Abstract: An x-ray tomography system measures x-rays side-scattered by material concealed within an enveloping surface. One or more x-ray beams are incident on the enveloping surface and scattered onto collimated detectors disposed in arrays parallel to the incident x-ray beams. By varying the relative orientation of the enveloping surface with respect to the x-ray beams and measuring the x-rays side-scattered by the material concealed within the enveloping surface, the shape, density, position and composition of the contents of the enveloping surface may be mapped.

Abstract: A radiation image which has been recorded using an irradiation field stop and has an irradiation field is read out and an image representing the radiation image is obtained. The irradiation field is recognized and the values of the image signal components corresponding to the picture elements recognized to be outside the irradiation field out of the image signal components which make up an image signal for reproducing the radiation image as a visible image are converted according to the following formula,g(x,y)=h(t).multidot.f(x,y)+{1-h(t)}.multidot.f.sub.maxwherein f(x,y) and g(x,y) respectively represent the values of a picture element in a position (x,y) before and after the conversion, f.sub.max represents a maximum density and h(t) represents a continuous differentiable function.

Abstract: An apparatus for making rapid in-situ thermal stress measurements includes a controlled atmosphere test chamber for receiving and holding a test sample, and a heating zone within the test chamber confined to the near vicinity of the test sample. A test sample holder, a test sample heater, an x-y translation stage and a rotating stage are mounted within the test chamber. An X-ray source is positioned for producing an incident X-ray beam directed at the test sample from different inclination angles. The incident X-ray beam passes through a long but narrow X-ray window in the test chamber, diffracts from the test sample back through the same X-ray window and continues outside of the chamber to an X-ray detector. The diffracted X-ray beam is converted to light. The light is transmitted through optical fibers and is detected by a CCD array. The invention uses an advantageous scintillation material and a slow scan, fiber-optic compatible CCD photo-sensor array.

Abstract: A method of nondestructive investigation of the internal structure of an object uses deflected penetrating radiation. In one embodiment, an incident penetrating radiation flow 4 with angular divergence restricted by a collimator 3 passes through an object 5 to create the a radiation flow 6 registered by a direction-selective detector 10. Typically, the directivity pattern of detector 10 selects a desired angle and has a width no larger than twice the local angular divergence of the incident penetrating radiation flow 4. The desired angle can be the maxima of a scattering pattern for a substance suspected of being in object 5. To improve the quality and range of measurements, the local restrictions of radiation flow 4 is fulfilled in the two intersecting planes; and detector 10 and/or incident radiation flow 4 can be swept through a range of orientations to detect radiation deflected at a range of angles larger than the directivity pattern detector 10 has when fixed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing an image of a target area, by: at an observation location spaced from the target area, transmitting a beam of electromagnetic radiation toward the target area, and receiving reflections of the radiation from the target area; providing a representation of the magnitude and direction of the distance between points on the target area which produce reflections that travel in phase to the observation location; varying the spatial relation between the observation location and the target area and/or the given radiation frequency, in order to establish a plurality of different observation states which succeed one another in time, each state being associated with a distinct combination of magnitude and direction of the distance between points on the target area which produce reflections that travel in phase to the observation location; producing two coherent radiation beams, directing the two beams onto a receiving plane provided with an array of radiation receiving cells and stori

Abstract: An apparatus for imaging the interior of an object illuminates the object with a source of picosecond collimated x-ray pulses. An array of x-ray detectors senses pulses of Compton scattered x-rays from the object and a processor accumulates the data to construct an image of the object by accumulating data from ellipsoidal sections of the object.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for obtaining the density distributions of three-dimensional elements that compose objects or groups of objects, by examining the objects with beams of x-rays or gamma radiation that are transmitted through the object in a plurality of approximately parallel paths and measuring the intensity of the radiation, scattered approximately perpendicular to the parallel paths, in arrays of detectors around the object. The energy of the x-rays or gamma rays is such that dominant interaction in the object is Compton scattering. The density of each element is determined from the totality of measurements by standard mathematical tomographic or relaxation techniques of data manipulation.

