Abstract: Disclosed are photoluminescent fibers containing photoluminescent phosphorescent materials and photoluminescent fluorescent materials whose emission signature lies partly or fully in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Also disclosed are the use of the inventive fibers, fabrics made therefrom, and objects containing the fiber.

Abstract: Methods are provided for enhancing the detection of analytes with waveguides by accounting for cumulative light absorptions attributable to the presence of one or more analytes in a sample as well as the waveguide material.

Abstract: An integrated encapsulation status indicator comprising a reactive layer that provides a visible change upon exposure to oxygen and/or moisture and an optional inert layer, wherein both layers are encapsulated with an electronic device. Also disclosed are processes for detecting oxygen and/or moisture within an encapsulated optoelectronic device.

Abstract: A method for observing a sample containing photochromic molecules having a quantum state of at least a first stable state S0 and a second stable state S3. Used are first light for exciting the photochromic molecules from the first stable state S0 to a first excited state S1 enabling optical response, and second light for exciting the photochromic molecules from the first excited state S1 to a second excited state S2 of another energy level. The sample is irradiated with the first light and the second light partly overlapping each other so that the photochromic molecules in the region irradiated with the overlapping first and second lights are transformed through the second excited state S2 to the second stable state S3, and the photochromic molecules in the region irradiated with the first light only are transformed to the first excited state S1, thereby observing the sample.

Abstract: Methods and systems for non-intrusively detecting the existence of fissile materials in a container via the measurement of energetic prompt neutrons are disclosed. The methods and systems use the unique nature of the prompt neutron energy spectrum from neutron-induced fission arising from the emission of neutrons from almost fully accelerated fragments to unambiguously identify fissile material. These signals from neutron-induced fission are unique and allow the detection of any material in the actinide region of the nuclear periodic table.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to the imaging of biological samples are provided. More particularly, they relate to the detection of light emanating from fluorescent species present in a sample in order to study the structure and dynamics of such a sample. Such a method of analysis comprises irradiating the sample with a pulse of excitation energy causing fluorescent species in the sample to fluoresce; detecting light emanating from the sample during a predetermined period of time after the pulse; generating and storing data recording at least the wavelength of the detected light against time; and analysing the data with reference to the respective lifetimes of the fluorescent species to detect the presence of the respective emissions from three or more different fluorescent species which emit light simultaneously during at least part of said predetermined period, which are indistinguishable from each other on the basis of their wavelength or lifetime alone.

Abstract: The invention encompasses analyzers and analyzer systems that include a single molecule analyzer, methods of using the analyzer and analyzer systems to analyze samples, either for single molecules or for molecular complexes. The single molecule uses electromagnetic radiation that is translated through the sample to detect the presence or absence of a single molecule. The single molecule analyzer provided herein is useful for diagnostics because the analyzer detects single molecules with zero carryover between samples.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting slow neutrons by monitoring Lyman alpha radiation produced by the 3He(n,tp) nuclear reaction induced by neutrons incident on a gas cell containing 3He or a mixture of 3He and other atoms and/or molecules. Such a method and/or apparatus includes the use of, for example, liquid 3He and 4He mixtures as a scintillation counter for the sensitive detection of neutrons using Lyman alpha radiation produced by the 3He(n,tp) reaction. The radiation can be detected with high efficiency with an appropriate photo-detector, or alternatively, it can be converted to radiation at longer wavelength by absorption in scintillation materials, with the radiation channeled to a photodetector. Because of the simplicity of the system and the fact that the radiation production mechanisms can be measured and/or calculated independently, the method and/or apparatus also has the potential for service as a calculable absolute detector.

