Abstract: A collimator apparatus for a treatment planning machine that delivers a beam. A circular collimator defines a circular aperture for the beam. At least one movable collimator jaw is moved into the projection of the circular aperture with respect to the beam in order to eclipse a portion of the beam.

Abstract: A collimator apparatus for a treatment planning machine that delivers a beam. A circular collimator defines a circular aperture for the beam. At least one movable collimator jaw is moved into the projection of the circular aperture with respect to the beam in order to eclipse a portion of the beam.

Abstract: Mirror support means having a metal block machined with a first pair of slots shaped to receive a first pair of curved mirrors and a second pair of slots shaped to receive a second pair of curved mirrors. The block is sufficiently resiliently deformable to enable the slots to be widened to receive the mirrors and then for the mirrors to be clamped in position, the slots being accurately machined so that the mirrors are bent into their required forms of curvature. The use of a unitary block simplifies the construction and setting up of the support means for the mirrors.

Abstract: The accuracy of radiation therapy is enhanced with the blade collimator of the claimed invention. Particularly, this collimator includes a support device for supporting at least two sets of radiation attenuating blades in a single plane or layer. The blades are reciprocally movable within this support. Shaping of the therapy may be increased by constructing the blades to include a varying width increasing from the central blade toward the exterior blades.

Abstract: An x-ray imaging system according to the present invention comprising a stepped scanning-beam x-ray source and a multi-detector array. The output of the multi-detector array is input to an image reconstruction engine which combines the outputs of the multiple detectors over selected steps of the x-ray beam to generate an x-ray image of the object. A collimating element, preferably in the form of a perforated grid containing an array of apertures, interposed between the x-ray source and an object to be x-rayed. A maneuverable positioner incorporating an x-ray sensitive marker allowing the determination of the precise position coordinates of the maneuverable positioner.

Abstract: The present invention, in one form, is a scatter collimator for a computed tomography system including an x-ray source. The scatter collimator is positioned between a detector array and an object to be imaged. The scatter collimator includes a housing, a plurality of attenuating blades and a plurality of attenuating wires. The blades and wires are mounted to the housing, and oriented substantially perpendicular to each other. Particularly, the blades and wires form a two-dimensional shielding grid. The blades also are oriented so that they are radially and focally aligned with the x-ray source. A detector element of the detector array is secured to the housing so that the blades and wires are between the detector element and the x-ray source. The detector element, in one form, includes a scintillation element which is coated with a light-retaining material.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for eliminating scatter effects in x-ray imaging using two-dimensional detector arrays. The apparatus consists of, in physical order, an x-ray source, a front two-dimensional x-ray detector, a beam selector, and a rear two-dimensional x-ray detector. The subject is located between the x-ray source and front detector. The beam selector prevents scatter x-rays from reaching the rear detector. The method simultaneously solves the two interdependent problems of obtaining scatter-free x-ray images and conducting dual-energy x-ray imaging with primary x-ray data. A high-resolution composite image containing primary and scatter x-ray components is read from the front detector. A low-resolution composite image is produced from the high-resolution composite image. A pair of low-resolution primary x-ray dual-energy images is read from the rear detector. Using an improved dual-energy data decomposition method, a low-resolution primary x-ray front detector image is calculated.

Abstract: The invention claimed is a collimator for x-rays and the fabrication process for said collimator. The collimator, in its preferred embodiment, displays the general shape of a tube, having two apertures, an entrance aperture and an exit aperture. The walls of the collimator tube are not parallel to each other but rather are paraboloidal in longitudinal section. The geometry of the collimator tube is, therefore, circular in transverse cross-section and paraboloidal in longitudinal section, thereby resulting in a tube whose entrance aperture is of a smaller diameter than its exit aperture. The collimator geometry described is referred to herein as a tubular paraboloid.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for converting the beam diameter of radioactive rays and a radiating unit used in a medical stereotactic radiotherapeutic apparatus. Over a collimator base (11) symmetrical about a central axis are distributed a number set of collimators (1) of different aperture diameter. The rule of distribution of each set of collimators is the same as that of the radioactive sources (2) in the source base (4). The collimator base (11) can be rotated according to the requirement of the therapy to make a set of collimators (1) of a certain aperture diameter in alignment with the radioactive sources (2). Thus it is possible to alter the size of the beam diameter of radioactive rays. The advantages of the invention are convenience in operation, enhancement of the accuracy of positioning and the easiness of putting into practice the automatic control by a computer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel dynamic collimator which can be adapted to a linear accelerator (LINAC). The collimator is such that the shape of the jaw arrangement, and therefore the collimated beam of X radiation from the LINAC, can be changed and conformed in a very flexible and versatile way. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the collimator has three pairs of opposing, parallel jaws, each pair of jaws being moveable, under control, to open and close in variable amounts. Each set of pairs may be oriented at a 60.degree. orientation such that the open transmission area of the collimator has a hexagonal shape. Variations on this sixth jaw collimator, including larger numbers of jaws, also are included within the invention. The variety of shapes with such a variable hexagonal collimator is enormous. Irregular target volumes can be filled by beams of radiation that can be nested because of the hexagonal nature of the jaw configuration, giving it added conformal shaping capabilities.

