With Output System Patents (Class 250/369)
  • Patent number: 8759781
    Abstract: Disclosed is a radiation imaging system comprising a layer for a radiation converter; a top electrode on the layer for a radiation converter; and an array of pixel unit electrically coupled to the layer for a radiation converter; wherein, said layer for a radiation converter comprises an organic matrix comprising a charge transport material (CTM); and scintillating particles for absorbing radiation, being dispersed in the organic matrix, wherein the scintillating particles are in contact with a charge generation material (CGM).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Vieworks Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Denny Lap Yen Lee, Hyun Suk Jang
  • Publication number: 20140166889
    Abstract: Compositions and methods are described for transparent glass composite having nanoparticles therein that scintillate in the presence of nuclear radiation, particularly gamma rays, but also x-rays, alpha particles, beta particles, and neutrons. The transparent glass composites can be prepared by a melt/cool process to produce the transparent glass composite. The wavelength of light emitted by the transparent glass composite can be tailored based on the materials used to make the glass composite. A detector that utilizes the transparent glass composite can measure nuclear radiation from numerous sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: GEORGIA TECH RESEARCH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Zhitao Kang, Brent Karl Wagner, Jason Hayes Nadler, Robert Rosson, Bernd Kahn, Meredith Brooke Barta
  • Publication number: 20140166890
    Abstract: A resin for scintillators having high radiation sensitivity, which is obtained without using a wavelength conversion agent. The resin for the scintillator of a radiation detector contains a polyester having a unit represented by the following formula (1). (In the above formula (1), Ar is a naphthalenediyl group or an anthracenediyl group all of which may be substituted by an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms or a halogen atom. X is an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, an alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms or an aromatic hydrocarbon group having 5 to 20 carbon atoms all of which may be substituted by an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms or a halogen atom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicants: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF RADIOLOGICAL SCIENCES, TEIJIN LIMITED
    Inventors: Hisayoshi Shimizu, Fumio Murakawa, Zenichiro Shidara, Hidehito Nakamura, Yoshiyuki Shirakawa
  • Patent number: 8754376
    Abstract: A representative method for determining a zero baseline value of a channel from a detector device of a nuclear medicine imagining system to allow for correction caused by noise or interference on the detector device includes calculating a first value of a baseline based on a first sample of analog electrical signals from analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) coupled to the detector device; comparing a predetermined value with the first value of the baseline; determining whether there is a small change between the predetermined value and the first value of the baseline; and responsive to determining that the small change exists, adjusting the baseline of the ADCs by a fraction of the small change based on the comparison between the predetermined value and the first value of the baseline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger E. Arseneau
  • Patent number: 8748831
    Abstract: A method of making at least a portion of an imager includes obtaining an imager component having a substrate layer, a photo-sensitive layer, and a first image element and a second image element disposed between the substrate layer and the photo-sensitive layer, and delivering ultraviolet light through the substrate layer and between the first image element and the second image element to reach the photo-sensitive layer, wherein the ultraviolet light interacts with a portion of the photo-sensitive layer to form a photo-resist structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Ivan P. Mollov
  • Publication number: 20140145072
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for fast gain regulation in a gamma-ray spectroscopy instrument. The system includes a detector configured to generate a signal indicative of energy arriving at the detector, and a processor configured to determine one or more system performance indicators. The system also includes a controller configured to compute a first gain correction term based on one of more system performance indicators and change the device gain based on the computed first gain correction tem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Robert A. Adolph
  • Patent number: 8704185
    Abstract: A radiation detection apparatus comprising: a sensor panel including a photoelectric conversion region and an electrically conductive pattern that is electrically connected to the photoelectric conversion region; a scintillator layer disposed over the photoelectric conversion region of the sensor panel; a wiring member including a portion overlapping with the electrically conductive pattern and electrically connected to the electrically conductive pattern and; and a protective film covering the scintillator layer and the portion of the wiring member that overlaps with the electrically conductive pattern is provided. A region of the protective film that covers the wiring member includes a portion that is press-bonded to the sensor panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yohei Ishida, Satoshi Okada, Kazumi Nagano, Keiichi Nomura, Yoshito Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20140103219
