Radiation protection module

Abstract

A radiation protection module and a radiation protection structure having at least one radiation protection module are provided. The radiation protection module includes a first outer surface on one side having an opening on its surface and a second outer surface on the opposite side, at least one radiation shielding layer, and a light guide element. The module functions like a trap for radiation, and the light guide element is positioned to guide light from the opening on one side of the module through at least one radiation shielding layer to the opposite side, providing optical transparency that can facilitate operation, control, non-verbal communication, monitoring, etc.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of radiation shielding. In particular, the present invention relates to radiation protection modules, radiation protection structures having at least one radiation protection module, and the use of radiation protection modules in the manufacture of radiation protection structures. [Background technology]

[0002] Radiation is a form of energy that naturally exists around us. Radiation is classified into two types, ionizing and non-ionizing, depending on its ability to ionize matter. X-rays and gamma rays are examples of ionizing radiation. Visible light, infrared radiation, and radio frequencies (i.e., microwaves and radio waves) are examples of non-ionizing radiation. Forms of ionizing radiation have enough energy to remove electrons from atoms. This can damage DNA within cells and can be harmful, potentially leading to cancer in some cases. Very high levels of radio frequency (RF) radiation exposure can be harmful due to the RF energy's ability to rapidly heat living tissues, potentially causing burns and tissue damage.

[0003] While high doses of radiation can be harmful to health, radiation offers a variety of beneficial applications. RF radiation, for example, has a wide range of uses, including in telecommunications (broadcasting, mobile phones, police and fire department radio communications, microwave point-to-point links, satellite communications, etc.), radar (for applications such as traffic enforcement, air traffic control, and military use), and industrial heating and sealing. Ionizing radiation and radioactive materials are also used daily in medical settings to improve health and save lives. In diagnostic imaging, X-rays are used for plain film and computed tomography, gamma rays are used for radionuclide imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses RF radiation as a transmission medium. X-rays are also used in non-destructive testing, geological exploration, and security systems.

[0004] Naturally, it is desirable that people are not exposed to radiation unnecessarily, for example, from imaging examinations, the workplace environment, education, and training. Therefore, activities involving radiation are subject to safety standards that recommend safe exposure levels for both the general public and workers. As a result, restrictive measures or actions may be necessary to ensure the safe use of these forms of energy (e.g., X-rays, RF energy). The fundamental protective measure in radiation safety is shielding. Radiation shielding is based on the principle of attenuation, that is, reducing the effects of waves or rays by blocking or reflecting particles with barrier materials. Therefore, radiation shielding is achieved by installing barriers around potential radiation sources and radiation victims (humans, animals, plants, or objects).

[0005] The most effective shielding depends on the type of radiation. For example, X-rays are absorbed by heavy, dense materials such as lead and cement. RF shielding requires barriers made of conductive and magnetic materials to block RF signals that cause RF interference.

[0006] Radiation shielding can be incorporated into facilities, areas, or simply barriers in healthcare, military, banking, business, government, research, and testing environments. An MRI room is an example of a facility that requires RF shielding, as external RF signals and magnetic field interference can distort images, and the MRI machine itself emits electromagnetic radiation that can interfere with other medical equipment. X-ray technicians, physicians, or other occupational radiation workers may require protective barriers or shielded areas to protect themselves from radiation generated from radiation sources used during medical scans, industrial testing, training sessions, or other technical, medical, or research activities.

[0007] In many cases, shielded barriers, areas, or facilities are desirable to provide operators with some degree of visibility to facilitate operation, control, and / or nonverbal communication. To provide optical transparency to at least a portion of such protective structures, lead glass or lead acrylic is typically incorporated into X-ray protective structures. Transparent RF shielding solutions include the use of a double layer of RF blocking material (e.g., wire cloth, mesh screen) with a transparent conductive film or associated glazing for RF shielding of the glass. Lead glass is porous and fragile and is not suitable for use alone in exterior applications. Generally, the transportation and installation of glass-based panels may also require special care, and their flexibility of use may be limited. Furthermore, conventional transparent shielding solutions are often used in windows, i.e., openings in structures, which means that part of the structure is transparent and the rest is opaque. Radiation barriers can also be made of safe glass material, providing optical transparency to the entire structure, but the barriers can be heavy and require careful handling during transportation. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] Having lighter, safer radiation shielding solutions that can combine both optical transparency and shielding in a more flexible way is advantageous. This is particularly advantageous because it allows shielding to be adapted to environmental conditions, such as medical environments like rapidly advancing mobile diagnostic imaging scenarios, as well as non-medical environments like non-destructive testing.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a radiation shielding module that flexibly combines optical transparency and shielding. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] This provides a radiation protection module, a radiation protection structure having at least one radiation protection module, and the use of the radiation protection module in the manufacture of a radiation protection structure.

[0011] The radiation protection module has a first outer surface on one side and a second outer surface on the opposite side, at least one radiation shielding layer, and a light guiding element. The first and second outer surfaces have openings on their surfaces and are separated from each other by a gap. Within the gap, at least one radiation shielding layer and the light guiding element are embedded. The light guiding element forms at least one optical path (OP) and passes through at least one radiation shielding layer, from the opening of the first outer surface at position (x i , y i ) to guide light to the opening of the second outer surface at position (x i ', y i '). Thus, the module functions like a trap for radiation, and at least one optical path is arranged through the module to provide optical transparency that facilitates operations, control, non-verbal communication, monitoring, etc.

