Abstract: A radiation sensor array that exhibits improved fill factor is disclosed. The radiation sensor array incorporates sensors having support arms that are nested in vertical fashion with the support arms of neighboring sensors. This vertically-nested structure enables the radiation-sensing portions of the sensors to be more closely-packed.

Abstract: A variable waveform detector may include multiple stages.

Abstract: A method for measuring radiation, the method includes selecting at least two radiation detectors, each detector having a spatial resolution that differs from the spatial resolution of other detectors; measuring the radiation with the detectors; and combining a response from at least two of the detectors to produce a composite response exhibiting a spatial resolution.

Abstract: An approach for the selection of Compton camera shapes, configurations, positions, orientations, trajectory paths, and detector element sets is provided for collecting data for analysis using the surface integral and integral-of-line-integral methods of reconstruction Compton data. Methods are introduced for (1) selecting one or more imaging lines through a radioactive distribution for which approximations of integrals of radioactivity are to be derived, (2) selecting and using Compton camera relative positions, relative orientations, and detector element sets that “correspond to” the selected imaging lines to collect the needed data; and (3) deriving approximations of integrals of radioactivity along those imaging lines. This methodological approach is used to reconstruct line integrals, cross-sections, local volumes, parallel projections, and cone-beam projections of radioactive distributions.

Abstract: A waveform detector may include multiple stages.

Abstract: A radiation detector includes a detector block, cables, connectors, and circuit substrates. The detector block has a plurality of radiation detector modules arranged in a slice direction. The cables extend in the slice direction and configured to receive signals from the radiation detector modules of the detector block. The connectors are associated with the cables, respectively, and are spaced, one from another, in the slice direction. The circuit substrates are configured to receive signals via the connectors from the radiation detector modules of the detector block.

Abstract: A waveform detector may include multiple stages.

Abstract: A waveform detector may include multiple stages.

Abstract: A waveform detector may include multiple stages.

Abstract: This invention relates to structures which display negative magnetic permeability in response to a relatively broad range of wavelengths. This invention further relates to manufacture of negative magnetic permeability or negative electric permittivity structures by rapid prototyping methods. Finally, this invention relates to structures which display negative permittivity and negative permeability and are open cell structures.

Abstract: Time-of-flight mass spectrometer instruments are disclosed for monitoring fast processes with large dynamic range using a multi-threshold TDC data acquisition method or a threshold ADC data acquisition method. Embodiments using a combination of both methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a beam allocation apparatus (21) for medical particle accelerators and also to a beam allocation method. This beam allocation apparatus (21) should manage a plurality of control rooms (8-12) for different treatment rooms and for quality assurance rooms and control rooms for the particle accelerator (1) and co-ordinate the assignment of beam sovereignty. For the purpose, the beam allocation apparatus (21) has an arbitration unit (26) having switching logic (27) and monitoring unit (28) and also a sequence control (29). The latter are provided, by way of signal lines (30), with a spill abort system (31) for aborting ion beam irradiation within micro-seconds. For the purpose, the spill abort system (31) has at least one spill abort magnet (32). For the purpose, the beam allocation apparatus (21) provides direct access from one of the control room (8-12) of the irradiation-active treatment room for aborting the particle beam within micro-seconds.

Abstract: An apparatus for imaging a field of view, according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprises an x-ray source positioned adjacent to the field of view, a source mask located between the x-ray source and the field of view having at least one source aperture defined therethrough, and an emission detector, such as a gamma camera, adjacent to the field of view. The apparatus may allow substantially concurrent x-ray imaging and gamma imaging of the field of view.

Abstract: A particle detection system is configured and operated as two or more separate and completely independent detection systems. The detection systems may be of the same or different design, may be operated in the same or different modes, and may be operated with the same or different operating parameters. Each detection system may record signals simultaneously, or alternately; the measurements obtained from each of the detection systems may either be combined into a single unified data set, or recorded separately. Means are provided to direct particles to impinge on one of the detectors or any of the other detectors. Alternatively, a population of particles can be dispersed in a manner that allows a population of particles to be distributed among two or more detectors simultaneously.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for image reconstruction. A set of conical integrals are calculated to satisfy a completeness condition and are related to a distribution of radioactivity.

