Abstract: An apparatus includes a first multileaf collimator comprising a plurality of pairs of beam-blocking leaves each comprising an end portion. The end portions of beam-blocking leaves of two adjacent pairs are configured to collectively form an aperture when the two adjacent pairs of beam-blocking leaves are closed. The aperture may be sized and shaped to allow a radiation beam to pass through for radiosurgery.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a beam guiding grid (4), comprising a molding having a grid of passageways (40) and wall areas surrounding them, from radiation-absorbing metal powder and binder, especially tungsten powder and binder. Advantageous production is achieved in that the molding is produced by injection molding, wherein the homogenized mixture, as a prepared flowable injection compound, is injected using an injection molding machine into a molding tool (7) that produces the molding, into which movable mold cores (72) were introduced prior to filing with the molding composition.

Abstract: An example adjustable collimator includes a housing having an aperture through which radiation is to be directed from an inlet to an outlet of the housing, a first shutter and a second shutter within the housing, a first link coupled to the first shutter, and a first yoke coupled to the housing at a pivot point and configured to pivot with respect to the housing. The first yoke may be configured to reduce an effective width of the aperture by moving the first shutter toward the second shutter via the first link when the first yoke is rotated in a first direction.

Abstract: Devices, systems and method that allow for delivery of therapeutic radiation beams of differing sizes or shapes during a radiation treatment are provided herein. Such devices can include a rotatable collimator body having multiple collimator channels of differing size or shape defined therein, the channels extending through the collimator body substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The collimator body can include markers thereon to facilitate detection of an alignment position by a sensor of a control system to allow the collimator body to be rapidly and accurately moved between alignment positions to facilitate delivery of differing therapy beams during a treatment.

Abstract: A biological protection for closing an opening in a wall delimiting a radiation zone, this protection comprising at least one iris diaphragm with a base in the form of a flat disk carrying petals formed by plates having a triangular contour and made of a material protecting against ionising radiation. These petals are movable parallel to the base between an open state in which the petals delimit together a central aperture and a closed state in which the petals are closely joined to form together a continuous closed wall.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to multiple aperture devices (MADs) for beam shaping in x-ray imaging. Two or more of these binary filters can be placed in an x-ray beam in series to permit a large number of x-ray fluence profiles. However, the relationship between particular MAD designs and the achievable fluence patterns is complex. The present invention includes mathematical and physical models that are used within an optimization framework to find optimal MAD designs. Specifically, given a set of target fluence patterns, the present invention finds, for example, a dual MAD design that is a “best fit” in generating the desired fluence patterns. This process provides a solution for both the design of MAD filters as well as the control actuation that is required (relative motion between MADs) that needs to be specified as part of the operation of a MAD-based fluence field modulation system.

Abstract: The invention provides a charged particle irradiation apparatus including: a collimator apparatus provided in an irradiation nozzle that emits a charged particle beam to an irradiation target; and a collimator control unit that controls the collimator apparatus. The collimator apparatus includes a collimator mechanism having one or more arm-shape collimators extending from a base part and a drive mechanism that moves the collimator mechanism on a plane perpendicular to a traveling direction of a charged particle beam. The arm-shape collimator includes one or more movable leaves that rotate independently of each other on the perpendicular plane. By moving the collimator mechanism and/or rotating the movable leaves so that the arm-shape collimators are arranged along a shape of an edge of an irradiation target on the perpendicular plane, the collimator control unit causes the arm-shape collimators to block a charged particle beam that would otherwise irradiate outside of the edge of the irradiation target.

Abstract: A multi-leaf collimator is provided. The multi-leaf collimator may include a plurality of leaves configured to shield radiation beams. At least two leaves of the plurality of leaves may be movable in a direction parallel to each another. Each leaf of at least some of the plurality of leaves may be configured to be movable between at least two positions. At least one of the at least two positions may be adjustable.

Abstract: The invention provides a charged particle irradiation apparatus including: a collimator apparatus provided in an irradiation nozzle that emits a charged particle beam to an irradiation target; and a collimator control unit that controls the collimator apparatus. The collimator apparatus includes a collimator mechanism having one or more arm-shape collimators extending from a base part and a drive mechanism that moves the collimator mechanism on a plane perpendicular to a traveling direction of a charged particle beam. The arm-shape collimator includes one or more movable leaves that rotate independently of each other on the perpendicular plane. By moving the collimator mechanism and/or rotating the movable leaves so that the arm-shape collimators are arranged along a shape of an edge of an irradiation target on the perpendicular plane, the collimator control unit causes the arm-shape collimators to block a charged particle beam that would otherwise irradiate outside of the edge of the irradiation target.

