Abstract: A drift detector array, preferably a silicon drift detector (SDD) array, that uses a low current biasing adaptor is disclosed. The biasing adaptor is customizable for any desired geometry of the drift detector single cell with minimum drift time of carriers. The biasing adaptor has spiral shaped ion-implants that generate the desired voltage profile. The biasing adaptor can be processed on the same wafer as the drift detector array and only one biasing adaptor chip/side is needed for one drift detector array to generate the voltage profiles on the front side and back side of the detector array.

Abstract: A radioactive substance detection device that detects a radioactive substance being present in a specified direction. A radiation detection element having a thickness that stops and detects a characteristic X-ray arriving from a radioactive substance being present in the specified direction that radiates both gamma rays and the characteristic X-rays, and allows the gamma ray arriving from the radioactive substance to pass through. A screening body having a thickness that screens out characteristic X-rays of radiation which arrives from directions other than the specified direction and allows gamma rays of radiation which arrives from directions other than the specified direction to pass through.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising: a radiation sensor having one or more radiation sensors and an on-board power harvester.

Abstract: A radiation image capture device is provided with a radiation detection panel, a signal processing board, a flexible printed circuit, a casing, and a first conductor. The radiation detection panel includes optoelectronic conversion elements that convert radiation to electronic signals. The signal processing board is disposed to oppose the radiation detection panel and performs signal processing of the electronic signals provided by the radiation detection panel. One end of the flexible printed circuit is electrically connected to the radiation detection panel and the other end is electrically connected to the signal processing board. The casing accommodates the radiation detection panel and the signal processing board, and accommodates the flexible printed circuit in a state of being separated from inner walls of the casing. The first conductor is provided at a region of the flexible printed circuit that comes in contact with the casing by movements of the flexible printed circuit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a radiographic image detector that may maintain even resolution in 6 directions before and after 3-pixel binning process. Namely, out of plural pixels with hexagonal shaped pixel regions in a radiation detector, for plural pixel groups respectively configured from 3 pixels, 3 pixels worth of charges in the radiation detector are read together, the charge signals of these 3 pixels combined, and integrated in sequence with a charge amplifier. For specific pixel groups, out of 3 pixels configuring the specific pixel groups, the charge signals of 2 pixels worth, and the charge signal of the remaining 1 pixel worth are summed with the same charge amplifier using shifted integration timings. 3-pixel binning is thereby performed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a radiation detecting element that avoids the interline pitch of signal lines becoming narrower. Namely, the shape of pixels configuring the radiation detecting element is made hexagonal, and each of the pixels is arrayed in a honeycomb pattern. The position of the TFT switches in each of the pixels is disposed to the right side or the left side of the center of the pixels so as to be left-right direction different for each of the pixel rows, and common ground lines that fix storage capacitor lower electrodes of charge storage capacitors are configured laid out in substantially straight lines lower than pixel electrodes.

Abstract: To provide a radiation image detecting device providing high responsivity and high precision of an emission start judgment, an electronic cassette has a panel unit and a control unit. The panel unit has a two-dimensional array of normal pixels for accumulating signal charge upon receiving X-rays and detection pixels for detecting the X-rays. A signal processing circuit periodically samples a dose signal, corresponding to an X-ray dose per unit of time, from the detection pixels. An emission start judgment unit performs based on the dose signals of the detection pixels a first judgment process for judging whether X-ray emission has been started, and a second judgment process for judging whether a result of the first judgment process is correct. The control unit sets a second sampling cycle SP2 used in the second judgment process longer than a first sampling cycle SP1 used in the first sampling process.

