With Output System Patents (Class 250/369)
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Publication number: 20110311022Abstract: A counting detector is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the counting detector includes sensors for converting radiation quanta into electrical pulses and an evaluation unit with a number of energy thresholds, wherein the evaluation unit generates for each sensor a count value for each energy threshold from the pulses, which count value represents the number of radiation quanta with an energy above the respective energy threshold. In at least one embodiment, one of the energy thresholds is arranged directly above a characteristic energy of radiation quanta causing double counting in order to correct double counting; and a correction unit calculates a corrected count value from the count values of the energy thresholds, which corrected count value has reduced double counting for at least one of the energy thresholds. Images with an improved contrast-to-noise ratio and, at the same time, a reduced X-ray dose can be generated on the basis of the at least one corrected count value.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2011Publication date: December 22, 2011Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventor: Steffen Kappler
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Publication number: 20110291018Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2011Publication date: December 1, 2011Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kazumi Nagano, Satoshi Okada, Keiichi Nomura, Yohei Ishida, Yoshito Sasaki
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Publication number: 20110293066Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2011Publication date: December 1, 2011Applicant: AMERICAN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING, INC.Inventors: Peter J. Rothschild, Samuel J. Petuchowski
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Publication number: 20110284753Abstract: A semiconductor diode scintillation detector probe, in conjunction with a base-line-stabilized, wide-bandwidth first amplifying circuit DC-coupled to a constrained-bandwidth second amplifying circuit DC-coupled, in turn, to a novel analog threshold discriminator circuit, suppresses base-line fluctuation and noise at low input count-rates, while providing a linear rate-meter response for time-random input pulse rates far in excess of what would otherwise—as in the prior art—be 100% saturation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2011Publication date: November 24, 2011Inventor: Lewis Ronald Carroll
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Patent number: 8058622Abstract: The present invention provides a photomultiplier tube interface device (PMT), comprising a PMT module and a circuit substrate. The PMT module comprises a plurality of pins formed at a front end. A plurality of contacts are disposed on a lateral side of the circuit substrate to be electrically connected to the plurality of pins while a connecting base is arranged at a peripheral portion on another lateral side of the circuit substrate to be electrically connected to the contacts. By means of the interface device, not only the connecting pins of the PMT can be protected from being damaged and generating high frequency noise but also the convenience for assembling or replacing the PMT can be improved.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2008Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Institute of Nuclear Energy Research Atomic Energy Council, Executive YuanInventors: Shih-Fan Yu, Tzong-Dar Wu, Meei-Ling Jan
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Publication number: 20110272585Abstract: A halide scintillator material is disclosed. The material is single-crystalline and has a composition of the formula A3MBr6(1-x)Cl6x (such as Cs3CeBr6(1-x)Cl6x) or AM2Br7(1-x)Cl7x (such as CsCe2Br7(1-x)Cl7x), 0?x?1, wherein A consists essentially of Li, Na K, Rb, Cs or any combination thereof, and M consists essentially of Ce, Sc, Y, La, Lu, Gd, Pr, Tb, Yb, Nd or any combination thereof. Furthermore, a method of making halide scintillator materials of the above-mentioned compositions is disclosed. In one example, high-purity starting halides (such as CsBr, CeBr3, CsCl and CeCl3) are mixed and melted to synthesize a compound of the desired composition of the scintillator material. A single crystal of the scintillator material is then grown from the synthesized compound by the Bridgman method. The disclosed scintillator materials are suitable for making scintillation detectors used in applications such as medical imaging and homeland security.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2011Publication date: November 10, 2011Inventors: Kan Yang, Mariya Zhuravleva, Charles L. Melcher, Piotr Szupryczynski
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Patent number: 8050743Abstract: A three-dimensional detector module for use in detecting annihilation photons generated by positrons emitted from radio-labeled sites within a body is formed from multiple solid state photo-detectors attached to one or more scintillators. Each photo-detector can be attached to a scintillator to form a photo-detector/scintillator combination and multiple photo-detector/scintillator combinations can be arranged in an array. Alternatively, multiple photo-detectors can be attached to the surface of a single scintillator to form an array. Multiple arrays are then stacked to form a photo-detector module. The modules can then be assembled to form a sheet of photo-detector modules. Multiple sheets or multiple modules can then be arranged around a body to detect emissions from radio-labeled sites in the body.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2010Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Intramedical Imaging, LLCInventor: Farhad Daghighian