    Abstract: The invention relates to a radiation detector (100; 101; 102; 103; 104; 105; 106), having a scintillator (120) for generating electromagnetic radiation (202) in response to the action of incident radiation (200). The scintillator (120) has two opposing end faces (121; 122) and a lateral wall (123) between the end faces (121; 122). The radiation detector has, in addition, a photocathode section (130) that is located on the lateral wall (123) of the scintillator (120) and that generates electrons (204) in response to the action of electromagnetic radiation (202) that is generated by the scintillator (120), a microchannel plate (161; 162) comprising a plurality of channels (165), for multiplying the electrons (204) that have been generated by the photocathode section (130) and a detection system (171; 172) for detecting the electrons (204) that have been multiplied by means of the microchannel plate (161; 162).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: Harry Hedler, Timothy Hughes, Martin Spahn, Stefan Wirth
  • Patent number: 8698088
    Abstract: A radiation detection system can include a first material to produce a first light in response to receiving a target radiation. The radiation detection system can also include a second material to propagate a second light to a first end of the second material and to a second end of the second material, in response to receiving the first light. The radiation detection system can also include a reflector coupled to the first end of the second material. In an embodiment, the reflector can reflect the second light, so that the reflected second light can be received by a photosensor coupled to a second end of the second material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Ceramics & Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Kusner, Michael R. Mayhugh
  • Publication number: 20140091214
    Abstract: A radiation detector may include a housing and a scintillator body carried by the housing. The scintillator body may have an exterior surface with a plurality of surface scratches spiraling around the exterior surface. A photodetector may be coupled to the scintillator body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventor: Olivier Philip
  • Patent number: 8687869
    Abstract: A method for reconstructing an image from emission data includes generating a compressed point-spread function matrix, generating an accumulated attenuation factor; and performing at least one image projection operation on an image matrix of the emission data using the compressed point-spread function matrix and the accumulated attenuation factor. The image projection operation can include rotating an image matrix and an exponential attenuation map to align with a selected viewing angle. An accumulated attenuation image is then generated from the rotated image matrix and rotated exponential attenuation map and a projection image is generated for each voxel by multiplying the accumulated attenuation image and point spread function matrix for each voxel. The rotating and multiplying operations can be performed on a graphics processing unit, which may be found in a commercially available video processing card, which are specifically designed to efficiently perform such operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: The Research Foundation of State of University of New York
    Inventors: Jerome Z. Liang, Zigang Wang
  • Publication number: 20140084149
    Abstract: A method is for detecting gamma rays using a gamma ray detector, and includes determining a first count of gamma rays having an energy in a first energy interval, using a controller coupled to the gamma ray detector. A second count of gamma rays having an energy in a second energy interval is determined, the second energy interval having a higher energy than the first energy interval, using the controller. A third count of gamma rays having an energy in a third energy interval is determined, the third energy interval having a higher energy than the second energy interval, using the controller. The second count of gamma rays is compensated for noise based upon a ratio of the second count and the third count, using the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventor: Christian Stoller
  • Publication number: 20140084150
    Abstract: A radiation detector may include a housing, and a scintillator body carried within the housing and including a proximal portion defining a proximal end, a distal portion defining a distal end, and a medial portion between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The scintillator body may have a constant diameter along the proximal portion, and a decreasing diameter along the distal portion from the medial portion to the distal end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventor: Kenneth Stephenson
  • Publication number: 20140077086