Abstract: Personal radiation detection devices, methods of obtaining radiation exposure data, and networks of personal radiation devices. The detection devices may include passive devices and active devices. The passive detection devices may have the same form factor as credit cards or be included in common types of credit card form factor sized cards.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for detecting and/or measuring radioactivity comprising sensor means (5, 6), radiation detector means (4) and signal processing means (10, 11), the sensor means being adapted to provide a measure of one or more characteristics of a medium between the radiation detector means and a source of radioactivity, the arrangement being such that, in use, the signal processing means is configured to compensate for varying degrees of interference from unwanted isotopes by taking into account information received from the sensor means.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device, such as a CMOS sensor, includes a unit pixel having a charge generation unit for generating signal charge, a floating diffusion for accumulating the signal charge generated by the charge generation unit, a transfer gate transistor for transferring the signal charge in the charge generation unit to the floating diffusion, a reset transistor for resetting the floating diffusion, and an amplifying transistor for generating a signal in accordance with the signal charge generated by the charge generation unit and outputting the signal to a vertical signal line. The width of a reset pulse for driving the reset transistor is sufficiently decreased to, for example, less than or equal to ½, and preferably less than or equal to ? of the response time of a signal that has occurred on the vertical signal line in response to the reset pulse.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluorescent ceramic having the general formula Gd2O2S doped with M, whereby M represents at least one element selected form the group Ce, Pr, Eu, Tb, Yb, Dy, Sm and/or Ho, whereby said fluorescent ceramic comprises a single phase in its volume; to a method for manufacturing a fluorescent ceramic using single-axis hot pressing; a detector for detecting ionizing radiation and to a use of said detector for detecting ionizing radiation. The method for manufacture of a fluorescent ceramic material using a single-axis hot pressing, comprises the steps: a) selecting a pigment powder of Gd2O2S doped with M, and M represents at least one element selected from the group of Eu, Tb, Yb, Dy, Sm, Ho, Ce and/or Pr, whereby the grain size of said powder used for hot-pressing is of 1 ?m, and said hot-pressing is carried out at—a temperature of 1000° C. to 1400° C.; and/or—a pressure of 100 Mpa to 300 MPa; air annealing at a temperature of 700° C. to 1200° for a time period of 0.

Abstract: A disposable device for monitoring exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) over a single period of time and a cumulative period of time. The device includes a base upon which is applied a UVR sensitive material that irreversibly changes after exposure to UVR. A protective covering is applied over the UVR sensitive material and includes segments that are individually removable to reveal a portion of the UVR sensitive material thereunder. A UVR exposure scale and first and second keys are provided on the base. A first segment of the covering is removed and the base is placed in an appropriate location. After a period of time, the change in the UVR sensitive material is compared to the scale and first key to determine if the level of exposure is safe for that time period. The procedure may be repeated over a number of time periods with a new segment of the protective covering being removed for each time period.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a radiation detection medium by exposing arbitrary locations of a radiation detection medium to a plurality of known radiation dose levels is described. One particular aspect of the method includes the steps of automatically determining the location of each arbitrary exposed location, measuring the density of each of the arbitrary exposed locations, matching each measurement for the arbitrary exposed locations with the corresponding radiation dose level thereby generating an array of paired data values for radiation dose level and measured density and calculating a calibration based on the array of paired data values.

Abstract: A night vision coloring system may color a scene by extracting the spectral signature of each area in a scene and matching the extracted signature with a predetermined database signature and associated color. The system may comprise a temporal or spatial filtering element that may typically allow the capturing of an image reflection through a plurality of spectral bands, thereby extracting the spectral signature of each area in the image. The color associated with the matched database signature may be used to color each area comprising the image.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of identification or detection utilizing photoluminescent compositions containing photoluminescent phosphorescent materials and photoluminescent fluorescent materials whose emission signature lies partly or fully in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum onto or into objects for the purpose of identifying or detecting the objects. Also disclosed are methods of identification or detection utilizing photoluminescent compositions which are high in intensity and high in persistence, methods wherein the identifying markings can be clandestine or otherwise, and methods wherein activation and detection can be decoupled spatially and temporally. Objects containing these photoluminescent compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A laboratory implement consisting of a body formed with at least a blade at one end thereof is used for handling biological samples. The blade is provided with photoluminescent qualities, so as to emit visible light when subjected to ultraviolet light. In the method, the implement is positioned in a hand of the user with the blade facing the biological samples. The samples are cut by the blade in darkness under ultraviolet light, in such a manner that the blade is visible to an operator.