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Publication number: 20110260068Abstract: Provided are a radioactive contamination monitoring device and a radioactive contamination monitoring method for enabling easy detection of radiation from an object to be monitored in a little surrounding space. The radioactive contamination monitoring device comprises a radiation detection unit, a photoelectric conversion unit for converting the light generated in the radiation detection unit to electricity, and a signal processing unit connected to the photoelectric conversion unit. The radiation detection unit includes a quadrangular prism-shaped light guide bar having a rectangular cross-section and a scintillator attached only to two adjacent side faces of the four side faces of the light guide bar.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2009Publication date: October 27, 2011Applicants: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, TOSHIBA PLANT SYSTEMS & SERVICES CORPORATION, TOSHIBA POWER SYS RADIATION TECH- SERVICE CO., LTD.Inventors: Yasunori Nakashima, Tetsuo Goto, Kenzo Ogawa, Kanji Takahashi
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Patent number: 8044357Abstract: Light emitted in correspondence to ionizing radiation incident from a scintillator is fed through an optical fiber to a photoelectron multiplier tube by which it is converted to an electrical signal. The electrical signal is amplified by a signal amplifying circuit, and any light emission events of given or higher intensity are discriminated by a discriminator and counted by a counter. The count value is fed to a computer. The computer converts the count value to a dosage on the basis of an exponential relationship lying between the light emission intensity and the number of emission events, thereby attaining detection of the dosage.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2007Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: National University Corporation Hokkaido UniversityInventor: Masayori Ishikawa
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Publication number: 20110253900Abstract: Charged particle beamlet lithography system for transferring a pattern to a surface of a target comprising a sensor for determining one or more characteristics of one or more charged particle beamlets. The sensor comprises a converter element for receiving charged particles and generating photons in response. The converter element comprises a surface for receiving one or more charged particle beamlets, the surface being provided with one or more cells for evaluating one or more individual beamlets. Each cell comprises a predetermined blocking pattern of one or more charged particle blocking structures forming multiple knife edges at transitions between blocking and non-blocking regions along a predetermined beamlet scan trajectory over the converter element surface. The converter element surface is covered with a coating layer substantially permeable for said charged particles and substantially impermeable for ambient light.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2011Publication date: October 20, 2011Applicant: MAPPER LITHOGRAPHY IP B.V.Inventor: Rabah HANFOUG
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Patent number: 8039804Abstract: The invention relates to a method for evaluating an image dataset obtained by a radiation-based image acquisition device. A scatter background dataset is determined as a function of the image data. The image dataset is corrected pixel by pixel by multiplying the image dataset with the inverse of a function dependent on the quotient of the scatter background data and the image data at a respective pixel. The function is a nonlinear, smooth function determined by a coefficient and having positive derivatives. The absolute value of the function is one for the value zero. The image acquisition parameter dependent coefficient is determined by an optimization process.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2009Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Thomas Brunner, Christoph Köhler, Bernd Schreiber
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Publication number: 20110240864Abstract: When detecting scintillation events in a nuclear imaging system, time-stamping and energy-gating processing is incorporated into autonomous detection modules (ADM) (14) to reduce downstream processing. Each ADM (14) is removably coupled to a detector fixture (13), and comprises a scintillation crystal array (66) and associated light detect or (s) (64), such as a silicon photomultiplier or the like. The light detector(s) (64) is coupled to a processing module (62) in or on the ADM (14), which performs the energy gating and time-stamping.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2009Publication date: October 6, 2011Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: Carsten Degenhardt, Thomas Frach, Gordian Prescher
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Publication number: 20110240868Abstract: The application describes an X-ray detector for use in a medical equipment, wherein the detector comprises an unit for transforming X-ray radiation into electrical charge, a first capacitor for being charged by an electrical charge, wherein the first capacitor is electrically connected to the unit for transforming, a second capacitor for being charged by an electrical charge, and a first gain switching gate, wherein the second capacitor is electrically connected with the unit for transforming if the first gain switching gate is in on-state, wherein the detector is adapted to switch on the first gain switching gate for short periods. Further the application describes an X-ray system comprising a detector according to the invention, wherein the system is adapted for gain selection, wherein the detector is adapted to switch on the first gain switching gate for short periods.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2009Publication date: October 6, 2011Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: Walter Ruetten, Rainer Kiewitt, Olaf Wischhusen
