Abstract: Air cross grids, for absorbing scattered secondary radiation and improving radiation 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 radiation exposure to pass primary radiation through the air passages while absorbing scattered secondary radiation arriving along slanted paths.

Abstract: An X-ray examination apparatus includes an X-ray source (1) for emitting X-rays. An object to be radiologically examined is arranged in an examination space. An X-ray detector (2) derives an image signal, for example an electronic video signal, from an X-ray image of the object. An X-ray filter locally attenuates the X-rays partly. The X-ray filter is arranged between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector and the X-ray filter is provided with filter elements whose X-ray absorptivity can be adjusted on the basis of an amount of X-ray absorbing liquid present within the individual filter elements.The X-ray examination apparatus includes an X-ray collimator for locally intercepting the X-rays. The X-ray collimator is arranged between the X-ray source and the examination space and is provided with collimator elements which can be switched between an X-ray transmitting state and an X-ray intercepting state.

Abstract: The methods and apparatuses for the control of neutron beams are herewith presented. Through the application of the methods and apparatuses presented one can manipulate various characteristics of neutron beams such as shape, velocity, density, polarization and other traits. In general three sequential operations are performed on the neutron beam, although variations of these steps are described to suit various purposes. First, a neutron beam is passed through a gradient magnet field which causes rotation of the beam in phase space. Second, the spin direction of a neutron beam is reversed through the application of a spin flipper. Third, the neutron beam is compressed in the longitudinal direction of the neutron beam in phase space. This produces a neutron beam having small divergence in phase space. The resultant neutron beam corresponds to a thin dense beam in real space. Variations of this paradigm allow for the manipulation of many characteristics of neutron beams to suit ones purpose.

Abstract: A stray radiation grid, particularly for a medical X-ray apparatus, is composed of a carrier material with absorption elements, particularly in the form of lead lamellae, that are arranged in rows spaced from one another and proceeding essentially parallel to one another, with the respective spacings between the successive rows of absorption elements being larger in the region of the edges of the grid than in the middle region.

Abstract: An integrated radiation detecting and collimating assembly for an x-ray tomography scanning system. The assembly includes a housing which mounts to a spine of the system and aligns corresponding arrays of photodiodes, scintillator crystals and anti-scatter plates with one another and with x-ray beams arriving directly at the detectors from the focal spot. The arrays of photodiodes, crystals and anti-scatter plates are thus all fixed relative to one another within the housing, which is itself securely fixed to the frame of the scanner system.

Abstract: A non-destructive inspection apparatus has a radiation source, a radiation detector, a radiation source diver, a detector driver, a drive controller, a delay circuit, a radiation signal processing circuit, a memory, a computer, a display device, and an input device. The radiation detector consists of one-dimensional or two-dimensional array of detectors having a long collimator whose pores are in parallel with the radiation angle of the radiation emitted in an angular pattern from the radiation source, whereby a transmission image of a large size structure can be obtained at high speed and with a high resolution. Furthermore, the detect position in an inspection object can be specified by analyzing a plurality of specified transmission images using the inspection apparatus.

Abstract: A device for imaging a plurality of sources of x-ray and gamma-ray radiation is provided. Diffracting crystals are used for focussing the radiation and directing the radiation to a detector which is used for analyzing their addition to collect data as to the location of the source of radiation. A computer is used for converting the data to an image. The invention also provides for a method for imaging x-ray and gamma radiation by supplying a plurality of sources of radiation; focussing the radiation onto a detector; analyzing the focused radiation to collect data as to the type and location of the radiation; and producing an image using the data.

Abstract: A gamma ray imaging system for providing high resolution images includes a collimator plate with an array of multiple holes which image a gamma emitting object onto a semiconductor gamma detector pixel array coupled to a signal processor. The collimator holes are smaller than half the pixel pitch. The detector array is moved in steps, with a step-size equal to the pitch of the collimator holes, to successive imaging positions. The hole locations and imaging positions are such that gamma photons do not fall on the dead areas of the pixels. An electronic processing unit constructs from the pixel signals produced at each imaging position, a set of independent equations and solves them to derive the exact image signal of each irradiated area, and uses this data to compose and a display a high resolution gamma image of the object.