[0012] In one embodiment, the light guiding element is arranged such that at least one optical path is formed to guide light from the opening of the first outer surface to the opening of the second outer surface where the position on the corresponding outer surface is substantially the same. By interconnecting the opening of the first outer surface with the opening of the second outer surface at substantially the same position on the corresponding outer surface, light within the visible spectrum can pass through the openings on the surface of the module to be guided by the light guiding element, and an image from the shielding region may be visible from the outside, and vice versa. The sharpness and resolution of the image depend on the density of the openings on the first and second outer surfaces and the light transmission path. By doing so, the image may appear clearly defined and not distorted, or at least be sufficiently recognizable. This can be advantageous for non-verbal communication and / or monitoring purposes while providing barrier protection from harmful radiation.

[0013] In one embodiment, the light guiding element is provided by a reflector configuration having an input port, an output port, a first reflecting surface, and a second reflecting surface. The first reflecting surface is arranged to reflect incident light from the input port to the second reflecting surface, and the second reflecting surface is arranged to reflect the incident light toward the output port. The reflecting surface changes the direction of light but does not change the direction of radiation. Therefore, by having two reflecting surfaces in this configuration, light can be deflected and propagated, while a direct path of radiation from one side to the opposite side is prevented.

[0014] In one embodiment, the light guiding element has an input port and an output port, and is configured to confine incident light from the input port by total internal reflection (TIR) so as to be transmitted to the output port. Through TIR, the light rays may be conducted over a long path which can be in many forms. For example, the optical path can be curved so that a direct path of radiation is prevented while the light is being propagated.

[0015] In one embodiment, at least one radiation shielding layer is provided by a wire mesh, a metal grid, or an X-ray absorbing wall containing an X-ray absorbing material in the form of, for example, particles and / or liquid. The holes of the wire mesh or the metal grid designed to block specific electromagnetic waves can be utilized to place the light guiding element through the radiation shielding layer, provided that the size of the holes permits. The X-ray absorbing wall containing an X-ray absorbing material in the form of particles and / or liquid can be more easily utilized to place the light guiding element through it.

[0016] In one embodiment, the radiation protection module has at least one layer of light guiding elements and a plurality of radiation shielding layers. The radiation shielding layers have openings on their surfaces and are spaced apart from each other. Within the intervals, at least one layer of the light guiding element layer is embedded and arranged to guide light from the input port to the output port through the openings of the radiation shielding layers. Further, for any consecutive radiation shielding layers (l i , l i+1 ) of the plurality of radiation shielding layers, one of the consecutive radiation shielding layers (l iThe opening in ) is such that radiation is substantially blocked by the combined multiple radiation shielding layers, with other continuous radiation shielding layers (l i+1 The apertures have a substantially uniform offset (D). In this way, radiation not blocked by the first radiation shielding layer is blocked by the subsequent radiation shielding layer as the light propagates through the module. A substantially uniform offset between apertures can facilitate manufacturing and control of distortion of the visible image on the opposite side, for example, by allowing the transmission of a laterally shifted but undeformed image, or by allowing the transmission of an undistorted image, i.e., an unshifted image. However, for X-ray shielding, uniformity can result in X-ray hotspots (regions that emit more X-rays than the surrounding area), and X-ray hotspots can be prevented by increasing the number of radiation shielding layers and / or by combining modules with different geometric configurations for more robust and homogeneous X-ray shielding.

[0017] In embodiments including a previous radiation protection module, the first radiation shielding layer of a plurality of radiation shielding layers is a first outer radiation shielding layer facing the first outer surface of the radiation protection module, and the last radiation shielding layer of the plurality of radiation shielding layers is a second outer radiation shielding layer facing the second outer surface of the radiation protection module, and the first and second outer radiation shielding layers are in contact with the respective outer surfaces of the radiation protection module. Optionally, the first and second outer radiation shielding layers form the respective outer surfaces of the radiation protection module. In another alternative example, either the first or second outer radiation shielding layer is in contact with the respective outer surfaces of the radiation protection module, and the other outer radiation shielding layer forms the respective outer surfaces of the radiation protection module. This provides a different alternative example for implementing the outer surfaces of a module, which involves utilizing radiation shielding layers to function as possible outer surfaces of the module.

[0018] In another embodiment, the radiation protection module is - Multiple radiation shielding layers having openings on their surface and separated from each other by spacing, - From the opening in the first outer surface at the position (x i,yi ) of the first surface to the opening in the second outer surface at the position (x i ', y i ') of the second surface, a plurality of light guiding elements arranged to cross a plurality of radiation shielding layers through the openings at the positions (u i , v i ) on each of their surfaces, wherein the positions of the openings on the surfaces of the plurality of radiation shielding layers have a random or pseudo-random offset from each other so that radiation is substantially blocked by the combination of the plurality of radiation shielding layers, and a plurality of light guiding elements; have. A random or pseudo-random arrangement is advantageous for a more homogeneous shielding by the combined radiation shielding layers, which may be particularly useful for X-ray shielding.

[0019] In one embodiment, the plurality of radiation shielding layers have an X-ray radiation shielding layer, or an RF radiation shielding layer, or a combination thereof. In this way, the module can be pure X-ray protection by having an X-ray radiation shielding layer, or RF protection by having an RF radiation shielding layer, but when both types of shielding are present, both X-ray and RF shielding can be provided by the module. The X-ray radiation shielding layer can be provided by an X-ray absorbing wall containing any of lead, molybdenum, tungsten, or a combination thereof. The RF radiation shielding layer can be provided by any of a metal grid, a wire mesh, an interconnected metal foil so as to provide good conductivity, reduce shielding discontinuities, or a combination thereof.