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Publication number: 20110226957Abstract: According to one embodiment, a radioactive ray detecting apparatus includes: a scintillator that produces visible light from a radioactive ray; a light detecting portion including a light receiving element that generates an electrical signal on a basis of intensity of visible light; a first board; a first electrical connection unit that electrically connects the light detecting portion and a first surface of the first board to each other; a second board disposed to face the first board; a second electrical connection that electrically connects a first surface of the second board and a second surface of the first board being opposite from the first surface of the first board to each other; and a data acquisition device that processes an electrical signal transmitted from the light detecting portion through the first electrical connection unit, the first board, the second electrical connection unit, and the second board.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2011Publication date: September 22, 2011Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATIONInventors: Satoru ASAGIRI, Takayuki Yamazaki, Michito Nakayama
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Publication number: 20110220802Abstract: Large-area, flat-panel photo-detectors with sub-nanosecond time resolution based on microchannel plates are provided. The large-area, flat-panel photo-detectors enable the economic construction of sampling calorimeters with, for example, enhanced capability to measure local energy deposition, depth-of-interaction, time-of-flight, and/or directionality of showers. In certain embodiments, sub-nanosecond timing resolution supplies correlated position and time measurements over large areas. The use of thin flat-panel viewing radiators on both sides of a radiation-creating medium allows simultaneous measurement of Cherenkov and scintillation radiation in each layer of the calorimeter. The detectors may be used in a variety of applications including, for example, medical imaging, security, and particle and nuclear physics.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2011Publication date: September 15, 2011Inventors: Henry Frisch, Jean-Francois Genat, Hervé Grabas, Chien-Min Kao, Chin-Tu Chen, Heejong Kim, Fukun Tang
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Publication number: 20110220803Abstract: A radiation signal-processing unit including a position identifying device for identifying an incident radiation position in a radiation detector; a count data-memory device for storing positional information outputted from the position identifying device, a count ratio-calculation device for calculating a count ratio based on the positional information stored in the count data-memory device, a reference count ratio-memory device for memorizing a reference count ratio as the count ratio calculated under a state where fluorescence to be detected does not overlap each other temporally, and a correction instruction device for reading the reference count ratio from the reference count ratio-memory device and comparing the ratio with the count ratio, thereby instructing execution of correction of a radiation generating position to the position identifying device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2011Publication date: September 15, 2011Inventors: Junichi Ohi, Masafumi Furuta, Masanobu Sato
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Publication number: 20110215249Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2010Publication date: September 8, 2011Applicants: THE UNIVERSITY OF TOKYO, FURUKAWA CO., LTD.Inventors: Hiroyuki Takahashi, Yoshiyuki Usuki, Kei Kamada
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Publication number: 20110204244Abstract: A neutron detector is disclosed. The neutron detector includes an optically transparent, low density solid porous matrix containing nanoparticles of a neutron absorbing material having a neutron absorption capture cross-section of at least about 70 barns, optionally doped with a scintillating material, for absorbing neutrons and emitting scintillation photons; and at least one detector element connected to the optically transparent neutron detector to detect fluorescence.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2010Publication date: August 25, 2011Inventors: Thomas M. Haard, Joan A. Hoffmann
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Publication number: 20110192980Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for compensating for anode gain non-uniformity in a Multi-anode Position Sensitive Photomultiplier Tube (PS-PMT), in which a compensation unit is disposed between the multi-anode position sensitive photomultiplier tube and a position detection circuit unit and configured to uniform a current signal inputted to the position detection circuit unit, thereby compensating for anode gain non-uniformity. In accordance with the present invention, the compensation unit for changing resistance is used. Accordingly, there is an advantage in that the gain non-uniformity of each of the anodes of the PS-PMT can be compensated for. Furthermore, the gain non-uniformity of each of the anodes of the PS-PMT is compensated for by changing resistance values of the variable resistances of the compensation unit. Accordingly, there is an advantage in that the interaction positions of gamma rays can be calculated more precisely.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2010Publication date: August 11, 2011Applicant: SNU R&DB FOUNDATIONInventors: Jae Sung Lee, Chan Mi Lee, Sun Il Kwon, Mikiko Ito, Hyun Suk Yoon, Sang Keun Park, Seong Jong Hong, Dong Soo Lee