Abstract: An x-ray or neutron optic configuration includes a plurality of single crystal portions (25) formed with respective spaced x-ray or neutron reflection faces (21,22,23) formed at predetermined asymmetry angles to a Bragg diffraction plane in the respective crystal portion. The crystal portions are interconnected (25) to maintain a first and second (21,22) of these faces spaced apart for receipt of a sample (8) between them and to allow small adjustments of the relative angle of the faces about the normal to the plane of diffraction while maintaining the normals to the Bragg planes for the first and second faces (21,22) substantially in the plane of diffraction. First face (21) is arranged to be a monochromator and collimator with respect to x-rays or neutrons of appropriate wavelength incident reflected through the sample for receipt by the second face (22), which thereby serves as an analyzer face.

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: The present invention provides for bending the beams, their focusing, transforming a divergent radiation into a quasi-parallel one, and vice versa, its filtering and monochromatization. Also attained are reduced radiation transfer losses, extended range of energies used, and higher radiation concentration. A possibility is provided for the use of larger radiation sources without decreasing the proportion of the captured particles, as well as for controlling the radiation spectrum. With this purpose in view, provision is made in the proposed method, apart from multiple reflection of particles upon interaction with different-density alternating media, for diffuse and potential scattering or interference of particles that diffract on multilayer structures applied to reflecting surfaces. In a device carrying the proposed method into effect, the aforementioned surfaces are coated with layers differing in electromagnetic properties.

Abstract: A tapered, spherically slumped, microchannel plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a slit pattern, to be referred to as grid, comprising a plurality of laminations arranged parallel, which, to form a slit pattern, are maintained in spaced relation by distancing elements, to be referred to as spacers, arranged between the laminations. The invention further relates to a method for the manufacture of such grid.

Abstract: An imaging system spatially modulates penetrating radiation that passes through an object under investigation. The modulation introduces spatial irregularities which can be deflected while passing through the object under investigation. The deflection of each irregularity can be identified and is converted into contrast of in a projection of the object. One embodiment of the invention includes: a source of penetrating radiation 1, and a modulator 3 for the creation of spatial irregularities; and a detector 5 for measuring transverse translations of spatial irregularities and converting the measured transverse translations into contrast in a projection 8 of object 4.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide an X-ray diagnosis apparatus having an X-ray plane detector capable of removing the influence of a scattered X-ray by using a grid and also preventing a Moire image. An X-ray image transmitted through a target object is sensed by a plane detector in units of pixels which are two-dimensionally arranged at a predetermined pitch. A scattered X-ray incident on the plane detector is removed by a scattered ray removing grid having plate-like X-ray shielding members and arranged on an X-ray incident side of the plane detector. The X-ray shielding members are arranged such that an X-ray shielding pattern on the X-ray incident surface of the plane detector has a pitch corresponding to an integer fraction of the arrangement pitch of the pixels. When a steady positional relationship is kept between the pitch of the X-ray detection elements and the period of the fringe pattern of the X-ray which is shielded by the grid, a Moire image can be prevented.

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: An imaging method and an imaging device are disclosed which use no image forming optical system. A grid system 25 including an objective grid array 22 with a plurality of coplanarly arranged grids having pitches different from each other and a detector grid array 23 having a similarly enlarged configuration of the objective grid array, and a detector array 24 constitute a detection system. An energy ray such as an X-ray which has been transmitted through the grid system 25 is detected by the detector array 24 while rotating an object 20 under observation placed on a rotary table 21. A signal processing means 28 subjects signals detected by the detector array 24 to inverse Fourier transform to synthesize an image of the object 20, and the image is displayed on a display 29.

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: An apparatus and method for providing focused x-ray, gamma-ray, charged particle and neutral particle, including neutron, radiation beams with a controllable amount of divergence are disclosed. The apparatus features a novel use of a radiation blocking structure, which, when combined with multiple-channel total reflection optics, increases the versatility of the optics by providing user-controlled output-beam divergence.

Abstract: An anti-scatter x-ray grid for medical diagnostic radiography includes a substrate having channels therein of material that is substantially non-absorbent of x-radiation and absorbing material in the channels including material that is substantially absorbent of x-radiation. The substrate preferably comprises material capable of remaining stable at the melting temperature of the absorbing material.

Abstract: An x-ray examination apparatus has an x-ray tube having an anode dish with a number of selectively activatable focal spots that are arranged such that all of the focal spots are intersected by a common straight line. In order to obtain an x-ray examination apparatus with a primary radiation diaphragm that can be shifted in a very simple way such that it is quickly brought into a position that is matched to the current focal spot generated on the anode dish, a mechanism is provided for shifting the primary radiation diaphragm along the straight line when switching from one focal spot to another.