    Abstract: System and method for linearization of photometric response of an imaging sensor of a multi-camera flat panel X-Ray detector. The linearization includes acquiring by the imaging sensor, during a linearization phase, at least two images related to detectable radiation radiated by a scintillator in response to X-Ray radiation generated by an X-Ray source at a field of view of the imaging sensor, wherein the intensity of the X-Ray radiation generated by the X-Ray source is different for each of the images, measuring by a light energy measurement unit, substantially simultaneously with the acquiring of each of the images, at least two corresponding levels of energy of the detectable radiation, wherein the light energy measurement unit is substantially linear at the range of operation, and calculating an inverse response function to the imaging sensor based on the images and on the corresponding levels of energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventors: Eduard Batkilin, Irina Karelin, Alex Feldman
  • Patent number: 8669529
    Abstract: A radiation detection apparatus includes a scintillator, a photoelectric conversion unit, and a grid for removing scattered radiation. The photoelectric conversion unit includes a plurality of pixels arranged in a two-dimensional array on a substrate. Each pixel is configured to convert visible light output from the scintillator into an electric signal. The grid, the substrate, the photoelectric conversion unit, and the scintillator are disposed in this order from a radiation-incident side of the radiation detection apparatus to an opposite side thereof. In this radiation detection apparatus in which the scintillator is disposed on the side opposite to the radiation-incident side, scattered radiation is effectively removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Minoru Watanabe, Chiori Mochizuki, Keigo Yokoyama, Jun Kawanabe, Kentaro Fujiyoshi, Hiroshi Wayama
  • Patent number: 8653466
    Abstract: A solid-state imaging device according to one embodiment includes a plurality of signal output units. Each of the plurality of signal output units includes a first input terminal electrode group that includes a plurality of terminal electrodes for inputting a reset signal, a hold signal, a horizontal start signal, and a horizontal clock signal and a first output terminal electrode that provides output signals. The solid-state imaging device further includes a second input terminal electrode group that includes a plurality of terminal electrodes for receiving the reset signal, the hold signal, the horizontal start signal, and the horizontal clock signal, a plurality of switches that switch an electrode group which is connected with integrating circuits, holding circuits, and a horizontal shift register between the first input terminal electrode group and the second input terminal electrode group, and a second output terminal electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
    Inventors: Kazuki Fujita, Ryuji Kyushima, Harumichi Mori
  • Patent number: 8653465
    Abstract: A radiation detection apparatus including: a sensor panel having a first face on which a pixel region is formed and a second face that is opposite the first face and including a connecting portion at one or more sides; a scintillator layer formed over the pixel region; and a protective film covering the scintillator layer and a portion of the sensor panel is provided. The protective film has a hot-pressed part. At the side of the sensor panel where the connecting portion is formed, the hot-pressed part is formed in a portion of the protective film covering the first face. At other sides of the sensor panel, the hot-pressed part is formed in at least one of a portion of the protective film covering a lateral face of the sensor panel and the second face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazumi Nagano, Satoshi Okada, Keiichi Nomura, Yohei Ishida, Yoshito Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20140042331
    Abstract: Portable digital X-ray detectors are provided. One X-ray detector includes an outer assembly and a detector assembly disposed within the outer assembly. The detector assembly includes an imager having a scintillator that converts radiographic energy to light and a detector array having one or more detector elements that detect the light from the scintillator. The detector assembly also includes electronic circuitry mounted on at least one printed circuit board and adapted to control operation of the imager during data acquisition and readout. Further, an elastomeric assembly is disposed between the imager and the electronic circuitry, and the elastomeric assembly is configured to absorb backscattered X-rays that pass through the imager or deflect off of a portion of the outer assembly during an X-ray exposure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Nicholas Ryan Konkle
  • Patent number: 8648309
    Abstract: Proppant placed in a subterranean fracture zone is detected with a spectral identification method in which capture gamma ray spectra are obtained during a logging run carried out with a logging tool having a neutron emitting source and at least one detector sensitive to thermal neutron capture gamma rays. Capture gamma rays from one or more high thermal neutron cross-section materials in the proppant are distinguished from capture gamma rays produced by thermal neutron capture reactions with other downhole formation and borehole constituents utilizing a spectral processing/deconvolution technique. The capture gammas rays from the high thermal neutron capture cross section material in the proppant are used to identify propped fracture zones either alone or in combination with other proppant identification methods which rely on measuring thermal neutron related count rates and/or thermal neutron capture cross-sections from neutron, compensated neutron, and/or pulsed neutron capture logging tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: CARBO Ceramics Inc.
