Abstract: An energy filter device for beams which are used in the course of ion beam therapy, wherein at least one passive modulator is provided. The modulator can comprise a scattering film for the beams and a collimator with an opening for controlling the beams, or a magnetic filter and an absorber, or a nonlinear filter and an apparatus for clipping the intensity of individual energy levels of the beams.

Abstract: Provision is made for a particle-beam treatment system in which, even during particle-beam irradiation, the shape of a multileaf collimator is monitored. The particle-beam treatment system, in which multi-layer conformal irradiation is performed while the setting of the shape of the multileaf collimator in an irradiation head is changed during particle-beam irradiation, is provided with an optical shape-monitoring unit mounted attachably and detachably in the snout portion at the downstream side of the multileaf collimator, the optical shape-monitoring unit having a shape-monitoring mirror, opposing the multileaf collimator, for monitoring the shape of the multileaf collimator; a video camera for shooting the multileaf-collimator shape reflected by the shape-monitoring mirror; and an image monitor for displaying an image of the video camera that shoots the shape of the multileaf collimator.

Abstract: An irradiation field limiting device includes a plurality of aperture leaves arranged in a thickness direction, a flexible linear member secured to a thick portion of the aperture leaf, a driver section which drives the linear member a specific amount, and the like. One end of the linear member is secured to an aperture leaf through a connection section tangentially to the outer arc of the aperture leaf, and the other end is connected with a slider provided in a driver section. The slider is connected with a driving source through a connection portion and moves along an axial direction of a drive shaft inserted into a base accompanying rotation of the drive shaft. A load accompanying the movement of the slider is directly transmitted to the linear member, and the aperture leaf is driven a specific amount due to the load.

Abstract: Systems and methods of controlling the leaves of an aperture in radiation treatment are disclosed. In some embodiments, these systems and methods allow the delivery of different radiation fluences to different parts of a treatment volume in a single rotation of the aperture around the treatment volume. In some embodiments, different radiation fluences are achieved by radiating different parts of the treatment volume from opposing positions of the aperture around the treatment volume. In some embodiments, different radiation fluences are achieved by assigning different leaf pairs to radiate different parts of the treatment volume.

Abstract: A multi-leaf collimator includes a number of independently adjustable leaves. Adjacent leaves overlap to prevent an incident beam of radiation from passing through a gap between them. The overlapping portions of the leaves are made of a first material, while the non-overlapping portions of the leaves are made of a second, different material.

Abstract: A multi-leaf collimator comprises an elongate leaf moveable in a longitudinal direction, and having an associated toothed rack driven by a pinion, wherein the rack is carried on an elongate actuator section, having a transversely extending link section, the leaf being connected to the link section and thereby being spaced from the actuator section. The pinion can thus be mounted on a shaft which is disposed transversely to the leaves of the array, and which passes between those leaves and their respective actuators. Some leaves can be driven via pinions mounted on shafts passing over the array, and other leaves can be driven via pinions mounted on shafts passing within the gaps between leaves and actuators. This means that twice the number of drive shafts can be fitted into the same length of array, thus either shortening the array or permitting more leaves and hence greater resolution. The drive mechanism can also be made as a separate unit.

Abstract: A collimator capable of being reduced in its external size without sacrificing an aperture is to be provided. To this end, the collimator comprises a pair of first plate members which defines a radiation passing aperture by a spacing between respective opposed end faces, a pair of second plate members which respectively overlap the first plate members at least partially so as to block any other radiation than the radiation passing through the aperture, a pair of third plate members which respectively overlap the second plate members at least partially so as to block any other radiation than the radiation passing through the aperture, an adjusting mechanism which adjusts the aperture by moving the pair of first plate members, and a follow-up mechanism which causes the pair of second plate members to move following the pair of first plate members with movement of the first plate members.

