Abstract: An apparatus and method for irradiation of fluid with electromagnetic radiation, and in particular to an apparatus and method for irradiation of blood or other body fluids with ultraviolet radiation is provided. The apparatus (1) comprises a housing (2) having disposed therein at least one mount (6) adapted for receiving an ultraviolet radiation source (7) and at least one holder (8) adapted for receiving a container of the fluid. The housing (2) is adapted for operability between a first position, wherein the container (9) may be placed in the holder (8) and a second position, wherein the housing (2) may form a capsule. The apparatus further comprises a control assembly for powering the ultraviolet radiation source (7). At least a portion of the inner surface of the housing (2) is capable of reflecting the ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: Container for storing environmental dangerous materials, particularly for lasting deposit of nuclear waste material. The container is cast of a mineral material, particularly concrete. The container has a restricted opening (12) provided for inserting a closing plug (34). The container is prepared as an integral element without material transitions or seams. It has recesses or knobs (16) in the inner wall.

Abstract: A transport/storage cask for a radioactive material has an inner shell, an outer shell and a circular gamma ray shielding layer and a circular neutron shielding layer both of which are placed between the inner shell and the outer shell. The gamma ray shielding layer is formed by aligning a plurality of gamma ray shielding blocks composed of lead in a block shape in the circumferential direction. The entire gamma ray shielding block in the axial direction is covered with a copper tube having a higher elasticity limit than the gamma ray shielding block. In the above transport/storage cask, the gamma ray shielding layer composed of lead or a lead alloy is not easily deformed.

Abstract: A radioactive source information tracking and reporting system and method is disclosed. The system and method include a device operable to detect a presence of a radioactive source contained within a shielded container. The device is further operable to detect a location of the shielded container. A message is generated and transmitted to a central facility. The message includes a shielded container identifier, a location of the shielded container, and an indication of the presence of the radioactive source.

Abstract: A method of disposing of radioactive waste comprising the steps of: providing a pressure-equalizing container; filling the pressure-equalizing container with radioactive waste; and burying the waste filled container in a subduction fault region of the earth's crust. For a preferred embodiment of the process, the waste filled containers are buried in the mud on the ocean floor in a subduction fault region. Preferably, the containers are placed on the ocean side of the fault, rather than the continental shelf side. The pressure-equalizing container is preferably fabricated from stainless steel, with a lead seal, although containers fabricated from ceramic materials may also be used. The waste-filled containers are transported by ship to the area above a subduction fault, and an unpressurized, remote-controlled “submarine crawler” takes a number of containers to the ocean floor and buries them there, individually, in the mud or sediments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shielding wall (12) with a puncture-resistant shield for a container (1), said wall (12) comprising support means (20) as well as the following respective stacked elements (24, 26, 28, 30, 32): an outer plate (24); a first dampening layer (26); an intermediate plate (28); a second dampening layer (30); an inner plate (32). According to the invention, the intermediate plate (28) is positioned non-rigidly with respect to the support means (20). The invention likewise relates to a container (1) comprising at least one shielding wall (12) such as the one described above. Application to the field of transporting/storing nuclear materials.

Abstract: The invention is directed to improved containers for pharmaceuticals and any tubing and tubing connectors associated therewith, particularly containers for pharmaceuticals which are irradiated, heated or otherwise subjected to increased pressure. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is directed to an improved container for use in a radioisotope generator, such as a rubidium-82 generator.

Abstract: A collimator that formed from a plurality of metal layers that are shaped by use of lithographic techniques in specific shapes. The formed metal layers are stacked and aligned together and then connected together to form the collimator.

Abstract: Radiation shielding devices are provided herein. In particular, the devices provided herein can be adapted to shield radiation emitted by one or more radioactive brachytherapy seeds contained within, for example, a vial or a cartridge.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved positron radioactive drug radiation shielding device, which achieves savings in space required to store a canister after dismantling the device. Furthermore, a tungsten sleeve is disposed within the canister, and functions in coordination with a syringe. The tungsten sleeve is able to block radioactive radiation released by radioactive drugs contained in the syringe. Moreover, a front cover and a rear cover joined to two sides of the canister enable a hermetically-sealed space to be formed within the canister, which increases the effectiveness of blocking the amount of radiation from the canister, thereby reducing danger to the human body from the radiation.