Abstract: A variable waveform detector may include multiple stages.

Abstract: A radioactive material detection system includes a plurality of radioactive material detection apparatuses and a command center. Each apparatus is disposed in or on a cargo receptacle. Each apparatus includes a wireless transmitter, a radiation sensor, a detection controller and an identification tag. The radiation sensor is configured to detect radiation over a predetermined or commanded period of time. The command center is configured to receive the wirelessly transmitted information directly or indirectly from each of the wireless transmitters of the plurality of radioactive material detection apparatuses. The system is configured to detect fissile or nuclear material that emits radiation. The system is reconfigurable from a passive sensing system to an at least partially active sensing system in the event that the system detects a nuclear anomaly within a cargo receptacle.

Abstract: The invention concerns a radiation detection device comprising a plurality of detector elements (DET1, DET2), each detector element (DET1) being associated with a circuit (AMP1-CMP1) for acquiring pulse signals (H1) and for counting (CNT1) detection events. The invention provides for means (COR) of correlating detection events corresponding to at least two detector elements (DET1/DET2).

Abstract: The semiconductor radiological detector 1 minimizes a dead space resulting from the draw-out of a signal line from an electrode and which allows a number of semiconductor devices to be densely arranged to improve sensitivity and spatial resolution. The semiconductor radiological detector 1 comprises a semiconductor device 2, an anode 3 attached to one surface of the semiconductor device 2, and a cathode 4 attached to the other surface of the semiconductor device 2. A signal line 5 is provided on the anode 3; the signal line 5 extends straight from the anode 3 and is connected to an X axis wire 12. Another signal line 13 is provided on the cathode 4; the signal line 13 extends straight from the cathode 4 and is connected to a Y axis wire 14.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an apparatus and method for irradiating a product package, comprising a radiation source directing a radiation beam along a beam direction towards said product package, conveying means for transporting said product package past said radiation source along a transport path, and reflecting means located on at least one side of the plane formed by said beam direction and said transport path. By adjusting the distance and angle of the reflecting means to the conveyor and beam, and improved dose uniformity ratio is obtained.

Abstract: A multi-way radiation monitoring and detection system is capable of detecting a radiation source on or within traffic that can travel within M adjacent traffic ways, where M is an integer equal to or greater than a value of 2. The radiation detection system comprises a set of (M+1) radiation detector assemblies with individual radiation detector assemblies of the set of (M+1) radiation detector assemblies respectively positioned at each of two sides of each of the M adjacent traffic ways. A set of M controllers is included and each controller is associated with a respective traffic way of the M adjacent traffic ways. Each controller is coupled to the respective individual radiation detector assemblies positioned at the two sides of the traffic way to which that controller is associated, such that two controllers associated with two adjacent traffic ways couple to the individual radiation detector assembly positioned between those two adjacent traffic ways.

Abstract: A portable survey instrument and methodology yield intensity of neutron radiation, intensity of gamma radiation, and a direction of impinging gamma radiation. The instrument uses a neutron detector surrounded by an essentially rectangular moderator with preferably four gamma ray detectors disposed symmetrically about the neutron detector and within the moderator. Material and dimensions of the moderator are selected so that the neutron measurement is equally sensitive to fast and thermal neutrons. The moderator also induces angular responses to the gamma ray detectors. Responses of the gamma ray detectors are combined to yield a parameter indicative of the angular position of a source. The survey instrument is portable and suited for hand held use.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for determining radiation dose rates at selected locations within an environment. Incident gamma ray energy and count rate are measured at one or more measured locations within the environment to obtain a measured spectrum for those measured locations. The spatial position of the measured locations is also measured. An emitted spectrum is then determined for the measured locations based on the measured spectrum. The emitted spectrum may then be used to determine the dose rate at one or more selected locations (which may be different than the measured locations). In this way the invention provides an accurate solution for the dose rate at any point of interest within the environment based on the measured count and incident energies.