Abstract: Binning readout reads out electric charge accumulated in pixels to signal lines in blocks of a plurality of adjoining pixel-rows. A correction image generator of a line defect corrector scales up an image size of a reference frame image RP outputted by the binning readout and corrects pixel values of the reference frame image RP, to produce a correction image RPC to be used for correction of a line defect occurring in an X-ray image XP. The scale-up is performed by applying row interpolation processing to the reference frame image RP. The correction of the pixel values is performed by multiplying the reference frame image RP after being subjected to the row interpolation processing by a correction coefficient. An adder adds the correction image RPC to the X-ray image XP, and produces an X-ray image XPC in which the line defect is corrected.

Abstract: In order to obtain a radiation measurement system in which a shield is reduced in size to achieve reduction in cost and missing measurement is not present in the whole measurement range, and which is good in stability and responsiveness, a radiation detector which is low in measurement range of radiation is arranged in a sample vessel in which a sample gas serving as a radiation measurement object is made to flow; a radiation detector, which is high in measurement range having a measurement range that follows the radiation detector which is low in measurement range of radiation, is arranged outside the sample vessel; and the sample vessel and a plurality of the radiation detectors are surrounded by a shield to shield from environmental radiation.

Abstract: A portable detection apparatus can include a housing, a first detector for detecting ionizing radiation from a first subject and a second detector within the housing for the detecting the background radiation. A shield within the housing can surround the first and second detectors and define a shield aperture around the first and second detectors for radiation from the subject to enter the housing. A radiation blocking member can substantially block at least a portion of the ionizing radiation from reaching the second detector, whereby radiation detected by the second detector comprises substantially only the background radiation. A processor module can be connected to the first and second detectors for determining the amount of ionizing radiation detected by the first detector attributable to secondary radiation.

Abstract: A radiation image pickup system includes a correction coefficient calculation unit that calculates a correction coefficient using pixel output values of a plurality of pixels, and a correction unit that corrects pixel output values of a plurality of pixels using the correction coefficient. A drive control unit repeatedly resets an electric charge caused by a dark current of a plurality of pixels until a detection unit detects a start of radiation exposure. The reset operation is performed simultaneously for n rows that are not adjacent to each other, where n is an integer equal to or greater than 2. The correction coefficient calculation unit calculates the correction coefficient using pixel output values of pixels in a row subjected to the reset operation in a period from a start of radiation exposure to a start detection time and pixel output values of pixels in an adjacent row.

Abstract: An interferometer includes a diffraction grating that forms a first pattern by diffracting X-rays; a shield grating that forms a second pattern by blocking one or more of the X-rays forming the first pattern; a detector that detects information on the second pattern by detecting X-rays from the shield grating; and a scanning unit that shifts relative positions of an object and a measurable range. In the interferometer, the detector acquires a first detection result by performing a detection while the measurable range and the object take first relative positions and acquires a second detection result by performing a detection while the measurable range and the object take second relative positions. In the interferometer, the scanning unit shifts the relative positions of the measurable range and the object so that a pattern of the first detection result and a pattern of the second detection result pattern have continuity.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for improving performance of a reflective type energy filter for a charged particle beam, which employs a beam-adjusting lens on an entrance side of a potential barrier of the energy filter to make the charged particle beam become a substantially parallel beam to be incident onto the potential barrier. The method makes the energy filter have both a fine energy-discrimination power over a large emission angle spread and a high uniformity of energy-discrimination powers over a large FOV. A LVSEM using this method in the energy filter can obviously improve image contrast. The invention also provides multiple energy-discrimination detection devices formed by using the advantages of the method.

Abstract: A photon counting detector and a photon counting and detecting method using the same is provided. The photon counting detector includes readout circuits configured to count photons in multi-energy radiation incident to a sensor, the photons being counted with respect to each of a plurality of energy bands of the multi-energy radiation, the readout circuits respectively corresponding to pixels of a region onto which the multi-energy radiation is irradiated, each of the readout circuits being configured to count photons in a predetermined one of the energy bands, at least one of the readout circuits being configured to count photons in at least one of energy bands other than the predetermined one of the energy bands.