Abstract: The invention provides a polarizing device and a method for producing and utilizing the device. The device produces a modification in radiation flux and provides a bias toward photons approaching a target's face at more or less right angles. Accordingly, the radiation flux polarizing device reduces the number of photons that are not traveling at near right angle to the face of a "target" being irradiated, without significantly reducing photons approaching, or reaching the minimum base point in the target. In a sense, the invention converts a normal isotropic radiation source to one that is anisotropic.

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 micro-channel plate for use in focusing X-rays or particles of equivalent wavelengths has a radially packed array of square pores. For focussing parallel rays, such micro-channel plate may consist of two square-pore spherically curved and radially packed micro-channel plate elements having different radii of curvature and overlying one another, forming a concavo-convex compound plate. Such a plate is capable of providing a greater effective area than prior art square packed micro-channel plates at high X-ray energies.

Abstract: Device for collimating beams of a radiation. This device includes a plurality of parallel plys (8) of wires (10) which are made of or coated with a material able to absorb the radiation. Application to the collimation of beams of neutrons.

Abstract: A tomography machine with gamma ray detection has a collimator, the arrangements of holes of which are focused on a geometric slice of a patient's body, the slice having a thickness determined a priori, for the examination of the slice. Reconstructed tomographic images of this body are obtained swiftly and efficiently. By shifting the tomography machine longitudinally, images of adjacent slices are obtained. This technique makes it possible to work with greater speed than by acquiring comprehensive 2D image projections of the entire body to be studied.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a grid used in x-ray imaging applications to block scattered radiation while allowing the desired imaging radiation to pass through, and to process for making the grid. The grid is composed of glass containing lead oxide, and eliminates the spacer material used in prior known grids, and is therefore, an air-core grid. The glass is arranged in a pattern so that a large fraction of the area is open allowing the imaging radiation to pass through. A small pore size is used and the grid has a thickness chosen to provide high scatter rejection. For example, the grid may be produced with a 200 .mu.m pore size, 80% open area, and 4 mm thickness.

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: A Fourier transform microscope for use in imaging a source of x-ray and/or gamma-ray radiation includes first and second grids arranged in proximity to the source. The first grid includes an arrangement of first subgrids elements with a first predetermined number n of approximately parallel, equally-spaced linear first ribs which are opaque to the radiation of interest, and first radiation-transparent regions which are arranged in alternation with the first ribs. The second grid includes an arrangement of second subgrids elements which are larger than the first subgrids elements, and which have a common field of view with corresponding first subgrid elements. Each second subgrid element has a second predetermined number n+m of approximately parallel, equally-spaced linear second ribs which are opaque to the radiation of interest, and second radiation-transparent regions which alternate with the second ribs. Each first subgrid element and its corresponding second subgrid element is termed a `subgrid system`.

Abstract: A device for measuring the pulse transfer spectrum of X-ray quanta, includes a polychromatic X-ray source and an energy-resolving detector device for the scattered X-ray quanta. 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 ensure on the one that each detector element of the detector device can detect scattered radiation only at a comparatively accurately defined scatter angle, and that the scatter angles of the various detector elements do not excessively deviate from one another.

Abstract: An x-ray diffractometer is equipped with a position sensitive detector and a collimator preceding the detector. The lamellae of the collimator are radially aligned to the specimen, which is arranged in the center of a measurement circle along which the detector and collimator move during a measurement. Therefore, only the x-radiation scattered at the specimen contributes to the measured signal. An elliptically deformed multi-layer mirror is provided at the primary beam side, which deflects the source radiation in the direction of the specimen without great intensity loss and focuses it at a point lying on the measurement circle. Analysis of powdered specimens that are enclosed in glass capillaries can be undertaken. A low-background measurement of diffraction diagrams in an x-ray diffractometer given efficient use of the primary beam is achieved.

Abstract: A method of performing radiation therapy on a patient, involving exposing a target, usually a tumor, to a therapeutic dose of high energy electromagnetic radiation, preferably X-ray radiation, in the form of at least two non-overlapping microbeams of radiation, each microbeam having a width of less than about 1 millimeter. Target tissue exposed to the microbeams receives a radiation dose during the exposure that exceeds the maximum dose that such tissue can survive. Non-target tissue between the microbeams receives a dose of radiation below the threshold amount of radiation that can be survived by the tissue, and thereby permits the non-target tissue to regenerate. The microbeams may be directed at the target from one direction, or from more than one direction in which case the microbeams overlap within the target tissue enhancing the lethal effect of the irradiation while sparing the surrounding healthy tissue.

Abstract: A gamma ray collimator assembly for use in a cardiac inspection system. A collimator has a plurality of collimator elements with the collimator walls absorbing gamma rays. The collimator walls have a base layer of a first material covered by a layer of a second material which preferentially absorbs inelastically scattered gamma rays generated in the first material.