Abstract: A medical system includes an X-ray CT apparatus and a nuclear medicine diagnostic apparatus, and a partition which blocks X-ray leakage or radiation ray leakage between the X-ray CT apparatus and the nuclear medicine apparatus. The medical system may include an operation unit to set a position of a nuclear medicine image on a scanogram.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer comprises an ion source which produces an ion beam from a substance to be analysed and a detector to detect a quantity of ions incident thereon. The detector includes two elements (16, 18) each of which detect a part of the quantity of ions and an attenuation device attenuates the quantity of ions reaching one of the detector elements. At least one of the detector elements (16, 18) is connected to a time to digital converter (TDC) to allow counting of the ions and at least one of the detector elements is connected in parallel to both a time to digital converter (TDC) and an analogue to digital converter (ADC).

Abstract: A radiation detection system has a linear array of radiation detectors, which are preferably ionization chambers. The detectors are connected, preferably permanently, to a multi-channel signal processor through a flexible multi-conductor shielded cable. The multi-channel signal processor is connected to a controller, such as a personal computer, through a multi-conductor cable and a communication interface device. Multiple detector arrays and multi-channel electrometers may be connected to a single personal computer and used simultaneously.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer comprises an ion source which produces an ion beam from a substance to be analysed and a detector to detect a quantity of ions incident thereon. The detector includes two elements (16, 18) each of which detect a part of the quantity of ions and an attenuation device attenuates the quantity of ions reaching one of the detector elements. At least one of the detector elements (16, 18) is connected to a time to digital converter (TDC) to allow counting of the ions and at least one of the detector elements is connected in parallel to both a time to digital converter (TDC) and an analogue to digital converter (ADC).

Abstract: A PET scanner includes a first module processor for detecting a first event occurring at a first detector module and a plurality of remaining module processors, each of which is configured for detecting a second event occurring at a corresponding remaining detector module. The plurality of remaining module processors is divided into first and second subsets. The module processors in the first subset are configured to receive, from the first module processor, a first signal indicating an occurrence of the first event. The module processors in the second subset are configured to provide, to the first module processor, a second signal indicating an occurrence of the second event.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for determining radiation dose rates at selected locations within an environment. Incident gamma ray energy and count rate are measured at one or more measured locations within the environment to obtain a measured spectrum for those measured locations. The spatial position of the measured locations is also measured. An emitted spectrum is then determined for the measured locations based on the measured spectrum. The emitted spectrum may then be used to determine the dose rate at one or more selected locations (which may be different than the measured locations). In this way the invention provides an accurate solution for the dose rate at any point of interest within the environment based on the measured count and incident energies.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting ionizing radiation emitted by material located over an extended area are provided. The method and system include a radiation detector disposed within a detector space on a detection axis. An array of collimating louvers is positioned about the radiation detector and is movable between different polar positions or angles relative to the detection axis. A mechanism is provided for moving the array of collimating louvers between the different polar angles to collimate the ionizing radiation from different locations over the area. The detector produces electrical signals as a function of the polar positions of the array of collimating louvers.

Abstract: Disclosed is radiation beam analyzer and method of using same, the analyzer having a matrix having a plurality of slots for removably receiving one or more radiation detector modules, and a processor in data communication with each said module, said processor adapted to receive and process radiation data from said radiation detector modules and provide said processed data to a user.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for a positron emission tomography camera with individually rotatable detector modules and/or individually movable shielding sections. An apparatus, includes a detector ring including a plurality of individually movable detector modules. Another apparatus, includes a radiation shield including a plurality of individually moveable shield sections. A method, includes generating an emission image of a sample; generating a transmission image of said sample while generating said emission image of said sample; and then correcting said emission image with said transmission image.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved correction technique for use in analysing bodies of material containing radioactive sources.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method for investing radioactive sources which takes into account variations in the materials potentially making up the samples. In particular, the invention provides a method of investigating radioactive sources in a sample, the method comprising detecting a portion of the emissions arising from the sample at an energy, the detected portion relating to a detected level, the detected being corrected according to a correction method to give a corrected level at that energy. The invention also provides improved transmission sources and improved transmission based correction techniques for use in investigating radioactive sources in a sample.

Abstract: A radiation detector system includes detectors having different properties (sensitivity, energy resolution) which are combined so that excellent spectral information may be obtained along with good determinations of the radiation field as a function of position.