Abstract: The invention relates to a leaf (1) for a multi-leaf collimator (2) for delimiting a high-energy beam (3, 3?, 3?) of an irradiation device, in particular for conformational radiation therapy. According to the invention, the multi-leaf collimator (2) comprises a plurality of opposing leaves (1), which can be brought into the beam path (3, 3?, 3?) by means of drives (4), in such a way that the contour (5) of said path can be shaped in accordance with the volume to be irradiated. The need for beam-absorbent material (7) is reduced, as the leaf (1) essentially only comprises a beam-absorbent material (7) of an appropriate thickness (8) in a region (6) that is brought into the path (3, 3?, 3?) of the high-energy beam (3) during the course of all possible positional displacements (9). The invention also relates to a corresponding multi-leaf collimator (2), a device (22) for delimiting beams, and an irradiation device.

Abstract: The present application relates to a collimator for radio surgery or radio therapy comprising a plurality of leaves; guiding members for guiding a movement of the leaves; a pressing unit for causing a press contact between the leaves and the guiding members; wherein the pressing unit comprises pressing members which are at least configured to allow for a rolling press contact between the pressing members and the leaves.

Abstract: A particle beam therapeutic apparatus can ensure the uniformity of dose distribution by overlapping the desired loci of the irradiation of a particle beam a reduced number of times. A flow of a particle beam transported so as to be irradiated to a diseased part is caused to deflect in two mutually orthogonal directions perpendicular to the direction of travel of the particle beam. The irradiation position of the particle beam is scanned, upon each period, in a manner to return to a position of irradiation located at the start of the period, whereby a plurality of loci drawn within one period are overlapped with one another thereby to irradiate a desired planned dose to the diseased part. The particle beam can be interrupted only at the end of the period.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and imaging system for operating imaging computed tomography using a radiation source and a plurality of detectors to generate an image of an object. The method includes: defining a desired image characteristics; and performing calculations to determine the pattern of fluence to be applied by the radiation source, to generate said desired image quality or characteristics. Then, the radiation source is modulated, to generate the intended pattern of fluence between the beam source and the object to be imaged. The desired image characteristics can comprise at least one of desired levels of contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and may provide at least one of: desired image quality in at least one defined region of interest; and at least one desired distribution of said image quality.

Abstract: The invention relates to the recording of an object (4) by imaging with a radiation source (2) on a recording medium (3) using aperture (6), the size of which may be adjusted using adjusting means (7), depending on the size of said object. Sensors (8) are provided for determination of object size. The quality of the images, which are in particular X-ray images, can thus be improved.

Abstract: A new optimization method for generating treatment plans for radiation oncology is described and claimed. This new method works for intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), intensity modulated arc therapy (IMAT), and hybrid IMRT.

Abstract: A radiotherapeutic apparatus employs a collimator (52) set below a radiation source (50) and is adapted to move along an arc (54) substantially centered on the radiation source (50). As it sweeps the arc, the collimator (52) is adjusted so as to define the appropriate shape of radiation beam. A continuous sweep over the patient avoids edge artefacts and localized accumulation of leakage.

Abstract: An imaging system including is described. The imaging system includes a radiation source configured to generate a beam, a collimator configured to collimate the beam to generate a collimated beam, and a detector configured to detect the collimated beam. The collimator is one of a first collimator with a curved contour proportional to a contour of the detector, a second collimator with blades, where slopes of two oppositely-facing surfaces of at least one of the blades are different from each other, and a third collimator having at least two sets of plates, where the plates in a set pivot with respect to each other.

Abstract: A radiotherapy apparatus comprising a radiation source configured to radiate a radiation ray, a multi leaf collimator, including a plurality of leaves, configured to limit a radiation range of the radiation ray and a drive unit configured to move at least one of the leaves with an ultrasonic wave.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and apparatus for limiting a ray beam, especially in connection with an x-ray imaging equipment. The invention comprises a collimator construction in which a primary blade element (4) is moved directly by means of an actuator (3) and where at least one secondary element (5, 20) is movable in connection with the primary element (4), but does not move dependent on the movements of it when the distance between the said elements (4, 5, 20) is within at least one certain operating range concerning them.

Abstract: The motors of a multi-leaf collimator for driving the leaves are tilted away from horizontal. The motors are oriented at an angle upwards from the top or downwards from the bottom of a plane formed by the leaves of the multi-leaf collimator. By tilting or angling the motors relative to the multi-leaf collimator, motors with a single standard or a few different shaft lengths may be used. The motors may be more tightly packed, allowing for shorter leaves. Since Tungsten is expensive, costs may be saved by the shortening of the leaves. Standardization of the motor parts may also reduce costs. Due to the reduced weight of the resulting multi-leaf collimator, wear of the bearings of the linac or gantry arm may be reduced.

