240 results about "Dosimetry" patented technology

A method and apparatus for non-invasively withdrawing and accurately evaluating analytes quickly, painlessly and reliably from a biological subject automatically and controlling subsequent administration of therapeutic agents in response to such analyte sample analysis. Improvements are provided in electro-osmotic sample withdrawal, dosimetry and iontophoretic delivery subsystems, biosensors electrode construction and arrangement, intervenors, mediators, bolus delivery, and related subsystems.

An apparatus and technique for transscleral light-mediated biostimulation of the trabecular plates of a patient's eye in a treatment for glaucoma or ocular hypertension. The apparatus includes; (i) a working end geometry for contacting the anterior surface of the sclera and cornea to insure that a laser emission reaches the trabecular meshwork from a particular location on the anterior surface of the sclera, (ii) a laser energy source providing a wavelength appropriate for absorption beneath the anterior scleral surface to the depth of the trabecular plates, and (iii) a dosimetry control system for controlling the exposure of the laser emission at the particular spatial locations. The device uses a light energy source that emits wavelengths in the near-infrared portion of the spectrum, preferably in the range of about 1.30 mum to 1.40 mum or from about 1.55 mum to 1.85 mum. The depth of absorption of such wavelength ranges will extend through most, if not all, of the thickness of the sclera (750 mum to 950 mum). In accordance with a proposed method of trabecular biostimulation, the targeted region is elevated in temperature to a range between about 40° C. to 55° C. for a period of time ranging from about 1 second to 120 seconds or more.

The present invention relates to the capabilities of a highly sensitive radioactive-emission camera, a result of a meticulous search for the many different effects that combine synergistically to increase sensitivity and spatial, spectral, and time resolutions. The new camera opens a new realm in SPECT-type imaging, making it viable for dynamic studies, the use of radiopharmaceutical cocktails, molecular imaging, dosimetry and other studies requiring the high sensitivity and resolutions. In particular, the new camera opens the door to SPECT expert system, examples for which are provided. The expert system relates to defining disease signatures for automatic diagnosis, preferably, based on a multi-parameter vector, preferably, based on kinetic radiopharmaceutical values. Additionally or alternatively, based on simultaneous administration of multiple isotopes.

A method and apparatus for gas cluster ion beam (GCIB) processing uses X-Y scanning of the workpiece relative to the GCIB. A neutralizer reduces surface charging of the workpiece by the GCIB. A single Faraday cup sensor is used to measure the GCIB current for dosimetry and scanning control and also to measure and control the degree of surface charging that may be induced in the workpiece during processing.

Methods and computer executable instructions are disclosed for ultimately developing a dosimetry plan for a treatment volume targeted for irradiation during cancer therapy. The dosimetry plan is available in "real-time" which especially enhances clinical use for in vivo applications. The real-time is achieved because of the novel geometric model constructed for the planned treatment volume which, in turn, allows for rapid calculations to be performed for simulated movements of particles along particle tracks there through. The particles are exemplary representations of neutrons emanating from a neutron source during BNCT. In a preferred embodiment, a medical image having a plurality of pixels of information representative of a treatment volume is obtained. The pixels are: (i) converted into a plurality of substantially uniform volume elements having substantially the same shape and volume of the pixels; and (ii) arranged into a geometric model of the treatment volume. An anatomical material associated with each uniform volume element is defined and stored. Thereafter, a movement of a particle along a particle track is defined through the geometric model along a primary direction of movement that begins in a starting element of the uniform volume elements and traverses to a next element of the uniform volume elements. The particle movement along the particle track is effectuated in integer based increments along the primary direction of movement until a position of intersection occurs that represents a condition where the anatomical material of the next element is substantially different from the anatomical material of the starting element. This position of intersection is then useful for indicating whether a neutron has been captured, scattered or exited from the geometric model. From this intersection, a distribution of radiation doses can be computed for use in the cancer therapy. The foregoing represents an advance in computational times by multiple factors of time magnitudes.

The instant invention is directed toward a method and an apparatus for mapping the magnetic field strength or flux density of a magnetic source. The invention provides a robotically controlled sensor which is moved in a controlled manner throughout an area of flux density and the variations in the flux density are recorded. The position and recorded magnetic field strength at numerous points throughout the test area are recorded and the data is assembled into a graphical representation the end result of which is a multi-dimensional mapping of the magnetic field strength as a function of distance from the source. The testing method and apparatus provide a convenient methodology for accurately determining dosimetry and tissue penetration of therapeutic magnetic devices.