    Inventors: Harry D. Smith, Jr., Robert Duenckel
  • Patent number: 8637827
    Abstract: A sensor section is provided with a detection element sensitive to light and radiation so that normal operation of the sensor section can be confirmed. The function for confirming operation of the sensor section using an optical pulse signal from a light emitting element is controlled from a monitor module section for connection with the sensor section. When the optical pulse for confirming operation of the detection element is generated, output from the sensor section is excluded from operation at the monitor module section so that confirmation of operation by an optical pulse is not affected. Furthermore, a configuration for stopping the sensor operation confirmation function when the output from the sensor section is high counting rate is provided over both the sensor section and the monitor module section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hirotaka Sakai, Soichiro Morimoto
  • Publication number: 20140014846
    Abstract: [Problem] To provide a scintillator plate capable of improving the accuracy of radiation detection, and expanding the surface area for practical use while suppressing manufacturing costs, and also provide a radiation measuring apparatus, a radiation imaging apparatus, and a scintillator plate manufacturing method. [Solution] A scintillator plate (1) includes a scintillator (2) that generates scintillation light when excited by incident radiation. The scintillator plate (1) includes a scintillator layer (22) covered with scintillator powder (21) having an average particle diameter equal to or greater than the range of the radiation within the scintillator (2) when the radiation to be measured is either alpha rays, electron beams, or ion beams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: JAPAN ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY
    Inventors: Junichi Kaneko, Mikio Higuchi, Takehiro Shimaoka, Youichi Tsubota, Kenji Izaki
  • Patent number: 8629405
    Abstract: A radiological image detection apparatus includes: a scintillator which is formed out of a group of columnar crystals in which crystals of a fluorescent material emitting fluorescence when irradiated with radiation have grown into columnar shapes; and a photodetector which detects the fluorescence emitted by the scintillator as an electric signal. Activator density in the scintillator varies between high density and low density repeatedly in a radiation travelling direction in at least a part of the scintillator. The activator density in each of front end portions and base end portions of the columnar crystals is lower than the high density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhisa Kaneko, Haruyasu Nakatsugawa
  • Patent number: 8604438
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for identifying and sorting sensing signals with respect to crystal locations of a scintillation detector, comprising steps of: (a) providing a crystal map detected by a crystal array, the crystal map having a plurality of peak points, each being represented by a coordinate location; (b) finding a basis point with respect to a specific area enclosing an amount of the peak points within the crystal map; (c) determining the peak point within the specific area having the shortest distance to the basis point, the peak point corresponding to a crystal element of the crystal array; (d) changing the location of the specific area; and (e) repeating steps (b) to (d) for a plurality of times to find all the crystal elements with respect to the peak points respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Institute of Nuclear Energy Research Atomic Energy Council, Executive Yuan
    Inventors: Fan-Pin Tseng, Meei-Ling Jan
  • Patent number: 8598534
    Abstract: A diagnostic imaging device includes a signal processing circuit (22) processes signals from a detector array (16) which detects radiation from an imaging region (20). The hit signals are indicative of a corresponding detector (18) being hit by a radiation photon. The signal processing circuit (22) includes a plurality of input channels (321, 322, 323, 324), each input channel receiving hit signals from a corresponding detector element (18) such that each input channel (321, 322, 323, 324) corresponds to a location at which each hit signal is received. A plurality of integrators (42) integrate signals from the input channels (32) to determine an energy value associated with each radiation hit. A plurality of analog-to-digital converters (441, 442, 443, 444) convert the integrated energy value into a digital energy value. A plurality of time to digital converters (40) receive the hit signals and generate a digital time stamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: Torsten Solf
  • Patent number: 8575750
    Abstract: A radiation detector made of High Purity Germanium (HPGe) has been specially machined to be this invented multilayer Inter-Coaxial configuration. With this special configuration, extra large volume HPGe detectors of diameters to be 6 inches, 9 inches, and even 12 inches, can be produced with current achievable HPGe crystal purity and quality, in which the entire detector crystal will be depleted and properly over biased for effective photo-induced signal collection with just less than 5000V bias applied. This invention makes extra large efficiency of 200%, 300%, and maybe even higher than 500% possible with HPGe gamma ray detectors with reasonable great resolution performances procurable based on current HPGe crystal supply capability. The invention could also be applied to any other kind of semiconductor materials if any of them could be purified enough for this application in the future.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventors: Yongdong Zhou, Xiao Zhou
