Abstract: A laser driven compact ion source including a light source that produces an energy pulse, a light source guide that guides the energy pulse to a target and produces an ion beam. The ion beam is transported to a desired destination.

Abstract: A device for filtering a ray bundle of electromagnetic radiation, particularly an X-ray bundle has different filter stages, produced by multiple filters that can be adjusted into the ray bundle, a drive for moving the filters, and separate arms for moving each of the filters. The respective first ends of the arms engage at the appertaining filter and the respective other ends thereof are chargeable with a force generated by the drive. Dependent on the motion of the drive, each of the filters can either be set into the beam path by charging the appertaining arm with an actuating force or can be retrieved from the ray bundle by charging the arm with a restoring force. A dog driven by the drive is able to be brought into contact with two detents respectively present at each of the arms. An IN detent is provided for charging the arm with the actuating force and an OUT detent is provided for charging the arm with the restoring force.

Abstract: A thin flat disc with an orifice or orifices to size and control electron and other charged particulate beams. The disc is made of electrically conductive chemical vapor deposition (CVD) diamond. In addition the disc contains one or more high precision fine to ultra-fine orifices.

Abstract: A rotating aperture system includes a low-pressure vacuum pumping stage with apertures for passage of a deuterium beam. A stator assembly includes holes for passage of the beam. The rotor assembly includes a shaft connected to a deuterium gas cell or a crossflow venturi that has a single aperture on each side that together align with holes every rotation. The rotating apertures are synchronized with the firing of the deuterium beam such that the beam fires through a clear aperture and passes into the Xe gas beam stop. Portions of the rotor are lapped into the stator to improve the sealing surfaces, to prevent rapid escape of the deuterium gas from the gas cell.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide to an electron beam tube and electron beam extraction window capable of generating high output electron beam by effectively releasing heat generated when an electron beam passes through a window whereby temperature rise of the window is controlled and breakage of the window is prevented.

Abstract: Encapsulation of an inner facing surface of a lead shield of a radiopharmaceutical pig. The inner facing surface defines a chamber in which is inserted a radiopharmaceutical syringe. The encapsulation protects the inner facing surface against contamination due to leaks of the contents of the radiopharmaceutical syringe and further obviates the need for a sharps container to enclose the syringe during transport.

Abstract: A system, method, apparatus, and means for verifying an electron treatment field include positioning an image detector, and operating the image detector to detect an image created by photons generated in the delivery of an electron treatment beam. The image is manipulated to generate a representation of the electron treatment field.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus and methods which facilitate movement of an instrument relative to an item or location being monitored and/or the item or location relative to the instrument, whilst successfully excluding extraneous ions from the detection location. Thus, ions generated by emissions from the item or location can successfully be monitored during movement. The technique employs sealing to exclude such ions, for instance, through an electro-field which attracts and discharges the ions prior to their entering the detecting location and/or using a magnetic field configured to repel the ions away from the detecting location.

Abstract: The invention relates to a raster electron microscope having a specimen chamber and a detector for electrons mounted in the specimen chamber. The raster electron microscope also includes a specimen table having a specimen holder and the specimen table is mounted in the specimen chamber. A diaphragm system is provided on the specimen table and has a diaphragm between the specimen holder and the detector. The diaphragm system is adjustable relative to the specimen holder. The invention can be configured especially as an ancillary module which is accommodated on the specimen table of a conventional raster electron microscope. The system of raster electron microscope and ancillary unit serves for generating special contrastings, especially a dark-field contrast in transmission.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating membrane targets for a laser induced plasma is disclosed herein. Membranes are advantageous targets for laser induced plasma because they are very thin and can be readily illuminated by high-power coherent light, such as a laser, and converted into plasma. Membranes are also advantageous because illumination of the membrane with coherent light produces less debris and splashing than illumination of a thicker, solid target. Spherical membranes possess additional advantages in that they can be readily illuminated from variety of directions and because they can be easily placed (i.e. blown) into a target region for illumination by coherent light. Membranes are also advantageous because they can be formed from a liquid or molten phase of the target material. According to another embodiment, membranes can be formed from a solution in which the target materials are solvated.

