Abstract: The present disclosure provides a convertor for X-ray radiography and its manufacturing method and an X-ray detector, wherein the surface of the scintillator facing the X-ray is covered with photonic crystals of a two-dimensional or three-dimensional spatial structure capable of reflecting the visible light facing the photonic crystals generated by the scintillator to increase the intensity of the output light of the scintillator by more than 100%, thus enhancing the image brightness and improving the image resolution, in addition to reducing to a certain extent the interference between pixels due to the ability of the photonic crystals to control the direction of the light being reflected, for example, by controlling the reflecting direction so as to be vertical to the surface of the scintillator, and the manufacturing method and material for the photonic crystals are low in cost without toxicity, enabling it to be used more widely.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for obtaining radiation interaction data related to an image of an object. The method involves using a detector system for detecting and collecting spectroscopically resolvable information about incident radiation, and collecting one or more datasets of information at the detector after interaction with an object. Each dataset is resolved across at least three frequency bands within the spectrum of the source. The ratio between measured intensities is evaluated for at least two pairs of such frequency bands in a given intensity dataset to obtain a numerical indicator in functional relationship with a material property. The numerical indicator is then compared with a library of data characteristics of target materials. An apparatus is also disclosed for inspection of materials.

Abstract: A radiation image acquiring system that improves the detection accuracy of a foreign substance etc., in a subject is provided. An X-ray image acquiring system 1 irradiates X-rays to a subject S from an X-ray source, and detects X-rays in a plurality of energy ranges transmitted through the subject S.

Abstract: In one example, a method of examining contents of an object is disclosed comprising scanning an object by first and second radiation beams at least first and second angles, detecting radiation at the first and second angles, and determining whether the object at least potentially comprises high atomic number material, which may be nuclear material or shielding material, based, at least in part, on the detected radiation. In one example, the detected radiation at both angles must be indicative of a region of high atomic number material by the presence of corresponding high density regions, in order for it to be concluded that high atomic number material that may be nuclear material may be present. The determination may be further based on the size of a high density region in one of the images. Systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a metal sorting device including an X-ray tube, a dual energy detector array, a microprocessor, and an air ejector array. The device senses the presence of samples in the x-ray sensing region and initiates identifying and sorting the samples. After identifying and classifying the category of a sample, at a specific time, the device activates an array of air ejectors located at specific positions in order to place the sample in the proper collection bin.

Abstract: A method to perform security screening at an airport on hand-carried baggage. The method includes requesting passengers with hand carried baggage to remove from the baggage a container that holds a liquid and perform an x-ray inspection on the hand carried baggage and on the container while the container remains outside the baggage. According to the method, the results of the x-ray inspection are used to determine if the baggage contains illegal objects and if the liquid is a security threat.

Abstract: A method for determining a composition of an object using a spectral x-ray system is provided. X-ray photons of at least two different energies are transmitted through the object. The energy of each detected x-ray photon using a detector in the x-ray system is estimated. A first weighted sum of the number of detected photons of each energy is found using a first weighting function, wherein the first weighting function is dependent on the attenuation coefficient function of a first material. In another embodiment, the photons are binned into two energy bins wherein there is a gap between the energy bins.

Abstract: At least three radiation-detection views are used to facilitate identifying material as comprises an object being assessed along a beam path relative to that object. This comprises developing a first radiation-detection view (101) as corresponds to the material along the beam path, a second radiation-detection view (102) as corresponds to the material along substantially the beam path, and at least a third radiation-detection view (103) as corresponds to the material along substantially the beam path. At least one of the source spectra and detector spectral responses used for these radiation-detection views are different from one another for each view. One then uses (104) these radiation-detection views to identify the material by, at least in part, differentiating the material from other possible materials.