  • Patent number: 8569707
    Abstract: A radiation detection apparatus includes a scintillator, a photoelectric conversion unit, and a grid for removing scattered radiation. The photoelectric conversion unit includes a plurality of pixels arranged in a two-dimensional array on a substrate. Each pixel is configured to convert visible light output from the scintillator into an electric signal. The grid, the substrate, the photoelectric conversion unit, and the scintillator are disposed in this order from a radiation-incident side of the radiation detection apparatus to an opposite side thereof. In this radiation detection apparatus in which the scintillator is disposed on the side opposite to the radiation-incident side, scattered radiation is effectively removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Minoru Watanabe, Chiori Mochizuki, Keigo Yokoyama, Jun Kawanabe, Kentaro Fujiyoshi, Hiroshi Wayama
  • Patent number: 8569683
    Abstract: A device for monitoring an automatic drift compensation of a scintillation counter may include a drift compensation monitoring unit which is designed to evaluate a counting rate caused by a monitoring radiation source for the purpose of monitoring the automatic drift compensation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Berthold Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ewald Freiburger, Juergen Briggmann, Gerhard Kappler
  • Publication number: 20130277562
    Abstract: A subatomic particle detection apparatus includes a scintillator to scintillate if struck by subatomic particles, and to scintillate if subjected to mechanical stresses, the scintillator to emit an electrical discharge if scintillating due to the mechanical stresses. A detector is optically coupled to the scintillator to detect scintillations by the scintillator. Furthermore, an antenna is associated with the scintillator and/or the detector to detect the electrical discharge. In addition, circuitry is coupled to the detector and the antenna to determine whether the scintillator scintillated due to the mechanical stresses, based upon the antenna detecting the electrical discharge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventor: Peter David Wraight
  • Publication number: 20130277544
    Abstract: A radiation detector can include a photosensor to receive light via an input and to send an electrical pulse via an output in response to receiving the light. The radiation detector can also include a pulse analyzer to send an indicator to a pulse counter when the electrical pulse corresponds to a scintillation pulse and to not send the indicator to the pulse counter when the electrical pulse corresponds to a noise pulse. The pulse analyzer can be coupled to the output of the photosensor. A method can include receiving an electrical pulse at a pulse analyzer from an output of a photosensor and determining whether the electrical pulse corresponds to a scintillation pulse or a noise pulse, based on a pulse shape of the electrical pulse. The method can also include sending the electrical pulse to a pulse counter when the electrical pulse corresponds to a scintillation pulse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Peter R. Menge, John C. Cooper, JR.
  • Patent number: 8558176
    Abstract: In a nuclear medicine imaging apparatus as a medical image diagnosis apparatus according to one embodiment, a PET detector is configured to detect a gamma ray emitted from a nuclide introduced into a body of a subject. A PET image reconstruction unit is configured to reconstruct a nuclear medicine image (PET image) as a medical image from the gamma ray projection data created based on the gamma ray detected by the PET detector using successive approximation. A controller is configured to control the PET image reconstruction unit to change the parameter used in the successive approximation depending on information regarding the scanning region in the body of the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoyasu Komori, Nobutoku Motomura, Takuzo Takayama, Atsushi Fukano, Masao Yamahana, Tatsuya Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8558184
    Abstract: A radiographic image capturing apparatus includes a photodetector substrate, a scintillator, a switching filter, and a resetting light source, which are arranged successively in this order. If the switching filter is made permeable to resetting light from the resetting light source, the switching filter allows resetting light to be applied to the photodetector substrate through the scintillator, whereas, if the switching filter is made impermeable to the resetting light, the switching filter reflects at least a fluorescence, which is converted from radiation by the scintillator, toward the photodetector substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Haruyasu Nakatsugawa, Naoyuki Nishino, Naoto Iwakiri, Fumito Nariyuki, Yasunori Ohta, Kazuhiro Noda
  • Publication number: 20130264485
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a radiation detection apparatus including a photoelectric conversion element that includes a first electrode placed above a substrate, a semiconductor layer placed on the first electrode, and a second electrode placed on the semiconductor layer includes forming the second electrode by removing a portion of an electrode layer formed over the semiconductor layer, the portion being located on an end section of the semiconductor layer. The method includes forming an insulating layer such that the insulating layer covers a portion of the semiconductor layer that is not covered by the second electrode. The method further includes forming a third electrode on at least one portion of the insulating layer such that the insulating layer is interposed between the third electrode and the end section of the semiconductor layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Jun Kawanabe, Chiori Mochizuki, Minoru Watanabe, Keigo Yokoyama, Masato Ofuji, Kentaro Fujiyoshi, Hiroshi Wayama