Abstract: A container device (11) for the long-term storage of hazardous material, particularly for the ultimate disposal of nuclear fuel, comprises at least one elongate, cylindrical first containment body (A) having walls defining a first compartment (14) for accommodating at least one hazardous-material body (F) formed by the hazardous material or containing or supporting the hazardous material. The first compartment (14) comprises support means for supporting the hazardous-material body centrally in the first compartment and spaced from the walls thereof. The container device also comprises an elongate, cylindrical second containment body (B) having walls defining a cylindrical second compartment (22). The second compartment (22) comprises support means for supporting the first containment body (A) centrally in the second containment body (B) and spaced from the walls thereof.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical pig is used to transport a syringe containing a liquid radiopharmaceutical from a radiopharmacy to a medical facility for administration to a patient. The pharmaceutical pig includes an elongate polymer cap that is removably attached to an elongate polymer base. The elongate polymer cap includes a cap shell that completely encloses a cap shielding element and the elongate polymer base includes a base shell that completely encloses a base shielding element. Preferably the polymer utilized for the cap shell and the base shell is polycarbonate resin, e.g., LEXAN®. An inner liner is not utilized and the cap shielding element and the base shielding element, which are preferably, but not necessarily, made of lead, are completely sealed and unexposed.

Abstract: In the metal billet to be used for hot dilation forming, a forward side with respect to the pressing direction has a quadrate section and its diagonal length is not more than an inner diameter of a container. Moreover, a backward side with respect to the pressing direction has a circular section and its diameter is substantially same as the inner diameter of the container. The metal billet is heated to a temperature suitable for press working and is set into a container for press forming. While a center of a workpiece of the metal billet is being bored by a boring punch to be operated by a pressing machine, the metal billet is hot-dilated so that a bottomed container for a cask is formed.

Abstract: An unirradiated nuclear fuel assembly component transport system that includes a clamshell-type inner liner that opens either along its axial dimension or from the top to load and unload the fuel assembly being transported. The exterior dimensions of the liner conform to a generic overpack tubular container that protects the liner from impact loads and fires.

Abstract: A radiation-shielding container for storing a syringe includes a body assembly and a cap assembly securable to the body assembly such that first and second chamber portions define a chamber for storing the syringe. The body assembly includes a body shield formed of radiation shielding material, a body shell that defines a first cavity having an open end for receiving the body shield and defines a first chamber portion for receiving a portion of the syringe, wherein an inner wall of the body shell separates the first cavity and the first chamber portion, and a body plug secured to the body shell to cover the open end of the first cavity and retain the body shield within the first cavity.

Abstract: A collimator that formed from a plurality of metal layers that are shaped by use of lithographic techniques in specific shapes. The formed metal layers are stacked and aligned together and then connected together to form the collimator.

Abstract: In the metal billet to be used for hot dilation forming, a forward side with respect to the pressing direction has a quadrate section and its diagonal length is not more than an inner diameter of a container. Moreover, a backward side with respect to the pressing direction has a circular section and its diameter is substantially same as the inner diameter of the container. The metal billet is heated to a temperature suitable for press working and is set into a container for press forming. While a center of a workpiece of the metal billet is being bored by a boring punch to be operated by a pressing machine, the metal billet is hot-dilated so that a bottomed container for a cask is formed.

Abstract: A cementitious container that has a low-frequency radio tag containing the container's pedigree and history. The container is used for storage of hazardous waste are disclosed having an inner layer of substantially unhydrated cement in contact with the hazardous waste and an outer layer of hydrated cement. Cementitious hazardous waste containers may be prepared by compressing powdered hydraulic cement around solid hazardous waste materials as well as the encapsulated radio tag that uses low frequency communication. This makes it possible to read and write information though the wall of the container as during transportation to a storage site. Once placed at the storage site, the pedigree, (history contents, Chain of Possession, Proof of delivery, weight), may be checked and verified by reading the tag on a regular basis, (once an hour), to confirm the vessel is intact and has not been moved.

Abstract: A radiation containment system includes a vessel for storing a radioactive package, the vessel including an outer wall defining an interior area, and a shield formed of radiation shielding material. The shield is positioned adjacent the vessel for minimizing dispersal of radioactive material from the interior area of the vessel.