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

Abstract: A thickness measurement gauge for measuring the thickness of an object. The gauge has a closed housing having a radiation-permeable housing floor. Within the housing are disposed (1) a radiation shield that houses a radiation source; (2) a radiation detector for detecting backscatter rays; and (3) a light sensor optically coupled to the radiation detector through a light guide also disposed within the housing. The shield has a collimation channel within which is the radiation source emitting gamma rays that exit the channel as a collimated beam. The light sensor converts light pulses from the radiation detector to electronic signals that are transmitted to an electronic readout device for conversion into a reportable thickness measurement. Measurement is accomplished by positioning the housing floor adjacent the surface of an object to be measured such that the gamma rays passing through the floor enter entry into the object.

Abstract: An edge enhancement X-ray imaging system inspects an object for detecting an illegal component. The system illuminates the object with penetrating radiation which is sidescattered from the object and captured by a pair of radiant detectors. The detectors are symmetrically positioned opposite each other, being adjacent the two sides of the object. Each detector has a detecting surface substantially parallel to the beam for converting sidescattered radiation into a pair of electrical signals which define a location of an edge of the illegal component. In response to the electrical signals, a video display produces a visual image of the edge. In another embodiment of the invention, the system further comprises a pair of backscatter detectors which convert the backscattered radiation into a second pair of electrical signals producing a second visual image on the video display.

Abstract: Scatter errors are eliminated from a gamma camera image on a spatially dependent basis. A global scatter curve is obtained and normalized for each local area. Based on this local scatter curve and the local spectrum, a local correction factor is obtained. The correction factors are then used to remove scatter errors from the image. The method provides spatially-dependent correction based on measured scatter. It does not require the camera's zero-scatter response to be known and it does not require the fitting of spectra either by a polynomial or by a theoretical scatter function. It allows for rapid determination of scatter correction factors for each pixel in an image. It produces excellent results for both transmission and emission images.

Abstract: An apparatus for imaging the interior of an object illuminates the object with a source of picosecond collimated x-ray pulses. An array of x-ray detectors senses pulses of Compton scattered x-rays from the object and a processor accumulates the data to construct an image of the object by accumulating data from ellipsoidal sections of the object.

Abstract: An imaging system for medical and industrial applications that includes scanning a plurality of points of the object zone with an intermittent collimated radiation incident beam, producing a series of first digital signals representing the energy of said beam that transmits through corresponding points of the zone along the incident line, producing a series of second digital signals representing the energy of said beam scattered off the incident line by the object, storing the informational content of the first and second digital signals contents to represent an incident image array and a scattered image array, and combining the information contents of substantially corresponding points of said arrays to produce a visual image display that is more accurate than either of the first and second image arrays alone. High and low energy beams can be used and three dimensional or depth information can also be derived.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating a high contrast image of a living subject includes an X-ray source capable of generating an X-ray beam having an energy between about 4 MeV and about 40 MeV, means for directing the X-ray beam generated by the X-ray source to a preselected area of the body of a living subject, and at least one scintillating detector capable of detecting photons which are generated as a result of the interaction of the X-ray beam with the body of the living subject.

Abstract: An inspection system for inspecting objects with penetrating radiation having a conveying means with first and second portions which are separated by a gap. Illumination by penetrating radiation is provided in a scanning plane which is located in the gap, and the system may be used for the inspection of thin objects. Additionally, the illumination may be arranged in the inspection of normal size objects, e.g., suitcases or cargo boxes, so that it does not include a ray which is perpendicular to any face of the object. Further, the relative orientation of the scanning plane and the faces of the object may be arranged so that the illumination does not include a ray which is parallel to any face of the object. A scanning configuration wherein the illumination does not include a ray which is perpendicular or parallel to any face of an object having parallel faces, for example, a rectangular solid, results in a display projection of the object which appears to be three dimensional.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for Compton scattering tomography employ a source of monoenergetic gamma rays and a detector capable of detecting the energy of scattered photons and determining the detector location both disposed on one side of an object to be imaged. Based on analysis of the measurement of the energy of the detected photons and the detector locations, a circle of possible scattering locations is determined as to each scattering event. By performance of a number of experiments as a function of detector location and energy, the density of the object can be reconstructed by filtering and back-projecting the data to yield an image responsive to variation in the density of the material of the object to be imaged.

