High resolution resonance ionization imaging detector and method

Patent · Fri Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1999

OSTI ID:872788

Winefordner, James D ^[1]; Matveev, Oleg I ^[1]; Smith, Benjamin W ^[1]

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1. Gainesville, FL

A resonance ionization imaging device (RIID) and method for imaging objects using the RIID are provided, the RIID system including a RIID cell containing an ionizable vapor including monoisotopic atoms or molecules, the cell being positioned to intercept scattered radiation of a resonance wavelength .lambda..sub.1 from the object which is to be detected or imaged, a laser source disposed to illuminate the RIID cell with laser radiation having a wavelength .lambda..sub.2 or wavelengths .lambda..sub.2, .lambda..sub.3 selected to ionize atoms in the cell that are in an excited state by virtue of having absorbed the scattered resonance laser radiation, and a luminescent screen at the back surface of the RIID cell which presents an image of the number and position of charged particles present in the RIID cell as a result of the ionization of the excited state atoms. The method of the invention further includes the step of initially illuminating the object to be detected or imaged with a laser having a wavelength selected such that the object will scatter laser radiation having the resonance wavelength .lambda..sub.1.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Florida, Gainesville, FL (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: FG05-88ER13881
• Assignee: University of Florida (Gainesville, FL)
• Patent Number(s): US 6008496
• OSTI ID: 872788
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

resolution
resonance
ionization
imaging
detector
method
device
riid
provided
including
cell
containing
ionizable
vapor
monoisotopic
atoms
molecules
positioned
intercept
scattered
radiation
wavelength
lambda
detected
imaged
laser
source
disposed
illuminate
wavelengths
selected
ionize
excited
virtue
absorbed
luminescent
screen
surface
image
position
charged
particles
result
step
initially
illuminating
scatter
resonance ionization
imaging device
charged particles
charged particle
laser radiation
laser source
cell containing
scattered radiation
imaging detector
resonance wavelength
cell contain
ionization imaging
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