Abstract: The invention claimed is a collimator for x-rays and the fabrication process for said collimator. The collimator, in its preferred embodiment, displays the general shape of a tube, having two apertures, an entrance aperture and an exit aperture. The walls of the collimator tube are not parallel to each other but rather are paraboloidal in longitudinal section. The geometry of the collimator tube is, therefore, circular in transverse cross-section and paraboloidal in longitudinal section, thereby resulting in a tube whose entrance aperture is of a smaller diameter than its exit aperture. The collimator geometry described is referred to herein as a tubular paraboloid.

Abstract: An apparatus, for producing scatter-free two-dimensional X-ray images and eliminating scattering effects on integrated detector arrays, includes, in physical sequence from front to back, an X-ray source, a front two-dimensional detector positioned behind a subject for detecting both primary and scatter X-rays produced from striking the subject with the source's radiation, a collimator with holes for passing a portion of the primary X-rays, and a rear two-dimensional detector for receiving this portion. A method for producing scatter-free images which includes the steps of; X-raying the subject with high and low energy, retrieving an image pair I.sub.rHl and I.sub.rLl from the rear detector, normalizing and subtracting dark signals from I.sub.rHl and I.sub.rLl to yield an image pair D.sub.rHl and D.sub.rLl, solving D.sub.rHl and D.sub.rLl to determine b and s, retrieving an image I.sub.fh from the front detector, normalizing and subtracting dark signals from I.sub.fh to yield D.sub.

Abstract: The present invention, in one form, is a pre-patient collimator for reducing patient x-ray dose during a scan with a computed tomography system. The collimator has a contoured aperture for emitting a generally rectangular shaped x-ray fan beam. The fan beam approximates the rectangular shape of x-ray detectors which gather data for producing an image.

Abstract: An X-ray collimator in an X-ray analysis apparatus, consisting of plates of X-ray absorbing material, for example tungsten, which are arranged transversely of the X-ray beam. The plates are identical and provided with a pattern of rows and columns of rectangular openings 40, 42 which have a vertical period p.sub.1 and a horizontal period p.sub.2. The openings take up an opening fraction t.sub.1 and t.sub.2 of the periods p.sub.1 and p.sub.2, respectively. The plates are arranged in the collimator in a series in which the ratio between two successive distances (d.sub.i, d.sub.i+1) between the plates of the series is equal to the given opening fractions t.sub.1 and t.sub.2 of the periods p.sub.1 and p.sub.2, respectively. It has been found that all directions in the X-ray beam are then intercepted except for the direction to be collimated. Moreover, this configuration also enables transverse collimation.

Abstract: A SPECT system includes two or more radiation detector heads (32) and (34) which are mounted opposite each other to a gantry (30) for rotation about a subject. Each detector head has a collimator (38) mounted in front of the detector head. The collimator (38) is separated into a top portion (40) and a bottom portion (42). The top portion (40) and bottom portion (42) are spaced from each other to provide a gap (44) within the collimator (38). The gap (44) receives one or more devices to provide additional functionality during a scan. The insertable devices include a transmission radiation source (52), a calibration source, a radiation filter, and others.

Abstract: A portable and preferably hand-held X-ray generator for use in intraoral and other X-ray applications, and a new process of dental image acquisition which utilizes a novel receptor holder physically linked to the lightweight, portable generator, and a unique, articulating arm and cradle which allows one generator to be used in multiple operatories. The system's generator has a reduced X-ray output and much smaller focal spot area than conventional dental X-ray generators, which reduces the X-ray output and the overall patient X-ray burden. The smaller focal spot also allows for improved resolution in the final image.