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Publication number: 20110192979Abstract: A detector and associated method are provided including a first scintillation material having a light yield temperature dependence and an output at a first energy level, a second scintillation material having a light yield temperature dependence similar to the first material and an output at a second energy level, and detection circuitry. The first and second outputs are responsive to radiation emitted from an ionizing radiation source. The detection circuitry includes a photo multiplier tube configured to convert photon outputs from the first and second scintillating materials to electrical pulses, a counter circuit configured to count the electrical pulses generated in the photo multiplier tube by the first and second materials, and a gain control circuit configured to monitor the electrical pulses generated in the photomultiplier tube by the second material and adjust a gain of the detector upon detecting a drift in the output of the second material.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2010Publication date: August 11, 2011Applicant: OHMART/VEGA CORPORATIONInventor: Bonaventure Cahill
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Publication number: 20110186740Abstract: A system for controlling photomultiplier gain drift is disclosed. According to one aspect, the system includes first means for measuring a noise signal of the photomultiplier, the first means configured emit a measurement signal representative of the photomultiplier's noise signal. The system further includes second means for maintaining the measured noise signal at a constant level, based on the measurement signal. The disclosed embodiments apply to stabilization of the gain of photomultipliers and, more specifically, to stabilization of neutron measurement systems using photomultipliers.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2009Publication date: August 4, 2011Applicant: Commissariat a l'energie atomiwque et aux energies altenativesInventors: Stéphane Normand, Anne-Marie Frelin, Hassen Hamrita, Vladimir Kondrasovs
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Publication number: 20110168902Abstract: Described is device comprising dosimeter for measuring one or more doses of radiation; and an RFID tag comprising an antenna for communicating with an RFID tag reader and non-volatile memory for storing data therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2010Publication date: July 14, 2011Applicant: Landauer, Inc.Inventor: R. CRAIG YODER
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Publication number: 20110158387Abstract: The present disclosure relates to radiation detectors having a layer of a high Z material, such as tungsten or lead, disposed on a face of a photodetector layer or other underlying layer. In one embodiment, the layer of the high Z material substantially prevents radiation from reaching on or more electronics components or circuits, such as an analog-to-digital conversion ASIC or other circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2010Publication date: June 30, 2011Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Mahesh Raman Narayanaswamy, Gregory Scott Zeman
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Patent number: 7947957Abstract: The invention provides a data processing device for processing an reference background spectrum and a measurement spectrum of a radioactive material represented by a multichannel spectrum to acquire energy region information of detected gamma rays comprises: energy region dividing means for degenerating multichannel spectrum into a degenerated spectrum of limited channels; degenerated spectrum calculating means for calculating a background and measurement degenerated spectrum corresponding to degenerated spectrum of limited channels respectively; energy ratio calculating means for calculating a energy ratio based on the calculated background and measurement degenerated spectrum; peak-detection means, for searching a peak value in the calculated energy ratios; energy region determining information for determining a corresponding energy region of gamma rays based on the searched peak value in the energy ratios.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2008Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: Nuctech Company LimitedInventors: Ming Ruan, Yingrong Jian, Kun Zhao, Jin Lin
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Patent number: 7939807Abstract: A scintigraphic device includes: a collimator for receiving and directing electromagnetic radiation from a source; a scintillation structure associated with the collimator for receiving the electromagnetic radiation from the collimator and converting it into visible radiation; an electro-optical converter combined with a suitable electronics and associated with the scintillation structure for receiving the visible radiation and converting it into electric signals; a processing unit connected to the electro-optical converter for receiving the electric signals and rebuilding, as a function of the electric signals, images of the source; an actuating system for mutually moving the source and the collimator to enable the collimator to detect the electromagnetic radiation at different mutual positioning locations of the source and the collimator, the processing unit being adapted to rebuild a plurality of auxiliary images representative of the source, each auxiliary image corresponding to a respective mutual positiType: GrantFiled: May 18, 2009Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: CNR Consiglio Nazionale delle RichercheInventors: Alessandro Soluri, Roberto Massari
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Publication number: 20110095173Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2010Publication date: April 28, 2011Applicant: SAINT-GOBAIN CERAMICS & PLASTICS, INC.Inventors: Peter R. Menge, John C. Cooper, JR.