Abstract: A vacuum window transmitting keV electrons and usable for high-pressure electron analysis such as XPS and AES in which the sample is positioned outside the UHV analyzer chamber, possibly in a controlled gas environment, relatively close to the window. The window includes a grid formed from a support layer and a thin window layer supported between the ribs and having a thickness preferably of 2 to 3 nm. The window and support layers may be deposited on a silicon wafer and the support layer is lithographically defined into the grid. The wafer is backside etched to expose the back of the grid and its supported window layer. Such a window enables compact and easily used electron analyzers and further allows control of the gas environment at the sample surface during analysis.

Abstract: The method and system herein pertain to an EUV photon source which includes a plasma chamber filled with a gas mixture, multiple electrodes within the plasma chamber defining a plasma region and a central axis, a power supply circuit connected to the electrodes for delivering a main pulse to the electrodes for energizing the plasma around the central axis to produce an EUV beam. The system can also include a preionizer for ionizing the gas mixture in preparing to form a dense plasma around the central axis upon application of the main pulse from the power supply circuit to the electrodes. A set of baffles may be disposed along the beam path outside of the pinch region to diffuse gaseous and contaminant particulate flow emanating from the pinch region and to absorb or reflect acoustic waves emanating from the pinch region away from the pinch region.

Abstract: To provide an accelerator system having a wide ion beam current control range, being capable of operating with low power consumption and a long maintenance interval and being capable of preventing unnecessarily large dose of the ion beam for irradiation from erroneously being supplied to the downstream side of the system. In an accelerator system designed to treat the patient with irradiation of a high-energy ion beam accelerated by a post-accelerator 4 comprising a synchrotron in irradiation rooms 6 to 8, a value of ion beam current to be supplied to the post-accelerator 4 is controlled by a pre-accelerator comprising an ion source 10, quadrupole electromagnet 15, radio frequency quadrupole accelerator 17 and a drift tube type accelerator 19. The accelerator system featuring low power consumption, a long maintenance interval and high reliability can be made available.

Abstract: A charged particle detector is provided for use in an electron microscope. The detector has a chamber for receiving charged particles generated by the interaction between a particle beam generated by the microscope and the sample. The chamber is maintained at at least a partial vacuum and contains an impact responsive sensor for detecting particles incident thereon. An accelerating electrode field is set up in the chamber by one or more electrodes, and the chamber is sealed by an electronically conductive barrier so as to prevent gas leaking into the chamber, whilst being sufficiently thin to enable charged particles to travel across the barrier and thereby be detected by the detector. The electrically conductive barrier enables a very large accelerating voltage to be used without causing discharge through any gaseous medium in the microscope sample chamber.

Abstract: A process of making a casting includes the steps of designing a mold (1010), fabricating the layers (or laminations) of the mold (1020), stacking and assembling the laminations into a mold (1030), producing a casting (1060) and demolding the casting (1070). If necessary, a derived mold can be made (1040, 1050) prior to producing the casing (1060).

Abstract: A particle therapy system is provided which can simply and quickly correct a beam orbit. In a particle therapy system provided with an irradiation facility comprising a first beam transport system for receiving a beam and transporting the beam to the patient side, and an irradiation nozzle for forming an irradiation field of the beam, the particle therapy system comprises first beam position monitors for detecting a position upstream of the irradiation nozzle at which the beam passes, second beam position monitors for detecting a position downstream of the irradiation nozzle at which the charged-particle beam passes, and first and second steering magnets. Correction bending amounts for causing the beam to be coincident with a predetermined orbit after the correction are determined in accordance with detected results from the first and second beam position monitors, and first and second steering magnets are excited under control so that the determined correction bending amounts are obtained.

Abstract: Disclosed are partially fluorinated that are substantially transparent to ultraviolet radiation at wavelengths from approximately 150 nanometer to 260 nanometers.