[0020] In other words, if multiple shielding layers consist only of RF shielding layers, X-ray radiation shielding layers do not need to be used. This means that a radiation shielding layer may consist only of RF shielding layers and not of X-ray shielding layers. On the other hand, multiple shielding layers may consist only of X-ray shielding layers without any RF shielding layers. Combinations of both RF and X-ray shielding layers are also possible. Furthermore, if RF shielding layers are used in any combination, they may be provided with one of the above-mentioned metal grids, wire meshes, interconnected metal foils, or a combination thereof.

[0021] In one embodiment, the optical guide element has at least one optical fiber which can be used for any of the following purposes, such as light transmission in the visible spectrum, data transmission, power transmission, or a combination thereof. The optical fiber is a versatile component which can be used to propagate light in the visible spectrum through a module so as to allow an image from a shielded area to be visible to the outside or vice versa. Optical fibers are also advantageous for providing high-speed communication lines for data transfer. Furthermore, optical fibers can be utilized for power transmission, which is advantageous due to their light weight, corrosion resistance, and robustness against electromagnetic interference and electrical sparks. Optical power transmission eliminates the risk of being affected by strong magnetic fields and electromagnetic interference, such as those found in magnetic resonance imaging. Furthermore, it prevents the emission of electromagnetic radiation that could interfere with other devices and does not generate a DC magnetic field.

[0022] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there exists a radiation protection structure having at least one of the radiation protection modules of the present invention. In this way, the radiation protection structure can enjoy the advantages provided by the features of the present invention, at least in part. Similarly, any of the multiple radiation protection modules of the present invention may be connected in a flexible manner to shield areas and meet safety regulations while providing optical transparency throughout the structure.

[0023] According to a third aspect of the present invention, the process for manufacturing a radiation shielding structure may include using the radiation shielding module of the present invention. This enhances conventional radiation shielding solutions.

[0024] These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent from and be explained with reference to the embodiments described below. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0025] [Figure 1] A schematic and illustrative example of an optically transparent radiation protection module, as described in conjunction with the present invention, is shown below. [Figure 2A] An example of a light guide element based on a reflector configuration is schematically shown, and an example of a reflector configuration element is also shown. [Figure 2B] An example of a light guide element based on a reflector configuration is schematically shown, and an example of a layer in the reflector configuration is also shown. [Figure 3A] A schematic example of a light guide element based on total internal reflection is shown, along with its waveguide structure. [Figure 3B] A schematic example of a light guide element based on total internal reflection is shown, along with an optical fiber. [Figure 4A] A schematic cross-sectional view shows a first set of examples of optically transparent radiation protection modules, and a cross-sectional view of a radiation protection module having two X-ray radiation shielding layers and a reflector configuration layer. [Figure 4B] A schematic cross-sectional view shows a first set of examples of optically transparent radiation protection modules, illustrating a cross-sectional view of a radiation protection module having three X-ray radiation shielding layers and, correspondingly, two layers of reflector configuration. [Figure 5A] A second set of examples of optically transparent radiation protection modules is schematically shown in cross-sectional views, and a three-dimensional view of a simplified design of a radiation protection module having two radiation shielding layers and optical fibers as light guide elements, where the inlet and outlet points of the optical fibers are at the same location on the module surface. [Figure 5B]A second set of examples of optically transparent radiation shielding modules is schematically shown in a cross-sectional view, illustrating the random arrangement of the positions of the openings on the first outer surface and X-ray absorbing wall, where the openings are interconnected by optical fibers. [Figure 5C] A second set of examples of optically transparent radiation protection modules is schematically shown in cross-sectional views, illustrating a simplified design of a radiation protection module having two radiation shielding layers and optical fibers as light guide elements, where the inlet and outlet points of the optical fibers are located at different positions on the module surface. [Figure 6] This shows multiple radiation protection modules assembled to form an optically transparent radiation protection structure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] The present invention can take the form of various components and arrangements of components, as well as various process operations and arrangements of process operations. The drawings are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the invention. For better visualization, certain features may be omitted or dimensions may not be to scale. Similar or analogous components are given the same reference numerals in different drawings.

[0027] A technology is proposed that flexibly combines optical transparency with radiation shielding functionality. The proposed radiation protection module has the ability to block harmful radiation while allowing light to propagate. This technology also makes it possible to construct a radiation protection structure from the constituent radiation protection modules. In this way, the module elements can be connected to form a barrier or area shielding structure that meets safety regulations.