Abstract: The aim of the method is to characterize an element (21) comprising a plurality of superposed layers separated from one another by interfaces. It comprises at least the following steps: The element (21) is illuminated with radiation (15) emitted by a source (13); radiation (23) transmitted through the element (21) is collected on a detector (17), this transmitted radiation forming an experimental image of the element (21) on the detector (17), the detector (17) being placed at such a distance from the element (21) that interference fringes appear on the experimental image at the interfaces between the layers; and an approximate value of at least one physical characteristic of at least one given layer is determined by calculation from the experimental image, the determination step being implemented by minimizing the difference between the experimental image and a simulated image of at least part of the experimental image of the element (21).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a metal sorting device including an X-ray tube, a dual energy detector array, a microprocessor, and an air ejector array. The device senses the presence of samples in the x-ray sensing region and initiates identifying and sorting the samples. After identifying and classifying the category of a sample, at a specific time, the device activates an array of air ejectors located at specific positions in order to place the sample in the proper collection bin.

Abstract: A method to perform security screening at an airport on hand-carried baggage. The method includes requesting passengers with hand carried baggage to remove from the baggage a container that holds a liquid and perform an x-ray inspection on the hand carried baggage and on the container while the container remains outside the baggage. According to the method, the results of the x-ray inspection are used to determine if the baggage contains illegal objects and if the liquid is a security threat.

Abstract: Methods for energy-sensitive computed tomography systems that use checkerboard filtering. A method of enhancing image analysis of projection data acquired using a detector configured with a checkerboard filter includes disposing in a system a detector to receive a transmitted beam of X-rays traversing through an object, where the system is configured so the detector receives both high- and one of total- and low-energy projection data; receiving the high- and one of total- and low-energy projection data at the detector; and then estimating an effective atomic number of the object and/or processing the projection data so as to mitigate reconstruction artifacts. The present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiment(s), and it is recognized that equivalents, alternatives, and modifications, aside from those expressly stated, are possible and within the scope of the appended claims.

Abstract: A method for determining the constituent content of a multiphase fluid includes the following steps: x-rays at single-energy or dual-energy levels are produced by an x-ray machine, after said x-rays pass through the multiphase fluid, the data at each energy level are detected by a detector sub-system which is composed of one or two detectors, and the mass percents of the components in the multiphase fluid are calculated by a controlling and data processing sub-system based on the detected data. Said multiphase fluid is a two-phase or three-phase mixture in crude oil or natural gas. The method can be used for automatic online measurement of the production in oil and gas fields.

Abstract: Ash composition measurements of calcium carbonate and gypsum in paper is accomplished with a dual X-ray sensor system with one X-ray source that is powered at about 5.9 KV and a second X-ray source that is powered at about 4.2 KV. Corresponding detectors measure radiation from the respective X-ray sources that is emitted from the paper. Data derived from the measurements yields the gypsum and crystal water content in the paper. The dual X-ray sensor system can be employed in conjunction with infrared total moisture measurements of paper products being manufactured on a papermaking making machine, which contain gypsum and calcium carbonate, in order to correct for the gypsum crystal water effect.

Abstract: A method for estimating a petrophysical parameter from a rock sample includes making a three dimensional tomographic image of the sample of the material. The image is segmented into pixels each representing pore space or rock grain. Porosity of the sample is determined from the segmented image. An image of at least one fracture is introduced into the segmented image to generate a fractured image. The porosity of the fractured image is determined. At least one petrophysical parameter related to the pore-space geometry is estimated from the fractured image.

Abstract: A method of analysing particles of a material which include a constituent is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of exposing particles of the material to x radiation having a range of x-radiation energies, detecting x-radiation intensities at two different energy levels transmitted through the particles, and determining the concentration of the constituent in particles from the detected intensities.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a device for security-inspection of liquid articles with dual-energy CT imaging. The method comprises the steps of obtaining one or more CT images including physical attributes of liquid article to be inspected by CT scanning and a dual-energy reconstruction method; acquiring the physical attributes of each liquid article from the CT image; and determining whether the inspected liquid article is dangerous based on the physical attributes. The CT scanning can be implemented by a normal CT scanning technique, or a spiral CT scanning technique. In the normal CT scanning technique, the scan position can be preset, or set by the operator with a DR image, or set by automatic analysis of the DR image.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for identifying the elemental composition of an object (120) characterized by comprising the following procedures: (210) selecting an energy range of an irradiation energy range according to at least one energy-selection criterion to obtain a selected energy range; (215) selecting, according to at least one element-selection criterion, pure elements and/or compounds for which analysis of said object is performed, to obtain selected elements; (220) determining the absorption coefficient for the selected pure elements and/or compounds according to the selected energy range; (230) determining the integrated density of the selected pure elements and/or compounds. Additional and alternative embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a device for security-inspection of liquid articles with dual-energy CT imaging. The method comprises the steps of obtaining one or more CT images including physical attributes of liquid article to be inspected by CT scanning and a dual-energy reconstruction method; acquiring the physical attributes of each liquid article from the CT image; and determining whether the inspected liquid article is dangerous based on the physical attributes. The CT scanning can be implemented by a normal CT scanning technique, or a spiral CT scanning technique. In the normal CT scanning technique, the scan position can be preset, or set by the operator with a DR image, or set by automatic analysis of the DR image.

Abstract: A simplified X-ray imaging apparatus is capable of computationally determining effective atomic numbers with small error factors even for light elements. The X-ray imaging apparatus has an X-ray generation unit 101 (400) for generating X-rays and a detector 105 (405) for detecting X-rays transmitted through an object of examination 104 (403). A computing unit 106 (406) computationally determines a quantity of an X-ray phase attributable to the object of examination and an X-ray transmittance of the object of examination from data detected by the detector. The computing unit also computationally determines an effective atomic number of the object of examination from ?et determined from the quantity of the X-ray phase and ?t it determined from the X-ray transmittance.

Abstract: A CT data processing apparatus and a CT data processing method capable of separating a subcutaneous fat region from a visceral fat region accurately and efficiently in CT data are provided.

Abstract: The application discloses systems and methods for X-ray scanning for identifying material composition of an object being scanned. The system includes at least one X-ray source for projecting an X-ray beam on the object, where at least a portion of the projected X-ray beam is transmitted through the object, and an array of detectors for measuring energy spectra of the transmitted X-rays. The measured energy spectra are used to determine atomic number of the object for identifying the material composition of the object. The X-ray scanning system may also have an array of collimated high energy backscattered X-ray detectors for measuring the energy spectrum of X-rays scattered by the object at an angle greater than 90 degrees, where the measured energy spectrum is used in conjunction with the transmission energy spectrum to determine atomic numbers of the object for identifying the material composition of the object.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a device for real-time mark for a high-energy X-ray dual-energy imaging container inspection system in the radiation imaging field.

Abstract: Acquisition techniques for dual energy (DE) chest imaging system. Technique factors include the added x-ray filtration, kVp pair, and the allocation of dose between low- and high-energy projections, with total dose equal to or less than that of a conventional chest radiograph. Factors are described which maximize lung nodule detectability as characterized by the signal difference to noise ratio (SDNR) in DE chest images. kVp pair and dose allocation are described using a chest phantom presenting simulated lung nodules and ribs for thin, average, and thick body habitus. Low- and high-energy techniques ranged from 60-90 kVp and 120-150 kVp, respectively, with peak soft-tissue SDNR achieved at [60/120] kVp for patient thicknesses and levels of imaging dose. A strong dependence on the kVp of the low-energy projection was observed.

Abstract: A window arrangement on a pressure pipe, with a casing in the train or at the end of the pressure pipe, said casing featuring flanges on diametrically opposing sides having radially directed passages, whose axes are standing perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pressure pipe and are located in a measurement plane for an x-ray measurement device, an x-ray source being associated to the one passage on the outer side and a receiver sensitive to X-rays to the other passage, and with window plates that are transmissive for X-rays which are sealingly arranged in the associated passage and are fixed in the passage with the aid of a fastening member and which consist of a material which is resistant against high temperatures and process-due etchings by chemically aggressive substances.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a device for security-inspection of liquid articles with dual-energy CT imaging. The method comprises the steps of obtaining one or more CT images including physical attributes of liquid article to be inspected by CT scanning and a dual-energy reconstruction method; acquiring the physical attributes of each liquid article from the CT image; and determining whether there are drugs concealed in the inspected liquid article based on the difference between the acquired physical attributes and reference physical attributes of the inspected liquid article. The CT scanning can be implemented by a normal CT scanning technique, or a spiral CT scanning technique. In the normal CT scanning technique, the scan position can be preset, or set by the operator with a DR image, or set by automatic analysis of the DR image.

Abstract: A target composition determination apparatus includes, an x-ray emission element for concurrently transmitting x-ray photons with a plurality of different energy levels at a target, and an x-ray detection element for receiving x-rays interacting with the target and for determining the energy levels of the received x-rays, the x-ray detection element generating at least one output signal indicative of the number of x-rays interacting with the target and the energy levels determined for each of the x-rays, and a processing element receiving the output signal and indicating the presence of at least one component material within the target using the received detection element signal and a multivariate calibration prepared for the target, the apparatus including that the output signal of the x-ray detection element is batched over a pre-selected time period to define the physical resolution of the target composition apparatus when a target is moved relative to the apparatus.

Abstract: A method for measuring moisture content in a biological material in an automated procedure is disclosed. The method comprises the step of: providing a reference database for a plurality of different material types with known moisture content. Further, a sample of biological material, such as chips of wood, pulp, grain, crop or sugar canes, are scanned with electromagnetic radiation of at least two different energy levels and the amount of radiation transmitted through the sample of the biological material is determined at said two energy levels. Subsequently, a material type in the reference database most resembling the biological material of the biological material of the sample is identified, and the moisture content of the sample of biological material is determined based on the identified material type and the determined amounts of radiation transmitted through the sample.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the bone mineral density of a body extremity. An image of a body extremity is acquired using a mammography x-ray system whereby a bone mineral density can be performed on the image. The system for determining the bone mineral density of a body extremity includes: a support for supporting the body extremity; a detector for capturing an image of the body extremity; and an x-ray source adapted to project an x-ray beam through the body extremity toward the detector, the x-ray source having a voltage of no more than about 45 kVp and having a target/filter combination of rhodium/rhodium, molybdenum/molybdenum, molybdenum/rhodium, or tungsten/rhodium.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for determining the enrichment of 235U in Uranium Hexafluoride (UF6) utilizing synthesized X-rays which are directed at a container test zone containing a sample of UF6. A detector placed behind the container test zone then detects and counts the X-rays which pass through the container and the UF6. In order to determine the portion of the attenuation due to the UF6 gas alone, this count rate may then be compared to a calibration count rate of X-rays passing through a calibration test zone which contains a vacuum, the test zone having experienced substantially similar environmental conditions as the actual test zone. Alternatively, X-rays of two differing energy levels may be alternately directed at the container, where either the container or the UF6 has a high sensitivity to the difference in the energy levels, and the other having a low sensitivity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a metal sorting device including an X-ray tube, a dual energy detector array, a microprocessor, and an air ejector array. The device senses the presence of samples in the x-ray sensing region and initiates identifying and sorting the samples. After identifying and classifying the category of a sample, at a specific time, the device activates an array of air ejectors located at specific positions in order to place the sample in the proper collection bin.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus, method and computer-readable medium analyzing components using an X-ray. The apparatus, method and computer-readable medium may photograph an object using an X-ray of at least two energy bands to output X-ray images, predict a component ratio of the object using the X-ray images, calculate a length of the object for each of the at least two energy bands using an intensity of the X-ray images, when the object is configured in the predicted component ratio, and verify whether an error in the component ratio occurs by comparing the lengths of the object calculated for each of the at least two energy bands.

Abstract: A method and a CT system are disclosed having a computation unit for distinguishing between four materials (M1, M2, M3, M4) in tomographic records of a dual-energy CT system, wherein the size of a two-dimensional or three-dimensional viewing area is defined around each voxel whose material content is to be distinguished. In an embodiment of the method, the adjacent voxels from the viewing area on an HU value diagram are imaged for each voxel (Vi) whose material content is to be distinguished, the distances from the diagonals are calculated for all the imaged voxels, and the mean squares of these distances are formed (x12, x22). If the mean square distance (x12, x22) to one diagonal is less than to the other diagonal, then the composition of the voxel is assumed to be composed of the materials to whose diagonal the lower mean square distance (x12, x22) occurs.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring in real time the movement of a plurality of substances in a mixture, such as oil water and air flowing through a pipe comprises an X-ray scanner arranged to make a plurality of scans of the mixture over a monitoring period to produce a plurality of scan data sets, and control means arranged to analyze the data sets to identify volumes of each of the substances and to measure their movement. By identifying volumes of each of the substances in each of a number of layers and for each of a number of scans, real time analysis and imaging of the substance can be achieved.