Abstract: A long-term storage container (1) for storage of radioactive material to inhibit radioactive radiation therefrom to the outside of the container, the top of said container to be closed by a screw-on radioactive radiation inhibiting lid (7), said container having an integral inner container part (2; 34; 62; 62?) of a first material, e.g. plastic material, an integral outer container part (3; 43; 69) of a second material, e.g. plastic material, and radioactive radiation inhibiting material (4; 38; 68) in an inter-space between the walls and bottoms of said inner and outer container parts. To fill the inter-space an inter-space container part (4; 38; 68) is integrally moulded through injection or pressure moulding and then fitted onto the inner container part (2; 34; 62; 62?) to subsequently mould the outer container part (3; 43; 69) onto the outside of the inter-space container part (4; 38; 68). A specially made container lid (7) is provided.

Abstract: Abstract A container device (11) for the long-term storage of hazardous material F), particularly for use for the ultimate disposal of nuclear fuel, comprises a plurality of containment bodies (A, B, C, D), placed successively one with in the other. Each containment body comprises a casing wall and an upper and a lower end wall and has a compartment defined by these walls. The innermost containment body (A) holds the hazardous material and each of the other containment bodies B, C, D) contains a respective next inner containment body (A, B, C). Self-compacting concrete is used to fill the spaces between the containment bodies.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for providing additional radiation shielding to a container holding radioactive materials. The invention utilizes a sleeve-like structure that is slid over a container holding high level radioactive materials to add radiation shielding protection. Because the sleeve-like structure and container are non-unitary and slidably separable from one another, crane lifting capacity is not affected.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to reducing exposure to radiation while handling a radiopharmaceutical capsule. Specifically, in some embodiments, a substantially elongated handling device is disclosed that may be inserted into a radiation shielding enclosure that holds a radiopharmaceutical container having the radiopharmaceutical capsule disposed therein. The handling device may be connected to the radiopharmaceutical container, and the radiopharmaceutical container may then be removed from the radiation shielding enclosure via the handling device.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for accessing a radiation shielded enclosure at least partially made of a radiation shielding material. For example, some systems of the invention include a radiation shielded receptacle configured to receive a radiopharmaceutical and a cover that is removably disposable across an opening into the receptacle. A counter-force mechanism may be biasingly coupled to the receptacle or the cover or a combination thereof. This counter-force mechanism may be said to exhibit a range of positions including a closed position, in which the cover is disposed across the opening, and an open position, in which the opening is uncovered.

Abstract: The invention, is directed to a system including a shielded container (16), a radioisotope generator disposed within the shielded container, and an elution supply mechanism. The elution supply mechanism may include an eluant supply container (4) at least partially external to the shielded container (16), a conduit (10) extending between an inlet (20) of the radioisotope generator and an outlet (6, 8) of the eluant supply container, and an eluant visualization portal.

Abstract: The presently described embodiments use a printing process, e.g. a wax printing technique, to pattern a mask layer (such as a soldermask layer) of, for example, a printed circuit. Substantially all other conventional processes in developing soldermask and exposure processes can be maintained. According to the presently described embodiments, each printed circuit will have a unique pattern that matches uniform and non-uniform runout. In one form, the pattern is comprised of wax single drops having a specified gap to make the process transparent to the current industry practice. Furthermore, the single drops can be used for both large and small areas without any development time differences. In at least one form, the wax pattern and the soldermask in the gap are removed during development.

Abstract: The invention, in one characterization, may be said to be directed to a radiopharmaceutical system that may be utilized in radioisotope elution procedures. In some embodiments, the system may include a radioisotope generator assembly having a radiation shield with a receptacle and a cover disposed over the receptacle. The system may also include a radioisotope generator disposed in the receptacle below the cover. Some embodiments of the system may include an eluate extraction mechanism having an eluate conduit fluidly coupled to a hollow output needle of the radioisotope generator, and a radiation shielded housing disposed outside the radiation shield. The eluate extraction mechanism also may include a hollow needle fluidly coupled to the eluate conduit opposite the radioisotope generator, wherein the hollow needle is disposed inside the radiation shielded housing.