Abstract: An x-ray micro-beam radiation production system is provided having: a source of accelerated electrons, an electron focusing component configured to focus the electrons provided by the source, and a target which produces x-rays when electrons impinge thereon from the source. The electron focusing component is configured to focus the electrons provided by the source such that they impinge at a focal spot having a width ? formed on a surface of the target.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a collimator assembly, comprising at least at least two collimators configured to be moveable relative to each other such that the collimator assembly is switchable between at least two collimation modes; in respective collimation modes, the at least two collimators are superposed with each other in a thickness direction of the collimator assembly, such that the collimator assembly presents different combined patterns for collimating and shielding rays incident onto the collimator assembly and that the collimator assembly has corresponding ray shielding thickness for effectively shielding rays.

Abstract: A system and method relating to a radiation based imaging are provided. The system may include a radiation source, a detector and a first grid. The detector may include a plurality of detector cells. The first grid may be located between the radiation source and the detector cells and the first grid may include a plurality of radiation transmitting sections. At least one of the plurality of detector cells may include an active area which may be configured to receive radiation from the radiation source that passes through at least one of the plurality of radiation transmitting sections of the first grid. The active area may be adjustable by adjusting the first grid. The radiation source, the first grid and the detectors cells may be operatively coupled for detecting an object. The method may include adjusting the first grid to adjust the active area of the detector.

Abstract: A method of operating an illuminator and apparatus thereof are proposed. A method includes: directing a radiation beam to the illuminator comprising slit fingers; sensing a temperature value of each of the slit fingers; determining a shifting value of the respective slit finger based on the temperature value; causing the respective slit finger to move according to the shifting value to form a light slit from the radiation beam; and exposing a workpiece using the light slit.

Abstract: Provided is a multi charged particle beam writing apparatus including: an emission unit emitting a charged particle beam; a restriction aperture unit having a first opening having a variable opening area, the restriction aperture unit shielding a portion of the charged particle beam; a shaping aperture array substrate having a plurality of second openings, the shaping aperture array substrate forming multiple beams by allowing the shaping aperture array substrate to be irradiated with the charged particle beam passing through the first opening and allowing a portion of the charged particle beam to pass through the plurality of second openings; and a blanking aperture array substrate having a plurality of third openings, each beam of the multiple beams passing through the plurality of third openings, the blanking aperture array substrate being capable of independently deflecting each beam of the multiple beams.

Abstract: The present disclosure falls into the field of medical apparatus, and discloses a radiation therapy apparatus and a beam imaging method, wherein the radiation therapy apparatus includes: a treatment head including multiple radiation sources distributed on one side of a target region, radiation beams emitted by the multiple radiation sources intersecting in the target region, and a lesion being located within the target region; a beam detector used for receiving a radiation beams passing through the lesion and emitted by the radiation sources to acquire projection data of each radiation beam passing through the lesion, and generating a slice image of the lesion according to the acquired projection data; and a processor used for constructing an image of the lesion in the target region based on the slice image generated by the beam detector.

Abstract: Provided is a collimator including a base unit configured to form a radiation path of light; a pair of first moving members rotatably installed in the base unit; a pair of second moving members movably installed in the base unit; and an actuator configured to externally receive power and transmit the power to the first moving members and the second moving members, wherein a first space may be formed between the first moving members, a second space may be formed between the second moving members, and the light may pass through a radiation area corresponding to an overlapping area of the first space and the second space.