Abstract: There is described a radiological image capturing system, which makes it possible to obtain an accurate radiological image, irrespective of the position of the diagnosis object in the thickness direction of the subject. The system includes a radiographing apparatus that output radiological image data, based on the radial rays detected by the image detecting device, an image processing apparatus that applies a degraded image restoration processing to the radiological image data and a fixing member onto which the subject is fixed. The subject is positioned at such a position that a ratio of blurs between the first radiological image radiographed at a first position and the second radiological image radiographed at a second position, which is apart from the image detecting device by a distance farther than that of the first position, is reduced to a value to such an extent that a blur difference between them can be ignored.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device, such as a CMOS sensor, includes a unit pixel having a charge generation unit for generating signal charge, a floating diffusion for accumulating the signal charge generated by the charge generation unit, a transfer gate transistor for transferring the signal charge in the charge generation unit to the floating diffusion, a reset transistor for resetting the floating diffusion, and an amplifying transistor for generating a signal in accordance with the signal charge generated by the charge generation unit and outputting the signal to a vertical signal line. The width of a reset pulse for driving the reset transistor is sufficiently decreased to, for example, less than or equal to ½, and preferably less than or equal to ? of the response time of a signal that has occurred on the vertical signal line in response to the reset pulse.

Abstract: A method of detecting a defect on a surface of a material due to exposure of the material to incident ionizing radiation, the method comprising the step of: inspecting a solid material having an atomically flat surface by at least an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) or a Magnetic Force Microscope (MFM) for a defect in atomic structure on said surface due to exposure to ionizing radiation.

Abstract: A radiation image storage panel composed of a substrate and a phosphor film of a stimulable phosphor which is composed of a mother component and an activator element and is formed by vapor deposition, is preferred to have a relationship of a molar ratio of activator element/mother component in an optionally determined one position on the phosphor film and a molar ratio of activator element/mother component in an optionally determined different position on the phosphor film satisfies the condition of 0.1?Ra/Rb?10 [Ra means a molar ratio of activator element/mother component in an optionally determined one position of the phosphor film and Rb means a molar ratio of activator element/mother component in an optionally determined different position of the phosphor film].

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an apparatus and methods for detection and identification of target radionuclides and threatening radionuclides that may be present in a sample volume. One aspect of the invention discloses a digital computational apparatus that determines similarity or identity to a target radionuclide or a threatening radionuclide. In another aspect, the invention discloses a high throughput apparatus for detection of a target radionuclide in a sample volume, or for identifying a target radionuclide present in a sample volume, or both, that includes a detecting means, an analyzing means, and an identifying means. In a further aspect the invention discloses a high throughput apparatus for communicating the presence of a target radionuclide in a sample volume, the identity of a target radionuclide in a sample volume, or both to appropriate personnel.

Abstract: A Rn222 (radon) and Rn220 (thoron) radiation monitor that uses alpha-track detection film in multiple, separate chambers to detect radiation, wherein different diffusion barriers are used in each of the chambers to allow for signal differentiation between the chambers. The signal differentiation allows for differentiation between the levels of thoron and radon in the atmosphere tested. The radiation monitor may have three or four separate chambers, each with an electrically conductive housing and a cap with at least one opening to permit entry of ambient air. Inside each of the housings is an alpha-track detecting film, such as a solid-state nuclear track detector (SSNTD), with a thin electrically conducting cover. In one or more of the chambers is a diffusion barrier and seal placed within the housing to generally isolate the detecting film from thoron radiation in the housing.

