Abstract:
A device and method for detecting gamma rays in a diagnostic imaging system preferably utilizing fast step index scintillating fibers and photomultipliers is provided by the present invention. A plurality of scintillating fibers are formed into layers comprising substantially parallel fibers positioned lengthwise each other in each layer. Each layer is positioned parallel each adjacent layer with each layer having its respective fibers at an angle of substantially either 60 or 90° to each adjacent layer. Preferably, position sensitive photomultipliers are provided and each photomultiplier is coupled to a plurality of fibers and each fiber has at least one end coupled to a photomultiplier. Data output from each photomultiplier is collected and processed to determine spatial coordinates of the origination position of a detected gamma ray. The present invention provides a high resolution gamma ray detector having an improved signal-to-noise ratio. This improves significantly the diagnostic power of the presently used PET and SPECT systems, and greatly extends the field of their application both in medical diagnosis and research. In addition, the present invention enables use of longer-lived positron emitting radiactive isotopes than presently used in typical PET systems.
Abstract:
Apparatus for detecting radioisotopes in fluids (e.g. in gas/liquid chromatography) comprises a bundle of scintillating optical fibres (12) extending along the interior of a conduit (10), along which a fluid may flow, and having the ends (14, 16) thereof passing through the side of the conduit (10) to light detecting means (18, 20). Other embodiments and methods of use are described.
Abstract:
Optical fibre (1) made of photosensitive glass and having a rectangular cross section, wherein the radius of curvature of a corner of the rectangular cross section is smaller than 100 microns.
Abstract:
An efficient, large-area-detector and readout-system for combined sub-mm spatial imaging and time-of-flight spectrometry of fast and slow neutrons, as well as gamma-rays, capable of loss-free operation in mixed neutron-gamma fields of very high intensity.
Abstract:
A nuclear level sensing gauge for measuring the level of product in a bin utilizes a plurality of scintillators arranged in a serial fashion. A source of nuclear radiation is positioned adjacent the bin, and the scintillators, which may be bundles of one or more scintillating fibers or scintillating crystals, are positioned in a serial fashion adjacent the bin opposite the source of nuclear radiation, such that nuclear radiation passing through the bin impinges upon the bundles. Light guides carry photons emitted by the scintillators—which are indicative of radiation passing through the bin—to a common photomultiplier tube. The tube is connected to electronics which convert counts of photons from the PMT into a measure of the level of radiation-absorbing product in the bin.
Abstract:
The present invention discloses a microfabricated scintillation detector, comprising a channel structure (26) for containing a liquid scintillator material therein and flowing said liquid scintillator material therethrough. The channel structure (26) comprises first and second sets (30, 36) of adjacent channel portions (32, 38) arranged in first and second layers (34, 40) and in fluid communication with each other. The second set (36) of adjacent channel portions (38) is directed at right angles with respect to the first set (30) of adjacent channel portions (32). The first and second layers (34, 40) are stacked on top of each other with a separation layer (42) in between, integrally connecting said first and second layers (34, 40). The channel structure (26) simultaneously forms a light guiding structure for guiding scintillation light (52) towards a longitudinal end of the corresponding channel portion (32, 38). The scintillation detector (24) further comprises a plurality of photo detectors (54), arranged such as to receive said scintillation light (50).
Abstract:
The invention concerns a device for analyzing a particle beam comprising at least one detector including a fiber-optic network (9), the network of parallel fibers comprising at least one first plane of parallel optical fibers oriented along a first direction X; the detector is designed to produce a light signal when the particle beam passes through the fiber-optic network, an image sensor coupled with the detector so as to output a signal representing characteristics of the light signal. The invention is characterized in that the image sensor comprises a CCD or CMOS sensor, wherein the ends of the fibers of the fiber-optic network are designed to form an image of the light signal in the plane of the CCD or CMOS sensor.