BAE SYSTEMS plc
    Inventors: Michael DUNLEAVY, Sajad Haq, Douglas Beverley Stevenson King, Nicholas Glacomo Robert Colosimo, Jonathan Alexander Silive, Philip Lawrence Webberley
  • Publication number: 20120057673
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for multi-resolution x-ray image capture. In one embodiment, a method includes repositioning an image capture assembly of an x-ray image capture apparatus from a first position to a second position, the first position corresponding to a first pixel density resolution and the second position corresponding to a second pixel density resolution; activating an x-ray source; and obtaining a digital x-ray image of a subject from an imaging sensor of the image capture assembly, the digital x-ray image having the second pixel density resolution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventor: William Eugene Campbell
  • Patent number: 8129687
    Abstract: There is provided a lighting system having a high spatial resolution appropriate to a high-frequency component by evanescent waves in a negative refraction lens. The lighting system includes a light emitter thin film (106) which includes a light emitting material which emits light when an energy is applied, a cathode (101) for applying an electron beam (102) which is the energy, to the light emitter thin film (106), and a negative refraction lens (110) which is formed of a material exhibiting negative refraction, and has an optical system for projecting light emitted from the light emitter thin film (106), on an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroya Fukuyama
  • Publication number: 20120049075
    Abstract: There is provided a radiation detector including: a light detecting substrate that converts light into charges; a scintillator layer that faces the light detecting substrate and converts irradiated radiation into light; and a reflecting portion that reflects light, converted at the scintillator layer, toward the light detecting substrate, and is disposed so as to face the scintillator layer and so as to be able to be displaced relative to the scintillator layer in an in-plane direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Fumito Nariyuki
  • Publication number: 20120037807
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for detection and monitoring of radiation exposure are disclosed, utilising photoexcitable storage phosphors and reading apparatus in a number of configurations for use in homeland security, emergency response and medical fields. In one form, apparatus comprises a portable dosimeter device adapted to receive and multiple phosphor elements to allow population screening in event of mass exposure. Further forms for medical use include insertable probes and adhesive phosphor patches for use in detecting radiation exposure in medical therapy or imaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: DOSIMETRY & IMAGING PTY LTD.
    Inventors: Anthony Ujhazy, Jonathan Caldwell Wright
  • Publication number: 20120037808
    Abstract: A dosimeter for radiation fields is described. The dosimeter includes a scintillator a light pipe having a first end in optical communication with the scintillator and a light detector. The light pipe may have a hollow core with a light reflective material about the periphery of the hollow core. The dosimeter may further include a light source that generates light for use as a calibrating signal for a measurement signal and/or for use to check the light pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventors: Simon Fleming, Justin Elsey, Susan Law, Natalka Suchowerska, Jamil Lambert, David Robert McKenzie
  • Publication number: 20120032087
    Abstract: A light collecting optical fiber improves light injection efficiency into the optical fiber. The light collecting optical fiber is equipped with a plurality of optical waveguide portions and light collecting portions between the adjacent optical waveguides. The optical waveguide portion includes a core and a cladding layer surrounding the core and constitutes an optical fiber. The light collecting portion is formed in a shape bulging out in radial direction from the optical waveguide portion and is constituted so that it injects external light to the optical waveguide portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: WIRED JAPAN CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Sugihara
  • Publication number: 20120001761
    Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus is provided, including a scintillator configured to convert ionizing radiation into photons, and a photo detector including at least one graphene layer configured to detect said photons. In accordance with another example embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided, including receiving and detecting photons by a photo detector from a scintillator, said photo detector including at least one graphene layer configured to detect said photons, and transmitting information indicative of said detected photons from said apparatus to an external device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: NOKIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Martti Voutilainen, Pirjo Pasanen
  • Publication number: 20110309257
    Abstract: A radiation detection system can include optical fibers and a material disposed between the optical fibers. In an embodiment, the material can include a fluid, such as a gas, a liquid, or a non-Newtonian fluid. In another embodiment, the material can include an optical coupling material. In a particular embodiment, the optical coupling material can include a silicone rubber. In still another embodiment, the optical coupling material has a refractive index less than 1.50. In still another embodiment, the radiation detection system can have a greater signal:noise ratio, a light collection efficiency, or both as compared to a conventional radiation detection system. Corresponding methods of use are disclosed that can provide better discrimination between neutrons and gamma radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: SAINT-GOBAIN CERAMICS & PLASTICS, INC.