  • Publication number: 20130248723
    Abstract: A radiation detector includes a conversion element that converts an incoming radiation beam into electrical signals, which in turn can be used to generate data about the radiation beam. The conversion element may include, for example, a scintillator that converts the radiation beam into light, and a sensor that generates the signals in response to the light. The conversion element can be used in different schemes or data collection modes. For instance, the conversion element can be oriented normal to the radiation beam or transverse to the radiation beam. In either of these orientations, for example, the detector can be used in an integrating mode or in a counting mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary VIRSHUP, Edward SEPPI, James CLAYTON, Edward SHAPIRO
  • Publication number: 20130248725
    Abstract: An X-ray detector includes a top receiving container in which one or more subjects are disposed, an X-ray detection unit that detects shadow images of the one or more subjects when X-rays are radiated to the one or more subjects and calculates an X-ray radiation angle of the radiated X-rays based on the shadow images of the one or more subjects, and a bottom receiving container having a receiving space in which the X-ray detection unit is received.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventor: Young Ik KIM
  • Publication number: 20130248720
    Abstract: According to example embodiments, a photomultiplier detector cell for tomography includes a detector unit and a readOUT unit. The detector unit is configured to generate a digitized detect signal in response to receives light having a certain range of wavelength. The readOUT unit is configured to generate an output signal corresponding to the detect signal generated by the detector unit and to transmit the output signal to an external circuit. The readOUT unit is configured to transmit the output signal to the external circuit right after the detect signal is received.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicants: Industry-University Cooperation Foundation Sogang University, SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Young KIM, Jae-chul PARK, Dae-kun YOON, Chae-hun LEE, Jin-wook BURM, Kyung-hoon KIM, Jun-an LEE
  • Patent number: 8525117
    Abstract: Multiplexing for radiation imaging is provided by using optical delay combiners to provide distinct optical encoding for each detector channel. Each detector head provides an optical output which is encoded. The encoded optical signals can be optically combined to provide a single optical output for all of the detectors in the system. This single optical output can be coupled to a fast photodetector (e.g., a streak camera). The pulse readout from the photodetector can decode the arrival time of the event, the energy of the event, and which channels registered the detection event. Preferably, the detector heads provide coherent optical outputs, and the optical delay combiners are preferably implemented using photonic crystal technology to provide photonic integrated circuits including many delay combiners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Craig S. Levin, Peter D. Olcott
  • Patent number: 8513610
    Abstract: Provided is a detector module for measuring one or more types of radiation, in particular X-ray, gamma ray, or nuclear particle radiation, comprising a detection unit, an analog-to-digital converter, an information processing device, and a memory device for storing the position of the detector module. The detector module comprises at least one light-emitting diode (LED), optically connected with the detection unit for stabilizing the detector unit. Further, the invention provides a stanchion, in particular a portable stanchion, whereby the stanchion comprises a inventive detector module. Yet further, a (wireless) network of detector modules is provided, whereby each detector module is mounted within a stanchion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: ICx Technologies GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Lentering, Kai Ruhnau
  • Patent number: 8503606
    Abstract: A detector and methods for producing x-ray images, more particularly based on x-rays transmitted through an inspected object. A scintillating region is translated along a path within a cross section of a beam, the cross section taken in a plane distal to the object with respect to a source of the beam. Light emitted by the scintillator region is detected, thereby generating a detection signal, the detection signal is received by a processor which generates an image signal, and an image depicting transmitted penetrating radiation is formed on the basis of the image signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: American Science and Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Rothschild, Samuel J. Petuchowski
  • Publication number: 20130187052
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a spectrometer (100) for detecting a source of radioactive emissions having a detector (120) that produces a detector signal (20), with an amplifier (30) followed by a single digitizer (40) followed by a digital signal processing unit (50), within which the signal processing implements two distinct pathways (51, 52), and associated firmware to utilize the two resulting sets of processed data in nuclear isotope identification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: Princeton Gamma Tech. Instruments Inc.
