Title: Ultralow-dose, feedback imaging with laser-Compton X-ray and laser-Compton gamma ray sources

Abstract

Ultralow-dose, x-ray or gamma-ray imaging is based on fast, electronic control of the output of a laser-Compton x-ray or gamma-ray source (LCXS or LCGS). X-ray or gamma-ray shadowgraphs are constructed one (or a few) pixel(s) at a time by monitoring the LCXS or LCGS beam energy required at each pixel of the object to achieve a threshold level of detectability at the detector. An example provides that once the threshold for detection is reached, an electronic or optical signal is sent to the LCXS/LCGS that enables a fast optical switch that diverts, either in space or time the laser pulses used to create Compton photons. In this way, one prevents the object from being exposed to any further Compton x-rays or gamma-rays until either the laser-Compton beam or the object are moved so that a new pixel location may be illumination.

Inventors:

Barty, Christopher P. J.

Issue Date:

2018-05-29

Research Org.:

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE

OSTI Identifier:

1453045

Patent Number(s):

9983151

Application Number:

15/320,047

Assignee:

Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC (Livermore, CA)

Patent Classifications (CPCs):

A - HUMAN NECESSITIES A61 - MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE A61B - DIAGNOSIS

G - PHYSICS G01 - MEASURING G01N - INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

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A - HUMAN NECESSITIES A61 - MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE A61B - DIAGNOSIS

A61B6/06 - Diaphragms {for particular diagnostic applications, e.g. tomography, i.e. not of general applicability
A61B6/405 - {Source units adapted to modify characteristics of the beam during the data acquisition process
A61B6/4241 - {using energy resolving detectors, e.g. photon counting
A61B6/4258 - {for detecting non x-ray radiation, e.g. gamma radiation
A61B6/481 - {involving the use of contrast agents}
A61B6/482 - {involving multiple energy imaging}
A61B6/542 - {involving control of exposure}
A61B6/545 - {involving automatic set-up of acquisition parameters}
A61B6/585 - {Calibration of detector units}

G - PHYSICS G01 - MEASURING G01N - INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

G01N2223/206 - sources operating at different energy levels
G01N2223/405 - mapping of a material property
G01N2223/408 - display on monitor
G01N2223/423 - multispectral imaging-multiple energy imaging
G01N23/04 - and forming images of the material
G01N23/087 - using polyenergetic X-rays
G01N9/24 - by observing the transmission of wave or particle radiation through the material

H - ELECTRICITY H01 - BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS H01S - DEVICES USING THE PROCESS OF LIGHT AMPLIFICATION BY STIMULATED EMISSION OF RADIATION [LASER] TO AMPLIFY OR GENERATE LIGHT

H01S3/0085 - {Modulating the output, i.e. the laser beam is modulated outside the laser cavity}
H01S3/10015 - {by monitoring or controlling, e.g. attenuating, the input signal}
H01S3/1003 - {tunable optical elements, e.g. acousto-optic filters, tunable gratings}

H - ELECTRICITY H05 - ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR H05G - X-RAY TECHNIQUE

H05G2/00 - Apparatus or processes specially adapted for producing X-rays, not involving X-ray tubes, e.g. involving generation of a plasma

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DOE Contract Number:  

AC52-07NA27344

Resource Type:

Patent

Resource Relation:

Patent File Date: 2015 May 07

Country of Publication:

United States

Language:

English

Subject:

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS; 46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY