Abstract: In a laser plasma X-ray device for use in generating X-rays by bombarding a target material by a pulsed laser beam, the target material is selected from materials which are in a gas phase at the room temperature and which are cooled in a selected one of liquid and solid phases. Such a selected phase of the target material is continuously supplied to a focal point of the pulsed laser beam to be subjected to bombardment and to generate the X-rays. On generation of the X-rays, the target material is rendered into the gas phase to be recycled into the selected phase. The X-rays are guided outside of the chamber through an X-ray gate unit opened in synchronism with a repetition frequency of the pulsed laser beam.

Abstract: An X-ray fluorescence thickness measuring devise includes a primary X-ray beam collimation and workpiece positioning system that markedly increases the detectable fluorescent X-radiation from diverse specimen calibration standards and workpieces subjected to measurement. The positioning system includes an optical viewing system that provides a video signal image of the specimen surface prior to and during specimen radiation without hazard to the unit operator and independent of the collimator bore selected. A further feature of the measuring device is that it includes a system which assures repetitive and accurate positioning of a selected collimator relative to the axis of the X-ray beam to obtain maximum beam transmission therethrough.

Abstract: An x-ray sedimentation particle size analyzer in which data is taken only at particular positions along the sedimentation cell, and each such position is individually calibrated. Presentation of the data in the form of a particle size distribution curve can be accomplished very accurately using interpolation techniques. The sedimentation cell design is free of the effects of undesirable density gradients, capable of detecting and removing bubbles, capable of attaining a highly uniform dispersion of sample prior to sedimentation, and including a safety interlock device for blocking x-ray projection when the cell is being accessed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing dual energy radiation images of a patient in a kinestatic charge detection system utilizes first and second kinestatic charge detectors commonly connected to apparatus for rotating the detectors about a radiation source at a predetermined velocity. The detectors are adjusted such that ion drift velocity in each detector is equal in magnitude but opposite in direction to the velocity of rotation of the detectors. The radiation from the radiation source is modulated such that relatively low average energy radiation impinging on the patient is received by the first detector and relatively high average energy radiation impinging on the patient is received by the second detector. As the radiation is scanned across the patient and received by the detectors, output data from each detector provides information representative of the intensity of radiation received during the scan. The output data is then combined by a imaging system to form a difference image.

Abstract: The quality of x-ray shadowgraphic images is improved by beam equalization controlled to ensure that just the right amount of radiation is used to accomplish the desired result, be it a desired image density and contrast or a desired signal-to-noise ratio or some other desired characteristic. The new techniques include: (1) maintaining a substantially constant signal-to-noise ratio throughout the image by measuring both scattered and primary radiation and using the results in a feedback loop to control the x-ray tube output, (2) raster scanning an x-ray beam along straight lines at constant velocity within a line by using a curved slit rotating aperture, (3) simultaneously controlling each of the intensity and hardness of a scanned x-ray beam as determined by post-patient x-ray measurements, and (4) using a segmented fan to scan the patient in a direction transverse to the plane of the fan and individually modulating each beam segment to achieve desired image characteristics.

Abstract: In an X-ray system with a rotating disk having sector slits transmitting fan shaped X-ray beams from a source through a subject to the image area of an X-ray receptor an improved ratio S/P of X-rays (S) scattered from the subject to primary rays (P) forming a true image of the subject at the image area is realized if the dimensions of the system fall within the following ranges of dimensionless ratios:(1) DW/RL is less than 0.5;(2) D/L is greater than 0.15;(3) LS*N/WD is greater than 0.15 and less than 0.6 whereinD is the distance of the disk from the X-ray source,W is the width of the X-ray image area spanned by the narrow beams,R is the radius of the disk,L is the distance between the X-ray source and the receptor.S* is the radially outermost slit width in the X-ray beam, andN is the number of slits whose beams simultaneously intersect the outer edge of the image area.

Abstract: A high speed actuator for controlling the shutter in x-ray equipment so as to eliminate transition time during which the x-ray dose is wasted. The actuator includes a driving solenoid for rotating and axially displacing a shutter member so as to move a shutter aperture to an open position, a mechanical arrangement for blocking movement of the member when the shutter aperture reaches the open position, and an electro-magnetic brake, having an armature and coil, interconnected with the driving solenoid such that braking engagement between the armature and coil is effected by movement of the shutter member and aperture to the open position.

Abstract: A physical barrier is provided for debris discharged from any pulsed electromagnetic radiation source. A shutter is positioned in the path of the electromagnetic radiation at a distance sufficiently far from the source of the electromagnetic radiation such that an emitted pulse of electromagnetic radiation and the debris simultaneously discharged with the pulse become spatially separated from each other and arrive at the shutter at different times due to the inherent difference in propagation speed of the debris and pulse. Movement of the shutter is synchronized with generation of an electromagnetic pulse such that the electromagnetic pulse encounters an open shutter while the slower travelling debris simultaneously launched with the pulse encounters a closed shutter.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing detection of radiation scatter from an object through which radiation passes from a source to a radiation detection means having a detecting surface. The apparatus comprises at least one radiation shield having front and rear curvilinear shield surfaces. Each of the curvilinear shield surfaces, with projected continuations thereof, is circularly symmetrical about a central axis. Each shield surface, or its projected continuation, intersects the axis at an apex. The front and rear surfaces share the same central axis. The apparatus further includes a means for mounting the shield, between the object and the detecting surface, to make it movable about the central axis and to align the central axis on a straight line from the source to the apexes of the surfaces so that all radiation passing from the source through the object must pass once through the shield, when the shield is in motion about the axis, before the radiation strikes the detecting surface.

Abstract: Method for producing nuclear traces, or microholes originating from nuclear traces, from a single ion or a countable number of ions in a solid body by means of an accelerator, e.g. heavy ions in a heavy ion accelerator. A widened or attenuated beam or ions is directed onto the surface of a solid body via a preliminary aperture to cut out any non-required particles. The impinging of an individual particle, after or before passage through the solid body, is determined directly and depending of this determination, other particles which might possibly pass through the aperture are prevented from doing so.

Abstract: An ion implanter apparatus is described with provision for neutralizing the space charge potential of the ionic beam with a closed loop feedback system responding to the electrical charges that tend to accumulate on a target specimen. Neutralization is provided by a controllable electron source surrounding the beam. Flow of electrons to a plate radially outward of the electron source is used to derive a signal proportional to the beam ion current when the space charge potential of the beam is neutralized. The beam current signal can be used (1) to provide a read-out display for the operator; (2) to control the magnitude of the ion beam; (3) to be integrated to determine the total positive charge that enters the Faraday cage of the implanter for use to control the ion beam shutter; or (4) to effect relative movement of the specimen and the beam.