Abstract: An elongated prone patient-supporting examining table for X-ray mammography is centrally supported at variable heights by a rear pedestal. The table is provided with a central breast-receiving aperture through which the patient's pendulant breast is exposed to a horizontal beam of X-rays from a tubehead source mounted on an arm angularly movable through an arc of some 210.degree. centered on the patient's breast. The patient's feet may be positioned at either end of the elongated table on an extensible footrest, permitting X-ray projection through more than 360.degree. around the patient's body. Diagnosis of suspect lesions and fine needle biopsy are both facilitated by stereotactic examination. Digital imaging using a CCD camera and image enhancement software provides magnification, contrast enhancement, window and level manipulation and high resolution images, with low exposure levels, short exposure times, and greatly reduced imaging times.

Abstract: A device for measuring the pulse transfer spectrum of X-ray quanta, includes a polychromatic X-ray source and an energy-resolving detector device for the scattered X-ray quanta. A secondary diaphragm device, arranged between the examination zone in which the object whose pulse transfer spectrum is to be determined is situated, and the detector device ensure on the one that each detector element of the detector device can detect scattered radiation only at a comparatively accurately defined scatter angle, and that the scatter angles of the various detector elements do not excessively deviate from one another.

Abstract: An energy window of a scintillation camera system is set to include only events which have been Compton-scattered within a slice of the body of a patient undergoing a SPECT examination. From events so acquired, a scatter image is reconstructed. The scatter image is processed to define therewithin a plurality of regions of constant attenuation coefficient. This information can be used during the normal image reconstruction process to eliminate artifacts caused by variation in attenuation coefficient.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing an image of a target area, by: at an observation location spaced from the target area, transmitting a beam of electromagnetic radiation toward the target area, and receiving reflections of the radiation from the target area; providing a representation of the magnitude and direction of the distance between points on the target area which produce reflections that travel in phase to the observation location; varying the spatial relation between the observation location and the target area and/or the given radiation frequency, in order to establish a plurality of different observation states which succeed one another in time, each state being associated with a distinct combination of magnitude and direction of the distance between points on the target area which produce reflections that travel in phase to the observation location; producing two coherent radiation beams, directing the two beams onto a receiving plane provided with an array of radiation receiving cells and stori

Abstract: An imaging device for increasing the ability to recognize, in x-ray produced images, materials of low atomic number. A flying spot scanner illuminates an object to be imaged in a raster pattern; the flying spot repeatedly sweeps a line in space, and the object to be imaged is moved so that the illuminating beam intersects the object. At least a pair of x-ray detectors are employed, each pair associated with signal processing apparatus and a display.

Abstract: A flying-spot pencil beam generating unit is arranged under a conveyor. A backscatter detector is located between an upper belt and a lower belt of the conveyor. Thus, this apparatus is set up to be perpendicular. A pencil beam is irradiated upward and scans an object on the belt of the conveyor by the flying-spot pencil beam generating unit, as the conveyor carries the object to be inspected. The backscatter detector gathers Compton scatter X-rays transmitted through the upper belt, as they reflect back from the object. A CPU produces a backscatter image based on the detection signal output from the backscatter detector. The backscatter image is shown on a display unit to enable detection of low-Z materials, such as plastic explosives and narcotics. In addition to the backscatter imaging, the unit may retain use of a transmitted image to thus reliably detect metal-based weapons such as guns.

Abstract: The invention provides an inspection system for closed containers, such as luggage, which applies radiant energy, such as x-rays, to a container and receives energy which is scattered, such as by Compton scattering, by objects in the container. The received energy is measured and a three-dimensional image of the objects in the container is constructed. The container may be moved relative to a fan-shaped primary x-ray beam, which illuminates a single slice of the container at a time. For example, the container may be moved by a conveyer belt, or, the container may be held stationary while the x-ray tube may comprise a steerable beam. A plurality of collimated x-ray sensors may receive energy which is scattered, at a fixed angle for each sensor, and transmits those measurements to a processor which reconstructs the three-dimensional image and displays that image for an operator.