Abstract: A new optimization method for generating treatment plans for radiation oncology is described and claimed. This new method works for intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), intensity modulated arc therapy (IMAT), and hybrid IMRT.

Abstract: Depth diaphragm for an x-ray device, which diaphragm has a plurality of adjustable diaphragm blades (1) for displaying an area being examined, which blades (1) can be moved in such a way that said area being examined can be displayed asymmetrically.

Abstract: An X-ray diaphragm which forms a pyramidal X-ray beam with use of a simple construction includes four blades which are arranged in a surrounding relation to four sides so as to form a pyramidal X-ray beam with an X-ray focus as a vertex, the four blades having a structure such that the blades are fitted in one another in the form of parallel crosses at portions corresponding to four-corner edges of the pyramid. The blades have respective plural cross beams, the cross beams being formed such that adjacent cross beams are fitted in each other. The distance between mutually opposed blades is variable.

Abstract: A multi-leaf collimator is disclosed which alleviates the problems of inter-leaf leakage and pixellation. The collimator comprises a first multi-leaf collimator set, a second multi-leaf collimator set at an acute angle to the first, and a third multi-leaf collimator set at an acute angle to the second. Each multi-leaf collimator set will usually include a pair of leaf banks mutually opposed to each other. The acute angle between the first and the second multi-leaf collimator set is preferably the same as the acute angle between the second and the third set. A suitable angle is about 60°.

Abstract: A rotatable multi-element beam shaping device according to embodiments of the invention includes a first assembly, rotatable about a central axis through which a beam passes. The first assembly has a first and a second jaw adapted to move across the central axis to shape the beam. A second assembly, positioned below the first assembly, is also rotatable about the central axis, and has a third and a fourth jaw adapted to move across the central axis to further shape the beam. The first and the second assemblies, according to the invention, are separately controllable.

Abstract: A collimator comprises a pair of first plate members having X-ray absorbability and a pair of second plate members having X-ray absorbability. The pair of first plate members are movable in a direction parallel to surfaces thereof, and have respective end faces opposed to each other with an X-ray passing aperture being defined by a spacing between the opposed end faces of the first plate members. The pair of second plate members are capable of being folded in a zigzag fashion through hinges, and in order to intercept other X-rays than the X-ray passing through the aperture, each of the second plate members is connected at one end thereof to each end of the first plate members on the side opposite to the opposed end faces of the first plate members and is connected at the other end thereof to each of fixing portions.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes and apparatuses for mounting radiation treatment blocks on a radiation treatment block mounting plate, adjusting a radiation treatment block in a radiation treatment beam and forming a radiation treatment block. The present invention provides a method of mounting a radiation treatment block on a radiation treatment block mounting plate that minimizes or eliminates the creation of toxic and hazardous dust and waste and radiation treatment block misalignment problems. The apparatuses and processes of the present invention also provide an adjustable radiation treatment block mounting tray and method for easily and precisely adjusting a radiation treatment block to a radiation beam for the prescribed treatment of a patient.

Abstract: In an RTP machine, for a series of leaf positions which are generated by a Multileaf-Collimator-Position-Calculation-Unit, a speed limit is established by a Motion-Speed-Limit-Establishing-Unit. Further, a Motion-Display-Unit indicates the area where motion speed exceeds the established speed and/or a Leaf-Position-Correction-Unit controls the area in order to be equal to or less than the established speed limit. Furthermore, a Motion-Acceleration-Calculating-Unit calculates motion acceleration of the multileaf collimator, and the Motion-Display-Unit indicates the area where the calculated motion acceleration exceeds the established limit and/or the Leaf-Position-Correction-Unit controls the area in order to be equal to or less than the established acceleration limit.