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Publication number: 20110079726Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2010Publication date: April 7, 2011Applicant: Saint-Gobain Ceramics & Plastics, Inc.Inventors: Michael R. Kusner, Michael R. Mayhugh
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Publication number: 20110024634Abstract: Li-6 enriched Li-containing scintillator compositions, as well as related structures and methods. Radiation detection systems and methods include a Cs2LiLn Halide scintillator composition.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2009Publication date: February 3, 2011Applicant: Radiation Monitoring Devices, Inc.Inventors: Kanai S. Shah, William M. Higgins, Edgar V. Van Loef, Jaroslaw Glodo, Rastgo Hawrami, Urmila Shirwadkar
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Patent number: 7873144Abstract: A radiographic imaging apparatus (10) comprises a primary radiation source (14) which projects a beam of radiation into an examination region (16). A detector (18) converts detected radiation passing through the examination region (16) into electrical detector signals representative of the detected radiation. The detector (18) has at least one temporally changing characteristic such as an offset B(t) or gain A(t). A grid pulse means (64) turns the primary radiation source (14) ON and OFF at a rate between 1000 and 5000 pulses per second, such that at least the offset B(t) is re-measured between 1000 and 5000 times per second and corrected a plurality of times during generation of the detector signals. The gain A(t) is measured by pulsing a second pulsed source (86, 100, 138) of a constant intensity (XRef) with a second pulse means (88). The gain A(t) is re-measured and corrected a plurality of times per second during generation of the detector signals.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2005Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Randall P. Luhta, Marc A. Chappo, Brian E. Harwood, Rodney A. Mattson, Chris J. Vrettos
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Publication number: 20110001052Abstract: A computed radiography system comprises a radiation detecting system wherein an image is formed by the steps of (1) exposing an object to radiation; (2) forming a first digitized image directly captured from said radiation by a detector; (3) storing said digitized image from said radiation on an intermediate medium; (4) forming a latent image originating from the same radiation, as an image stored in a photostimulable phosphor layer, and (5) retrieving said directly captured digitized image and superposing it onto a digitized image originating from said latent image in said photostimulable phosphor layer after photostimulation of said phosphor layer with radiation having a lower energy than the said exposure radiation.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2007Publication date: January 6, 2011Inventor: Luc Struye
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Publication number: 20100320391Abstract: A radiation sensor including a scintillation layer configured to emit photons upon interaction with ionizing radiation and a photodetector including in order a first electrode, a photosensitive layer, and a photon-transmissive second electrode disposed in proximity to the scintillation layer. The photosensitive layer is configured to generate electron-hole pairs upon interaction with a part of the photons. The radiation sensor includes pixel circuitry electrically connected to the first electrode and configured to measure an imaging signal indicative of the electron-hole pairs generated in the photosensitive layer and a planarization layer disposed on the pixel circuitry between the first electrode and the pixel circuitry such that the first electrode is above a plane including the pixel circuitry. A surface of at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode at least partially overlaps the pixel circuitry and has a surface inflection above features of the pixel circuitry.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2010Publication date: December 23, 2010Applicant: Regents of the University of MichiganInventor: Larry E. ANTONUK
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Patent number: 7855370Abstract: A method of detecting edges of a preamplifier signal including identifying a first portion of the signal wherein each part thereof has an instantaneous slope having a first polarity, identifying a second portion immediately following the first portion wherein each part thereof has an instantaneous slope having a second opposite polarity, and identifying a third portion immediately following the second portion wherein each part thereof has an instantaneous slope having the first polarity. The method further includes determining a first difference between the magnitudes associated with an end point and a beginning point of the second segment, determining a second difference between the magnitude associated with an end point of the third segment and the magnitude associated with a beginning point of the first segment, and detecting an edge if: (i) the first difference exceeds a threshold, and (ii) the second difference exceeds a fraction of the threshold.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2008Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: Pulsetor, LLCInventor: Richard B. Mott