The invention is directed to an apparatus for decolonizing microbes from skin surfaces and body cavities, in particular the decoloniziation of MRSA from nasal cavities using UVC preferably combined with visible light. The device consists of a lightguide, dispensing tip plus accessories, and a housing with a UV source, optical filtering and light collection means, shutter and timer. An internal or external radiometer provides dosimetry information to the operator. The device has additional utility in killing microbes on skin surfaces and beneath nail beds. The lightguide itself comprises the holder for the dispensing tip for use in cavities and as a holder for surface use. The dispensing tips serve to protect decolonization subjects from cross-contamination and may act to shape the nasal cavity and the light distribution pattern of the emitted UVC and visible radiation.

A patient-specific optimally effective radiation dose for administration of a radiopharmaceutical to a patient for treatment of a disease may be established by basing the calculation of the appropriate therapeutic dose on factors such as the desired total body dose, the maximum tolerated dose, the typical clearance profile of the radiopharmaceutical, the patient's mass or maximum effective mass, and the patient-specific residence time of the radiopharmaceutical or an analog in the whole body of the patient. The use of the method allows for treatment of a patient with an appropriate dose which is maximally effective against the disease yet minimally toxic. The determination of a patient-specific therapeutic dose may be assisted by the use of a software program set to the particular parameters of the radiopharmaceutical.

A portal imaging device positioning apparatus includes a portal imaging device positioner (255) attachable to a support (256). The portal imaging device positioner (255) is adapted to vertically adjust an imaging panel (250) in a treatment or dosimetry mode to receive radiation through a body in the patient plane (8a), and adjust the panel in a physics mode to receive radiation at the patient plane (8a).

A thermoluminescence (TL) dosimetry (TLD) system comprises at least one TLD element that is controllably heated and which temperature is monitored in real time using an infrared (IR) radiometry subsystem that provides respective IR radiation inputs to a control subsystem. The control subsystem uses the inputs to effect the heating control. The TLD system further comprises a TL measuring subsystem for measuring TL emission data from each heated TLD element, the TL data used in obtaining a does curve indicative of the total radiation to which the TLD element has been exposed.

A treatment verification process for radiation therapy consisting of measuring each of the radiation beams that are to be applied to the patient by making a calibrated image of the field for each beam. The measured beams are then processed and converted to relative monitor units. Software like a treatment planning system is then used to compute the dose to the patient for comparison with the intended treatment prescription.

A method of determining the doses of neutrons, gamma and X-ray photons, beta, alpha and other ionizing radiations using a method of image processing in spatial and frequency domain that produces parameters that are related to the radiation dose absorbed in a luminescent material. Portions of the luminescent material may be covered by different converters to allow for doses of different radiations to be discriminated.

A device for delivering ablative medical treatments to improve biomechanics comprising a laser for generating a beam of laser radiation used in ablative medical treatments to improve biomechanics, a housing, a controller within the housing, in communication with the laser and operable to control dosimetry of the beam of laser radiation in application to a target material, a lens operable to focus the beam of laser radiation onto a target material, and a power source operable to provide power to the laser and controller.

An electronic earplug for wideband control of pressures at, the tympanic membrane is presented. A unique methodology of determining effective component placement inside an earplug that provides acoustic isolation between the ambient noise and tympanic membrane is explained. Methods for providing accurate dosimetry and improved active control result from the unique earplug design process, leading to very wideband active noise reduction at the tympanic membrane.

A system and method for treating ophthalmic target tissue, including a light source for generating a beam of light, a beam delivery system that includes a scanner for generating patterns, and a controller for controlling the light source and delivery system to create a dosimetry pattern of the light beam on the ophthalmic target tissue. One or more dosage parameters of the light beam vary within the dosimetry pattern, to create varying exposures on the target tissue. A visualization device observes lesions formed on the ophthalmic target tissue by the dosimetry pattern. The controller selects dosage parameters for the treatment beam based upon the lesions resulting from the dosimetry pattern, either automatically or in response to user input, so that a desired clinical effect is achieved by selecting the character of the lesions as determined by the dosimetry pattern lesions.