Abstract: A medical charged particle irradiation apparatus capable of irradiation from upward and horizontal directions and performing a preparing/ascertaining work without any separate device such as a moving capsule or the like comprising a patient's bed, on which a patient lies, a transport equipment for injecting and transporting charged particle beams toward the patient's bed, an irradiation field forming device for forming an irradiation field for the beams transported by the transport equipment, and a gantry provided to be rotatable about an axis of rotation, and wherein the irradiation field forming device is eccentrically arranged such that an axis of irradiation passes a position different from the axis of rotation, and the patient's bed is arranged on an opposite side of the transport equipment to a plane, which contains the axis of rotation and is substantially perpendicular to the axis of irradiation.

Abstract: A medical charged particle irradiation apparatus capable of irradiation from upward and horizontal directions and performing a preparing/ascertaining work without any separate device such as a moving capsule or the like comprising a patient's bed, on which a patient lies, a transport equipment for injecting and transporting charged particle beams toward the patient's bed, an irradiation field forming device for forming an irradiation field for the beams transported by the transport equipment, and a gantry provided to be rotatable about an axis of rotation, and wherein the irradiation field forming device is eccentrically arranged such that an axis of irradiation passes a position different from the axis of rotation, and the patient's bed is arranged on an opposite side of the transport equipment to a plane, which contains the axis of rotation and is substantially perpendicular to the axis of irradiation.

Abstract: The invention is intended to shorten a positioning time required for forming an irradiation area with high accuracy using a number of leaf plates, and to reduce physical and mental burdens imposed on patients. A multi-leaf collimator comprises leaf plate driving body each including a plurality of movable leaf plates and provided respectively on one side and the other side, the plurality of leaf plates of the leaf plate driver on one side and the plurality of leaf plates of the leaf plate driver on the other side being disposed in an opposing relation to form an irradiation field of a radiation beam between the opposing leaf plates. Each of the leaf plate driving body includes a motor provided in common to the plurality of leaf plates. Driving force of the motor can be transmitted to the plurality of leaf plates at the same time through a pinion gear, upper and lower air cylinders, and upper and lower guides. Also, the driving force can be cut off selectively for each leaf plate.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling the spatial distribution of radiation produced by a radiation device having a multi-leaf collimator can generate arbitrary intensity-modulated radiation fields. The methods control both angles and leaf configuration of the multi-leaf collimator for each of multiple sub-fields. The leaf positions, collimator angles, and individual sub-field contributions may be derived by optimization techniques.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ion beam scanning system having an ion source device, an ion acceleration system and an ion beam guidance system comprising an ion beam outlet window for a converging centered ion beam, and a mechanical alignment system for the target volume to be scanned. For that purpose, the ion acceleration system can be set to an acceleration of the ions required to obtain a maximum depth of penetration. The scanning system also has energy absorption means arranged in the path of the ion beam between the target volume and the ion beam outlet window transverse to the center of the ion beam. The energy absorption means can be displaced transverse to the center of the ion beam in order to vary the energy of the ion beam, so enabling, in the target volume, depth modulation of the ion beam, which is effected by means of a linear motor and the transverse displacement of the energy absorption means, with depth-staggered scanning of volume elements of the target volume in rapid succession.

Abstract: The invention is intended to shorten a positioning time required for forming an irradiation area with high accuracy using a number of leaf plates, and to reduce physical and mental burdens imposed on patients. A multi-leaf collimator comprises leaf plate driving body each including a plurality of movable leaf plates and provided respectively on one side and the other side, the plurality of leaf plates of the leaf plate driver on one side and the plurality of leaf plates of the leaf plate driver on the other side being disposed in an opposing relation to form an irradiation field of a radiation beam between the opposing leaf plates. Each of the leaf plate driving body includes a motor provided in common to the plurality of leaf plates. Driving force of the motor can be transmitted to the plurality of leaf plates at the same time through a pinion gear, upper and lower air cylinders, and upper and lower guides. Also, the driving force can be cut off selectively for each leaf plate.

Abstract: The invention is intended to shorten a positioning time required for forming an irradiation area with high accuracy using a number of leaf plates, and to reduce physical and mental burdens imposed on patients. A multi-leaf collimator comprises leaf plate driving body each including a plurality of movable leaf plates and provided respectively on one side and the other side, the plurality of leaf plates of the leaf plate driver on one side and the plurality of leaf plates of the leaf plate driver on the other side being disposed in an opposing relation to form an irradiation field of a radiation beam between the opposing leaf plates. Each of the leaf plate driving body includes a motor provided in common to the plurality of leaf plates. Driving force of the motor can be transmitted to the plurality of leaf plates at the same time through a pinion gear, upper and lower air cylinders, and upper and lower guides. Also, the driving force can be cut off selectively for each leaf plate.