Abstract: CT scanning of transportation containers is performed by generating X-rays at various points at the opposite sides of the containers, detecting the X-rays passing through the containers, and analyzing the data received to determine the presence of contraband. The X-rays are generated by modulating a magnetic field through which a high-energy electron beam passes to deflect the beam successively to different targets positioned around the sides of the container, while the electron beam source remains stationary. The X-rays are detected by an array of cells using X-ray responsive storage phosphor material to emit light which is sent to analyzing and comparing equipment. The targets and detectors and the cargo container are moved relative to one another to scan a selected volume of the container.

Abstract: Methods for selecting and applying test criterion for use in the radiation analysis of contents of objects, based on whether the contents of the object, or contents of portions of the object, comprise inorganic or organic material, are described. In one example, the object is scanned by radiation and the contents type is determined based on preliminary test criterion adapted to distinguish between inorganic material and organic material, and detected radiation. At least one test criterion is selected based, at least in part on the determination and it is then determined whether the object at least potentially contains material having an atomic number greater than a predetermined atomic number based, at least in part, on the detected radiation and the at least one selected test criterion. Systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and apparatus for non-destructive identification of encased autocatalysts which comprise metallic and/or ceramic support substrates which may possess a catalytic coating. The process comprises the X-raying of the encased autocatalysts and the identification of the autocatalyst by comparing the data obtained with a data bank which contains information about industrially manufactured autocatalysts. Optionally, the process may comprise further examination steps (for example weighing, measurement of the electrical and/or magnetic properties or photographic imaging). The process and apparatus find use for non-destructive, exact and rapid recognition or identification of encased autocatalysts and particulate filters.

Abstract: An efficient X-ray radiographic method for recognition of materials of inspected objects and a corresponding device with improved functional possibilities are proposed, ensuring direct determination of the effective atomic number Zeff of the material, its density and thickness, as well as chemical composition. In customs inspection this should ensure practically unambiguous identification of explosives and drugs, and in medical tomography—early diagnostics of cancer tumors, osteoporosis, atherosclerosis and other dangerous and widespread diseases. The method includes X-raying of the inspected objects and recording of the transmitted radiation in several different spectral ranges with different effective energy by multi-element radiation receivers.

Abstract: An improved microcalorimeter-type energy dispersive x-ray spectrometer provides sufficient energy resolution and throughput for practical high spatial resolution x-ray mapping of a sample at low electron beam energies. When used with a dual beam system that provides the capability to etch a layer from the sample, the system can be used for three-dimensional x-ray mapping. A preferred system uses an x-ray optic having a wide-angle opening to increase the fraction of x-rays leaving the sample that impinge on the detector and multiple detectors to avoid pulse pile up.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining fractional amounts of each phase of a multiple phase fluid includes an x-ray generator includes a sample chamber is configured to admit therein a sample of fluid for analysis. The chamber is disposed in a radiation path output from the generator. A filter is disposed in the radiation path between the output of the generator and the radiation input of the sample chamber. A first radiation detector is positioned in a radiation path from the sample chamber after radiation has passed through the sample chamber. A thickness and a material of the filter are selected to optimize resolution of radiation detected by the first detector to changes in volume fraction of oil and water in the fluid sample when a gas fraction thereof is between about 90 to 100 percent.

Abstract: A system and method for ascertaining the identity of an object within an enclosed article. The system includes an acquisition subsystem, a reconstruction subsystem, a computer-aided detection (CAD) subsystem, and an alarm resolution subsystem. The acquisition subsystem communicates view data to the reconstruction subsystem, which reconstructs it into image data and communicates it to the CAD subsystem. The CAD subsystem analyzes the image data to ascertain whether it contains any area of interest. A feedback loop between the reconstruction and CAD subsystems allows for continued, more extensive analysis of the object. Other information, such as risk variables or trace chemical detection information may be communicated to the CAD subsystem to dynamically adjust the computational load of the analysis.