Abstract: A radiation monitoring system for detecting levels of radiation emitted from moving objects traveling at a wide range of speeds, including the high speeds normally encountered with vehicles traveling on highways, interstates, thoroughfares, railroads and conveyors. At least two and preferably three ionizing radiation detectors are employed, spaced apart in series along the direction of travel of the moving object or vehicle. The object or vehicle is monitored for radioactivity and the results are transmitted and processed at a central location. The individual results from each detector for a particular object or vehicle are summed and averaged over the number of detectors used thereby clearly distinguishing the fluctuating background radiation detected at each detector from the consistent high levels of radiation detected from those moving objects or vehicles measured emitting radiation.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring low energy radiation from a sample provided on a sample carrier (6, 6I). The sample is positioned in a shielded cavity (8) between two oppositely aligned Geiger-Müller tubes (11, 12) such that sample radiation either reaches both of the tubes or one of the tubes, in which case the other tube is for measuring background radiation only. Both tubes are used for measuring coincidental pulses, which are disregarded. A background radiation value, to be subtracted for obtaining a sample radiation value, is determined using either a historical background radiation value or both the historical background radiation value and a background radiation value obtained during the actual sample measurement. In the case of both tubes measuring sample radiation, there can be provided a third Geiger-Müller tube (13) for measuring background radiation only.

Abstract: A PET scanner includes a first module processor for detecting a first event occurring at a first detector module and a plurality of remaining module processors, each of which is configured for detecting a second event occurring at a corresponding remaining detector module. The plurality of remaining module processors is divided into first and second subsets. The module processors in the first subset are configured to receive, from the first module processor, a first signal indicating an occurrence of the first event. The module processors in the second subset are configured to provide, to the first module processor, a second signal indicating an occurrence of the second event.

Abstract: A dose distribution-measuring method capable of grasping a three-dimensional form of an object to be measured or evaluating a three-dimensional dose distribution thereof. The method comprises providing a multiple-eye type radiation meter probe in which at least two directional radiation detectors are arranged so as to be spaced from each other and directed toward a point to be measured; and carrying out dose measurement by directing the radiation meter probe toward an object to be measured from different positions to thereby determine a three-dimensional dose distribution of the object to be measured. Each of the radiation detectors has a structure in which a periphery of the radiation detector main body, except for a detection surface thereof, is surrounded by a radiation shield to reduce the effect of radiation from other than the object to be measured and from Compton scattering.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting radiation including x-ray, gamma ray, and particle radiation for radiographic imaging, and nuclear medicine and x-ray mammography in particular, and material composition analysis are described. A detection system employs fixed or configurable arrays of one or more detector modules comprising detector arrays which may be electronically manipulated through a computer system. The detection system, by providing the ability for electronic manipulation, permits adaptive imaging. Detector array configurations include familiar geometries, including slit, slot, plane, open box, and ring configurations, and customized configurations, including wearable detector arrays, that are customized to the shape of the patient. Conventional, such as attenuating, rigid geometry, and unconventional collimators, such as x-ray optic, configurable, Compton scatter modules, can be selectively employed with detector modules and radiation sources.

Abstract: A radiation monitoring system for detecting levels of radiation emitted from moving objects traveling at a wide range of speeds, including the high speeds normally encountered with vehicles traveling on highways, interstates, thoroughfares, railroads and conveyors. At least two and preferably three ionizing radiation detectors are employed, spaced apart in series along the direction of travel of the moving object or vehicle. The object or vehicle is monitored for radioactivity and the results are transmitted and processed at a central location. The individual results from each detector for a particular object or vehicle are summed and averaged over the number of detectors used thereby clearly distinguishing the fluctuating background radiation detected at each detector from the consistent high levels of radiation detected from those moving objects or vehicles measured emitting radiation.

Abstract: The invention relates to an evaluation unit to evaluate detector events registered by one or more detectors, whereby the evaluation unit contains signal processors that serve to process the signals from the detectors. According to the invention, the evaluation unit is characterized in that it has at least one distributor that relays the signals from the detector to at least one selected signal processor.