Abstract: A mobile radiation imaging apparatus includes: an irradiation unit that emits radiation; a moving unit that moves with the irradiation unit; an imaging unit that takes an image of an object irradiated with radiation and is able to transmit the image via the wireless communication or the wired communication; an obtaining unit that obtains information indicating in which area the moving unit is located among a wired communication area, a wirelessly communicable area, and a switching area for switching between the wireless communication and the wired communication; and a control unit that switches the communication with the imaging unit depending on the obtained information.

Abstract: A detector for a small-angle x-ray diffraction system uses curved readout strips shaped to correspond to the expected intensity distribution of x-rays scattered by the system. This expected intensity distribution may be a series of concentric circles, and each of the strips has a shape that approximates a section of an annulus. The strips may be positioned on a substrate such that a center of curvature of the curved strips is located along an edge of a readout region within which the strips are located or, alternatively, at a geometric center of the readout region. The detector may have a signal readout system that uses a delay line or, alternatively, a multichannel readout system. The detector may make use of electron generation via interaction of the diffracted x-ray beam with a gas in a gas chamber, or through interaction of the diffracted beam with a semiconductor material.

Abstract: An apparatus having an X-ray sensor assembly with X-ray blocking pixels divided by X-ray transmitting gaps with the X-ray blocking pixels casting an X-ray blocking shadow; and a die containing signal processing electronics, with the signal processing electronics positioned substantially entirely within the X-ray blocking shadow. A method for detecting the alignment between the X-ray sensor assembly and the die is disclosed. Also disclosed is an X-ray computed tomography machine having a printed circuit board (“PCB”), a die embedded in the PCB, and a signal source wherein signals are routed to and from the die by traces on at least one of the surfaces of the PCB.

Abstract: Garments and methods for monitoring radiation exposure and cumulative radiation exposure in individuals undergoing repeated exposure to ionizing radiation are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for obtaining information or signatures about the presence or the nature of a nuclear radiation source, especially in a homeland security application, said nuclear radiation source emitting in a time or angle correlated manner at least a first radiation and a second radiation. The method includes the steps of detecting said first radiation with at least one first radiation detector and detecting said second radiation with at least one second radiation detector. The detection of said second radiation is triggered by said detection of said first radiation in a manner that is adapted to the radiation's correlation structure, thereby increasing the signal-to-background ratio for the detection of said second radiation.

Abstract: A radiation image pickup apparatus includes a pixel array including a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix and configured to convert a radiant ray into electric signals, signal processors configured to output digital signals obtained in accordance with the electric signals output from the pixel array in parallel, and a controller configured to operate the signal processors after the signal processors enter a second power consumption state in which power consumption is higher than that of a first power consumption state from the first power consumption state after irradiation of a radiant ray to the pixel array is terminated, and to cause the signal processors to output digital signals after the signal processors are operated.

Abstract: A detection device for a CT system comprises a low-energy detector assembly; and a high-energy detector assembly disposed under the low-energy detector assembly. The high-energy detector assembly comprises: a plurality of rows of high-energy detectors arranged at predetermined intervals. With the detection device, detectors and data acquisition units are greatly reduced. A high-resolution three-dimensional CT image is acquired while high-accuracy hazardous article alarm is achieved. The cost of manufacture of the system is greatly decreased while high system performance is ensured.

Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus comprising: a signal generation unit configured to generate a signal value corresponding to charges detected by a radiation detector; an acceleration detection unit configured to detect acceleration applied to the radiation imaging apparatus; a noise measurement unit configured to measure a noise value based on the detected acceleration; a reduction unit configured to reduce the noise value from the signal value; and a radiation irradiation determination unit configured to determine radiation irradiation based on the noise-reduced signal value.