Abstract: A method of eliminating scattered gamma rays and collecting an image comprises the steps of detecting a radioisotope (RI) given to a living body, to form an RI distribution image, and eliminating scattered gamma rays generated in the living body or a gamma camera from the RI distribution image. In this case, the energy spectrums of gamma rays incident to individual positions in the gamma camera in association with pixels of the RI distribution image are collected at the same time as or during the collection of the RI distribution image. A ratio of the scattered gamma rays with respect to the RI distribution image is acquired from the energy spectrum for each position, and a scattered gamma ray component is eliminated from the RI distribution image for each pixel, by multiplying the ratio of the scattered gamma rays to the RI distribution image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating image information for objects inspect with penetrating radiation which utilizes a flying spot scanner of reduced mass. Objects are scanned with penetrating radiation along curved scan lines. The flying spot scanner which effects such scanning has a stationary absorber plate having a fixed slit in it which is curved, as well as a chopper wheel having radially oriented slits. As the chopper wheel rotates, the radially oriented slits traverse the projection of the radiation passing through the fixed slit, and because this slit is curved, the radial slits may be of reduced length, and the chopper wheel may be of reduced mass. The detected radiant energy is divided into pixels, and the pixels are addressed to a utilization means such as a memory or a display in such manner that the pixels which correspond to a scan line of the object define a curved line in the utilization means which has the same shape as the curved scanning line.

Abstract: An X-ray volume analysis method of crystalline defects of a part (11), comprises the steps of positioning the part in the plane situated at equal distance from the focus of an X-ray source and a focusing plane (14); illuminating the part from a punctual X-ray source (10) by a beam of a large spectral width .DELTA..lambda. and of determined angular opening .DELTA..theta., the opening .DELTA..theta. of the beam being fixed by .DELTA..theta..ltoreq..DELTA..lambda./2d.cos.theta., d being the interreticular distance for the considered reticular planes; orienting the part (11) to obtain the diffraction on a chosen family of reticular planes (30); and collecting and analyzing the X-ray beam near the focusing plane or beyond.

Abstract: A pencil beam of X-rays is scanned over the surface of the body of a person being examined. X-rays that are scattered or reflected from the subject's body are detected by a detector. The signal produced by this scattered X-ray detector in then used to modulate an image display device to produce an image of the subject and any concealed objects carried by the subject. The detector assembly is constructed in a configuration to automatically and uniformly enhance the image edges of low atomic number (low Z) concealed objects to facilitate their detection. A storage means is provided by which previously acquired images can be compared with the present image for analyzing variances in similarities with the present image, and provides means for creating a generic representation of the body being examined while suppressing anatomical features of the subject to minimize invasion of the subject's privacy.

Abstract: An X-ray analyzer capable of reducing the effects of a shift of peak positions in an energy spectrum resulting from a change in temperature and a lapse of time in an X-ray detector to enable a highly accurate analysis.A shift of peak positions of X-rays from known positions are detected and a voltage applied to a proportional counter is controlled on the basis of the detected results. In addition, a gain in an amplifier amplifying an output from the X-ray detector may be controlled on the basis of the detected results.

Abstract: Automatic threat detection in association with imaging which relies on a backscatter detector and illumination by a flying spot source of penetrating radiation. The digital backscatter image is processed to produce a histogram. The histogram is compared to a predetermined threat characteristic and an alarm is sounded if the histogram exceeds the threat characteristic. The threat characteristic is derived in an empirical fashion and automatically modified based on sensing selected parameters associated with the scanning. Operator control over the threat characteristic is also implemented. The flying spot source is also associated with a transmit detector to produce a transmit image. The transmit image is also processed against predetermined parameters for threat assessment. The predetermined parameters are also operator variable.

Abstract: A signal representative of the total incident flux on each area element of a target plane is generated. Each area element corresponds to a portion of the object from which the flux emanates. Each total incident flux signal is corrected to eliminate therefrom the effects of flux incident on the corresponding area element due to scattering, thereby to generate a signal representative of the flux incident on that area element emanating only from the portion of the object corresponding to that area element. The total incident flux signal is corrected by weighting each total incident flux signal in accordance with a predetermined weighting factor W(x,y), and summing the weighted signal representative of the total flux incident on an area element with a weighted total incident flux signal from each of the other area elements.

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

Abstract: A technique for detecting explosives using resonance fluorescence of bremsstrahlung radiation is disclosed. The method is particularly attractive as a way to detect bombs at airports and other transportation terminals. According to the invention, bremsstrahlung radiation is made incident on a target (e.g., a piece of luggage) to resonantly excite the atoms of the target. In one embodiment, the energies of the photons scattered directly from the target are detected and measured. These energies are characteristic of the nuclear species excited in the target, and thus the concentrations of these elements in the target can be determined. A high concentration of nitrogen and oxygen with a low concentration of carbon indicates practically without fail an explosive material. In another embodiment, the energies of photons resonantly scattered from reference scatterers composed substantially of nuclear species of interest and located downstream from the target are detected and measured.