Abstract: A method, system and a radiation detector system for use therein are provided for determining the depth distribution of radiation-emitting material distributed in a source medium, such as a contaminated field, without the need to take samples, such as extensive soil samples, to determine the depth distribution. The system includes a portable detector assembly with an x-ray or gamma-ray detector having a detector axis for detecting the emitted radiation. The radiation may be naturally-emitted by the material, such as gamma-ray-emitting radionuclides, or emitted when the material is struck by other radiation. The assembly also includes a hollow collimator in which the detector is positioned. The collimator causes the emitted radiation to bend toward the detector as rays parallel to the detector axis of the detector. The collimator may be a hollow cylinder positioned so that its central axis is perpendicular to the upper surface of the large area source when positioned thereon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for determining radiation dose rates at selected locations within an environment. Incident gamma ray energy and count rate are measured at one or more measured locations within the environment to obtain a measured spectrum for those measured locations. The spatial position of the measured locations is also measured. An emitted spectrum is then determined for the measured locations based on the measured spectrum. The emitted spectrum may then be used to determine the dose rate at one or more selected locations (which may be different than the measured locations). In this way the invention provides an accurate solution for the dose rate at any point of interest within the environment based on the measured count and incident energies.

Abstract: A particle detection system is configured and operated as two or more separate and completely independent detection systems. The detection systems may be of the same or different design, may be operated in the same or different modes, and may be operated with the same or different operating parameters. Each detection system may record signals simultaneously, or alternately; the measurements obtained from each of the detection systems may either be combined into a single unified data set, or recorded separately. Means are provided to direct particles to impinge on one of the detectors or any of the other detectors. Alternatively, a population of particles can be dispersed in a manner that allows a population of particles to be distributed among two or more detectors simultaneously.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for a positron emission tomography camera with individually rotatable detector modules and/or individually movable shielding sections. An apparatus, includes a detector ring including a plurality of individually movable detector modules. Another apparatus, includes a radiation shield including a plurality of individually moveable shield sections. A method, includes generating an emission image of a sample; generating a transmission image of said sample while generating said emission image of said sample; and then correcting said emission image with said transmission image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring alpha contamination are provided in which ions generated in the air surrounding the item, by the passage of alpha particles, are moved to a distant detector location. The parts of the item from which ions are withdrawn can be controlled by restricting the air flow over different portions of the apparatus. In this way, detection of internal and external surfaces separately, for instance, can be provided. The apparatus and method are particularly suited for use in undertaking alpha contamination measurements during the commissioning operations.

Abstract: An apparatus, methods, and systems for assaying materials are disclosed using a combination of detectors that scan for areas of material non-uniformity, and assay the type and amount of radioactivity present in the material. Scanning detectors are provided to scan for non-uniform levels of radiation emanating from the material. If any non-uniformity is detected by the scanning detectors, the material non-uniformity is removed and handled with radioactive material protocols. The remaining material may then be subject to assay. If the material shows no signs of non-uniform radiation emission, the assay detectors are used to assay the material. If the concentration of any one or more radionuclides exceeds a predetermined limit, the assayed material is handled with radioactive material protocols.

Abstract: A procedure having the steps of: weighing a known volume container (4) in order to determine the average density of its content; positioning the container (4) upon a support (1); positioning on respective supports (5) two &ggr; ray detectors (6) set symmetrically to the container; causing vertical movement (F2) of the container, so that its main longitudinal axis coincides with the axis (I—I) connecting the two detectors (6); causing movement (F1) of the two detectors upon their respective supports in order to stop them in a first tentative position; causing movement (F1) of the two detectors in order to stop them in a second symmetrical position that proves to be suited to providing countings of the radiations that are an optimum; measuring the &ggr; radiation and calculating the geometric mean of the counting ratios of the two detectors, such a geometric mean being linked to the intensity (I) of the corresponding &ggr; radiation by a formula (1-2) from which the radiation intensity is calculated.

Abstract: The apparatus and method provide techniques for monitoring the position on alpha contamination in or on items or locations. The technique is particularly applicable to pipes, conduits and other locations to which access is difficult. The technique uses indirect monitoring of alpha emissions by detecting ions generated by the alpha emissions. The medium containing the ions is moved in a controlled manner frog in proximity with the item or location to the detecting unit and the signals achieved over time are used to generate alpha source position information.