Abstract: A human body security inspection apparatus, a method of operating the same, and an associated filter device are disclosed. The human body security inspection apparatus includes a radiation beam exit configured for emitting a radiation beam; a beam guiding box configured for guiding the radiation beam; and a filter device configured between the radiation beam exit and the beam guiding box. The filter device includes a housing and a filter cage having a central axis. The filter cage is formed by arranging two or more pairs of filtering sheets, which are made of different materials and/or have different thicknesses, in an encircling way. The filter cage is rotatable about its central axis such that at least one pair of filtering sheets is capable of filtering the radiation beam to adjust an outputted dosage of the radiation beam of the human body security inspection apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first multileaf collimator comprising a plurality of pairs of beam-blocking leaves each comprising an end portion. The end portions of beam-blocking leaves of two adjacent pairs are configured to collectively form an aperture when the two adjacent pairs of beam-blocking leaves are closed. The aperture may be sized and shaped to allow a radiation beam to pass through for radiosurgery.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a radiation source, coincident positron emission detectors configured to detect coincident positron annihilation emissions originating within a coordinate system, and a controller coupled to the radiation source and the coincident position emission detectors, the controller configured to identify coincident positron annihilation emission paths intersecting one or more volumes in the coordinate system and align the radiation source along an identified coincident positron annihilation emission path.

Abstract: A computer tomograph (1) for mammographic x-ray imaging includes a MBFEX tube (20) and a flat-bed x-ray detector (30). Cathodes (40) are arranged in a fixed manner in rows in the MBFEX tube (20), the cathodes (40) being provided for the field emission of electrons. Geometry, radiation density and wavelength range of an x-ray beam (b) can be set. The MBFEX tube (20) is movable parallel (z) to the flat-bed x-ray detector (30). The flat bed x-ray detector (30) includes a moveable x-ray screen (31), the opening of which can be set. Using the x-ray screen (31), an imaging area (A) on the detector surface (D) of the flat-bed x-ray detector (30) can be selected and moved. Compared to conventional computer tomographs having rotating x-ray components, the computer tomograph (1) has a lighter and more compact design, with which a particularly small focal spot size is achieved.

Abstract: A method includes determining a first estimate of leaf positions for a plurality of leaves of a multi-leaf collimator (MLC) in a reference coordinate space based on an image generated by an image-based aperture verification system, wherein the leaf positions for the plurality of leaves define an aperture for the MLC. The method further includes determining a second estimate of the leaf positions for the plurality of leaves in the reference coordinate space based on data from an additional source. The method further includes verifying the leaf positions for the plurality of leaves based on comparing the first estimate to the second estimate, wherein the leaf positions are verified if the first estimate deviates from the second estimate by less than a threshold value.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an imaging device that captures a camera image of a target, a controller that stitches a plurality of X-ray images of a plurality of divided regions to generate one X-ray image of the target, and a display that displays a settings window providing a graphical user interface for receiving a setting of an X-ray irradiation condition for the divided regions, and displays the camera image in which positions of the divided regions are displayed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for low energy radiation x-ray radiation therapy system for use at a target within a cavity of a subject. In an aspect, the system uses an aperture shaping device used to shape the radiation beam from the low energy radiation source. In an aspect, the aperture shaping device includes a plurality of leaf assemblies which include leaves configured to form the aperture and engage the radiation beam. In an aspect, the present invention utilizes a geared mechanics approach to create an aperture using only one dial input. The design ensures that the field size of the collimator remains a constant shape as it is opened and closed. In an aspect, the overall size of the collimator may be scaled to accommodate various radiation therapy requirements.

Abstract: A diaphragm apparatus for the collimation of an X-ray bundle of an X-ray device is provided for scanning an examination object. An X-ray device including the diaphragm apparatus is also provided. In an embodiment, the diaphragm apparatus includes two diaphragms in the form of slotted diaphragms arranged in series in the direction of the X-rays and mounted to be positionable with respect to one another. Each of the diaphragms includes a fixed diaphragm aperture corresponding to maximum collimation of the X-ray bundle and a region that is impermeable to X-rays, which in each case includes an extension corresponding to the diaphragm aperture corresponding to the maximum collimation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a collimator. The collimator may include a motor, a transmission unit having a first end and a second end, and a leaf unit having a leaf. The first end of the transmission unit may be connected to the motor and the second end of the transmission unit may be connected to the leaf. The present disclosure also relates to a collimator system. The collimator system may include a leaf module having a leaf, a driving module having a motor configured to drive the leaf, and a processing module to generate a movement profile of the leaf. The movement profile of the leaf may include a first speed during a first stage, a second speed of the leaf during a second stage, and a third speed of the leaf during a third stage.