Abstract: A compound refractive lens for neutrons is provided having a plurality of individual unit Fresnel lenses comprising a total of N in number. The unit lenses are aligned substantially along an axis, the i-th lens having a displacement ti orthogonal to the axis, with the axis located such that ∑ i = 1 N ⁢   ⁢ t i = 0. Each of the unit lenses comprises a lens material having a refractive index decrement &dgr;<1 at a wavelength &lgr;<200 Angstroms.

Abstract: A method of providing with precision a number of long and narrow through holes (11) in a body (1) made of a high-density material. The body (1) is made in the form of a number of partial bodies (2, 2′, 2″), which are arranged close to each other and from the body (1). Each partial body (2, 2′, 2″) is defined by an outer surface (5), which is part of the outer surface of the entire body (1), an inner surface (6), which is part of the inner surface of the entire body (1), as well as a pair of boundary surfaces (7, 8), which extend from the outer surface (5) to the inner surface (6). Holes (11) are produced by machining at least one of the bounding surfaces (7, 8) adjacent partial bodies (2′, 2″). Each hole (11) extends from the outer surface (5) to the inner surface (6) along said at least one boundary surface (7, 8). The thus machined partial bodies (2, 2′, 2″) are fixedly attached to each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for x-raying a semiconductor device which includes semiconductor material and conductive material, the apparatus including a source of x-rays, a filter for receiving x-rays from the source of x-rays and allowing transmission of x-rays to the device, the filter having an atomic number greater than the atomic number of the conductive material of the device, and an x-ray imager for receiving x-rays from the device.

Abstract: A tungsten-precursor composite having a polymer matrix and a tungsten precursor therein. The tungsten precursor may be tungsten oxide, ammonium paratungstate, ammonium metatungstate or other precursor or combination of tungsten precursors. The polymer may be any of a very wide range of materials or combinations thereof. Binder, secondary fillers or other third components may be added. By means of use of various tungsten precursors, polymers, and third components, the physical, radiological and electrical properties of the finished products may be tailored to achieve desired properties. In addition, the invention teaches that radiation shielding, insulators, and combined radiation shield/insulators may be fashioned from the composite. A wide range of production methods may be employed, including but not limited to liquid resin casting.

Abstract: The invention provides a miniaturized multi-foil object for use in a laboratory environment and other practical applications that require small or portable and/or disposable high energy radiation optics. Specifically, the invention finds utility in high energy lithographic systems, such as X-ray or EUV lithography, as a condenser optic or in topographic systems. In lithographic systems, the present invention exhibits square symmetry, a relatively large aperture size, and disposability. Additionally, the multi-foil optic of the invention provides a high throughput efficiency.

Abstract: The invention relates to a collimator (1) for limiting a bundle of high-energy rays (2), which is emitted by a substantially point-like radiation source (3) and directed towards a treatment object (20) and used in particular for the stereotactic conformation radiotherapy of tumors. According to the invention the collimator (1) comprises a plurality of diaphragm leaves (4, 4′) which are arranged opposite each other and which are made of a radiation-absorbing material and which, by means of drive mechanisms, can be moved into the optical path in such a way that the contours and/or exposure period of said optical path can be freely defined, the front edges (5, 5′) of the diaphragm leaves (4, 4′) being parallel to the optical path at all times.

Abstract: A device for generating helical electron beams that can be used for radiation therapy is disclosed. The device contains a tertiary collimating cone that can be attached to a gantry of a linear accelerator or placed directly below the gantry. The tertiary collimating cone has a dynamic energy compensator and a magnetic electron collimator to modify the energy of electrons and to generate a helical trajectory. A multileaf collimator may be present within the tertiary collimating cone. A computer coordinates the movements of various components. The helical electron beam produced by this device can be targeted to tumors better and safer and reduce the amount of radiation hitting normal tissue than current devices.

Abstract: Servocontrol is achieved on a radiation detector that controls a motor (7) that makes a rod (9) slide, tilting a mobile portion (12) of an absorbing enclosure (2) to open or close a collimation slit (3) and adjust the amount of radiation received by the detection solid (1) to an ideal value for measurement precision. This device can be used particularly in gamma spectrometry.