Abstract: A reflection type imaging optical system is provided with at least one reflecting mirror, whose reflecting surface is constructed of a plurality of zone areas different from each other in spectral reflectance characteristics. Further, in the optical system, the spectral reflectance characteristics of each zone area are selected so that an incident angle providing the maximum reflectance when a ray of light of a predetermined wavelength is incident on each zone area has a value between the maximum and the minimum of the incident angle in the zone area. The reflection type imaging optical system thus provides an important advantage in practical use in that the reflection efficiency of each reflecting surface is enhanced to bring about the brightness necessary for the imaging surface.

Abstract: An x-ray imaging system according to the present invention comprising a stepped scanning-beam x-ray source and a multi-detector array. The output of the multi-detector array is input to an image reconstruction engine which combines the outputs of the multiple detectors over selected steps of the x-ray beam to generate an x-ray image of the object. A collimating element, preferably in the form of a perforated grid containing an array of apertures, interposed between the x-ray source and an object to be x-rayed. A maneuverable positioner incorporating an x-ray sensitive marker allowing the determination of the precise position coordinates of the maneuverable positioner.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for performing a computed tomography scan are described. In one embodiment of the apparatus, a twin beam computed tomography scanner includes a beam splitter, an x-ray source for generating an x-ray to be projected generally towards, and at least partially through, an object, and a detector array comprising a plurality of detector cells arranged to form at least two cell rows. The beam splitter is positioned so that the x-ray projected from the x-ray source is substantially split to form at least two beams prior to being projected at least partially through the object.

Abstract: Air cross grids, for absorbing scattered secondary radiation and improving X-ray imaging in general radiography and in mammography, are provided with a large plurality of open air passages extending through each grid panel. These passages are defined by two large pluralities of substantially parallel partition walls, respectively extending transverse to each other. Each grid panel is made by laminating a plurality of thin metal foil sheets photo-etched to create through openings defined by partition segments. The etched sheets are aligned and bonded to form the laminated grid panel, which is moved edgewise during the X-ray exposure to pass primary radiation through the air passages while absorbing scattered secondary radiation arriving along slanted paths.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for measuring the pulse transfer spectrum of X-ray quanta using two polychromatic X-ray sources and a detector arrangement which measures the scattered X-ray quanta in an energy-resolved fashion. A secondary diaphragm device, arranged between the examination zone in which the object whose pulse transfer spectrum is to be determined is situated and the detector device, ensures that each detector element of the detector device can be struck by scattered radiation only at a comparatively accurately determined scatter angle. The arrangement in accordance with the invention enables very fast inspection of an object.

Abstract: Fine, sub-micron line features and patterns are created in a sensitized layer on a semiconductor wafer by a beam of Gamma-radiation. A continuous stream of such radiation, such as provided by a pellet of Cobalt-60, is collimated into a fine beam by a tapered collimator, and is gated on and off by a shutter mechanism comprising a distortable-surface device and a beam-blocking device. The fine, collimated beam converts points in a gamma-radiation-sensitive layer on a semiconductor wafer. By moving the wafer relative to the beam (or vice-versa), patterns are created in the layer of radiation-sensitive layer for further processing a layer underlying the radiation-sensitive layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting single crystal specimens comprises an x-ray generator which supplies x-rays to a collimator. The collimator has a matrix of apertures to produce a plurality of parallel x-ray beams which are directed onto a surface of the specimen. An x-ray detector detects the x-ray beams diffracted from the surface of the specimen, corresponding to each of the parallel x-ray beams. At each symmetry pole of an overall Laue pattern an accurately predictable pattern of spots is produced on the x-ray detector, if the orientation and shape of the specimen crystal is known. Each spot corresponds to where one of the diffracted beams strikes the detector. A disarrangement of one or more of the spots indicates a difference in crystal orientation.