Abstract: According to at least one aspect, the present invention is directed a radiation-shielding container for holding a radiopharmaceutical syringe including a needle and a syringe cap covering the needle. This radiation-shielding container is equipped with what may be characterized as a cap retainer for selectively holding the syringe cap. The syringe cap may be held by the cap retainer so that an open end of the cap is oriented for insertion of the needle into the cap. The radiopharmaceutical syringe may be used to administer a radiopharmaceutical to a patient and thereby result in what is commonly referred to as a spent radiopharmaceutical syringe. The hypodermic needle of the spent radiopharmaceutical syringe may be inserted into the syringe cap while the syringe cap is held by the cap retainer to secure the syringe cap to the syringe.

Abstract: In the metal billet to be used for hot dilation forming, a forward side with respect to the pressing direction has a quadrate section and its diagonal length is not more than an inner diameter of a container. Moreover, a backward side with respect to the pressing direction has a circular section and its diameter is substantially same as the inner diameter of the container. The metal billet is heated to a temperature suitable for press working and is set into a container for press forming. While a center of a workpiece of the metal billet is being bored by a boring punch to be operated by a pressing machine, the metal billet is hot-dilated so that a bottomed container for a cask is formed.

Abstract: An unirradiated nuclear fuel assembly component transport system that includes a clamshell-type inner liner that opens either along its axial dimension or from the top to load and unload the fuel assembly being transported. The exterior dimensions of the liner conform to a generic overpack tubular container that protects the liner from impact loads and fires.

Abstract: In one characterization, the present invention relates to a radiation-shielding assembly for holding a container having a radioactive material disposed therein. The assembly may, at least in one regard, be referred to as an elution shield and/or a dispensing shield. The assembly includes a body at least partially defining a cavity. There is at least one opening through the body into the cavity. The assembly may include a cap that at least generally hinders escape of radiation from the assembly through the opening. The cap may be releasably attached to the body in one orientation and may establish non-attached engagement with the body in another orientation. The assembly may include an adjustable spacer system for adapting the assembly for use with containers having different heights.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is directed to a system for power filling a syringe with a radiopharmaceutical from a vial while attempting to provide low exposure to radiation, and thereafter, power injecting the radiopharmaceutical. A radiation-shielded container of the system generally holds the vial. A filling and injecting device of the system generally includes a mounting structure adapted to support the syringe with a needle of the syringe located in the vial. An electromechanical drive of the system may be commanded by a control to pull a syringe plunger through a controlled motion, thereby filling the syringe.

Abstract: A radio-pharmaceutical transport system includes a pig and a disposable plastic insert. Together, the pig and the disposable plastic insert provide a mechanism for transporting a syringe containing a dose of a radio-pharmaceutical composition. The pig includes a tungsten cylinder that defines an elongated cavity therein that is substantially coaxial with the tungsten cylinder. The cavity is of sufficient size to receive therein a syringe. The tungsten cylinder has a thickness sufficient to shield users from a PET radio-pharmaceutical without requiring additional shielding. The disposable plastic insert is disposed within the cavity and includes an elongated plastic envelope.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a long-term storage container for storage of radioactive material to inhibit radioactive radiation therefrom, said container having a bottom and upright wall extending therefrom, the top of said container to be closed by a screw-on radioactive radiation inhibiting lid, said container having an integral inner container part of plastic material with a bottom and upright wall, an integral outer container part of plastic material with a bottom and upright wall, and radioactive radiation inhibiting material in an inter space between the walls and bottoms of said inner and outer container parts. To fill the inter space an inter space container part is integrally molded through injection or pressure molding and then fitted to either the inner container part to subsequently mold the outer container part, or fitted inside the outer container part to subsequently mold the inner container part.

Abstract: A protective cover and radionuclide generator assembly. The cover protecting inlet and outlet connections disposed on the radionuclide generator. The radionuclide generator having a distal end having a generally flat top surface. The protective cover removably fixed at the distal end and positioned over the generally flat top surface. The protective cover engaging with the radionuclide generator and providing an interference fit. The interference fit preventing the removal of the cover from the radionuclide generator, unless so desired by a user. The cover being made from a radioactive resistant polypropylene.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved high dosage radioactive drug subpackaging shielding device, which allows for transversal rotational movements by means of a disk, while outer grooves of support posts hook into inner grooves of long supports, thereby enabling longitudinal rotational adjustments of a drug canister disposed on the long supports. Position of the canister is fixed with a screw down device after making transversal rotational adjustments, and a catch device functioning in coordination with a round-hole perforated disk enables fixing the angle of the canister after making longitudinal rotational adjustments. Furthermore, hook grooves of a carry support are used to hook into inner grooves of support posts, thereby facilitating a user to conveniently detach and transport the canister, and enables the human body to avoid coming in direct contact with the canister containing radioactive drugs, thus preventing radioactive radiation from endangering the human body.