Abstract: An imaging system (300) includes a detector array (314) with direct conversion detector pixels that detect radiation traversing an examination region of the imaging system and generate a signal indicative of the detected radiation, a pulse shaper (316) configured to alternatively process the signal indicative of detected radiation generated by the detector array or a set of test pulses having different and known heights that correspond to different and known energy levels and to generate output pulses having heights indicative of the energy of the processed detected radiation or set of test pulses, and a thresholds adjuster (330) configured to analyze the heights of the output pulses corresponding to the set of test pulses in connection with the heights of set of test pulses and a set of predetermined fixed energy thresholds and generate a threshold adjustment signal indicative of a baseline based on a result of the analysis.

Abstract: Upon detecting irradiation of X-rays, an X-ray imaging apparatus stops driving scanning lines and makes a transition into an electric charge accumulating state. The X-ray imaging apparatus transmits, to an image processing apparatus, a digital value of a current that flows through a bias line at a timing at which the electric charge accumulating state starts and a scanning line number for identifying a scanning line on which the scan has stopped as defect correction information.

Abstract: A radiation detection apparatus is provided with a detection element group which includes a plurality of detection elements arranged on a support substrate, a shield body of which a pinhole is formed on front surface and a slit is formed on back surface, the shield body putting the detection element group therein, a signal processing substrate which processes a detection signal respectively detected by each detection element, is provided outside of the shield body, and has a dimension being larger than a width of the slit, and a relay substrate which goes through the slit and connects each detection element with the signal processing substrate.

Abstract: Provided is a surface contamination monitor that includes a hand and foot contamination monitor that can be relocated to an inspection site in a simple manner. A surface contamination monitor has a folding mechanism that allows folding a monitor main body, and comprises a base whose top face is provided with radiation detection elements for measurement of a foot portion, a support column provided at a center of a far side of the top face of the base, and an upper unit, which is fixed to a top end portion of the support column, and on which there are provided radiation detection elements for measurement of a hand portion. The folding mechanism allows the support column to bend towards the top face of the base by way of a first hinge and to bend towards an opposite side by way of a second hinge.

Abstract: A radiographic image capturing apparatus and a radiographic image capturing system are shown. According to one aspect, the radiographic image capturing apparatus includes the following. A scanning driving unit applies voltage to scanning lines. A switching element releases electric charge upon application of the ON-state voltage. A readout circuit converts the electric charge into image data and reads the data. A controller reads the image data. The detecting unit detects start and end of irradiation based on a change in a signal. The controller determines whether a standby time from end of readout to start of readout in next capturing is changed with reference to a first period and a second period. The first period ranges from end of readout to detection of start of irradiation. The second period ranges from detection of end of irradiation to start of readout.

Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus includes a pixel array in which a plurality of pixels which detects radiation are arrayed to form a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, a detection circuit which detects information having correlation to a radiation dose to the pixel array and output a detection signal corresponding to the information, and a control unit which detects radiation irradiation to the pixel array based on a plurality of integrated values obtained by integrating one of the detection signal and a result of processing applied to the detection signal in a plurality of integral intervals and control the pixel array in accordance with the detection.

Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus includes a reset control unit configured to perform reset scanning to sequentially discharge charges accumulated in pixels; an irradiation detection unit configured to detect a start of radiation irradiation based on charges discharged by the reset scanning; an imaging control unit configured to perform control to stop the reset scanning in accordance with detection of the start of irradiation and obtain an image signal by reading out charges accumulated in the pixels; a generation unit configured to generate image data based on the image signal except for an image signal from a pixel on which the reset scanning is performed during the radiation irradiation; and an output unit configured to output the image data to an external apparatus.

Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus includes a pixel array having pixels, a bias line applying a bias potential to converters of the pixels, a detection circuit which detects a current flowing to the bias line, and a control unit which detects a start of radiation irradiation to the pixel array based on an output from the detection circuit and controls a charge accumulation operation of the pixels in accordance with the detection. The detection circuit includes a differential amplifier circuit and a feedback path, and applies a potential corresponding to a reference bias potential to the bias line. The differential amplifier circuit includes a first input terminal receiving the reference bias potential, a second input terminal connected to the bias line, and an output terminal, and the feedback path connects the output terminal and the second input terminal.

Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus, comprising a pixel array on which a plurality of pixels are arrayed, a readout unit configured to read out a signal from the pixel array, a first unit configured to specify a portion of the signal read out by the readout unit, at which a saturated signal whose value has reached a saturation level of an output by the readout unit and a non-saturated signal whose value has not reached the saturation level are mixed, and a second unit configured to correct, based on the non-saturated signal, the saturated signal at the portion specified by the first unit.

Abstract: A radiation detector device is provided that is capable of distinguishing between full charge collection (FCC) events and incomplete charge collection (ICC) events based upon a correlation value comparison algorithm that compares correlation values calculated for individually sensed radiation detection events with a calibrated FCC event correlation function. The calibrated FCC event correlation function serves as a reference curve utilized by a correlation value comparison algorithm to determine whether a sensed radiation detection event fits the profile of the FCC event correlation function within the noise tolerances of the radiation detector device. If the radiation detection event is determined to be an ICC event, then the spectrum for the ICC event is rejected and excluded from inclusion in the radiation detector device spectral analyses. The radiation detector device also can calculate a performance factor to determine the efficacy of distinguishing between FCC and ICC events.

Abstract: A radiographic imaging control device is provided with a radiation detector, amplifiers and a controller. A plurality of pixels are arrayed in the radiation detector, each pixel including a sensor portion that generates charges in accordance with irradiated radiation and a switching element that is for reading out the charges generated at the sensor portion. Each amplifier is provided in correspondence with a respective pixel of the radiation detector, is equipped with a resetter that resets charges remaining at an integration capacitor, and amplifies an electronic signal according to the charges read out by the switching element from the corresponding pixel by a pre-specified amplification factor. In accordance with pre-specified conditions, the controller controls so as to alter a bias current supplied to the amplifiers in at least some periods of resetting by the resetter.

Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus includes: a radiation imaging unit configured to include a housing and a detection unit having a rectangular imaging region, the detecting unit being placed at a position in the housing at which a distance from one side surface of the housing to the imaging region is shorter than a distance from another side surface to the imaging region; a rotating unit configured to rotate the radiation imaging unit about a rotation axis in a direction intersecting with the imaging region; and a control unit configured to control rotation of the rotating unit so as to orientate one side surface of the housing, a distance from which to the imaging region is short, to a direction corresponding to an imaging condition.

Abstract: A radiation detector that can be used to detect the intensity of radiation fields and provide feedback to the user about the location of radiation fields. The radiation detector has a number of radiation detection volumes that are arranged in a staggered pattern relative to a sweeping direction of the radiation detector. The staggered arrangement of the detection volumes allows a large gap-free detection volume that is composed of smaller detection volumes in order to provide adequate sensitivity.

Abstract: A radiation detector comprises a scintillator 2A having a first end face 11, a second end face 13 disposed on a side opposite from the first end face 11, and a plurality of light-scattering surfaces 21 formed with an interval therebetween along a first direction P from the first end face 11 side to the second end face 13 side; a first photodetector 12 optically coupled to the first end face 11; and a second photodetector 14 optically coupled to the second end face 13. The light-scattering surfaces 21 are formed so as to intersect the first direction P. The light-scattering surfaces 21 include modified regions 21R formed by irradiating the inside of the scintillator 2A with laser light.