Abstract: For use with dental position indicating devices for dental x-ray machines that are collimated and are of round transverse cross sectional configuration defining a bore for the length of same, with such bore having its internal surfacing lined for x-ray absorption and having an x-ray emitting end, a snap-fit collimator device therefor for use with rectangular dental instrumentation that is in the form of a body providing a collimator of rectangular form in the size of such instrumentation, with the body being arranged for snap-fit mounting of same on the x-ray emitting end of such round type position indicating devices, with the arrangement involved providing for rotational adjustment of said body relative to such position indicating device for permitting the collimator of same to be aligned with rectangular dental instrumentation, when the position indicator device in question is secured to an x-ray machine in the course of practicing dental radiography.

Abstract: An x-ray beam limiter includes a compressible disc 18 containing an aperture 20 and a slot 22 extending from the aperture to the outer edge 28 of the disc. The outer edge 28 of the disc 18 is covered with a bearing material and is retained within a groove 36 in a bearing retaining race 32 such that the disc 18 is rotatable within the retaining race 32. A beam limiter 54 is mounted to the disc 18. The disc 18 and beam limiter 54 are rotatable between at least two different positions.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an anti-scatter x-ray grid for medical diagnostic radiography includes providing a substrate having channels therein and material that is substantially non-absorbent of x-radiation; and filling the channels with absorbing material that is substantially absorbent of x-radiation. In one embodiment, the step of providing a substrate having channels therein comprises sawing a plastic substrate with a thin circular blade and the step of filling the channels with absorbing material comprises melting the absorbing material and flowing the melted absorbing material into the channels.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of miniature multileaf collimators for use in shaping a radiation beam used in stereotactic radiosurgery And radiotherapy. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of a computer-controlled miniature multileaf collimator capable of shaping a radiation beam for use in optimal treatment of nonspherical lesions by radiosurgery and radiotherapy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rotator Gamma radiation unit which adapts to medical Gamma systems especially. The radiation source bodies carrying sources can rotate by 360.degree. within a radiation protection case. The trace of the radiation line forms several rotating pyramids with tops at the common focus. In this way the single successive radiation in the stationary focus manner is changed to multiple-points intermittent radiation. Therefore, while ensuring the radiation amount, it is possible to decrease the number of the radiation sources and simplify the manufacturing engineering. In this way it is possible to kill the disease tissues at the focus, and prevent the nuclear radiation line from injuring the healthy tissues outside the focus.

Abstract: A collimator assembly for removing selected radiation output from a specimen. The assembly includes collimator elements with each element having walls comprised of a first material covered by an inner layer of a second material which preferentially absorbs inelastic scattered radiation created in the first material.

Abstract: An X-ray collimator is provided to permit diagnostic medical imaging of two or more radioactive isotopes emitting spectrically close gamma rays. The collimator includes a filter plate at one or both ends of the collimator's tubular passageways with the filter plate having a plurality of openings extending therethrough which are aligned and coincident with the tubular passageways. The openings in the filter provide a thin filtering edge adjacent the collimator passageway ends which interact with and remove substantially most of the unwanted secondary and scattered radiation produced by photons striking septa within the collimator's passageways.

Abstract: A triaxially controlled X-ray diagnostic apparatus comprises a support unit having a first arm, a second arm, and a third arm which are capable of rotation on three mutually orthogonal axes, an X-ray generator mounted on an end of the third arm for irradiating an object under examination with X rays, an image intensifier, mounted on the other end of the third arm so that it is opposed to the X-ray generator, for detecting X rays transmitted through the object to provide an optical image, a TV camera connected to the image intensifier for converting the optical image into a video signal to provide an X-ray image of the object, a display unit for displaying the X-ray image, and rotation correction means for making rotation correction on an X-ray image displayed on the display unit on the basis of angles of rotation of the first, second and third arms when they are rotated from their reference position.

Abstract: A toroidal x-ray tube (I) is supported and selectively positioned by a gantry (II). The x-ray tube includes a toroidal housing (A) in which a rotor (20) is rotatably mounted. One or more cathodes (C) are mounted on the rotor for generating an electron beam which strikes an anode (B) to generate a beam of x-rays which pass through a patient aperture (62) to strike a detector (60). The x-ray tube includes pre-collimators (70, 74) having slots (72, 76) for passage of the x-ray subsequent to generation thereof and prior to being collimated by the collimator (90). A ring collimator (90) collimates an x-rays formed into a fan shaped beam. The collimator (90) includes a first ring (92) and a second ring (94) which are concentric. The distance between the first and second rings (92, 94) is adjustable to adjust the slice thickness of the final image.