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Publication number: 20100301220Abstract: A gamma ray detector is disclosed. A scintillation layer (60), for example of barium fluoride, is formed of a plurality of adjacent elongate rods, each rod being elongate within the plane of the layer, and being provided with a plurality of slots (62) distributed along the length of the rod and extending in a width direction also coplanar with the layer. Behind the scintillation layer a sensor determines a position of uv photons exiting the layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2008Publication date: December 2, 2010Inventors: Robert John Ott, Richard Stephenson
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Publication number: 20100301198Abstract: Methods and related systems are described for the detection of nuclear radiation. The system can include a scintillator material that intrinsically generates radiation and a photodetection system coupled to the scintillator material and adapted to generate electrical signals based on light emitted from the scintillator material. A processing system adapted and programmed to receive the electrical signals, to generate a count rate reference value based at least in part on electrical signals generated in response to the light emitted from the scintillator material due to the intrinsically generated radiation.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2010Publication date: December 2, 2010Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Markus Berheide, James A. Grau, Bradley Albert Roscoe, Peter Wraight
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Publication number: 20100294943Abstract: A scintillator system is provided to detect the presence of fissile material and radioactive material. One or more neutron detectors include scintillator material, and are optically coupled to one or more wavelength shifting fiber optic light guide media that extend from the scintillator material to guide light from the scintillator material to a photosensor. An electrical output of the photosensor is connected to an input of a pre-amp circuit designed to provide an optimum pulse shape for each of neutron pulses and gamma pulses in the detector signals. Scintillator material as neutron detector elements can be spatially distributed with interposed moderator material. Individual neutron detectors can be spatially distributed with interposed moderator material. Detectors and moderators can be arranged in a V-shape or a corrugated configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2010Publication date: November 25, 2010Applicant: Innovative American Technology Inc.Inventor: DAVID L. FRANK
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Publication number: 20100288933Abstract: A voltage divider for supplying a photomultiplier. The voltage divider may include a plurality of active circuits, each of the active circuits configured to establish divided voltage levels at separate ports of a photomultiplier.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2009Publication date: November 18, 2010Applicant: SAINT-GOBAIN CERAMICS & PLASTICS, INC.Inventor: Artan Duraj
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Patent number: 7829857Abstract: A radiation detector device is disclosed that includes a photosensor and a scintillator coupled to the photosensor. The scintillator includes a scintillator crystal having a first end proximal to the photosensor, a second end distal from the photosensor, and a length extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The scintillator also includes a reflector substantially surrounding the scintillator crystal at least along its length. The reflector comprises a fabric that includes a plurality of fibers, each fiber comprising an inorganic material.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2008Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Inventor: Peter R. Menge
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Publication number: 20100270462Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for detecting radiation including x-ray photon (including gamma ray photon) and particle radiation for radiographic imaging (including conventional CT and radiation therapy portal and CT), nuclear medicine, material composition analysis, container inspection, mine detection, remediation, high energy physics, and astronomy. This invention provides novel face-on, edge-on, edge-on sub-aperture resolution (SAR), and face-on SAR scintillator detectors, designs and systems for enhanced slit and slot scan radiographic imaging suitable for medical, industrial, Homeland Security, and scientific applications. Some of these detector designs are readily extended for use as area detectors, including cross-coupled arrays, gas detectors, and Compton gamma cameras. Energy integration, photon counting, and limited energy resolution readout capabilities are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2009Publication date: October 28, 2010Inventors: Robert Sigurd Nelson, William Bert Nelson
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Publication number: 20100268074Abstract: The present invention provides strontium halide scintillators as well as related radiation detection devices, imaging systems, and methods.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2009Publication date: October 21, 2010Applicant: Radiation Monitoring Devices, Inc.Inventors: Edgar V. Van Loef, Kanai S. Shah, Jarek Glodo, Cody M. Wilson