[0028] Combining optical transparency and shielding functions within a module requires simultaneously providing a path for light to pass through the module and a barrier against radiation. Figure 1 shows a radiation protection module 100 having optical transmission properties. Module 100 has a first outer surface 10 on one side and a second outer surface 20 on the opposite side. The first outer surface 10 and the second outer surface 20 have openings 40, 40' on their surfaces and are separated from each other by a gap. In the figure, 40 represents all openings on the first outer surface, and 40' represents all openings on the second outer surface; for clarity, only references to a single opening (labeled i) on each surface are given. The radiation protection module further has at least one radiation shielding layer 30 and a light guide element 50 embedded within the gap separating the first outer surface 10 and the second outer surface 20. The light guide element 50 passes through at least one radiation shielding layer 30 to position (x i , y i From the opening 40-i on the first outer surface at ), position (x i ', y i The light guide element 50 is positioned to form at least one optical path OP that guides light to the opening 40'-i on the second outer surface of the module. This allows at least a portion of the incident light at either the first or second outer surface opening 40, 40' to propagate through the radiation shielding module to the opening 40', 40 on the opposite side of the module, and together with at least one radiation shielding layer, provides a barrier against radiation with optical transparency. Thus, the light guide element forming at least one optical path OP within the module is positioned to change the direction of light but not the direction of radiation, and the radiation is ultimately blocked by at least one radiation shielding layer.

[0029] The apertures 40 on the first outer surface and 40' on the second outer surface may have different patterns and / or be arranged in a matrix of any size. The apertures 40, 40' may be interconnected via the light guide element 50 in different ways to facilitate operation, control, non-verbal communication, monitoring, etc. For example, control signals may be transmitted to indicate radiation status (e.g., on / off) for safety purposes. For this purpose, light in the visible spectrum may be transmitted from a selected aperture in a region on one side 10 of the module to a region on the opposite side 20 of the module, which may be a completely different region, or may be uniformly shifted relative to the entrance region for lateral image transmission, or may at least partially overlap with the entrance region. In embodiments, the light guide element 50 is arranged such that at least one optical path is formed to guide light from the aperture 40-i on the first outer surface to the aperture 40'-i on the second outer surface, which is substantially the same in position on the corresponding outer surface. By interconnecting an opening on the first outer surface with an opening on the second outer surface located substantially in the same position on the corresponding outer surface, visible spectrum light can propagate through the module, enabling distortion-free image transmission. In other words, the image from the shielded area may be visible on the outside, and vice versa, and the sharpness and / or clarity of the image depends on the density of the openings 40, 40' on the first and second outer surfaces and the optical transmission path. In this way, the image may be distortion-free and clearly visible, or at least sufficiently recognizable. This can be used for nonverbal communication and / or surveillance purposes while providing barrier protection from harmful radiation.

[0030] Figures 2 and 3 show exemplary light guide elements 50.

[0031] Figure 2A shows a light guide element provided by a reflector configuration 50-1. The light guide element 50-1 has an input port 51, an output port 52, a first reflective surface 53, and a second reflective surface 54. The light guide element 50-1 utilizes specular or normal reflection of light and does not reflect X-rays. The first reflective surface is positioned to reflect incident light from the input port to the second reflective surface, and the second reflective surface is positioned to reflect the incident light toward the output port. By having two reflective surfaces, the light is deflected so that it passes from one side to the other according to the illustrated optical path OP. At the exit point 52, the light is shifted relative to the input point 51.

[0032] A reflective surface capable of deflecting the direction of visible light may be a mirror or a prism structure. A mirror can be formed by using a transparent material (such as plastic or glass) with a refractive index sufficient to provide total internal reflection at the air interface at a preferred mirror angle of about 45 degrees. In other embodiments, a mirror may be formed by superimposing a very thin reflective layer (e.g., a thin Al film—thin enough to scatter very little radiation) onto another substrate (e.g., wood, concrete) that does not need to be transparent at all. In other embodiments, the mirror can be a dielectric multilayer mirror deposited on a transparent substrate, thereby optimizing the reflective properties without inducing X-ray scattering.

[0033] The light guide elements may be arranged to form layers. For example, Figure 2B shows a reflector configuration 50-1 stacked to form layers, with the input port 51 facing one side and the output port facing the opposite side.

[0034] The second class of light guide element 50-2 envisioned in the present invention utilizes total internal reflection (TIR) ​​of light and is illustrated in Figure 3. TIR is a well-known optical phenomenon in which a wave reaching the interface from one medium with refractive index n1 to another medium with refractive index n2 is not refracted in the second medium but is completely reflected in the first medium. This occurs when the refractive index of the second medium is lower than that of the first medium (i.e., n1 > n2), and the wave is θ cThe critical angle is given by =arcsin(n² / n1). c This occurs when the incident angle is greater than a specific limit angle called the θ. i This is measured relative to the normal (perpendicular) between the surfaces of the first and second media. This phenomenon allows light rays to be conducted over long paths by multiple total internal reflections within a glass or plastic rod, waveguide, or optical fiber. Thus, Figure 3 shows an optical guide element 50-2 having an input 51 and an output port 52, configured to confine incident light from the input port 51 by total internal reflection and transmit it to the output port 52. Figure 3A shows a waveguide structure which may be arranged in a layer (not shown) with the input port 51 facing one side and the output port facing the opposite side. Figure 3B shows an optical fiber. Optical fibers can be used to transmit not only light in the visible spectrum but also infrared light, which is suitable for multiple purposes such as data transmission (a type of carrier wave in which light is modulated to carry information), power transmission (optical power is generated from electrical energy, usually using a laser diode, and converted back into electrical energy for some electronic devices after transmission), and sensing.

[0035] There are various radiation shielding materials that can be used as radiation shielding layers.