Abstract: A shutter for use with a light source is provided. The shutter includes a first section that has an inner receiving surface for receiving at least part of a reflector liner. A second section is present and has an inner receiving surface for receiving at least part of the reflector liner. The second section is removably securable to the first section. The sections cooperate to provide adequate force to the reflector liner to cause the reflector liner to be retained on the inner receiving surfaces between engaging projections on the sections during attachment between the first and second sections. Detachment of the second section from the first section allows for the removal of the reflector liner from the receiving surfaces.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for treating a target volume with a particle beam, in particular a proton beam, which consists in generating said particle beam using an accelerator and in producing from said beam a narrow spot directed towards the target volume, characterized in that said spot sweeping speed and the particle beam intensity are simultaneously varied.

Abstract: A structure and method for changing or controlling the thermal emissivity of the surface of an object in situ, and thus, changing or controlling the radiative heat transfer between the object and its environment in situ, is disclosed. Changing or controlling the degree of blackbody behavior of the object is accomplished by changing or controlling certain physical characteristics of a cavity structure on the surface of the object. The cavity structure, defining a plurality of cavities, may be formed by selectively removing material(s) from the surface, selectively adding a material(s) to the surface, or adding an engineered article(s) to the surface to form a new radiative surface. The physical characteristics of the cavity structure that are changed or controlled include cavity area aspect ratio, cavity longitudinal axis orientation, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: In order to provide an aperture position adjusting mechanism in an X-ray CT system with low cost and high accuracy to enable stable reconstruction of X-ray tomographic images, a first shaft (23) is provided with a bore (23a) at a position offset from a center axis, and is rotatably supported by a base plate (20) orthogonally to a pair of rails (21a, 21b). A second shaft (25) is received and is rotatably supported within the bore (23a) through the first shaft (23). The aperture (6) is moved along the rails (21a, 21b) as the second shaft (25) is eccentrically rotated by a motor (7) and, following the eccentric rotation and in a direction opposite to that of the rotation, the first shaft (23) is eccentrically rotated around the center axis of the bore (23a).

Abstract: This invention has the ability to create Fourier-based images with only two grid pairs. The two grid pairs are manipulated in a manner that allows (1) a first grid pair to provide multiple real components of the Fourier-based image and (2) a second grid pair to provide multiple imaginary components of the Fourier-based image. The novelty of this invention resides in the use of only two grid pairs to provide the same imaging information that has been traditionally collected with multiple grid pairs.

Abstract: A radiation shield device (100) and method, the apparatus comprising either an absorbing shield (130), a scattering shield (200) or an absorbing and scattering shield (300) arranged in a processing tool (50) that irradiates a workpiece (70) with high-irradiance radiation (80) from a light source (78). The processing tool has a tool portion (66) having an irradiance damage threshold (IDT). The radiation shield device is designed to intercept a portion of the high-irradiance radiation that would otherwise be incident the tool portion, and to ensure that radiation exiting the particular shield comprising the radiation shield device and incident the tool portion has an irradiance below the tool portion irradiance damage threshold. The method includes using the radiation shield device in processing a workpiece using a processing tool.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for eliminating electromagnetic waves which consists essentially of an electromagnetic-wave trapping means comprising mainly a coil, and a discharge means made on the opposite end to the basement of the trapping means, wherein the coil having a diameter which gradually decreases from the basement to the opposite end of the trapping means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a displacement-detecting element (1) comprising a measuring resistance (2), voltage source (3) and a displacement-dependent voltage pick off (4). The measuring resistance (2) is embodied in the form of a strip. The length of the resistor (6) corresponds to at least the maximal length of displacement (7) of the component to be detected. The invention also relates to a multileaf collimator (23) having such a displacement-detecting element (1). The aim of the invention is to produce a displacement-detecting element (a) for detecting the position of the leaves (22) in a multileaf collimator (23) in a precise and faultless manner.