Abstract: Method and gamma ray collimator for the treatment of cerebral lesions by gamma irradiation. Gamma rays from a source radiate into an annular substantially divergent path made of radiation absorbing material. At the outlet of this divergent path, ribs further absorb unwanted parasitic oblique radiation. The annular beam of radiation thus formed enters an annular substantially convergent path to exit and to converge in an area to be treated. The annular beam of gamma rays that emerges through both divergent and convergent paths has a sufficient intensity to constitute a lethal dose within a defined volume and obviates the need for long term exposure to point beams of gamma radiation.

Abstract: A collimator for a gamma camera is formed by a stack of lamina formed from tungsten. Each lamina has an array of openings formed through it, and a movable support member translates the lamina into different alignments of these openings to form corresponding different hole patterns through the collimator.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and apparatus for scanning bodies, typically human bodies (12) for security or medical purposes. In the method, the body (12) is scanned with a beam (20) of X-radiation of sufficiently low intensity that no physiological damage is suffered. The X-radiation transmitted by the body (12) is then converted into an optical image. The optical image is intensified and converted into an electronic image. The electronic image is manipulated to produce a scanned image of the body or a portion of the body. The scanned image is typically a video image.

Abstract: Radiation is generated toward a patient. A radiographic region of the radiation covers a predetermined field-of-view. Both of a stereotactic radiation producing filter and a radiographic radiation producing filter are transported in such a way that the stereotactic radiation producing filter and the radiographic radiation producing filter sequentially intercept the beam axis between the patient and a generation position for the radiation. When the stereotactic radiation producing filter is located on the beam axis, it forms the radiation into radiation required for stereotactic radiosurgery. When the radiographic radiation producing filter is located on the beam axis, it forms the radiation into radiation required for radioscopy. Radiation present within the radiographic region is detected with employment of a radiation detecting unit positioned opposite to the generation position of the radiation with respect to the patient.

Abstract: A shutter mechanism for collimating x-rays uses a frame to define an opening with two opposing interior edges. An elongated flexible band extends in sliding engagement about at least a portion of the periphery of the frame opening. A first shutter member made of an x-ray opaque material has a first end attached to the flexible band along the first interior edge of the frame. Similarly, a second shutter member made of an x-ray opaque material has a first end attached to the flexible band along the second interior edge of the frame. A drive means, such as a stepper motor, translates the flexible band relative to the frame to control the positions of the shutter members and the shutter aperture. In the preferred embodiment, the interior edges of the frame also include tracks that slidably engage the opposing edges of the shutter members for support.

Abstract: A primary radiation diaphragm for a radiation apparatus has at least one diaphragm plate which is adjusted in a plane extending perpendicular relative to the central ray of radiation. Each plate is provided with a single mount which engages a guideway disposed on the wall of the housing. Preferably, four plates are arranged in two pairs, with the first pair lying in a first plane and the second pair lying in a second plane extending parallel to the first pair, each of the plates of the pair has a single mount and the pair of plates of the first pair engage the same guideway, while the pair of the second plate engage a second guideway disposed on a wall of the housing extending at right angles to the first-mentioned wall.

Abstract: A transfer system is provided to effect collimator change out for a medical nuclear camera. The system includes a rectangular lead collimator frame into which the collimator is mounted. The collimator frame has an outer peripheral edge and an inner peripheral edge, the peripheral edges defining the collimator thickness. A transfer cart has a C-shaped transfer frame carrying top, bottom and side supports. The top and bottom supports have spring biased locking discs protruding therefrom which are adapted to contact and lock into contact grooves formed into the collimator frame's outer peripheral edge at its top and bottom thus encapsulating the collimator frame within the transfer cart frame for movement of the camera to storage and vise-versa. An especially configured storage rack is provided which has vertically extending, rack modules for storage/retrieval of the collimators.

Abstract: In a computer tomography apparatus having an x-ray radiator and a radiation detector rotatable on a frame around an examination subject, so that an x-ray beam is also rotated around the subject, the plates of a primary radiation diaphragm are controlled so that the thickness of the x-ray beam, measured in a direction perpendicular to its propagation direction, is varied dependent on the rotational angle of the x-ray beam. During examination of subjects having a highly elliptical cross-section, image artifacts are avoided because the beam thickness is varied so that more quanta reach the detector in the angular range wherein the most pronounced radiation attenuation occurs, thereby reducing the noise in the detector signal.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a radiation diaphragm comprising a diaphragm lamella at which adjustment means engage, so that the diaphragm lamella is adjustable in the beam path of a radiation transmitter. Inventively, the diaphragm lamella is composed of an elastic material. The diaphragm lamella can thus be matched to the shape of an examination subject in a simple way.

