Abstract:
Radiation emitted from a subject positioned on a programmable X, Y platform is directed through a multi-plane focused collimator and is detected by means of an array of sensing devices. The collimator comprises a registered stack of photoetched plates, each plate formed with a series of hole sets and each stack of hole sets defines downwardly converging collimator bores. One hole set is distinguished from another hole set by different hole profiles, each hole profile defining a specific focal length. The platform, which is in spaced relationship with the collimator, is moved incrementally along its X and Y axes in steps defining a programmed scanning pattern, each step being an integral multiple of the distance between adjacent sensing devices. The number of radioactive events detected at each step is temporarily held in a buffer memory and then applied to a digital data storage unit in a computer. Upon completion of the programmed scanning sequence, the stored data, which represents the radioactivity detected at various depth of the subject, is applied to a display for presentation as a composite half tone pictorial representation of the detected radioactive events.
Abstract:
Line spectra and background energy superimposed thereon is alternately positioned ''''on'''' and ''''off'''' a slit. During the ''''off'''' period only background energy is positioned on the slit. Measuring and reference capacitors associated with photomultipliers, integrate the signal in such a manner that long time constant background energy is canceled. Short time constant background energy is canceled by detecting the polarity of the residual charge on the reference capacitor and by integrating, on each measuring capacitor, a signal representing the opposite polarity of the detected charge. In consequence, the residual charge on each of the measuring capacitors is driven to zero.
Abstract:
OPTICAL SPECTROMETERS CURRENTLY EMPLOY PHOTODETECTING DEVICES TO CHARGE CAPACITOR IN MEASURING THE INTENSITY OF MONITORED LINE SPECTRA. THE RADIANT ENERGY FALLING UPON THE PHOTODETECTORS, IN ADDITION TO THE SPECTRAL LINE OF INTEREST ALSO INCLUDES BACKGROUND ENERGY WHICH IS THE BANDSPECTRA SUPERIMPOSED ON THE LINE SPECTRA. THE BACKGROUND AMOUNTS TO NOISE AND ADVERSELY AFFECTS THE ACCURACY OF THE INSTRUMENT. THIS INVENTION INVOLVES THE ELIMINATION OF THE BACKGROUND NOISE BY OSCILLATING THE LINE SPECTRA ACROSS THE SLIP AND SEQUENTIALLY CHARGING AND DISCHARGING THE MEASURING CAPACI-
TORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PHOTODETECTORS TO AVERAGE OUT THE BACKGROUND NOISE.