Abstract: A method and system (2100) are provided for dispensing radiation to a patient from a location internal to the patient.

Abstract: A container (10) for fissile material comprises an inner annular shaped receptacle (12) contained within an outer annular enclosure (14). The receptacle (12) and the enclosure (14) define an inner chamber (16) surrounded by an outer chamber (18). A closure mechanism (20) fastens the receptacle (12) to the enclosure (14) and seals there between. Two opposing openings (22) are provided in the top of the container (10) to allow fissile material to be introduced into and removed from the inner chamber (16). The openings (22) are shielded by flanges (24) and vented caps (23) seal the openings (22). The annular container (10) is impact resistance. The outer chamber (18) acts as a buffer to protect the inner chamber (16). If the outer chamber (18) ruptures the fissile contents of the inner chamber (16) are contained. The outer chamber (18) also acts to contain any spillage of the fissile material in the event that the inner receptacle (12) fails.

Abstract: A container (10) for fissile material comprises an inner annular shaped receptacle (12) contained within an outer annular enclosure (14). The receptacle (12) and the enclosure (14) define an inner chamber (16) surrounded by an outer chamber (18). A closure mechanism (20) fastens the receptacle (12) to the enclosure (14) and seals there between. Two opposing openings (22) are provided in the top of the container (10) to allow fissile material to be introduced into and removed from the inner chamber (16). The openings (22) are shielded by flanges (24) and vented caps (23) seal the openings (22). The annular container (10) is impact resistance. The outer chamber (18) acts as a buffer to protect the inner chamber (16). If the outer chamber (18) ruptures the fissile contents of the inner chamber (16) are contained. The outer chamber (18) also acts to contain any spillage of the fissile material in the event that the inner receptacle (12) fails.

Abstract: A syringe shield for protecting a user from radiation emanating from a radioactive liquid disposed within an enclosed syringe. In a preferred embodiment the syringe shield includes a tungsten component housing or barrel fitted with a yieldable grip and a lead glass window for receiving the vial of a syringe containing the radioactive material. A barrel lock fits over the syringe vial and engages the syringe entry end of the barrel, such that resilient fingers provided on the barrel lock engage a barrel taper in the barrel and bend inwardly from an extended configuration to grip the syringe vial and maintain the syringe in position inside the barrel. The barrel lock can be friction-fitted or threaded in the receiving end of the barrel or it may be provided with a bayonet coupling pin which engages a companion bayonet slot in the barrel to close the barrel lock on the barrel such that the fingers tightly, yet removably, engage the syringe vial in a compression fit.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a fiber-reinforced concrete cask that ensures easy working, enables reducing working cost, excels in strength, durability and heat resistance and enables minimizing cracking; a process for fabrication of the same; and a supporting frame for molding the concrete cask. In particular, concrete cask (10) formed through injecting and solidification of concrete (11) is characterized in that sheets of reinforcement fibers having a thermal expansion coefficient equal to or lower than that of concrete (11) are provided on at least the outer circumferential surface and the inner circumferential surface of the concrete cask (10) and that the inner circumferential surface of outer sheet (21) and the outer circumferential surface of inner sheet (22) are connected with each other by strings of reinforcement fibers (23). Preferably, carbon fibers are used as the reinforcement fibers.

Abstract: A transport or storage cask comprises a cask body, a modular thermal conducting and shielding system and a mechanical attachment. The modular thermal conducting and shielding system includes a modular fin and a modular neutron shield. The mechanical attachment retains the modular thermal conducting and shielding system to the cask body. The modular fin is disposed between the modular neutron shield and the cask body. The modular fin is capable of dissipating thermal energy from the cask body.