Abstract: A device for testing the light power output of an optical system comprises a thermochromic element, a body element optionally providing collimation or other means of reproducible positioning, and optionally filters and attenuation. A preferred device fits onto the end of an optical power delivery system, and the thermochromic element changes color if the system output is above a defined threshold. An alternative device provides a flat target with a The device may be adapted to be sterilizable, and may be disposable. Optional means for ensuring that the light delivery system is operational during the measurement are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is an article of manufacture for use in alerting a person of exposure to an excessive amount of ultraviolet radiation. In one embodiment, the article of manufacture comprises a first strip comprising a backing member and first and second patches. Each of the first and second patches comprise an ultraviolet sensitive material releasably disposed upon the backing member. Each of the first and second patches comprise first and second outside edges and an inside edge. The first and second patches are nested and adjoined along said inside edges of the first and second patches, respectively. The ultraviolet sensitive material is adapted to change from a first color to a second color when exposed to an excessive amount of ultraviolet radiation. In operation, a person may remove the first and second patches from the backing member as desired and apply the patch to an area of exposed skin.

Abstract: An ultraviolet light measuring chip and a sensor are provided simple in structure, easy to handle and of high precise measurement. The chip comprises a first reaction chamber for detection of total received light and a second reaction chamber for detection of ultraviolet-cut received light. The first and second chambers contain or hold therein counter and reference electrodes immersed in coexistent electrolyte solution containing quinone, organic solvent and electrolyte the solution being also contained the chambers. The first chamber has a total light transmission window and a first working electrode immersed in the electrolyte solution. The second chamber has an ultraviolet-cut light transmission window and a second working electrode immersed in the electrolyte solution. The sensor is adapted to sweep voltages of the first and second working electrodes to the respective reference electrodes, detect respective currents and calculate out an amount of ultraviolet light from difference of the detected currents.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of correcting errors in film dosimetry measurements arising from variations in radiographic film processing and manufacturing. The method includes: (1) irradiating separate and distinct areas of one or more calibration films with different radiation dose levels to obtain a first calibration; (2) exposing a non-irradiated portion of at least one (and typically all) of the calibration films to light from an array of standardized light sources to obtain a first optical density step gradient; (3) exposing a non-irradiated portion of subsequent test films to light from the array of standardized light sources to obtain a second optical density step gradient; and (4) modifying the first calibration or optical density values of the test films based on differences between the first and second optical density step gradients.

Abstract: In a radiation image recording/read-out apparatus, a stimulable phosphor sheet having a reflective layer which is not longer than 5 &mgr;m in scattering length and is interposed between a stimulable phosphor layer and a support layer is used. Radiation is projected onto the stimulable phosphor sheet from the support layer side, and stimulating light is projected onto the stimulable phosphor sheet from the stimulable phosphor layer side. Stimulated emission, emitted from the stimulable phosphor layer upon exposure to the stimulating light, is detected from the stimulable phosphor layer side.

Abstract: The composition, free carrier concentrations, and other properties of thin films and graded layers embedded in film stack structures are measured by the method of the invention, which is based upon the application of two novel algorithms to extract the composition of a measured layer independently of the confounding effects of additional layers, and which can be effected even when calibration samples are not available with the same layered structure as the samples to be measured. The method uses sample model-based analysis algorithms to extract the dielectric function of the layer to be measured, combined with model-based analysis to relate the composition of the layer to its dielectric function.

Abstract: Diyne monomers are used as photochromic agents in devices or formulations. The devices and formulations may be applied to body parts for semi-pemanent attachment at various sites to allow for detection of levels of ultraviolet radiation. Clear films may be placed on eyeglass lenses to detect UV radiation occurring between the lens and the eye.

Abstract: A method is provided for the quantitative determination of fissile material content in small size particles present in samples. The samples are sandwiched in organic sheets and then submitted to a defined thermal neutron fluence whereupon fission products of the fissile material in the sample create in the sheets fission tracks which are rendered visible by etching the sheets. Then the size of selected particles having created such tracks is. determined by means of a microscope and thereafter these visible tracks of the selected particles are compared to pre-established standard tracks obtained by the same process from particles of different stepped known size and enrichment ratio.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultraviolet radiation detector in general and more specifically to a solar blind ultraviolet radiation detector; that is, a detector insensitive to the radiation of sunlight reaching the earth's surface but sensitive to UVC wavelengths in the spectrum, defined as the interval 200 nm-280 nm. The solar blind detector is base on the use of photochromic compounds in conjunction with ultraviolet wavelength-selective chemical blocks and their incorporation into optically clear polymer matrices. The photochromic compound is selected from the group comprising spiropyran molecules spirooxazine molecules and chromene derivatives. Applications for such device are as numerous as the sources of UVC radiation. An obvious use for such Solar Blind UVC detector is monitoring the output of UVC sources used in the decontamination of water and air (water treatment and air purification) and for sterilization of medical instruments.