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.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging assembly is disclosed comprised of (I) a front and back pair of intensifying screens, (II) a radiographic element mounted between the intensifying screens, and (III) a collimating grid The front screen being chosen to exhibit modulation transfer factors greater than those of reference curve A in FIG. 2 . The radiographic element is comprised of a transparent film support, a front silver halide emulsion layer unit coated on the support and located adjacent the front intensifying screen, a back silver halide emulsion layer unit coated on the support and located adjacent the back intensifying screen, and means for reducing crossover to less than 10 percent. The X-ray collimating grid, located to receive X-radiation prior to the front screen, is comprised of an X-ray opaque material forming an array of at least 85 X-ray transmission apertures per inch providing at least 50 percent open area.

Abstract: A first diaphragm arrangement is between a polychromatic X-ray radiator and an examination region for passing a primary radiation beam traversing the examination region on the generated surface of a cone. A detector arrangement comprising several detector elements receives radiation passed by the first diaphragm arrangement and a second diaphragm arrangement, which is located between the examination region and the detector arrangement and assigns to each respective detector element the scattered radiation which is scattered in a part of the primary radiation beam at a given scattering angle. The association between the individual sections of the primary radiation beam and the different detector elements is such that the second diaphragm arrangement has a slot-shaped opening and the shape of the slot-shaped opening and of the detector elements is adapted to the shape of a cross-section of the primary radiation beam.

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: 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 method for manufacturing a single focus collimator in a high precision without increasing a cost for manufacturing. In this method, grooves are on a bulk block member first, and a metallic material having sufficient .gamma. ray shielding property such as lead is casted into the grooves formed on the bulk block member, and then the bulk block member with the metallic material casted into the grooves is immersed into a solvent capable of dissolving the bulk block member but not the metallic material, such that a collimator body formed by the metallic material in a shape of the grooves is obtained as the bulk block member is dissolved by the solvent. The sensitivity of the single focus collimator can be made substantially uniform over the entire effective view field by forming the grooves with such intervals that holes formed on the collimator body have larger size toward a center of the collimator body.

Abstract: A device for examining a test object (4) by means of gamma or X-rays, comprising a primary X-ray source for generating at least one primary X-ray pencil beam (3) which is directed onto the test object (4), and at least one slit diaphragm (8, 9) which is arranged between the test object (4) and a detector (6, 7) and which directs scattered X-rays (26, 27, 28, 29) produced by the primary X-ray beam (3) in the test object (4) onto at least one detector (6, 7). The depth range of the test object that can be covered by the detectors can be changed without changing the position of the test object or the examination device, in that the position of the slit diaphragm (8, 9) relative to the detector (6, 7) can be changed by means of an adjusting device (18, 19).

Abstract: A collimator for a scintillator, having a number of through holes formed side by side, each for guiding and passing radiation from one end thereof to an other end and focusing the radiation at a predetermined position, including a frame made of a radiation shielding material, and defining a radiation transparent field of view, and a septa section provided in a lattice form in the field of view so as to define the through holes. The septa section includes a plurality of first partition plates arranged at substantially equal intervals and a plurality of second partition plates crossing the first partition plates in a lattice form. The first and second partition plates are made of a material, preferably tungsten or lead alloy, that sheilds the radiation. A plurality of focused slits are formed in at least either the first or second partition plates with the other partition plates being fitted in the slits.

Abstract: A fluorescent X-ray film thickness gauge having an X-ray source for generating incident X-rays, a shutter device for shuttering the incident X-rays, a collimator for collimating the incident X-rays, a sample stage for mounting a sample onto which the collimated X-ray is irradiated, and a detector for detecting fluorescent X-rays generated from the sample upon irradiation of the collimated X-rays. The shutter device includes a switching mechanism operable to switch the shutter device between a measurement state and a calibration state, a shutter frame, and a shutter member disposed in the shutter frame and having a measurement passage, a calibration passage and a calibration plate in the calibration passage.

Abstract: Disclosed is a radiology system of the mammography type wherein there is provision for a radiation controller having a detector of X-radiation having gone through the breast to be observed, of the type having a converter of X-radiation into photon radiation and a photomultiplier tube for the amplifications of photons emitted by the converter. The invention lies in the fact that the converter is masked by a belt opaque to the photon radiation except in the zones for which variable dimensions are planned so as to get adapted to the different shapes of breasts. The belt is driven by a motor which is turned on and off at the practitioner's command, so that the appropriate zone is in correspondence with the converter.