Abstract: An amplifying device for a sensor (10) delivering a response in voltage or impedance has a voltage controlling means for the sensor and at least an additional impedance (12). The voltage controlling means (22) is connected to output terminals (16, 20) of the sensor to maintain a noticeably constant voltage between the terminals. The additional impedance (12) is connected in series with the sensor within a polarization circuit, between the output terminals (18–16; 18–20) of the device. The amplifying device may be applied to temperatures, irradiation levels and pH measurement.

Abstract: According to a radiation imaging apparatus, any separate AEC sensor need not be prepared. Additionally, the apparatus main body can be made compact. To accomplish this, the radiation imaging apparatus has a first optical conversion element that converts incident radiation into an electrical signal, and generates image information on the basis of the electrical signal output from the first optical conversion element. Below a portion that is aligned to the gap between the first optical conversion elements, a plurality of second optical conversion elements which detect the incident amount of the radiation from the gap are formed. Exposure control for the radiation or control of the optical conversion elements is executed on the basis of the detection result by the second optical conversion element.

Abstract: A displacement difference dosimetry method is provided for use with in-vivo scintillating fiber radiation detectors. A scintillating fiber includes an insertion end which is incrementally inserted into a human body using a catheter or hypodermic needle to provide a fixed (but not necessarily known) insertion path. A photomultiplier tube is coupled to the other end of the scintillating fiber and detects both scintillation light and any Cerenkov light for each position of the scintillating fiber insertion end along the fixed insertion path. The change in the amount of light detected by the photomultiplier tube divided by the corresponding amount of change in position of the scintillating fiber insertion end gives a measure of the dose rate at the scintillation fiber tip which is substantially free from the effects of Cerenkov light.

Abstract: A normalization apparatus and method for a PET scanner with panel detectors for obtaining an estimate of a normalization array, for correction for count rate effects on the normalization array, and for measurement of the relation between the normalization array and the count rate. The method of the present invention is based on two quasi-independent radial and axial components, which are count rate dependent due to sensitivity changes across the detector blocks. A scatter source is disposed at the center of the FOV and a scatter-free source is disposed at the outer edge of the FOV. The method computes the normalization array through several steps which evaluate the geometric profile, the axial profile, and the correction factor. A count rate correction is introduced to extend the normalization array to any count rate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement with light-sensitive or X-ray-sensitive sensors which are arranged in rows and columns of a matrix and generate charges in dependence on the amount of incident radiation, each sensor including a photosensor element with an intrinsic storage capacitor and/or a storage capacitor connected parallel to its terminals, and also a respective transistor; it also includes at least one switching line for each row of sensors via which the transistors can be activated so that the charges of the relevant activated sensors S can be read out simultaneously via read-out lines 8 in order to ensure that, in conformity with the relevant mode of operation of the arrangement, the switching noise caused by the reading out of the sensors is reduced and/or a higher image repeat rate or more stable operating conditions for the photosensor element, also in the case of large signals, as well as an increase of the dynamic range of the photosensor element become possible in that each sensor S inclu

Abstract: When a phototimer unit is used for exposure control, a deterioration in a S/N ratio occurs, and optimal exposure cannot be performed due to a deviation from a proper image sensing position and the like. Therefore, there is provided a radiation image sensing apparatus comprising an X-ray image sensing panel which is capable of non-destructive reading and adapted to sense an object image by allowing radiation from an X-ray source to pass through an object, and a control circuit adapted to perform control to stop emission of radiation from the X-ray source on the basis of a signal obtained from the X-ray image sensing panel by non-destructive reading in the image sensing operation.

Abstract: In a solid-state radiation detector and a medical examination and/or treatment device having such a solid-state radiation detector, the detector has a pixel matrix, with each pixel supplying an output signal dependent on the incident radiation. The pixel matrix has a conversion layer that converts the incident radiation into charge, a storage capacitor for storing the charge and a transistor for reading out the charge. The capacitance of the storage capacitor is set to be so small that because of the voltage drop across the storage capacitor, the output signal of the pixel exhibits, starting from a specific value of the incident radiation dose, a sublinear response with reference to the radiation dose.

Abstract: A radiation measuring technique includes adjusting a threshold level of a radiation sensor in a radiation-measuring circuit and obtaining an output signal based on radiation dose sensed by the radiation sensor.