Abstract: A system, for the nuclear imaging of the breast, comprising: at least one gamma camera, of a size appropriate for the scanning of a breast, having a radiation detecting surface, which detects gamma radiation and provides data signals responsive to radiation from the breast; a collimator, positioned over the reception surface; a gantry on which the radiation detector is mounted and which provides rotational movement of the radiation detection surface around the axis of the breast; and a computer which receives and analyzes the data signals and constructs an image of radiation sources therefrom.

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 fusion device consisting of two colliding ion beams, each produced by a high power, femtosecond regime, chirped pulsed amplification (CPA) laser acceleration device. The CPA laser creates an ionized plasma and subsequently accelerates electrons to multi-MeV energies, thus creating electric fields due to separation of electrons and ions, of sufficient magnitude to accelerate the plasma ions to energies ranging from multi-keV to multi-MeV levels. The magnetic fields created by the laser pulses, as well as the electrons and/or ions, also helps confine the ions to the region of the size of the laser beam focal spot diameter, and thus enhance the collision probability of the counter-streaming ions and provide a sizable population of fusion events. Ion beam generation by high powered, short pulse CPA lasers has been previously demonstrated in thin foil targets.

Abstract: An improved method, system, and apparatus for tuning a particle accelerator is provided which includes tuning side cavities while placing adjancent cavities in a de-tuned condition. A conductor is positioned such that a primary cavity under test is minimally excited, while adjacent side cavities are excited. Coupled modes are measured. The primary cavity is tuned based on the measured coupled modes. According to the invention, this tuning is accomplished without use of access ports to the interior of the side cavities.

Abstract: The present invention provides an increased degree of uniformity of radiation dose distribution for the interior of a diseased part. A particle beam therapy system includes a charged particle beam generation apparatus and an irradiation apparatus. An ion beam is generated by the charged particle beam generation apparatus. The irradiation apparatus exposes a diseased part to the generated ion beam. A scattering device, a range adjustment device, and a Bragg peak spreading device are installed upstream of a first scanning magnet and a second scanning magnet. The scattering device and the range adjustment device are combined together and moved along a beam axis, whereas the Bragg peak spreading device is moved independently along the beam axis. The scattering device moves to adjust the degree of ion beam scattering. The range adjustment device moves to adjust ion beam scatter changes caused by an absorber thickness adjustment.

Abstract: An apparatus for the in-situ detection of ions in a beam of an ion implanter device includes a mass spectrometer device having inner and outer walls and, a system for generating and directing an ion implant beam through the mass spectrometer device. The mass spectrometer device generates a magnetic field for directing ions of the ion implant beam of a desirable type through an aperture for implanting into a semiconductor wafer, and causing ions of undesirable type to collide with the inner or outer wall. For in-situ detection, a detector device is disposed on the inner and outer walls of the mass spectrometer for detecting the undesirable type of ions deflected. In one embodiment, the detector device comprises electronic sensor devices for detecting a concentration of the undesirable type ions which comprise undesirable elements and compounds.

Abstract: An apparatus for expeditiously irradiating an object with ultraviolet radiation at a selected UV wavelength. The apparatus includes a plurality of ultraviolet sources, each emitting radiation at a first wave length. The UV sources are mounted within a housing that also supports one or more conversion plates that can be interposed between the UV sources and the specimen and function to convert the UV to a second wavelength.

Abstract: An apparatus for simulating a blackbody utilizes several plates to absorb and reflect electromagnetic radiation. Electromagnetic radiation entering the apparatus from a certain view is reflected from one plate to another, until the direction of travel of the electromagnetic radiation is reversed. Each time the electromagnetic radiation is reflected, the majority of the electromagnetic radiation is absorbed resulting in a negligible amount of incoming electromagnetic radiation escaping the apparatus.