Abstract: An X-ray inspection system for inspecting electronic components such as printed circuit boards includes a shielded cabinet having an exposure chamber divided into upper and lower portions by a support shelf for the object to be inspected. An overhead X-ray source directs an X-ray beam into the upper portion of the exposure chamber toward the object. An image intensifier including a thin radioluminescent plate and a microchannel plate multiplier is disposed in the lower portion of the exposure chamber and is optically coupled to a video camera therein.

Abstract: A narrow x-ray beam is scanned through the chest cavity of a subject to create a scattered radiation signal. The scattered radiation signal is used to construct a tomographic image of the contents of the subject's chest cavity on a display screen. A crosshair on the display screen is used to mark the location of a bypass graft in the image. A computer senses the position of the crosshair and subsequently positions a fluorescence detector over the subject to interrogate the location of the bypass graft within the chest cavity. A tracer material injected into the subject fluoresces as it passes through the irradiated bypass graft. The resulting fluorescence transient is recorded and provides a measure of graft patency and flow characteristics.

Abstract: A system for removing the effects of Compton scattering in systems such as tomographic scanning and radioisotope imaging arrangements, which detect gamma rays, utilizes the smoothness of the Compton component over the image to reduce computing time. Data responsive to energy states of the photons which are detected are received and values corresponding thereto are stored in at least one memory location. In some embodiments, where imaging is the ultimate function of the gamma ray detection system, the data correspond to predetermined image grid points. Also, the data which is stored is processed so as to be separated into a first data set corresponding to unscattered ones of the detected photons and a second data set corresponding to scattered ones of the detected photons. The gamma ray detection arrangement is calibrated by acquiring a spectral shape corresponding to unscattered photons. The processing utilizes non-linear least squares fitting analysis.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting containers or vehicles at airports for illegal contents, such as bombs, weapons, drugs or smuggled goods includes two x-ray generators and two line-shaped radiation detectors, a first of the radiation detectors receiving radiation from a fan beam of a first radiation generator, and the second radiation detector receiving radiation from a fan beam of a second radiation generator. The respective central rays of the fan beams are disposed substantially perpendicularly realtive to each other.

Abstract: Automatic thread detection in association with imaging with relies on a backscatter detector and illumination by a flying spot source of penetrating radiation. The digital backscatter image is processed to produce a histogram. The histogram is compared to a predetermined threat characteristic and an alarm is sounded if the histogram exceeds the threat characteristic. The threat characteristic is derived in an empirical fashion and automatically modified based on sensing selected parameters associated with the scanning. Operator control over the threat characteristic is also implemented. The flying spot source is also associated with a transmit detector to produce a transmit image. The transmit image is also processed against predetermined parameters for threat assessment. The predetermined parameters are also operator variable.

Abstract: An object (12) is irradiated by means of a divergent and polychromatic beam of X-rays for producing a diagram composed of Kikuchi pseudo-lines. An X-ray generator (4) is mounted on a stand (1), and an automatic handler (13) presents the objects (12) in confronting relation to the microfocus (F) of the generator. An intensity amplifier (6) and a video camera (7) record the obtained diagrams composed of the pseudo-lines. The handler apparatus is controlled by an electronic device (17).

Abstract: A system and related method are provided for radiographically inspecting an object, located in a radiation path at an inspecting location, using backscattered radiation to obtain a radiographic representation of the object. Radiation, from a source, is transmitted to the selected location. A portion of the transmitted radiation passes through the object and is backscattered by an illuminator to a radiation detecting device. Another portion of the transmitted radiation interacts with and is backscattered by the object to the detecting device. The detecting device generates response signals in response to both portions of the backscattered radiation. The response signals are used to obtain the radiographic representation of the object.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for examining a body comprising a radiation source for producing a primary beam of small cross-section, means for producing a relative displacement between the body on the one hand and the primary beam on the other hand, a detector device sensing the radiation elastically scattered at small scattering angles and means for determining the scattering angle and or the momentum. In an embodiment, a spatial resolution in the direction of the primary beam can be obtained in that several diaphragm lamellae are arranged between the body and the detector device in such a manner that scattered radiation from different sections of the primary beam each time strikes different strips on the surface of the detector device and in that the detector has a lateral resolution in the longitudinal direction of the strips. In another embodiment, a gamma camera is employed as the detector device.