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Patent number: 7818047Abstract: A readout electronics scheme is under development for high resolution, compact PET (positron emission tomography) imagers based on LSO (lutetium ortho-oxysilicate, Lu2SiO5) scintillator and avalanche photodiode (APD) arrays. The key is to obtain sufficient timing and energy resolution at a low power level, less than about 30 mW per channel, including all required functions. To this end, a simple leading edge level crossing discriminator is used, in combination with a transimpedance preamplifier. The APD used has a gain of order 1,000, and an output noise current of several pA/?Hz, allowing bipolar technology to be used instead of CMOS, for increased speed and power efficiency. A prototype of the preamplifier and discriminator has been constructed, achieving timing resolution of 1.5 ns FWHM, 2.7 ns full width at one tenth maximum, relative to an LSO/PMT detector, and an energy resolution of 13.6% FWHM at 511 keV, while operating at a power level of 22 mW per channel.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2002Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: Nova R&D, Inc.Inventors: Tumay O Tumer, Martin Clajus, Gerard Visser
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Publication number: 20100258731Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2010Publication date: October 14, 2010Inventors: Craig S. Levin, Peter D. Olcott
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Publication number: 20100252723Abstract: A radiation detector includes an array of detector pixels each including an array of detector cells. Each detector cell includes a photodiode biased in a breakdown region and digital circuitry coupled with the photodiode and configured to output a first digital value in a quiescent state and a second digital value responsive to photon detection by the photodiode. Digital triggering circuitry is configured to output a trigger signal indicative of a start of an integration time period responsive to a selected number of one or more of the detector cells transitioning from the first digital value to the second digital value. Readout digital circuitry accumulates a count of a number of transitions of detector cells of the array of detector cells from the first digital state to the second digital state over the integration time period.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2010Publication date: October 7, 2010Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: Thomas FRACH, Klaus FIEDLER
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Patent number: 7807974Abstract: A nuclear medical diagnosis apparatus capable of attaining improvement of the sensitivity by the reduction of a count loss of the data is provided. A data sort section inside a data acquisition unit re-arranges and outputs the data packet from a plurality of auxiliary data acquisition unit in order of the detection time data. A coincidence detection section includes a pair check section and a pair generation section. The pair check section refers to a context on the data packet re-arranged in order of the detection time, and judges a pair relating to a coincidence counting. The pair generation section, based on this judgment result, merges the data packet used as a pair, and outputs the same to the collection work station.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2008Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Takafumi Ishitsu, Yuichiro Ueno, Kensuke Amemiya, Keiji Kobashi
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Publication number: 20100243878Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2010Publication date: September 30, 2010Inventors: Ewald FREIBURGER, Juergen Briggmann, Gerhard Kappler
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Publication number: 20100224785Abstract: According to one embodiment, a radiation detector includes a photodetector including a fluorescent film configured to convert radiation into light, and a photoelectric conversion element configured to convert light into an electrical signal, a circuit board configured to electrically drives the photodetector, and electronically processes an output signal from the photodetector, and a connection board configured to electrically connect the photodetector and circuit board, and including a flexible circuit board, and an IC mounting board connected to the flexible circuit board, less flexible than the flexible circuit board, and including an IC semiconductor element.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2010Publication date: September 9, 2010Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, Toshiba Electron Tubes & Devices Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hitoshi Chiyoma, Hiroshi Iwata