Abstract: An irradiation apparatus has a large irradiation field and is capable of ensuring the uniformity of a dose distribution without strengthening the performance of an irradiation field enlarging device. The irradiation apparatus includes a beam interruption part for performing a plurality of irradiations of a radiation beam, a position control part for controlling a location to be irradiated in such a manner that the entire surface of the target can be irradiated in a plurality of irradiation zones including an overlapping area formed by the plurality of irradiations, and a multileaf collimator control part for providing a slope to a dose distribution in the overlapping area of the respective irradiation zones, so that the dose distribution over the entire surface of the target including the overlapping area is made flat or uniform by the plurality of irradiations of the radiation beam.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a plurality of sets of segment data include inputting treatment data into a planning computer, the treatment data defining a radiation therapy treatment to be delivered by a radiation therapy device having independently rotatable X- and Y-collimator jaws in which the X-collimator jaws have a plurality of elements which may be independently moved across a beam axis. A plurality of sets of segment data are generated based on the treatment data. Each of the plurality of sets of segment data include data for positioning the X- and Y-collimator jaws and the plurality of elements in order to deliver a portion of the radiation therapy treatment.

Abstract: The invention is intended to shorten a positioning time required for forming an irradiation area with high accuracy using a number of leaf plates, and to reduce physical and mental burdens imposed on patients. A multi-leaf collimator comprises leaf plate driving body each including a plurality of movable leaf plates and provided respectively on one side and the other side, the plurality of leaf plates of the leaf plate driver on one side and the plurality of leaf plates of the leaf plate driver on the other side being disposed in an opposing relation to form an irradiation field of a radiation beam between the opposing leaf plates. Each of the leaf plate driving body includes a motor provided in common to the plurality of leaf plates. Driving force of the motor can be transmitted to the plurality of leaf plates at the same time through a pinion gear, upper and lower air cylinders, and upper and lower guides. Also, the driving force can be cut off selectively for each leaf plate.

Abstract: A collimator for X-ray apparatus has an aperture defined by the edges of four movable flexible shutters. Each shutter can be moved independently of the other shutters; thus, the position and the size of the aperture can be adjusted at will. The shutters are moved by winding them onto drums; each drum is driven by a stepping motor. Springs bias the shutters towards the closed position of the collimator.

Abstract: A method for delivering radiation from a radiation source to treatment a area utilizing a multi-leaf collimator. The method includes positioning the multi-leaf collimator between the radiation source and the object to block a portion of the radiation. The leaves of the multi-leaf collimator are generally located within a plane and extend longitudinally along a first axis. The leaves are positioned to define a first treatment field. The method further includes delivering radiation to the first treatment field and rotating the multi-leaf collimator about a central axis extending generally perpendicular to the leaf plane.

Abstract: A radiotherapeutic apparatus employs a collimator (52) set below a radiation source (50) and is adapted to move along an arc (54) substantially centred on the radiation source (50). As it sweeps the arc, the collimator (52) is adjusted so as to define the appropriate shape of radiation beam. A continuous sweep over the patient avoids edge artefacts and localised accumulation of leakage.

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

Abstract: The invention is intended to shorten a positioning time required for forming an irradiation area with high accuracy using a number of leaf plates, and to reduce physical and mental burdens imposed on patients. A multi-leaf collimator comprises leaf plate driving body each including a plurality of movable leaf plates and provided respectively on one side and the other side, the plurality of leaf plates of the leaf plate driver on one side and the plurality of leaf plates of the leaf plate driver on the other side being disposed in an opposing relation to form an irradiation field of a radiation beam between the opposing leaf plates. Each of the leaf plate driving body includes a motor provided in common to the plurality of leaf plates. Driving force of the motor can be transmitted to the plurality of leaf plates at the same time through a pinion gear, upper and lower air cylinders, and upper and lower guides. Also, the driving force can be cut off selectively for each leaf plate.