Abstract: A multilayer reflective optic or mirror for lithographic applications, and particularly extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography, having a surface or “capping” layer which in combination with incident radiation and gaseous molecular species such as O2, H2, H2O provides for continuous cleaning of carbon deposits from the optic surface. The metal capping layer is required to be oxidation resistant and capable of transmitting at least 90% of incident EUV radiation. Materials for the capping layer include Ru, Rh, Pd, Ir, Pt and Au and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A test system having a shielded enclosure and common air interface for testing the transmit and receive functionality of wireless communication devices such as mobile phones. A test system according to the present invention provides improved fault coverage by permitting robust testing of the entire signal path of a wireless device, including the antenna structure. In one embodiment of the invention, an RF-shielded enclosure having a test chamber is provided. The structure of the shielded enclosure blocks ambient RF energy from entering the test chamber and interfering with testing operations. The shielded enclosure may be lined with an RF absorbing material to improve test repeatability. A novel test antenna structure is disposed in the test chamber for wirelessly communicating test signals to a device under test.

Abstract: A shielded packaging system is formed by a top panel and a bottom panel that are connected to one another along a preselected extent of their respective peripheral edges. An opening is formed along the unconnected extent and provides access to the space between the panels that holds radioactive items. Each panel includes at least two layers of lead foil so that if a pinhole is formed in either layer, the probability of two pinholes lining up and enabling radiation to escape from the space is minimal. The layers of lead foil have at least one ridge formed in them at their respective peripheral edges so that radiation traveling in a straight path parallel to the top and bottom panels encounters the ridges and cannot escape through the edges of the package.

Abstract: The invention makes possible to increase the degree of radiation focusing by the lens, to use particles of higher energies, and to increase the coefficients, depending on these factors, of the devices, the lens is used in. Thus the sublens 18 of the least degree of integration represents a package of the channels 5, which is growing out of joint drawing and forming the capillaries, which are laid in a bundle. The sublens of each higher degree of integration represents a package of sublenses of the previous degree of integration, which is growing out of their joint drawing and forming. The sublenses are growing out of performing the said operations at the pressure of the gaseous medium inside the channels being higher than the pressure in the space between the sublenses of the previous degree of integration and at the temperature of their material softening and splicing the walls.

Abstract: A system, method, apparatus, and means for verifying an electron treatment field include positioning an image detector, and operating the image detector to detect an image created by photons generated in the delivery of an electron treatment beam. The image is manipulated to generate a representation of the electron treatment field.

Abstract: An apparatus for altering the radiation intensity delivered from a radiation source has a plate member for holding a plurality of radiation modulating devices. A frame member is coupled to the radiation source for holding the plate member between the radiation source and a target area. The frame member allows the plate member to rotate within the frame member so different radiation modulating devices may be positioned between the radiation source and the target area to alter the radiation intensity delivered.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of checking the beam guidance of an ion beam therapy system that comprises a grid scanner device, arranged in a beam guidance system (6, 8), having vertical deflection means (13) and horizontal deflection means (14) for the vertical and horizontal deflection of a treatment beam (11) perpendicular to its beam direction, with the result that the treatment beam (11) is deflected by the grid scanner device to an isocentre (10) of the irradiation site, and a specific area surrounding the isocentre (10) is scanned, wherein redundancy means are used for a redundant termination of extraction and their functionality is checked and checking of the ability of beam guidance dipoles in the beam guidance to connect and disconnect is carried out.

Abstract: A combination shutter and attenuator disk assembly for use in an imaging apparatus includes a circular disk that has a circular attenuation portion which surrounds a rotational axis of the disk, and circular shutter portion that surrounds the circular attenuating portion. The circular attenuation portion is divided into at least a variety of attenuating sections. The assembly also includes a movement device that includes a shutter cylinder for linearly moving the disk between shuttered and attenuated positions, and a rotatable motor that is adapted to rotate the disk to a desired attenuation section of the disk.

Abstract: A bag (10) for transporting radioactive flood sources and the like is formed from a lightweight, multi-layer sheet material comprising a layer (42) of a high-Z, radiation shielding material sandwiched between inner and outer layers (46, 40) of protective material. The radiation shielding material is preferably formed from a lead or tungsten composite comprising a lead or tungsten powder dispersed in a polymer matrix, such as a lead/vinyl composite. The flexible bag is lightweight, allowing the flood shield to be transported easily by handles (26, 28), without the need for maneuvering the bag along the floor on wheels.