Abstract: The invention is generally directed to methods of radiation processing and methods for routine dosimetry, such as for the measurement of radiation dosages delivered to items to be processed by the application of radiation. Radiation-induced heat in an irradiated item is measured with a calorimeter and used to determine the dose of radiation received by the item. Resistive elements such as thermistors may be used in calorimeters to measure the change in temperature of an item receiving radiation, such as in electron beam radiation. Calorimeters exposed to irradiation in the same manner as irradiated items provide routine dosimetry for radiation processing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pocket type digital radiation dosemeter comprising of a detector, which converts the ionisation in the detector caused by the incidence of ionising radiation of certain energy range into electrical impulses, a low power pulse amplifier, that amplifies the electrical pulses from the detector to detectable amplitudes, a discriminator circuit, that is used to reject pulses of origin other than those caused by the ionising radiation, a programmable divider circuit for calibrating the dosemeter, an electronic counting circuit and a six digit LCD display. The sensitivity of the dosemeter is 1 count per &mgr;Sv (micro Sievert) and the accuracy is within ±15% from 60 keV to 1.25 Mev of X or Gamma radiation. A metallic energy compensation filter and a discriminator threshold modulation circuit are used to provide uniform response within ±15% from 60 KeV to 1.25 MeV.

Abstract: This invention is to provide a radiation image sensing apparatus capable of automatically adjusting an incident radiation dose without requiring high-speed driving while suppressing any attenuation of the radiation before detection, and a method of manufacturing the same. To accomplish this, a read TFT (1) is formed on an insulating substrate (11). The semiconductor layer (19) and n+-semiconductor layer (20) of an MIS photoelectric conversion element (2) are formed on a second insulating layer (18) that covers the read TFT (1) to be aligned with source and drain electrodes (16) functioning as lower electrodes. The semiconductor layer (21) of a TFT sensor (3) is formed to be aligned with a gate electrode (17) when viewed from the upper side. The semiconductor layers (19, 21) are formed from the same layer. The upper electrode (22) of the MIS photoelectric conversion element (2) is formed on the n+-semiconductor layer (20). Two ohmic contact layers (23) are formed on the semiconductor layer (21).

Abstract: In a plane type radiation detector unit, a rotating shaft is provided on one end side of the detector unit and is attached to a fluoroscopic radiographing stand to hold the detector unit so that the detector unit can be rotated around the rotating shaft by 90° to widen a space in front of an object or patient to be tested. A plurality of slide electrodes is disposed on the rotating shaft to input or output signals to or from the detector unit, or to supply a power source. A detecting portion of the detector unit includes an X-ray converting layer, an active matrix board, a gate circuit portion and a reading circuit portion. The detecting portion is controlled by a control circuit portion to read pixel signals of the detecting portion to the reading circuit portion and send out data to an outside through the slide electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and installation for simultaneously measuring the flux of ionizing radiation, of an energy greater than several kVe and the dose of radiation received by a body exposed to this radiation.

Abstract: A device for locating radiopharmaceutical labeled diseased or malfunctioning candidate cells within a human body and a method for using the device. The method includes the labeling of target cells in a body with a radionuclide and the identification in situ of the candidate cells using a body insertable nuclear probe sensitive to the presence of the radionuclide label. More particularly, the invention relates to using a beta or gamma probe to locate labeled cells, also referred to as candidate cells while simultaneously generating an MRI image and/or a visual image. The device may also include attachments to the distal tip if the probe which allows the position of the tip within the body to be tracked and recorded or the aperture to be varied in size.

Abstract: In a solid-state radiation detector and a medical examination and/or treatment device having such a solid-state radiation detector, the detector has a pixel matrix, with each pixel supplying an output signal dependent on the incident radiation. The pixel matrix has a conversion layer that converts the incident radiation into charge, a storage capacitor for storing the charge and a transistor for reading out the charge. The capacitance of the storage capacitor is set to be so small that because of the voltage drop across the storage capacitor, the output signal of the pixel exhibits, starting from a specific value of the incident radiation dose, a sublinear response with reference to the radiation dose.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for calculating cumulative exposure energy from a microlithography reticle, especially a reticle used for charged-particle-beam (CPB) microlithography. The methods provide an accuracy of results at least as high as conventional methods, but the subject methods can be performed using substantially less calculation time, even for complex patterns. The pattern features contained within a region and/or one or more size parameters of the region are evaluated according to specified rules. The region also is subdivided according to the specified rules. Subdivision produces subregions that also are evaluated according to the rules to determine whether to subdivide further or to cease further subdivision. The result is a branching structure for the region, containing multiple levels of subregions arranged in an hierarchical manner. As a result, e.g.

Abstract: A personal radiation dosemeter comprising a radiation detector means coupled to an electronic measurement circuit arranged in combination therewith to generate signals representative of an amount of radiation detected by the radiation detector. The radiation detector means is arranged to be screened from ambient light and is further provided with a light source optically coupled to the radiation detector and arranged to operate under control of a test control circuit to generate light of a wavelength which may be detected by said radiation detector. This arrangement provides, in combination with said electronic measurement circuit an integrity test for said radiation detector means.