    Inventor: Peter R. Menge
  • Patent number: 8080801
    Abstract: An inorganic scintillating mixture includes at least a first and a second component, each having a characteristic behavior in response to the irradiation with charged particles, such as protons and heavy ions, showing a typical Bragg peak with respect to a relative depth dose. The first component has a quenching characteristic in the Bragg peak region and the second component shows an increased efficiency in the Bragg peak region both related to a reference curve for the relative dose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Paul Scherrer Institut
    Inventor: Sairos Safai
  • Publication number: 20110284752
    Abstract: Even when a radiation detector contacts a pipe arrangement or another member that is an object to be monitored, the damage of the detector is prevented without impairing the detection performance. An inside-tube-wall radioactive contamination monitor comprises: a rod-like light guide bar having a polygonal cross-section; a plurality of scintillators secured to the outer circumferential surface of the light guide bar; a net-like protective tube worn so as to cover the outer circumference of the scintillators with a space between the surfaces of the scintillators and the tube; and a guide portion attached to an end of the net-like protective tube, supporting an end of the light guide bar, and having a shape the diameter of which decreases as approaching the end. The monitor includes: a photoelectric conversion unit coupled to the base end of the net-like protective tube and incorporating a photoelectric conversion element; and a signal processing unit connected to the photoelectric conversion unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA PLANT SYSTEMS & SERVICES CORPORATION, TOSHIBA POWER SYS RADIATION TECH-SERV CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasunori Nakashima, Tetsuo Goto, Kenzo Ogawa
  • Patent number: 8063377
    Abstract: A detector for a nuclear imaging system includes a scintillator including an array of scintillator elements and a light guide including a grid which defines light guide elements. Light from scintillations in the scintillation crystal in response to received radiation, passes through the light guide and strikes light sensitive elements of a light sensitive element array. The light sensitive element array includes larger elements in an array in the center surrounded by smaller light sensitive elements located in a peripheral array around the central array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Volkmar Schulz
  • Patent number: 8044356
    Abstract: A survey meter for measuring a radioactive contamination caused in an inner surface of a pipe includes a radiation detecting section and a signal processing section. The radiation detecting section includes a rod-shaped light guide unit, a reflecting portion connected to one end surface of the light guide unit, a photoelectric transfer unit, for outputting an electronic signal, connected to another one end surface of the light guide unit, and a scintillator unit provided to a circumference of the light guide unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Akio Sumita, Syunichiro Makino, Mikio Izumi, Tetsuo Goto
  • Patent number: 8039806
    Abstract: A radiation detector device is disclosed and includes a scintillation device having a scintillator crystal. The radiation detector device also includes a photosensor. Further, the radiation detector device includes an optical interface coupled between the scintillation device and the photosensor. The optical interface is electrically conductive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Ceramics & Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Frank, Peter R. Menge, Renee Gaspar
  • Patent number: 8026489
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for analyzing a particle beam comprising at least one detector including a fiber-optic network, the network of parallel fibers comprising at least one first plane of parallel optical fibers oriented along a first direction X; the detector is designed to produce a light signal when the particle beam passes through the fiber-optic network, an image sensor coupled with the detector so as to output a signal representing characteristics of the light signal. The invention is characterized in that the image sensor comprises a CCD or CMOS sensor, wherein the ends of the fibers of the fiber-optic network are designed to form an image of the light signal in the plane of the CCD or CMOS sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique—CNRS
    Inventors: Maurice Haguenauer, Alain Busata, Akli Karar
  • Patent number: 8013977
    Abstract: A radiation sensor includes a radiation receiver positioned in a focal plane of the final element of the projection system; a transmissive plate supporting the radiation receiver at a side facing the projection system; a quantum conversion layer to absorb light at the first wavelength incident on the transmissive plate and reradiate light at a second wavelength; a fiber optics block with a plurality of optical fibers; and a radiation detector. In the radiation sensor, the plurality of optical fibers guide light is reradiated by the quantum conversion layer towards the radiation detector. The radiation sensor can be used as a substrate-level sensor in a lithographic apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Haico Victor Kok, Arie Johan Van Der Sijs
  • Publication number: 20110204243
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gamma-neutron detector based on mixtures of thermal neutron absorbers that produce heavy-particle emission following thermal capture. The detector consists of one or more thin screens embedded in transparent hydrogenous light guides, which also serve as a neutron moderator. The emitted particles interact with the scintillator screen and produce a high light output, which is collected by the light guides into a photomultiplier tube and produces a signal from which the neutrons are counted. Simultaneous gamma-ray detection is provided by replacing the light guide material with a plastic scintillator. The plastic scintillator serves as the gamma-ray detector, moderator and light guide. The neutrons and gamma-ray events are separated employing Pulse-Shape Discrimination (PSD). The detector can be used in several scanning configurations including portal, drive-through, drive-by, handheld and backpack, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: Joseph Bendahan, Edward James Morton