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Publication number: 20100226580Abstract: A system detects at least one of nuclear and fissile materials. The system includes a plurality of high speed scintillator detectors. Each high speed scintillator detector in the plurality of high speed scintillator detectors includes at least one photo sensor and a pre-amp circuit adapted to eliminate pulse stretching and distortion of detected light pulses emitted from scintillation material when interacting with neutron particles and/or gamma particles. An isotope database includes a plurality of spectral images corresponding to different known isotopes. An information processing system is adapted to compare spectral data received from each high speed scintillator detector to one or more of the spectral images and identify one or more isotopes present in an object or container being monitored.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2010Publication date: September 9, 2010Applicant: Innovative American Technology Inc.Inventor: DAVID L. FRANK
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Publication number: 20100224783Abstract: A scintillator system is provided to detect the presence of fissile material and radioactive material. One or more neutron detectors are based on 6LiF mixed in a binder medium with scintillator material, and are optically coupled to one or more wavelength shifting fiber optic light guide media that have a tapered portion extending from the scintillator material to guide light from the scintillator material to a photosensor at the tapered portion. An electrical output of the photosensor is connected to an input of a first pre-amp circuit designed to operate close to a pulse shape and duration of a light pulse from the scintillator material, without signal distortion. The scintillator material includes a set of scintillation layers connected to the wavelength shifting fiber optic light guide media that guide light to the photosensor. Moderator material is applied around the set of scintillation layers increasing detector efficiency.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2010Publication date: September 9, 2010Applicant: Innovative American Technology Inc.Inventor: DAVID L. FRANK
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Publication number: 20100213379Abstract: A self-powered sensor (e.g., 100, 180, 220, 400) can wake-up systems requiring a trigger signal to wake-up circuits or systems in power-sleep mode, conserving the battery power for emergency computations and communications. In a humidity sensor embodiment 100, radioisotope generated voltage biases are employed to power sensor capacitors to realize self-powered sensors. A first self-powered capacitor biasing architecture 160 is based on changes in the leakage resistance of the polymer capacitor 110, and a second self-powered capacitor biasing architecture 140 uses changes in the capacitance of the polymer capacitor. Another sensor embodiment uses changes in the capacitance or leakage resistance of the sensor capacitor to modulate conductance of a MOSFET 114, realizing an easily readable electronic output signal. A temperature sensor embodiment 180 and a MEMS cantilever structure based fissile material proximity sensor embodiment 400 are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2007Publication date: August 26, 2010Inventors: Amit Lal, Rajesh Duggirala, Mvs Chandrasekhar
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Patent number: 7763859Abstract: A method of detecting pileups includes testing an instantaneous slope of a preamplifier signal against a noise trigger value and, after the instantaneous slope has been determined to exceed the noise trigger value, identifying a first subsequent portion of the preamplifier signal wherein the instantaneous slope of the preamplifier signal increases to a maximum. The method further includes, following the first subsequent portion, identifying a second subsequent portion of the preamplifier signal wherein the instantaneous slope still exceeds the noise trigger level but has decreased by more than the noise trigger level from the maximum, and, following the second subsequent portion and before the instantaneous slope declines below the noise trigger level, identifying a third subsequent portion of the preamplifier signal wherein the instantaneous slope of the preamplifier output signal increases by more than the noise trigger value, and, in response thereto, determining that a pileup has occurred.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2008Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Pulsetor, LLCInventor: Richard B. Mott
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Publication number: 20100181488Abstract: The invention relates to a neutron detector for detection of neutrons in fields with significant ?- or ?-radiation, comprising a neutron sensitive scintillator crystal, providing a neutron capture signal being larger than the capture signal of 3 MeV ?-radiation, a semiconductor based photo detector being optically coupled to the scintillator crystal, where the scintillator crystal and the semiconductor based photo detector are selected so that the total charge collection time for scintillator signals in the semiconductor based photo detector is larger than the total charge collection time for signals generated by direct detection of ionizing radiation in the semiconductor based photo detector, the neutron detector further comprising a device for sampling the detector signals, a digital signal processing device, means which distinguish direct signals from the semiconductor based photo detector, caused by ?- or ?-radiation and being at least partially absorbed in the semiconductor based photo detector, from ligType: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2007Publication date: July 22, 2010Inventors: Guntram Pausch, Juergen Stein