[0036] Common RF shielding materials include copper, nickel-silver (ideal for RF shielding of MRI equipment due to its permeability of 1), aluminum, steel, mu-metal (with good ductility and malleability), conductive fabrics, etc. Shielding materials can take the form of wire mesh, metal grids, screens, and metal foils, and thus can be possible forms of radiation shielding layers. Holes in wire mesh or metal grids designed to block specific electromagnetic waves can be used to place light guide elements through the radiation shielding layer, provided the hole size is acceptable. Figure 1 illustrates this possibility as an example. The effectiveness of RF shielding in reducing interference depends on the properties of the shielding material, the design, the thickness of the shield, the electromagnetic frequency, and the size of the discontinuities present on the shield.

[0037] The most widely used X-ray shielding material is lead due to its compactness resulting from its higher density. Alternatives include lead-based composite materials using mixtures of lead with other lightweight radiation-attenuating metals, and lead-free or non-lead shielding materials made from other types of attenuating metals such as antimony, tungsten, bismuth, and tin. Molybdenum is also a possible material for X-ray radiation shielding layers. Possible forms of radiation shielding layers include sheets, plates, and foils. However, radiation shielding walls may also contain X-ray absorbing materials in the form of particles and / or liquids, for example. They may also contain fluids containing lead and / or other X-ray blocking particles. Many factors contribute to the shielding requirements (e.g., lead thickness), such as the energy level of the equipment (how much radiation it generates and in what direction it is directed), the surrounding area (e.g., if the adjacent area is a pediatric care unit, much more shielding is required than if it were a storage area), etc. The selection of materials, or combinations thereof, is guided not only by the shielding requirements but also by legal requirements and / or company or hospital requirements. Combinations of materials for designing energy-specific shielding functions may be possible, offering a flexible solution as an alternative to heavy lead glass, which has only a fixed absorption spectrum along with its associated relatively high weight.

[0038] Figures 4 and 5 show optically transparent radiation protection modules in various embodiments.

[0039] Specifically, Figures 4A and 4B show exemplary cross-sectional views of a radiation protection module having multiple radiation shielding layers 30 and at least one optical guide element 50-L layer. The input port 51 of the optical guide element faces one side, and the output port of the optical guide element faces the opposite side. The figures show a reflector configuration as an optical guide element in a layer (as shown, for example, in Figure 2B), but other classes of optical guide elements may be arranged in a similar manner through the radiation shielding layers to enable the formation of an optical path from one side to the opposite side of the module. For example, an optical guide element that utilizes TIR to transmit light from the input port to the output port includes a waveguide structure and optical fibers, and depending on the diameter, a bundle of fibers may be used. Similarly, the illustrated radiation shielding layer is an X-ray radiation shielding layer that may be provided in the form of one of lead, molybdenum, tungsten, or a combination thereof, or as an X-ray absorbing wall. However, the radiation shielding layer may instead be an RF radiation shielding layer provided by either a shield, a metal grid, a wire mesh, or interconnected metal foils to mitigate the presence of discontinuities in a combination thereof. Guided by the same principle, in more complex designs, multiple radiation shielding layers may be a mixture of X-ray and RF radiation shielding layers for enhanced functionality.

[0040] Continuing the explanation of Figures 4A and 4B, the radiation shielding layers have openings 31 on their surface and are separated from each other by spacing. Within the spacing, layers of light guide elements 50-L are embedded and arranged to guide light from the input port to the output port through the openings in the radiation shielding layers. Any continuous radiation shielding layers 30(l i , l i+1 Regarding the continuous radiation shielding layer (l i An opening in one of the ) is separated from the other continuous radiation shielding layer (l i+1The opening in the ) has a substantially uniform offset D, and radiation is substantially blocked by the combined radiation shielding layers. The combined thickness of the radiation shielding layers defines the radiation absorption properties. The first radiation shielding layer of the multiple radiation shielding layers is defined as the first outer radiation shielding layer facing the first outer surface of the radiation protection module, and the last radiation shielding layer of the multiple radiation shielding layers is defined as the second outer radiation shielding layer facing the second outer surface of the radiation protection module.

[0041] For clarity, the first and second outer surfaces of the radiation shielding module are not shown in Figures 4A and 4B. However, the first and second outer radiation shielding layers may be in contact with the respective outer surfaces of the radiation shielding module. Alternatively, the first and second outer radiation shielding layers may form the respective outer surfaces of the radiation shielding module. Alternatively, either the first or second outer radiation shielding layer may be in contact with the respective outer surfaces of the radiation shielding module, while the other outer radiation shielding layer forms the respective outer surfaces of the radiation shielding module. Thus, the openings in the first outer radiation shielding layer may substantially correspond to the positions of the openings on the first outer surface. Similarly, the positions of the openings in the second outer radiation shielding layer may substantially correspond to the positions of the openings on the second outer surface. For example, when employing a reflector configuration, a substantial correspondence between the openings may be preferred. In this context, "substantial" preferably means that a large portion (e.g., >90%) of the openings in either the first or second outer radiation shielding layer coincides with the location of the openings on either the first or second outer surface of the module. As a result, at least a large portion of the incident light, or the light incident on the openings on the surface of the radiation shielding module, can propagate through the module according to the optical path formed through the radiation shielding layer, which is enabled by the optical guide element. For example, when an optical fiber is used as the optical guide element, a correspondence between the openings in the first / second radiation shielding layer on each outer surface of the module is not necessary. This is because the optical fiber is long and flexible so that it can be positioned to guide light through the module as needed and can traverse the outer surface of the module and the radiation shielding layer.