  • Publication number: 20110180715
    Abstract: A host lattice modified GOS scintillating material and a method for using a host lattice modified GOS scintillating material is provided. The host lattice modified GOS scintillating material has a shorter afterglow than conventional GOS scintillating material. In addition, a radiation detector and an imaging device incorporating a host lattice modified GOS scintillating material are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Cornelis Ronda, Herbert Schreinemacher, Guenter Zeiltier, Norbert Conrads, Simha Levene
  • Publication number: 20110163239
    Abstract: CT scanning of transportation containers is performed by generating X-rays at various points at the opposite sides of the containers, detecting the X-rays passing through the containers, and analyzing the data received to determine the presence of contraband. The X-rays are generated by modulating a magnetic field through which a high-energy electron beam passes to deflect the beam successively to different targets positioned around the sides of the container, while the electron beam source remains stationary. The X-rays are detected by an array of cells using X-ray responsive storage phosphor material to emit light which is sent to analyzing and comparing equipment. The targets and detectors and the cargo container are moved relative to one another to scan a selected volume of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: Sentinel Scanning Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Goodenough, Michel Herranz, Luis Roso Franco
  • Patent number: 7964850
    Abstract: A scintillation camera includes a scintillation material which is capable of converting high-energy radiation incident thereon and having a wavelength of X-ray radiation or shorter into optical radiation, at least one position-sensitive detector capable of detecting the optical radiation, and at least one bundle of light guides which is located in front of the detector, characterized in that the bundle of light guides is located between the detector and the scintillation material. As a result of the scintillation material being provided as a separate unit, optionally including non-scintillating light guides, selection of the materials of each of the two parts can be optimized. Thus, for example, the scintillation material is no longer hygroscopic or subject to restrictions because of the need to grow it in parallel bundles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Milabs B.V.
    Inventor: Frederik Johannes Beekman
  • Publication number: 20110139984
    Abstract: An electron detection device including: one scintillator 31 having an opening through which an electron beam emitted from an electron gun passes; a plurality of photoguides 22 of the same shape, which are bonded to the scintillator and disposed symmetrically about an optical axis; and a photomultiplier tube which is connected to one side of each of the photoguides 22, the side opposing to the optical axis side, and converts light into electrical signals, the light being emitted by the scintillator 31 receiving light through the photoguide 22. The photoguides 22 are joined so as to equally divide the scintillator 31 symmetrically about the optical axis. Moreover, a position and an area of a portion bonded to the scintillator 31, in each of the photoguides 22, are the same among the photoguides 22.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: Tsuguo Kurata
  • Publication number: 20110121187
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a scintillation article includes a detector housing having a window cavity and a window disposed within the window cavity. The window cavity defining a window opening at an external surface of the housing that has a greater width than a width of the window, and wherein a surface of the window is directly bonded to an interior surface of the detector housing at a bond joint comprising a diffusion bond region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: SAINT-GOBAIN CERAMICS & PLASTICS, INC.
    Inventor: John M. Frank
  • Patent number: 7923697
    Abstract: An image sensor includes a scintillator comprising a substrate covered with a layer of luminescent material, the layer of luminescent material comprising a first side in contact with the substrate and a second side, the surface of which has asperities, separated by interstices, a detection radiation emerging from the second side of the layer of luminescent material when the luminescent material is illuminated by a probe radiation through the substrate, characterized in that the second side of the layer of luminescent material is covered with a film of a coating material partially absorbing the detection radiation, and moulding itself to the asperities of the surface of the second side of the layer of luminescent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventors: Daniel Gally, Luc Berthier
  • Patent number: 7923693
    Abstract: The present invention describes scintillator-elements for use in X-ray detectors, the elements being shaped to ensure maximum absorption of the energy carried in by X-ray photons and to provide high position-resolution. Arrangements of such scintillator-elements in arrays and detector-systems comprising a plurality of arrays are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: Aurel A. Faibis
  • Patent number: 7919757
    Abstract: A thin radiation detector with a high sensitivity is described. The radiation detector has light receiving elements receiving lights emitted by scintillators, performs a photoelectric conversion by using an avalanche multiplication film formed by amorphous selenium, and reads signals by using electron beams constantly discharged from a plurality of electron beam emitting sources called as a field emission array. The avalanche multiplication film formed by amorphous selenium is quite thin and has a simple structure, so it can be formed compactly and realized at a low cost. In addition, a signal amplification degree is approximately 1000 times, so an expensive low noise amplifier or a dedicated temperature adjusting mechanism is not required, and a quantum efficiency is sufficient for a wavelength of 300˜400 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Hiromichi Tonami, Junichi Ohi