    Inventor: Greg Nelson
  • Patent number: 8492726
    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: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keigo Yokoyama, Chiori Mochizuki, Minoru Watanabe, Jun Kawanabe, Kentaro Fujiyoshi, Hiroshi Wayama
  • Publication number: 20130181137
    Abstract: A neutron radiation detector has a function that discriminates between neutron radiation and ? radiation based on a difference in pulse shape between photodetection signals from a neutron radiation detection scintillator, which includes a Ce-containing LiCaAlF6 single crystal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventors: Kenichi Watanabe, Atsushi Yamazaki, Akira Uritani, Yoshiyuki Kondo, Tetsuo Iguchi, Noriaki Kawaguchi, Kentaro Fukuda, Toshihisa Suyama, Akira Yoshikawa, Takayuki Yanagida, Yui Yokota
  • Publication number: 20130168557
    Abstract: The invention relates to a radiation detector (100) and an associated method for the detection of (e.g. X or ?-) radiation. The detector (100) comprises a converter element (110) in which incident photons (X) are converted into electrical signals, and an array of anodes (130) for generating an electrical field (E) in the converter element (110). At least two anodes are associated with two steering electrodes (140) to which different potentials can be applied by a control unit (150). Preferably, each single anode or small group of anodes is surrounded by one steering electrode. The potentials of the steering electrodes (140) may be set as a function of the potentials that are induced in these electrodes when an operating voltage is applied between the anodes and a cathode (120). Moreover, a grid electrode (160) may be provided that at least partially encircles anodes (130) and their steering electrodes (140).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Christoph Herrmann, Klaus Jurgen Engel, Roger Steadman Booker
  • Patent number: 8476610
    Abstract: A multi-view composite collimator includes a first parallel collimator segment having a plurality of collimator channels oriented at a first slant angle and a second parallel collimator segment adjacent to the first parallel collimator segment having a plurality of collimator channels oriented at a second slant angle different from the first slant angle and a bridging collimating element is provided between the first and second parallel collimator segments, wherein radiation can pass through the bridging collimating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignees: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc., University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Eric Hawman, Gengsheng Zeng
  • Publication number: 20130146776
    Abstract: A method of making at least a portion of an imager includes obtaining an imager component having a substrate layer, a photo-sensitive layer, and a first image element and a second image element disposed between the substrate layer and the photo-sensitive layer, and delivering ultraviolet light through the substrate layer and between the first image element and the second image element to reach the photo-sensitive layer, wherein the ultraviolet light interacts with a portion of the photo-sensitive layer to form a photo-resist structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Ivan P. MOLLOV
  • Publication number: 20130126740
    Abstract: A system for assaying radiation includes a sample holder configured to hold a liquid scintillation solution. A photomultiplier receives light from the liquid scintillation solution and generates a signal reflective of the light. A control circuit biases the photomultiplier and receives the signal from the photomultiplier reflective of the light. A light impermeable casing surrounds the sample holder, photomultiplier, and control circuit. A method for assaying radiation includes placing a sample in a liquid scintillation solution, placing the liquid scintillation solution in a sample holder, and placing the sample holder inside a light impermeable casing. The method further includes positioning a photomultiplier inside the light impermeable casing and supplying power to a control circuit inside the light impermeable casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: SAVANNAH RIVER NUCLEAR SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventors: David P. DiPrete, Tad Whiteside, Donald J. Pak, Cecilia C. DiPrete
  • Patent number: 8445852