[0042] More specifically, Figure 4A shows a cross-sectional view of a radiation protection module having two X-ray radiation shielding layers 30 and a layer of reflector configuration 50-L embedded within the gap between the radiation shielding layers. The light guide element 50-L is positioned to guide light from the input port to the output port through the openings in the radiation shielding layer. Furthermore, the radiation shielding layer 30(l i An opening in one of the ) is in the other radiation shielding layer 30 (l i+1The apertures have a substantially uniform offset D, and radiation is substantially blocked by the combined radiation shielding layer 30. The substantially uniform offset between the apertures facilitates manufacturing and also facilitates the control of distortion of the visible image on the opposite side, as will be described in the following paragraph.

[0043] In Figure 4A, two incident X-rays are shown as thick solid arrows as an example. Clearly, the first radiation shielding layer (l i X-rays incident on (1) are blocked by the same. Other X-rays are blocked by the first radiation shielding layer (1). i ) passes through one of the openings and the second radiation shielding layer (l i+1 The radiation is absorbed by the material of the ) . As a result, in combination, the radiation shielding layer blocks the radiation. Therefore, the radiation shielding layer 30 (l i In one of the ) the other radiation shielding layer 30(l i+1 Having an opening at a uniform or substantially uniform offset D relative to the opening in the ) means that the design or geometry of the structure, i.e., the dimensions and position of the opening, prevents direct and / or obscured scattering paths of radiation from one side of the module to the other. Thus, a cross-section of a radiation shielding layer with an opening may resemble a louver structure with horizontal strips of widths d1 and d2, and it is advantageous for d2 to exceed d1 by a factor greater than 1 (e.g., a factor of 1.5, 2, 4, etc.) to provide good shielding against scattered X-rays as well. By having d1 narrower than d2 according to the said ratio, X-rays passing through the opening in the first louver, i.e., the first radiation shielding layer, are blocked by the material of the second louver, i.e., the second radiation shielding layer. The spacing between the louvers (d1 and d2) is typically close to the thickness of the radiation shielding layer and may be on the order of a few millimeters.

[0044] Referring again to Figure 4A, the dotted arrows indicate the sample optical path enabled by the reflector configuration for light to propagate through the module. Light of the visible spectrum is deflected by the reflector configuration and appears on the opposite side with a positional shift of ¹ relative to the entry point. This shift ¹ causes distortion of the visible image on the outside, and vice versa, with the severity of the distortion being proportional to the shift ¹. Nevertheless, the visible image on the opposite side is only laterally shifted and not deformed. In this embodiment, to avoid X-ray leakage, the aperture of width d1 needs to be relatively narrow compared to d2, which may affect the sharpness and clarity of the visible image on the outside, and vice versa. However, for control purposes and / or low-resolution optical inspection, this embodiment may be sufficient.

[0045] Continuing with Figure 4B, the figure shows a cross-sectional view of a radiation protection module having three X-ray radiation shielding layers 30 and correspondingly two layers of reflector configuration 50-L, each layer embedded within the spacing between the radiation shielding layers. The light guide elements in layer 50-L are positioned to guide light from the input port to the output port through the openings 31 in the radiation shielding layers 30, so that light is guided through the openings 31 in the radiation shielding layers from one side of the module to the other. In this case, the second layer of the light guide elements 50-L is positioned so that the light appears at a position substantially matching the entrance position. In this way, the substantially uniform offset D between the openings, combined with the arrangement of the layers of the light guide elements 50-L, allows the image to be visible on the outside without distortion, and vice versa, improving image quality compared to the embodiment in Figure 4A. The sharpness and / or clarity of the image depends on the density of the openings on the first and second outer surfaces 40, 40', and the light transmission path through the radiation shielding layers 30. Furthermore, in addition to reflective surfaces, additional optical structures, such as lens-style structures (e.g., non-planar mirrors) and spectral correction structures (e.g., color filters), can be advantageously incorporated. In this way, the visible image, both externally and externally, can be modified to suit specific needs or to perform a specific function.

[0046] With the increased number of radiation shielding layers 30, X-ray shielding is further improved against Compton scattered radiation from the module itself, as well as by the exemplary design in Figure 4B. The three X-ray shielding layers have openings on their surfaces, and for any consecutive radiation shielding layers, one of the consecutive radiation shielding layers (l i The opening in ) is substantially blocked by other continuous radiation shielding layers (l i+1 The aperture in the first radiation shielding layer has a substantially uniform offset D. In the figure, the incident X-rays are shown by a thick solid line. Some of the X-rays pass through the aperture in the first radiation shielding layer and are absorbed by the material of the second radiation shielding layer. Other X-rays have an incident angle that allows them to pass through the aperture in the second radiation shielding layer, but the X-rays are absorbed by the third radiation layer. Thus, in combination, the three radiation layers block the radiation, and the thickness of the combined layers defines the absorption characteristics.