Abstract: Methods for quantifying the irradiation dose received by an item or items, such as food items and medical items, undergoing irradiation-based sterilization, includes the steps of monitoring a selected electronic parameter associated with an economic single use sensor positioned adjacent the item or items and telemetrically relaying data associated with the monitored electronic parameter to a computer. The computer includes a computer program which is configured to determine the radiation dose received by the item or items by correlating the value of the monitored electronic parameter to a corresponding amount of radiation associated with the value. Related sensors and systems are also described.

Abstract: A dark current component included in an image signal output from a detector of optical reading type is reduced in a radiation image data obtaining method and apparatus using the detector. A detector having radiation-insensitive areas at both ends of a stripe electrode outside an image area along the longitudinal direction thereof is used. An image signal output from a current detection amplifier is converted into image data having digital values by an A/D converter and input to a memory. A correction data calculation circuit finds correction data gradually decreasing from a starting area to the ending area of vertical scan in accordance with each position of each element along the longitudinal direction thereof, based on image data of the insensitive areas corresponding to the scan starting and ending areas. For each element, a subtraction circuit subtracts the correction data from image data of an image area.

Abstract: An X-ray semiconductor detector has a pixel array structure in which a plurality of pixel elements are arrayed in a matrix. Each pixel element includes an X-ray/charge conversion film for generating charges in accordance with an incident X-ray, a storage capacitor for storing the signal charges generated in the X-ray/charge conversion film, a signal read transistor for reading the signal charges from the storage capacitor, and a protective diode arranged to remove excessive charges from the storage capacitor and prevent dielectric breakdown of the signal read transistor. The protective diode is arranged below the storage capacitor. Since the protective diode is arranged below the storage capacitor, it does not decrease the pixel density. Since the protective diode is covered with the storage capacitor, it can be shielded from an X-ray. Therefore, variations in OFF current of the protective diode by an X-ray and dielectric breakdown of the protective diode can be prevented.

Abstract: An X-gamma dosimeter responsive to low energy values includes X and gamma radiation detectors responding differently in relation to the dose absorbed at low energy. One detector overestimates the dose absorbed with regard to human tissues, while the other detector underestimates the absorbed dose. An electronic processor combines signals supplied by both detectors, the combination being optimized so as to report accurately the dosimetric quantity within a large energy range.

Abstract: A process for making a solid state photoconducting detector from an organic material that has a density very close to that of normal tissue. The resulting detector senses ionizing radiation and has a tissue equivalent response to radiation. The detector's efficiency for any given radiation quality and energy can be measured and the detectors can directly measure dose equivalent. The invention also includes the device itself. The invention encompasses the use of the detector for other purposes such as a solid state photoconducting detector with organic materials unrelated to tissue equivalent properties.

Abstract: A microcomputer usable for a long period of time even when disposed in a high dose radiation-exposed environment, and its access speed control method are provided. According to the microcomputer and the method, the total dose of radiation that the microcomputer receives is determined on the basis of detection signals from a radiation detecting element. Based on the determined total dose of radiation, and table data preset by tests and stored into a memory unit, a CPU controls an access speed. Moreover, the CPU, and the memory unit and a circuit interface unit that access the CPU are integrated on a single chip (ASIC) These units on the same chip are deteriorated and changed in the same direction, without fail, on exposure to radiation.

Abstract: A sensor is inserted into a closed water tank filled with water to the brim and the closed water tank is fixed directly to a radiation beam irradiating section, and the sensor is moved freely with respect to a mounted frame used for fixation. Therefore, a rapid and accurate prediction of the actual dose distribution of radiation beam prior to radiation therapy can be conducted, even when the irradiating section is attached to a rotation gantry.

Abstract: An image detecting device has a large dynamic range that deals with a plurality of image detecting modes. The image detecting device is composed of pixels e (i, j) arranged in a matrix array. Each pixel has a photoelectric element. In each pixel, a capacitor 102 and a protecting diode 103 are disposed. The capacitor 102 stores electric charge corresponding to the intensity of penetrated light to the relevant pixel. The protecting diode limits the capacitance. A bias voltage is supplied to the protecting diode 103 through a bias line Bias. The bias voltage is adjusted by a bias voltage controlling system 133 corresponding to the frame rate. Thus, the influence of a leak current in the off-state of the protecting diode 103 can be alleviated against electric charge stored in the capacitor 102. Consequently, an image with a high S/N ratio can be obtained regardless of the frame rate.

Abstract: An insulated gate field effect transistor dosimeter has a source and drain defining a channel region, a floating gate having a first portion extending over the channel region, and a second, larger portion extending away from said region, a control gate having at least a portion thereof overlapping a first part of the floating gate, and a charging gate overlapping a second part of the floating gate. The area of the second part of the floating gate is much smaller than the area of the first part, and the charging gate is separated from the channel region by the control gate. The dosimeter is charged, before irradiation, by connecting the source, drain and control gate to a common ground and applying a potential difference between the charging gate and the common ground. The charge is supplied to the floating gate by a path which does not require a significant electric stress to be created in the region of the gate oxide and the channel.