Abstract: An inspection method comprises focusing a particle beam onto a sample; operating at least one detector located close to the sample; assigning detection signals generated by the at least one detector to different intensity intervals; determining, based on the detection signals assigned to the intensity intervals, at least one first signal component related to electrons incident on the detector; and determining, based on the detection signals assigned to the intensity intervals, at least one second signal component related to X-rays incident on the detector.

Abstract: A system for detecting contraband. A container is scanned with a first type of contraband detection apparatus. Based on results of the first scan, a plurality of risk values, which correspond to particular types of contraband, are generated. The container is then scanned with a second type (and/or a third type) of contraband detection apparatus. Based on the results of the second scan (and/or the third scan), the risk values are modified. If the combined risk values are above a predetermined value, an alarm is triggered.

Abstract: A method of determining a parameter of interest of reservoir rock formation is described using the steps of measuring an x-ray attenuation or absorption distribution of a sample of said rock formation, identifying the mineral phase part of said distribution, and subdividing the mineral phase part of said distribution to derive classification or rock type information of said sample.

Abstract: At least three radiation-detection views are used to facilitate identifying material as comprises an object being assessed along a beam path relative to that object. This comprises developing a first radiation-detection view (101) as corresponds to the material along the beam path, a second radiation-detection view (102) as corresponds to the material along substantially the beam path, and at least a third radiation-detection view (103) as corresponds to the material along substantially the beam path. At least one of the source spectra and detector spectral responses used for these radiation-detection views are different from one another for each view. One then uses (104) these radiation-detection views to identify the material by, at least in part, differentiating the material from other possible materials.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a metal sorting device including an X-ray tube, a dual energy detector array, a microprocessor, and an air ejector array. The device senses the presence of samples in the x-ray sensing region and initiates identifying and sorting the samples. After identifying and classifying the category of a sample, at a specific time, the device activates an array of air ejectors located at specific positions in order to place the sample in the proper collection bin.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring in real time the movement of a plurality of substances in a mixture, such as oil water and air flowing through a pipe comprises an X-ray scanner arranged to make a plurality of scans of the mixture over a monitoring period to produce a plurality of scan data sets, and control means arranged to analyze the data sets to identify volumes of each of the substances and to measure their movement. By identifying volumes of each of the substances in each of a number of layers and for each of a number of scans, real time analysis and imaging of the substance can be achieved.

Abstract: A method for determining the change in position of an object in an item of luggage using two X-ray images. The method includes allocating points to individual features in each X-ray image, and extracting the individual features to produce a set of extracted points for each X-ray image. The method includes searching for clusters in each set of extracted points. For each X-ray image a valuation function that displays different values when points of a cluster are close than when points of the cluster are not close is used to determine the proximity of each cluster. This permits analysis of the movement of the object to be performed by observing the proximities of the clusters.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a device for security-inspection of liquid articles with dual-energy CT imaging. The method comprises the steps of obtaining one or more CT images including physical attributes of liquid article to be inspected by CT scanning and a dual-energy reconstruction method; acquiring the physical attributes of each liquid article from the CT image; and determining whether the inspected liquid article is dangerous based on the physical attributes. The CT scanning can be implemented by a normal CT scanning technique, or a spiral CT scanning technique. In the normal CT scanning technique, the scan position can be preset, or set by the operator with a DR image, or set by automatic analysis of the DR image.

Abstract: A dual energy inspection system that generates X-rays with an electron beam scanned over targets. A switchable voltage source that can be change its voltage output may cause X-rays to be generated at different energies. This X-ray generation subsystem is controlled by a sequencer that provides beam steering and shaping control inputs that may be dependent on the voltage provided by the voltage source. In another aspect, the dual energy inspection system may use multiple types of detectors, each sensitive to X-rays of a different energy. A relatively small number of detectors sensitive to one energy level is provided. Nonetheless, dual energy measurements may be made on objects within an item under inspection by identifying points that, for each object of interest, provide a low interference path to one of those detectors. Measurements made with radiation emanating from those points are used for dual energy analysis of those objects.