[0047] Figure 5 shows a second example of an optically transparent radiation shielding module. The module has an opening 31 on its surface and comprises a plurality of radiation shielding layers 30 spaced apart from each other, and a plurality of light guide elements 50. The light guide elements are positioned (x) on the first surface. i , y i From the opening on the first outer surface of module 10 at ), the position of the second surface (x i ', y i It is positioned up to the opening of the second outer surface 20 at '). The light guide element 50-2 has an input port and an output port, and is configured to confine incident light from the input port by total internal reflection so that it is transmitted to the output port. The light guide element is positioned at each position (u) on its surface. i , v iMultiple radiation shielding layers are traversed through an opening (31-i) in the ), where the positions of the openings on the surfaces of the multiple radiation shielding layers have random or pseudo-random offsets from one another such that the radiation is substantially blocked by the combination of the multiple radiation shielding layers. In this set of examples, two X-ray radiation shielding layers are illustrated, which may also be provided in the form of an X-ray absorbing wall containing one of lead, molybdenum, tungsten, or a combination thereof. However, the radiation shielding layer may instead be an RF radiation shielding layer provided by either a shield, a metal grid, a wire mesh, or interconnected metal foil to mitigate the presence of discontinuities on a combination thereof. In more complex designs guided by the same principle, the multiple radiation shielding layers may be a mixture of one or more X-ray radiation shielding layers and one or more RF radiation shielding layers for enhanced functionality.

[0048] In the diagram of Figure 5A, as a simple example, the optical fiber 50 crosses two radiation shielding layers 30, starting from an opening A located at (x1, y1) on the first outer surface 10 of module 100 and ending at an opening B located at (x2', y2') on the second outer surface 20 of module 100. The fiber crosses the first radiation shielding layer 30 through an opening P at position (u1, v1) and the second radiation shielding layer 30 through an opening Q at position (u2, v2). The positions of openings P and Q have a random or pseudo-random offset from each other so that radiation is substantially blocked by the combination of the two radiation shielding layers. Thus, there is no direct path for radiation at u1, unlike u2, and there is no direct path for radiation at v1, unlike v2. In one embodiment, the positions of the openings interconnected by one or more optical guide elements throughout the module, from an opening located at (x1, y1) on the first outer surface of the module 10 to an opening located at (x2', y2') on the second outer surface 20 of the module, through a plurality of radiation shielding layers 30, follow a random or pseudo-random arrangement of relative positions such that radiation is substantially blocked by the combined radiation shielding layers, i.e., a pattern of X-ray transmission is prevented. As an example, Figure 5B shows a random arrangement of the positions of the openings 31 in the X-ray absorbing wall 30, where the openings 31 are connected to the openings on the first outer surface 10 by optical fibers 50-2. In the figure, the openings on the first outer surface 10 are arranged in a rectangular array through which visible light can be transmitted via the optical fibers 50-2. Depending on the diameter of the fibers, the fiber bundles are used to have a coverage of 1-10% of the fibers over the shielding, so that up to 10% of the radiation shielding layer is non-blocking, or in this example, X-ray transparent.

[0049] Exit point(x i , y i ), for example, the inlet point (x) relative to the position of the fiber on the second outer surface of module 20. i , y iFor example, the position of the optical fiber on the first outer surface of module 10 determines whether or not optical image transmission from one side of the module to the other side of the module is distorted when light of the visible spectrum is propagated. In one embodiment, the inlet and outlet positions of the optical fiber are different on the surface of the module, i.e., they are shifted or offset from each other. In one embodiment, the offset or shift is substantially the same, and as a result the image seen on the opposite side is only shifted laterally and not distorted. In another embodiment illustrated in Figure 5A, the inlet and outlet positions are the same on the first and second outer surfaces of the module. This results in distortion-free image transmission with sharpness and / or clarity that depends on the density of apertures and the optical transmission path on the first and second outer surfaces of the module. Figure 5C shows the inlet (x) at different positions on the outer surface of the module. i , y i ) and exit point (x i ', y i A cross-sectional view of a simplified radiation protection module is shown. The module has two radiation shielding layers 30 and a light guide element 50 (e.g., a waveguide, optical fiber) in a supporting material 60 that directs light to irregular optical transmission paths that traverse the radiation shielding layers at different locations so that radiation is substantially blocked by the combination of the two radiation shielding layers.

[0050] In another embodiment, one of the light guide elements 50 of the aforementioned radiation protection module 100 has at least one optical fiber 50-2. At least one optical fiber may be used for any of the following purposes, such as transmission of visible spectrum light, data transmission, power transmission, or a combination thereof. As another example, if multiple optical fibers are present, some of them may be used for transmission of visible spectrum light, and / or some of them may be specialized for transporting infrared light for data and / or power transmission. Optical fibers provide a high-speed communication line for data transfer. Power transmission using optical fibers is advantageous due to its light weight, corrosion resistance, and robustness against electromagnetic interference and electrical sparks. Optical power transmission eliminates the risk of being affected by strong magnetic fields and electromagnetic interference, such as those found in magnetic resonance imaging. Furthermore, it prevents the emission of electromagnetic radiation that can interfere with other devices and does not generate a DC magnetic field.

[0051] In general, the frame and materials of the light guide layer 50-L, such as wood, concrete, and plastic, can be manifolds, but they can also be shielding materials. Plastic materials may be suitable for lightweight radiation protection modules. For example, when a reflector configuration is adopted, a mirror coating may be applied to the pyramidal elements. Furthermore, functional elements such as mounting points and fixtures for the radiation shielding layer, as well as distance-holding elements, may also be embedded in the design. When waveguides or optical fibers are used, they can be guided with the help of a fixing layer that not only acts as a filler between radiation shielding layers but also ensures the stable positioning of the device. This layer may be manufactured by injection molding and / or 3D printing, but stamping and other molding tools may be used.