Abstract: An imaging device comprising a matrix (10; 20; 30) of pixels (P(i,j); Q(i,j); R(i,j); X(i,j); Y(i,j)) organized in rows and columns, and a method for implementing said device. Each current pixel (P(i,j); Q(i,j); R(i,j); X(i,j); Y(i,j)) comprises: a row grouping switch (B(i,j)) making it possible to group the current pixel (P(i,j); Q(i,j); R(i,j); X(i,j); Y(i,j)) with the following pixel (P(i,j+1); Q(i,j+1); R(i,j+1); X(i,j+1); Y(i,j+1)) of the same row; a column grouping switch (A(i,j)) making it possible to group the current pixel (P(i,j); Q(i,j); R(i,j); X(i,j); Y(i,j)) with the following pixel (P(i+1,j); Q(i+1,j); R(i+1,j); X(i+1,j); Y(i+1,j)) of the same column; and storage means (M(i,j); U(i,j); V(i,j)) making it possible to define the state, on or off, of the two grouping switches (A(i,j), B(i,j)).

Abstract: An instrument for assaying radiation includes a radiation sensor and a collimator that covers at least a portion of the radiation sensor. The collimator defines a first field of view to the radiation sensor. An insert in the collimator defines a second field of view to the radiation sensor that is less than the first field of view.

Abstract: An Adjustable Photon Detection System (APDS) for multi-slice X-ray CT systems and a multi-slice X-ray CT system using the APDS are disclosed; wherein the APDS can be adjusted to be aligned to different X-ray source positions; wherein the multi-slice X-ray CT system comprises one or more X-ray sources, and one or more APDS; wherein the multi-slice X-ray CT system may also include a detector position calculator for calculating effective detector positions and a detector position corrector for correcting projection data using calculated effective detector positions.

Abstract: A positron annihilation characteristics measurement system 10 comprises a positron source; radiation detection means 14 for detecting radiation emitted when a positron generated by the positron source is annihilated; and a positron detector 40 that detects a positron that is not injected into a measured sample S after being generated by the positron source. The positron source is disposed between the measured sample S and the positron detector. An arithmetic device 50 calculates the annihilation characteristics of the positron in the measured sample S after eliminating the radiation that is detected by the radiation detection means 14 and is expected to be emitted when the positron detected by the positron detector 40 is annihilated.

Abstract: A radiation image capturing apparatus is provided with a scanning drive unit which sequentially applies ON voltage to respective scanning lines during a readout process to read out image data from radiation detection elements. From the time before radiation imaging, a controller controls the scanning drive unit to sequentially apply the ON voltage to the respective scanning lines and executes the readout process for the image data from the radiation detection elements. The controller detects start of the radioactive irradiation when the image data exceeds a threshold value, and controls that ON time, during which the ON voltage is applied to the scanning lines from the scanning drive unit during the readout process for the image data before radiation imaging, becomes longer than ON time during a readout process for the image data after finishing the radioactive irradiation.

Abstract: An image pickup unit includes: a plurality of pixels each including a photoelectric conversion device and a field-effect transistor; and a readout control line and a signal line that are disposed in a peripheral region of the photoelectric conversion device and are connected to the transistor. The readout control line includes a first wiring layer and a second wiring layer that are laminated and are electrically connected to each other. The first wiring layer is electrically connected to a gate electrode of the transistor, and the second wiring layer is provided in a same layer as the signal line.

Abstract: A method for photon counting imaging with improved high-rate counting performance includes the step of applying an instant retrigger capability with adjustable dead time in cells of the detector array and operates an apparatus using a layer of photo-sensitive material, an L×K array of photodetector elements arranged in the layer of the photosensitive material, an N×M array of readout unit cells, including amplifying elements and at least one readout unit cells for at least one photodetector elements. The readout unit cells are controlled by signal processing elements with each readout unit cell having internal signal processing elements to generate a discriminator output signal representing an amplified signal of the electron-hole pairs generated by an incident photon or a number of incident photons in the respective photodetector element.