Abstract: A urethane based polymer composition is provided that exhibits superior shielding properties during and after exposure to high level radiation. The composite is formed by mixing a liquid isocyanate monomer, preferably 4,4?-diisocyanate monomer with a liquid phenolic resin, preferably phenol formaldehyde resin, and a phosphate ester flame retardant. An optional pyridine catalyst may be added to shorten the cure time. The resulting composition cures at room temperature and can be utilized in several manners, including spraying or pouring the composition prior to curing over radioactive material to prevent leakage of radiation. The uncured composite can be sprayed on the walls of a room or container to prevent leakage of radiation and can also be used to contain radiation prior to demolition. The uncured composite can also be molded into bricks or panels for use in construction.

Abstract: An apparatus to control transmission of an electromagnetic radiation generated by a radiation source of a radiation generator is provided. The radiation source includes an anode opposite a cathode. The apparatus comprises at least one printed circuit board assembly fastened at the anode of the radiation generator. The printed circuit board assembly comprises at least one first layer that includes a conduit to receive a mechanical device attaching the anode at the at least one first layer.

Abstract: A system and method for storing high level waste. In one aspect, the invention is a system comprising: an inner shell forming a cavity for receiving high level waste, the cavity having a top and a bottom; an outer shell surrounding the inner shell so as to form a space between the inner shell and the outer shell; at least one opening in the inner shell at or near the bottom of the cavity, the at least one opening forming a passageway from the space into the cavity; a lid positioned atop the inner and outer shells, the lid having at least one inlet vent forming a passageway from an ambient atmosphere to the space and at least one outlet vent forming a passageway from the cavity to the ambient atmosphere. In another aspect, the invention is a method of using the system to store high level waste. In yet another aspect, the invention does not require the aforementioned lid but further comprises a floor plate wherein the inner and outer shells rest atop and are connected to the floor plate.

Abstract: A transfer cask for maximizing the radiation shielding for spent nuclear fuel during cask transfer procedures has a cylindrical inner shell forming a cavity within which a spent nuclear fuel canister can be placed; a cylindrical outer shell concentric with and surrounding the inner shell to form an annulus with the inner shell, the annulus adapted for receiving gamma absorbing material; a jacket shell concentric with and surrounding the second shell to form a jacket for holding a neutron absorbing liquid; the jacket shell having filling and drainage systems; and a removable bottom lid so that a canister can be lowered from the cavity into a transport cask or permanent storage cask.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container (1) for radioactive materials comprising a main hollow body (2) as well as a cover (6) made of at least one first metallic material, the cover being capable of being fixed on the main hollow body by means of sealing means (26) made of a second metallic material poured into a groove (24) defined by the cover and the main hollow body of the container. According to the invention, the cover (6) and the main hollow body (2) are made solid with the sealing means (26) by means of a bonding zone (28), formed by chemical reaction between the first and second metallic materials. The invention likewise concerns a process for closing of such a container (1).

Abstract: A radiation-shielding container for storing a syringe includes a base assembly, a sleeve and a cap assembly securable to the base assembly. The base assembly includes a body portion defining a chamber portion for receiving the syringe and including a base portion coupled to the body portion. The base portion includes a radiation shield and a shell positioned proximate an outer surface of the radiation shield. The sleeve configured for receiving a portion of the syringe is housed within the chamber portion and releasably secured to the base assembly. The cap assembly defines a second chamber portion for receiving the syringe and includes a radiation shield and a shell positioned proximate an outer surface of the radiation shield.

Abstract: A radio-pharmaceutical pig for transporting a syringe containing a radio-pharmaceutical includes a first cylindrical member having a first tungsten body defining a first cavity therein. A second cylindrical member has a second tungsten body defining a second cavity therethrough and is capable of engagement with the first cylindrical member so that the first cavity is in substantial alignment with the second cavity. A third cylindrical member includes a third tungsten body defining a third cavity and is capable of engagement with the second cylindrical member so that the third cavity is in substantial alignment with the second cavity. The first cavity, the second cavity and the third cavity are shaped so as to be complimentary in shape of the syringe.

Abstract: The invention is based, in part, on the discovery that by combining certain components one can generate a tissue-like phantom that mimics any desired tissue, is simple and inexpensive to prepare, and is stable over many weeks or months. In addition, new multi-modal imaging objects (e.g., beads) can be inserted into the phantoms to mimic tissue pathologies, such as cancer, or merely to serve as calibration standards. These objects can be imaged using one, two, or more (e.g., four) different imaging modalities (e.g., x-ray computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence) simultaneously.