Abstract: A slow scanning CT Scanner providing slice data simultaneously for a plurality of slices so as to avoid blurring between adjacent slices due to patient movement.

Abstract: A self-apodizing collimator for collimating X-rays for use in VLSI lithography. The paraboloidal collimator uses a graded ML coating to collimate a range of wavelengths along the surface of the paraboloid such that a uniform resist response is provided. In addition, the collimated X-rays have a higher intensity than possible with a system using additional apodizing films.

Abstract: A device for forming an X-ray image in objects composed of a photo or an X-ray sensitive material has a plurality of layers each having X-ray non-transmitting areas and X-ray transmitting areas, each of the areas of each of the layers having transverse sizes corresponding to respective transverse sizes of openings to be formed or an image of partitions between the openings, the X-ray non-transmitting areas of each layer which form the image of partitions between the openings being located at an angle from zero to 89.99.degree. relative to a central beam of an exposing radiation, the layers having a height such as to provide a ratio of its height not less than 1 with respect to a distance between the layers.

Abstract: An improved bucky drive utilizes a reversible rotary motor which drives a screw received in a nut fixed to a bucky grid. A integrated control circuit board for the motor insures that the motor is quickly operated. In other features, the motor is a DC motor with a position sensor. A transistor speed control is utilized. The bucky system may be operated in either a semi-automatic or an automatic mode. The speed of the grid may be controlled. Further, other operational parameters of the system may also be controlled.

Abstract: A collimator for use in an imaging system with a radiation point source has a plurality of channels formed therein along longitudinal axes aligned with selected orientation angles that correspond to the direct beam path from the radiation source to the radiation detectors. The collimator comprises a photosensitive material coated with a radiation absorbent material. The cross-sectional shape of the channels corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the radiation detecting area of the detector element adjoining the channel, and the sidewalls of the channel are smooth along their length.

Abstract: A collimator for use in an imaging system with a radiation point source is formed from a plurality of collimator plates stacked together. Passages in each collimator plate in conjunction with the respective passages in adjoining plates form a plurality of channels through the collimator. The channel longitudinal axes are aligned with selected orientation angles that correspond to the direct beam path from the radiation source to the radiation detectors. The collimator plates are made up of patterned sheets of radiation absorbent material or alternatively comprise patterned photosensitive material substrates coated with a radiation absorbent material. The cross-sectional shape of each channel corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the radiation detecting area of the detector element adjoining the channel.

Abstract: An annular cylindrical multihole collimator for a radioisotope camera made by forming a plurality of closed annular radio-opaque plates which may be all corrugated plates or may be half corrugated and half flat, each having at least one collimator segment section and junction, and stacking a number of said plates cylindrically, axially on one another, alternately if both flat and corrugated plates are used, to form an annular cylindrical multihole collimator with at least one segment, each plate being bonded to its adjacent plates.

Abstract: An X-ray apparatus comprises a polychromatic X-ray source for generating a primary beam of small cross-section, an energy-sensitive detector arrangement for detecting the scattered radiation produced by elastic scattering processes in the primary beam, which detector arrangement comprises a plurality of detector elements which are arranged on rings concentric with the primary beam, and a collimator arrangement which is arranged between the X-ray source and the detector arrangement and which encloses the primary beam. In order to enable accurate determination of the pulse transfer spectrum while using a low dose, the collimator arrangement is constructed so that the scattered radiation from the same section of the primary beam is incident on a plurality of detector elements.

Abstract: A method of producing a high angular resolution collimator implemented in an inspection system for detecting the presence of selected crystalline materials, such as explosives or drugs. The system includes an x-ray source and an array of energy dispersive detectors to sense radiation scattered by the objects being inspected. The collimator includes a bundle of optical fibers bonded together to form a stack of plates having a plurality of microcapillaries therein to pass an x-ray beam therethrough. The method includes the steps of stacking the plates, aligning the plates in registration, and etching an inner core without disrupting registration.