Abstract: The radiation image in a radiation imaging system is improved by extracting a scatter distribution and subtracting the scatter distribution from the radiation image. The scatter distribution is extracted from the radiation image by an adaptive filter using a scatter-glare point spread function. The scatter-glare point spread function is obtained by measurements of the radiation system.

Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray apparatus, comprising an essentially monochromatic radiation source which irradiates an examination zone in different positions by means of a primary beam having a small cross-section, a first position-sensitive detector device which measures, on the other side of the examination zone, the radiation elastically scattered in the primary beam, and means for reconstructing an image of the irradiated cross-section.

Abstract: A computed tomograph apparatus for obtaining tomograms of a subject under examination comprises a supporting table for supporting the subject, and on which a tomogram image pick-up area is defined. The apparatus further comprises an X-ray source for radiating X-rays onto the image pick-up area. X-rays emitted from the X-ray source proceed along a slice plane intersecting with the image pick-up area. A principal detector is provided within the slice plane, and detects X-rays transmitted linearly.

Abstract: A collimated beam of gamma radiation is applied to a test object under non-destructive examination to produce a scattered gamma radiation field within which detectors are positioned to provide radiation energy level data of the field. Such measurement data is processed by comparison with reference data from a flawless object to provide differential scatter gamma spectra. The differential spectra are transformed by spatial/energy data processing to extract accurate location and size data with respect to any flaws present in the test object.

Abstract: An article inspection system has separate detectors for primary radiation and scattered radiation which are generated by an article upon being irradiated with X-radiation. The scattered radiation detector is disposed so that no primary radiation is incident thereon. The primary radiation detector is scanned at a frequency to produce a primary radiation image. The scattered radiation incoming to the scattered radiation detector is modulated at a frequency synchronized with the scanning frequency for the primary radiation detector, so that only scattered radiation is incident on the scattered radiation detector which emanates from the region of the article which is currently being scanned for primary radiation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining the Compton profile of an object to be examined which is situated in an examination zone. The examination zone is irradiated by a monochromatic primary beam whose energy is chosen so that the attenuation of the primary radiation is due essentially only to the Compton Scattering. The scattered radiation is measured in an energy resolving manner and therefrom, as well as from the attenuation in the primary beam, the Compton profiles for the individual pixels in the examination zone are determined.

Abstract: A system for removing the effects of Compton scattering in systems such as tomographic scanning and radioisotope imaging arrangements, which detect gamma rays, utilizes the smoothness of the Compton component over the image to reduce computing time. Data responsive to energy states of the photons which are detected are received and values corresponding thereto are stored in at least one memory location. In some embodiments, where imaging is the ultimate function of the gamma ray detection system, the data correspond to predetermined image grid points. Also, the data which is stored is processed so as to be separated into a first data set corresponding to unscattered ones of the detected photons and a second data set corresponding to scattered ones of the detected photons. Such processing utilizes least squares fitting analysis, such as the known Golub method. The first data set is summed within specified limits, for determining a number of the unscattered ones of the detected photons.

Abstract: Information is derived from a selected fluorescent radiation line produced when an object is illuminated by a flying spot scanner. The illuminating radiation has an energy level sufficient to produce the fluorescent line when targeted components of the object are present and illuminated. A detector senses a fluorescent radiation line emitted from the targeted components to generate electrical fluorence based signals.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus comprising an X-ray source, a collimator, and an X-ray scatter detector. The X-rays are directed toward an object to be imaged where the collimator and detector are located between the source and object. The X-rays striking the object produce back scattered X-rays which are directed back through the collimator to the detector and an image is produced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for measuring the lattice parameters of single crystal material while that material is undergoing a transient shock wave. In a first embodiment, a first target is located at a preselected position in space with respect to a single crystal to be measured. A first laser beam pulse is transmitted through a beam block to the crystal to produce a transient shock wave in part of the crystal. A second laser beam pulse, synchronized to the first laser beam pulse, is transmitted to the first target to cause the first target to produce first and second sets of x-rays which are Bragg-diffracted from shocked and unshocked atomic planes of the crystal as the crystal is undergoing the shock wave. A first x-ray detector records the positions of the first and second sets of Bragg-diffracted x-rays to provide a first measurement of the lattice parameters of the crystal.