Abstract:
The invention pertains to a measurement device comprising two sensors for measuring radiation doses. The sensors are, for example, optical waveguides aligned along a straight line. One of the optical waveguides covers a longer section along the line than the other waveguide; in particular, the difference is at least 20 mm. Measurement using the measurement device is done as follows: the radiation dose along the line of radiation down to the expected penetration depth is measured using the wider sensor; the narrower sensor is used to determine the radiation dose in a volume element within the radiation path. A quotient is formed from the two measurements and used to calculate the radiation depth on the basis of reference values. The proposed device facilitates rapid and simple determination of a penetration depth of an ionising radiation, for example in tissue.
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:
An apparatus and method are disclosed for detecting and locating the origin of a gamma ray in a medical diagnostic imaging system. At least one primary fiber, which is a scintillating optical fiber (21) is positioned to receive radiation from a gamma ray source. At least one secondary fiber intersects the primary fiber at a non-zero angle. Both fibers have a core surrounded by a cladding (22, 23), with the claddings of the two fibers in optical contact at an intersection point (24). Both the primary and secondary fibers are provided with means for detecting light propagated in the fibers. The interaction of radiation such as a gamma ray with the primary fiber will result in the propagation of light in both the primary and secondary fibers, thereby permitting the determination of the site of impact of the gamma ray in the detector, and possibly also enabling the determination of the path of incidence of the gamma ray.
Abstract:
A gamma ray detection and locating system (10) comprising an array of scintillator crystals (12) conneted to a multichannel photomultiplier tube (18) by discrete optical fibers (16), each fiber connecting a single crystal (14) to a corresponding specific location on the face of the photomultiplier tube. Also described is an improved system for identifying the location of specific electrodes in the photomultiplier tube receiving electrons generated by photons flowing from the crystal along the fiber to the tube.
Abstract:
Apparatus for generating a high contrast image of a living subject includes an X-ray source capable of generating an X-ray beam (50) 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 (56) of the body of a living subject, and at least one scintillating detector (52a, 52b) 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.