Abstract: The invention is intended to shorten a positioning time required for forming an irradiation area with high accuracy using a number of leaf plates, and to reduce physical and mental burdens imposed on patients. A multi-leaf collimator comprises leaf plate driving body each including a plurality of movable leaf plates and provided respectively on one side and the other side, the plurality of leaf plates of the leaf plate driver on one side and the plurality of leaf plates of the leaf plate driver on the other side being disposed in an opposing relation to form an irradiation field of a radiation beam between the opposing leaf plates. Each of the leaf plate driving body includes a motor provided in common to the plurality of leaf plates. Driving force of the motor can be transmitted to the plurality of leaf plates at the same time through a pinion gear, upper and lower air cylinders, and upper and lower guides. Also, the driving force can be cut off selectively for each leaf plate.

Abstract: A radiotherapy apparatus comprises a first collimator and a second collimator, the first collimator being a multi-leaf collimator, the second collimator comprising a plurality of slits having a width which is a fraction of the width of the leaves of the first collimator, the first and second collimators being aligned such that each slit of the second collimator is associated with a leaf of the first collimator. A first irradiation is made, during which the first collimator will define the outer edge of the irradiation pattern, and the second collimator will serve to narrow the effective width of each leaf of the first collimator. This narrowing is a simple function of the relative widths of the slits of the second collimator and the leaves of the first. This will leave gaps in between the slits of the second collimator, which can then be filled by moving one or more of the patient, first and second collimators, so as to irradiate an area omitted in the first irradiation.

Abstract: A contour collimator for radiation therapy has a plurality of diaphragm elements that are movable with respect to each other by means of drive units. The diaphragm elements of the invention are supported only on the side near the drive units for ease of movement. This allows larger contour collimators to be constructed having relatively heavy diaphragm elements while retaining relatively small motors.

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

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

Abstract: A method an arrangement in an x-ray imaging apparatus (10), includes at least one x-ray source (11), a collimator (42, 52, 62a, 62b, 72) and a detcetor (43, 73); the arrangement is arranged for providing a variable exposure of the dector (43, 73) to x-ray radiation from the x-ray source (10) through slots (45, 55, 65a, 65b, 75) on the collimator (42, 52, 62a, 62b, 72). The arrangement comprises at least one of the collimator (42, 52, 62a, 62b, 72) or registering means (43, 73), which are arranged moveable relative each other to vary number of x-rays registered by the dector.

Abstract: Aspects of a multiple layer multileaf collimator capable of improving resolution for coverage of a target during radiation therapy are described. A multiple layer multileaf collimator includes a first layer of multiple elongated radiation blocking leaves supported by a first frame for individual leaf positioning in a first direction. The multiple layer multileaf collimator further includes a to second layer of multiple elongated radiation blocking leaves supported by a second frame for individual leaf positioning in a second direction, the second direction offset at a desired angle relative to the first direction, wherein the individual leaves of the first and second layers conform more closely with a target shape to improve resolution. Further, the second layer is positioned above the first layer and provides leakage coverage for the multiple elongated radiation blocking leaves of the first layer.

Abstract: A system and method of the present invention for controlling radiation delivery from a radiation source to an object are disclosed. The method generally includes defining a field on the object for radiation delivery. The field includes a plurality of cells, each having a defined treatment intensity level. The cells are grouped to form a matrix having at least one dimension approximately equal to a width of a collimator leaf capable of blocking radiation emitted from the radiation source. The method further includes decomposing the matrix into orthogonal matrices and optimizing delivery of the radiation by selecting a combination of orthogonal matrices to minimize junction effects.

Abstract: A method for calibration and/or quality assurance of nuclear medicine imaging, in which functional information of the organs to be studied is achieved by inserting radioactive solution emitting detectable radiation in the organs of a phantom simulating the organs to be studied and by detecting the radiation. The filling and emptying of the organs of the phantom to be studied is simulated by regulation of the detectable radiation from the phantom. The organs to be simulated by the phantom are in form of containers filled with radioactive solution, the apparatus further comprising movable isolating parts, like steel plates, between the containers and the gamma camera to isolate radiation from the containers to the camera. The invention is also concerned with an arrangement comprising the apparatus of the invention and a gamma camera.