Abstract: In a method and device for setting a spatial intensity distribution of an X-ray beam, an X-ray beam is generated by an X-ray tube. A beam path of the X-ray beam is guided in a direction of propagation by a form filter including a plurality of lamella plates which taper to a focal point such that, for each of the lamella plates, at least one straight line running through the respective lamella plate and forming a first direction of the lamella plate is aligned with the focal point. The first directions of the lamella plates of the form filter are aligned relative to the beam path. As a result of the alignment, parts of the X-ray beam are absorbed. Finally, the spatial intensity distribution of the X-ray beam is set in the direction of propagation by the absorption due to the lamella plates.

Abstract: A scanning X-ray imaging device (100) is proposed. The device may be specifically adapted for mammography applications. The device comprises an X-ray source (110), an X-ray line detector (150), a field limiter arrangement (170) and an observation volume (135). The field limiter arrangement (170) comprises at least two variable shield plates (174, 175) enclosing an opening (176) and a displacing mechanism (177). The shield plates may be displaced with respect to a center axis of an X-ray beam (115) by means of the displacing mechanism such as to vary at least one of a cross-section and a location of the opening (176) between the field plates (174, 175) through which at least a part of the X-ray beam (115) is transmitted. The shield plates may be displaced independently from each other by means of the displacing mechanism (177).

Abstract: Techniques for independent motion actuator are described herein. The techniques may include a first linear actuator, a first driven carriage to be driven by movement of the first linear actuator, and a first free carriage in line with the first linear actuator but being disengaged from the first linear actuator. The techniques may also include a second linear actuator substantially parallel to the first linear actuator. A second driven carriage is to be driven by movement of the second linear actuator, and a second free carriage in line with the second linear actuator but being disengaged from the second linear actuator and to be coupled to the first driven carriage.

Abstract: A method and system for acquiring, processing, storing, and displaying x-ray mammograms Mp tomosynthesis images Tr representative of breast slices, and x-ray tomosynthesis projection images Tp taken at different angles to a breast, where the Tr images are reconstructed from Tp images.

Abstract: A first dose calculated using a first set of fluence maps and a first (faster) dose prediction model is accessed. A second fluence map is accessed. The second fluence map is projected onto the first set of fluence maps to deter me set of scalars and a residual value. When the residual value satisfies a criterion, a second dose is calculated using the first dose prediction model, the set of scalars, and the second fluence map. When the residual value does not satisfy the criterion, the second dose is calculated using a second (more accurate) dose prediction model and the second fluence map.

Abstract: A radiological imaging device including a gantry defining an analysis zone in which at least a part of the patient is placed, a source suitable to emit radiation, and a detector arranged to receive the radiation and to generate data signals based on the radiation received. The device also includes a horizontal gantry rotation apparatus having a ring to which the source and the detector are mounted and a rotational bearing member configured to rotate the ring. Also included is a control unit adapted to acquire an image from data signals received from the detector while the horizontal gantry rotation apparatus rotates the ring to scan the patient. The radiological imaging device can include at least one of a vertical gantry rotation apparatus, a lifter system, a roller support system, a cooling system, a source tilting device, and a translational apparatus configured to translation a position of the detector.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the disclosed invention comprises rotary actuators that move one or more x-ray attenuating plates in the x-y plane (ie. image plane). These x-ray attenuating plates attenuate the x-ray beam with thin metal sheets or plates that contain one or more apertures, which fully exposes the desired region of interest (ROI) while filtering the rest of the image, reducing the radiation exposure for the procedure. The devices will typically have a selection of many attenuation profiles. A small aperture or low attenuation profile region will result in a higher total exposure reduction and a large aperture or large attenuation profile will result in a smaller exposure reduction. The x-ray attenuating plate can be rotated to select an attenuation profile using a detent wheel.