Abstract: A photon counting detector and a photon counting and detecting method using the same is provided. The photon counting detector includes readout circuits configured to count photons in multi-energy radiation incident to a sensor, the photons being counted with respect to each of a plurality of energy bands of the multi-energy radiation, the readout circuits respectively corresponding to pixels of a region onto which the multi-energy radiation is irradiated, each of the readout circuits being configured to count photons in a predetermined one of the energy bands, at least one of the readout circuits being configured to count photons in at least one of energy bands other than the predetermined one of the energy bands.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray image acquisition unit, a reference position acquisition part and a condition setting part. The X-ray image acquisition unit is configured to acquire frames of two dimensional X-ray image data corresponding to mutually different X-ray exposure directions using an imaging system. The reference position acquisition part is configured to obtain a spatially criterial direction and a spatially criterial position with reference to the frames of the X-ray image data. The condition setting part is configured to automatically set at least one of a control condition of the imaging system and an image processing condition of an X-ray image, based on information according to the criterial direction and the criterial position.

Abstract: A portable radiation image capturing apparatus is described. In the portable radiation image capturing apparatus multiple image capturing elements are two-dimensionally arranged, the apparatus is provided with a current detecting means for detecting a current flowing in the apparatus, a read-out circuit having a power supply mode in which the charge generated in each image capturing element can be read out and converted into an electric signal and a stand-by mode in which charge is not read out and power is consumed less than in the power supply mode, and a control means for causing the read-out circuit to change from the stand-by mode to the power supply mode when detecting start of irradiation with radiation on the basis of an increase in the current value detected by the current detecting means while the read-out circuit is in the stand-by mode.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray generator configured to emit X-rays to a subject; an X-ray detection panel including a plurality of light receiving elements each configured to receive X-rays that have passed through the subject, convert the X-rays into an electric signal, and output the electric signal, and a plurality of capacitor modules respectively corresponding to the plurality of light receiving elements, each of the plurality of capacitor modules including a plurality of capacitors connected to a corresponding one of the light receiving elements and configured to store the electric signal output from the corresponding light receiving element in at least one capacitor of the plurality of capacitors; and an image processor configured to read out the electric signal stored in the at least one capacitor of each of the plurality of capacitor modules to generate at least one X-ray image.

Abstract: A single photon detection system and method are disclosed which have a control block for helping to monitor and optimize performance, especially at high detection rates. The system is based on photon detectors constructed with avalanche photodiodes (APD) gated in time to operate in the Geiger mode. An electrical reference frequency is generated which is subtracted from the APD output in order to better isolate the breakdown event. The resulting signal is sampled and analyzed to allow the control unit to optimize the magnitude and phase of the electrical reference frequency. The control unit may also change the gate pulse shape and phase, including by the use of a digital-to-analog converter. The gate pulse can be shifted off an input optical pulse so as to estimate dark count rate, or shifted to measure a reference input signal to estimate detection efficiency.

Abstract: A counting digital x-ray detector for recording x-ray images of an object irradiated by x-ray radiation includes a direct x-ray converter for converting x-ray radiation into an electric signal and a matrix with a plurality of counting pixel elements. At least one part of the counting pixel elements has a signal input and two circuits for converting the signal into a count signal. A first circuit of the two circuits is configured to convert the signal entering the respective pixel element directly into a count signal and to count the count signal. A second circuit of the two circuits is configured to convert the signal entering directly into the respective pixel element together with coincident occurring signals of at least one neighboring pixel element into a count signal and to count the count signal. The first circuit and/or the second circuit are able to be activated individually and both together.

Abstract: A spatially-aware radiation probe system/method allowing for detection and correction of radiation readings based on the position and/or movement of a radiation detector is disclosed. The system incorporates a radiation detector combined with a spatially-aware sensor to permit detection of spatial context parameters associated with the radiation detector and/or object being probed. This spatial context information is then used by analysis software to modify the detected radiation values and/or instruct the radiation probe operator as to appropriate measurement activity to ensure accurate radiation measurements. The spatially-aware sensor may include but is not limited to: distance sensors to determine the distance between the radiation detector and the object being monitored; accelerometers integrated within the radiation detector to detect movement of the radiation detector; and/or axial orientation sensors to determine the axial orientation of the radiation detector.