Abstract: ORGANOMETALLIC COORDINATION complexes exhibiting two separate, stable forms are described. Conversion from one form to the other is intramolecular, reversible, light-activated (a molecular switch) and occurs both in the solid and in solution. The two forms differ in photochemical and electrochemical characteristics (different colors and reduction potentials). The complexes can be used in information storage and for light-gathering, light-emitting, sensing and detecting applications.

Abstract: A stimulable phosphor sheet for a radiation image recording and reproducing method comprising the steps of recording a radiation image as a latent image, irradiating the latent image with stimulating rays to release stimulated emission, and electrically processing the emission to reproduce the radiation image, has partitions that divide the phosphor sheet on its plane to give plural sections, and stimulable phosphor-incorporated areas in the sections, wherein the phosphor-incorporated areas have a light-scattering length of 20 to 100 &mgr;m and a light-absorption length of 1,000 &mgr;m or longer, while the partitions have a light-scattering length of 0.05 to 20 &mgr;m and a light-absorption length of 1,000 &mgr;m or longer, under the condition that a ratio of the light-scattering length of the phosphor-incorporated areas to that of the partitions is 3.0 or more.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a calibrated radiation dosimeter, a layer of radiation sensitive material is applied to a substrate, the radiation sensitive material having an optical density which varies in accordance with a degree of radiation exposure. A pre-exposure optical density of the layer of radiation sensitive material is optically measured and subsequently the layer of radiation sensitive material is exposed to a known dose of radiation. Thereafter, a post-exposure optical density of the layer of radiation sensitive material is optically measured. Using at least the pre-exposure optical density, the post-exposure optical density, and the known dose of radiation, one computes mathematical parameters defining a predetermined mathematical function. The computed mathematical parameters are applied in encoded form to the substrate (e.g., printed in bar code form on the substrate or a holder card).

Abstract: A dosimeter analysis system provides the capability to easily handle the radiochromic pieces of film which are commonly employed as dosimeters and make an accurate analysis of the amount of radiation received in an irradiation process. The dosimeter is constructed through use of one or more layers of a material such as paper, cardboard or non-woven material between which a piece of radiochromic film may be positioned. Through at least one of the layers, an aperture is formed which provides for the direct viewing of the radiochromic film. This dosimeter card may then be placed in a dosimeter card holder and placed in an analysis device such as a spectrophotometer. Also included on the dosimeter card may be a unique marking which provides a reference to unique information pertaining to the piece of radiochromic film employed in the dosimeter card.

Abstract: An elpasolite phosphor is provided corresponding to the general formula: A2−yB1+yMe3+X6:xD wherein: A=a monovalent ion B=a monovalent ion A is different from B Me3+=a trivalent ion D is a dopant X is at least one of F, Cl, Br and I 0≦y≦1 0≦x≦0.2 and wherein said phosphor has a specific gravity (sg)≧4. An elpasolite phosphor corresponding to the general formula above is especially useful in the production of prompt emitting X-ray screens and in the production of X-ray energy storage screens.

Abstract: An optical scanner gives three dimensional dosimetric data by scanning, with at least one light beam, a translucent medium exhibiting optical properties which change upon receipt of radiant energy representing a dose distribution of the energy. At least one detector is employed to gather data indicative of changes in the optical properties of the medium after scanning from multiple directions to provide a representation of the optical properties in sections through the medium. Typical optical properties measured include optical density, light scattering, emitted light intensities, and combinations thereof.