Abstract: A method and mechanical design for a thin-film diamond crystal mounting apparatus for coherence preservation x-ray optics with optimized thermal contact and minimized crystal strain are provided. The novel thin-film diamond crystal mounting apparatus mounts a thin-film diamond crystal supported by a thick chemical vapor deposition (CVD) diamond film spacer with a thickness slightly thicker than the thin-film diamond crystal, and two groups of thin film thermal conductors, such as thin CVD diamond film thermal conductor groups separated by the thick CVD diamond spacer. The two groups of thin CVD film thermal conductors provide thermal conducting interface media with the thin-film diamond crystal. A piezoelectric actuator is integrated into a flexural clamping mechanism generating clamping force from zero to an optimal level.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for displaying a selected acquisition field of view of a medical tomography apparatus in the region of a patient table of the tomography apparatus with the aid of an illumination device including at least one light source. In this regard, the illumination device includes at least one setting device for revealing and/or masking boundary areas of a field of illumination of the illumination device which are revealed or masked as a function of the selected acquisition field of view. An illumination device is also disclosed for this purpose.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes an X-ray tube, an X-ray detection unit, an X-ray filter, an input unit, and an X-ray filter support unit. The X-ray tube generates X-rays. The X-ray detection unit detects the X-rays transmitted through a subject. The X-ray filter is arranged between the X-ray tube and the object and has an opening. The X-ray filter support unit supports the X-ray filter so as to make the X-ray filter movable in an imaging axis direction of the X-rays.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are presented for automatic tuning, calibration, and verification of radiation therapy systems comprising control elements configured to control parameters of the radiation therapy systems based on images obtained using electronic portal imaging devices (EPIDs) included in the radiation therapy system.

Abstract: System and method for shaping the intensity profile of a radiation beam incident on a target volume. Embodiments according to the present disclosure include a multi-leaf collimator (MLC) capable of sharpening (e.g., “trimming”) a proton beam, the MLC having a reduced overall weight. Leaves of the MLC according to embodiments of the present disclosure have two regions of different density, where a high density region is proximal to a radiation beam so as to block a portion of the beam, and a lower density region provides structural integrity to the leaf while reducing overall MLC weight.

Abstract: A system and method for developing radiation therapy plans and a system and method for developing a radiation therapy plan to be used in a radiation therapy treatment is disclosed. A radiation therapy plan is developed using a registration of medical images. The registration is based on identifying landmarks located within inner body structures.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for adaptive exposure in imaging systems. An x-ray source for producing x-ray radiation and an x-ray detector for measuring amount of x-ray radiation passing through the human patient and striking the detector can be used. A tomographic image of the human patient or a tomosynthetic image of the human patient can be generated. Region of interest filtering and equalization filtering can be utilized. Filtering can be accomplished with a mechanical shield or shutter or with electronic control of the x-ray source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an X-ray apparatus comprising an X-ray source, an x-ray detector, and at least a first collimator having a first active position and a second collimator having a second active position for forming a bundle of X-ray beams, wherein both of said active positions are located in a substantially straight path between said X-ray source and said detector, but at different distances from said X-ray source. The X-ray apparatus further comprises a selector arrangement for switching one of said first or second collimators in said first or second active position, whereby when one of said first or second collimators is in an active position the other collimator is in an inactive position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a leaf assembly (102) for a multi-leaf collimator, comprising a leaf frame (104) and a plurality of leaves (106) for shielding beams (108) from a selected area, wherein the leaves (106) are arranged sideways and adjacently in the leaf frame (104) for shielding beams (108) being emitted from a radiation source (110) located above the assembly (102), wherein each leaf (106) is mounted in the leaf frame (104) displaceably in an adjusting direction (112) being oriented perpendicularly related to said beams (108), and wherein the leaf frame (104) provides a linear guidance (114) for each leaf (106) within the adjusting direction (112), being designed in a such a way that the leaf frame (104) is adapted to allow for lateral movement of the leaves (106) superposing said linear guidance (114), thus allowing mutual abutting of the leaves (106).