[0052] Any of the aforementioned radiation protection modules 100 may be included in the manufacture of the radiation protection structure 200. Conventional radiation protection walls may be combined with any of the radiation protection modules 100 of the present invention to form a structure 200 having the advantages provided by the features of the present invention, at least in part. Thus, the radiation protection structure 200 may have at least one of the radiation protection modules 100 of the present invention. Similarly, any multiple of the aforementioned radiation protection modules 100 may be combined and assembled to form a radiation protection structure 200 that provides optical transparency throughout the structure, as shown in the example shown in Figure 6. In general, radiation protection structures may be suitable not only for medical use but also for non-medical environments such as non-destructive testing. Medical environments include, for example, shielding walls in X-ray, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging scenarios, either in a dedicated room or a mobile setting where radiation shielding infrastructure must be adapted. The use of optical fibers as light guide elements may be advantageous due to their flexibility in achieving more complex shapes with walls and corners. Such light guide elements can provide light guiding functionality around curves or at interfaces between one modular element and another.

[0053] Modifications of the disclosed embodiments can be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art in carrying out the claimed invention, based on a review of the drawings, disclosures, and appended claims. It should be noted that various embodiments may be combined to achieve more advantageous effects.

[0054] In the claims, the words "comprising" do not exclude other components or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude plurality.

[0055] A single unit or device can fulfill the functions of several items enumerated in the claims. The mere fact that certain means are described in different dependent claims does not imply that combinations of these means cannot be used advantageously.

[0056] No reference numeral in a claim should be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A first outer surface on one side and a second outer surface on the opposite side, wherein the first and second outer surfaces have openings on their surfaces and are separated from each other by a gap, At least one radiation shielding layer, At least one optical path is at position (x i , y i From the opening of the first outer surface (40-i) at position (x i ', y i A light guide element is arranged to be formed to guide light through the at least one radiation shielding layer to the opening of the second outer surface in '), In a radiation protection module having, The at least one radiation shielding layer and the light guide element are embedded within the gap separating the first and second outer surfaces. Radiation protection module.

2. The radiation protection module according to claim 1, wherein the light guide element is formed such that at least one optical path guides light from an opening on the first outer surface to an opening on the second outer surface, and the openings on the corresponding outer surfaces are arranged to be substantially the same.

3. The radiation protection module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light guide element is provided by a reflector configuration having an input port, an output port, a first reflective surface, and a second reflective surface, the first reflective surface being arranged to reflect incident light from the input port to the second reflective surface, and the second reflective surface being arranged to reflect the incident light toward the output port.

4. The radiation protection module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light guide element includes an input port and an output port, and is configured to confine incident light from the input port by total internal reflection and transmit it to the output port.

5. The aforementioned radiation protection module is At least one layer of the light guide element, Multiple radiation shielding layers having openings on their surface and separated from each other by spacing, It has, Within the aforementioned interval, one of the layers of the light guide element is embedded and arranged to guide light from the input port to the output port through the opening in the radiation shielding layer. With respect to any consecutive radiation shielding layers among the plurality of radiation shielding layers, the opening in one of the consecutive radiation shielding layers has a substantially uniform offset with respect to the opening in the other radiation shielding layers among the consecutive radiation shielding layers, such that radiation is substantially blocked by the combined plurality of radiation shielding layers. The radiation protection module according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The first radiation shielding layer among the plurality of radiation shielding layers is a first outer radiation shielding layer facing the first outer surface of the radiation protection module. The last of the plurality of radiation shielding layers is a second outer radiation shielding layer facing the second outer surface of the radiation protection module. The first and second outer radiation shielding layers are in contact with the respective outer surfaces of the radiation protection module, or The first and second outer radiation shielding layers form the outer surfaces of the respective radiation protection modules, or Either the first or second outer radiation shielding layer is in contact with the outer surface of each of the radiation protection modules, and the other outer radiation shielding layer forms the outer surface of each of the radiation protection modules. The radiation protection module according to claim 5.

7. Multiple radiation shielding layers having openings on their surface and separated from each other by spacing, The position (x i , y i ) of the first surface, from the opening of the first outer surface at that position to the opening of the second outer surface at the position (x i ', y i ') of the second surface, arranged to cross the plurality of radiation shielding layers through the openings at the positions (u i , v i ) of each surface, wherein the positions of the openings on the surfaces of the plurality of radiation shielding layers have random or pseudo-random offsets relative to each other such that radiation is substantially blocked by the combination of the plurality of radiation shielding layers, a plurality of light guiding elements, A radiation protection module according to claim 4, comprising:

8. The radiation protection module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one radiation shielding layer is provided by an X-ray absorbing wall comprising, for example, a wire mesh, a metal grid, or an X-ray absorbing material in the form of particles and / or liquid.

9. The radiation protection module according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the plurality of radiation shielding layers include an X-ray radiation shielding layer, an RF radiation shielding layer, or a combination thereof.

10. The radiation protection module according to claim 9, wherein the X-ray radiation shielding layer is provided by an X-ray absorbing wall comprising one of lead, molybdenum, tungsten, or a combination thereof.

11. The radiation protection module according to claim 9, wherein the RF radiation shielding layer is provided by one of a metal grid, a wire mesh, interconnected metal foils, or a combination thereof.

12. The radiation protection module according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the light guide element has at least one optical fiber for the purpose of transmitting light in the visible spectrum, data transmission, power transmission, or a combination thereof.

13. A radiation protection structure having at least one of the radiation protection modules described in any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. Use of a radiation protection module according to any one of claims 1 to 12 in the manufacture of a radiation protection structure.

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