    Abstract: An electric signal produced by a photo-electric conversion element (104) is input to a comparator (120). The comparator (120) judges whether the electric signal output from the amplifier (110) exceeds a reference voltage or not, and outputs a HIGH signal if “exceeds”. A reference voltage modifier unit (130) elevates the reference voltage, after a predetermined time period elapses since the comparator (120) judged that the electric signal reached or exceeded the reference voltage. The signal processor calculates an incidence time which represents a time when the signal light starts to enter the photo-electric converter unit (100), by correcting a rise-up time of the electric signal when it reaches or exceeds the reference voltage, based on a pulse width which represents a time period from when the electric signal exceeds the reference voltage, up to when the electric signal falls below the reference voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignees: The University of Tokyo, Furukawa Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Takahashi, Yoshiyuki Usuki, Kei Kamada
  • Publication number: 20130114786
    Abstract: A CT system includes a rotatable gantry having an opening to receive an object to be scanned, the rotatable gantry having a detector mounting surface, an x-ray source attached to the gantry and configured to project an x-ray beam toward the object, a plurality of detector modules each mounted within one field-of-view (FOV) and mounted directly to the detector mounting surface of the rotatable gantry, a data acquisition system (DAS) configured to receive outputs from at least one of the plurality of detector modules, and a computer programmed to acquire projections of imaging data of the object from the DAS, and generate an image of the object using the imaging data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Abdelaziz Ikhlef, Jeffrey Alan Kautzer
  • Patent number: 8426823
    Abstract: In nuclear imaging, when a gamma ray strikes a scintillator, a burst of visible light is created. That light is detected by a photodetector and processed by downstream electronics. It is desirable to harness as much of the burst of light as possible and get it to the photodetector. In a detector element (18), a first reflective layer (44) partially envelops a scintillation crystal (34). The first reflective layer (44) diffuses the scintillated light. A second reflective layer (46) and a support component reflective layer (48) prevent the light from leaving the scintillation crystal (34) by any route except a light emitting face (36) of the scintillator (34). In another embodiment, a light concentrator (50) is coupled to the scintillator (34) and channels the diffuse light onto a light sensitive portion of a photodetector (38). The reflective layers (44, 46, 48) and the concentrator (50) ensure that all or nearly all of the light emitted by the scintillator (34) is received by the photodetector (38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Volkmar Schulz, Carsten Degenhardt, Jerome J. Griesmer, Steven E. Cooke
  • Publication number: 20130092843
    Abstract: A smart device “plug-in” radiation module(s) and/or methods are described wherein the bulk of non-sensor radiation circuitry is off-loaded to the smart device. By attaching the radiation module to the smart device via a power/communication port (for example, the smart device's headphone/microphone jack) robust attachment can be achieved as well as uniformity of attachment across different smart devices. A very small radiation module form factor is obtainable, not to mention a very significant cost reduction, allowing widespread adoption of radiation detectors as well as radiation geo-mapping. Power for the radiation module can be obtained from the smart device's headphone plug, utilizing the audio out (speaker) signal's power. Similarly, input to the smart device can be facilitated via the audio in (microphone) signal. Further, output of the radiation module can be visualized on the smart device, as well as control functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventors: Marcos de Azambuja Turqueti, Guilherme Cardoso
  • Patent number: 8405039
    Abstract: A stacked-type detection apparatus includes a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix having row and column directions. Each pixel includes a conversion element configured to convert radiation or light into an electric charge, and a switch element configured to output an electric signal corresponding to the electric charge. A driving line is connected to switch elements arranged in the row direction, and a signal line is connected to switch elements arranged in the column direction. In each pixel, the conversion element is disposed above the switch element. The signal line is formed by a conductive layer embedded in an insulating layer located below an uppermost surface portion of a main electrode of the switch element located below an uppermost surface portion of the driving line located below the conversion element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kentaro Fujiyoshi, Chiori Mochizuki, Minoru Watanabe, Takamasa Ishii, Jun Kawanabe, Hiroshi Wayama