Abstract: A CT apparatus for scanning an object is provided. An x-ray source is provided, wherein the x-ray source provides a collimated x-ray beam with a cross-section. A plurality of wedges is provided between the source and object. An actuator is connected to the wedges for moving the wedges substantially perpendicular to the length of the cross-section of the collimated x-ray beam. An x-ray detector is located on an opposite side of the object from the x-ray source and is for detecting x-rays that pass through the object and the plurality of wedges. A gantry rotates the x-ray source, the plurality of wedges, and the x-ray detector around an axis of rotation. A detection system measures the relative position of the plurality of wedges. The detection system comprises an optical sensor and a plurality of optical markers, where each wedge has at least one optical marker attached.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an X-ray imaging apparatus and a control method therefor in which a region of a compressed breast is measured by a touch sensor and a collimator is controlled such that an X-ray emission region corresponds to the measured region of a compressed breast, whereby workflow for performing X-ray imaging may be reduced and subject pain due to breast compression may be alleviated. The X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray source to generate X-rays and irradiate an object with the generated X-rays, a collimator to adjust an emission region of the X-rays generated from the X-ray source, an X-ray detector to detect X-rays having passed through the object to acquire X-ray data, a touch sensor disposed above the X-ray detector, a compression paddle to compress the object placed on the touch sensor, and a collimator control unit to calculate location and size of the compressed object based on an output value of the touch sensor and control the collimator based on calculation results.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method includes at least moving a patient table through a measurement region of the computed tomography device, the movement of the patient having at least one phase of variable speed during the projection recording, time-solved determination or recording of the patient table position, time-resolved recording of projections of at least one part of an examination object moving with the table, the number of the slices contributing to the recording being varied during the at least one phase of variable speed of the patient table as a function of the table speed in such a way that the quotient formed from the current table speed divided by the number of the slices contributing to the recording is constant so that the pitch factor is kept constant during the projection recording, and time-resolved determination or recording of the number or slices contributing to the projection recording.

Abstract: A CT apparatus for scanning an object is provided. An x-ray source is provided, wherein the x-ray source provides a collimated x-ray beam with a cross-section with a length and thickness. A plurality of wedges is provided between the source and object. An actuator is connected to the wedges for moving the wedges substantially perpendicular to the length of the cross-section of the collimated x-ray beam. An x-ray detector is located on an opposite side of the object from the x-ray source and is for detecting x-rays that pass through the object and the plurality of wedges. A gantry rotates the x-ray source, the plurality of wedges, and the x-ray detector around an axis of rotation.

Abstract: A collimation assembly includes a multileaf collimator and motion assembly. The multileaf collimator includes a support body and a plurality of pairs of beam blocking leaves supported by the support body. The beam blocking leaves are longitudinally movable in a first direction. The motion assembly includes an actuator and a guide assembly operable to move the support body and thereby allowing the plurality of pairs of beam blocking leaves to move in a second direction generally transverse to the first direction.

Abstract: The present invention includes: X-ray shielding materials; X-ray shielding material mounting plates to which the X-ray shielding portions are fixed; a driven side link and a driving side link that connect the two X-ray shielding material mounting plates to each other so that the X-ray shielding portions face each other and cross each other; connecting portions that connect each of the X-ray shielding material mounting plates to the driven side link and the driving side link; and a driving device that drives the driving side link so as to rotate. Connecting portions and are provided at positions not interfering with a movable region of the X-ray shielding material mounting plates formed in conjunction with the rotational driving of the driven side link and the driving side link. The X-ray shielding material mounting plates are moved by the rotational driving of the driving side link and accordingly, the slit width between the X-ray shielding materials is changed.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for adaptive exposure in imaging systems. An x-ray source for producing x-ray radiation and an x-ray detector for measuring amount of x-ray radiation passing through the human patient and striking the detector can be used. A tomographic image of the human patient or a tomosynthetic image of the human patient can be generated. Region of interest filtering and equalization filtering can be utilized. Filtering can be accomplished with a mechanical shield or shutter or with electronic control of the x-ray source.

Abstract: A pinhole detection system of a fuel cell element unit including a density measurement module that calculates a density of a fuel cell element unit using weight and volume data measured from electronic weight balance and 3D scan type volume integrator. Photon energy ranges of X-ray beam and window species of the pinhole detection system automatically are selected from Group 1 or Group 2 according to the density reference point for a fuel cell element, and a stage on which a fuel cell element unit is disposed to be detected. A drive portion that moves the stage to rotate the fuel cell element unit. An X-ray source is disposed at one side of the stage to apply X-ray to the fuel cell element unit that rotates. An image detector detects an X-ray penetrating the fuel cell element unit, and a computer tomography that reconstructs a three dimensional tomogram.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting an object is present. Radiation is emitted from a radiation source. A beam is formed from a portion of the radiation emitted by the radiation source using a collimator. The collimator is connected to the radiation source by a bearing system comprising a first structure associated with the radiation source and a second structure connected to the first structure. The second structure is configured to hold the collimator. The second structure of the bearing system is moved using a movement system such that the second structure rotates in one of a plurality of directions substantially about a center point in the radiation source while the radiation source remains stationary relative to the second structure. Rotation of the second structure substantially about the center point in the radiation source changes a direction in which the beam is directed.