A system and method for providing a dose of irradiating light for a therapeutic process includes identifying an internal target area of a patient affected by a pathology and irradiating an externally accessible area of the patient proximate to the internal target area with a number of photons at least having wavelengths approximately within a near-infrared (IR) band. The method also includes receiving feedback from one of a spectrophotometer and a patient physiology monitoring system and adjusting the number of photons irradiating the externally accessible area of the patient. From the feedback, a determination is made to identify the number of photons needed to irradiate the externally accessible area of the patient to cause a change in biochemical state of cytochrome oxidase in the internal target area to a desired biochemical state of cytochrome oxidase in the internal target area.

A dosimetry device for charged particle radiation that can be exclusive of cables and connectors between substrates is provided. A plurality of first electrodes are formed on one surface of a printed circuit board, a second electrode substrate having a second electrode opposing each of the plurality of first electrodes through an ionized space is provided, and a signal processing circuit is provided on the other surface opposing the surface of the printed circuit board. The signal processing circuit includes at least one amplifying circuit, a plurality of integrating capacitors corresponding to the amplifying circuit for integrating charge at each corresponding one of the first electrodes, and at least one selector switch that switchably connects each of the integrating capacitors to the amplifying circuit. The printed circuit board may be a multi-layer printed circuit board.

The present invention generally provides methods and apparatus for controlling ion dosage in real time during plasma processes. In one embodiment, ion dosages may be controlled using in-situ measurement of the plasma from a mass distribution sensor combined with in-situ measurement from an RF probe.

A UV exposure dosimetry system includes at least one UV sensor that accurately measures the UV irradiance intensity. The system can generate extrapolated UV intensity data based on measured UV intensity data to correct unreliable UV measurement due to inconsistent irradiation of UV light. The UV dosimetry system integrates the extrapolated UV intensity data over time to calculate the real-time UV dosage and the vitamin D production by taking into account factors comprising UV sensor location, body surface area, clothing coverage, and sunscreen usage. Based on the measurement, the system can predict the time remaining to skin burn and the time remaining to reach daily goal of vitamin D production. The UV dosimetry system supports multi-user control through an advanced and user friendly input and output interface.

Dosimetry systems and methods are also presented for measuring a scanned ion beam at a plurality of points along a curvilinear path at a workpiece location in a process chamber. An illustrated dosimetry system comprises a sensor and a mounting apparatus that supports support the sensor and selectively positions the sensor at a plurality of points along the curvilinear path, wherein the mounting apparatus can selectively position the sensor to point toward a vertex of the scanned ion beam.

An ion implantation system having a dose cup located near a final energy bend of a scanned or ribbon-like ion beam of a serial ion implanter for providing an accurate ion current measurement associated with the dose of a workpiece or wafer. The system comprises an ion implanter having an ion beam source for producing a ribbon-like ion beam. The system further comprises an AEF system configured to filter an energy of the ribbon-like ion beam by bending the beam at a final energy bend. The AEF system further comprises an AEF dose cup associated with the AEF system and configured to measure ion beam current, the cup located substantially immediately following the final energy bend. An end station downstream of the AEF system is defined by a chamber wherein a workpiece is secured in place for movement relative to the ribbon-like ion beam for implantation of ions therein. The AEF dose cup is beneficially located up stream of the end station near the final energy bend mitigating pressure variations due to outgassing from implantation operations at the workpiece. Thus, the system provides accurate ion current measurement before such gases can produce substantial quantities of neutral particles in the ion beam, generally without the need for pressure compensation. Such dosimetry measurements may also be used to affect scan velocity to ensure uniform closed loop dose control in the presence of beam current changes from the ion source and outgassing from the workpiece.

The invention relates to the field of engineering physics in particular to the technique for detecting X-radiation, and it may be used for photometry, dosimetry as well as for measuring of space energy characteristics of optical-and-ionizing radiation fields with the aim of body X-ray scanning, human body in particular, to identify thereon or therein some highly undesirable objects or substances both for medical and security applications i.e. to prevent thefts and acts of terrorism and to provide the security of residential and other buildings that is in airports, banks and other high-risk areas. The X-ray screening of the body is realized by means of scanning it with a pre-shaped collimated bunch of X-radiation of low intensity due to moving the body and a source of X-radiation provided relative to one another, reception of X-radiation transmitted by the body, shaping and analysis of the image in its electronic form. It is the aim of the present invention to design a method and an apparatus which alongside with being safe and efficient make it possible to provide full body scanning with high precision. The aim set forth has been achieved by shaping the bunch of X-radiation as a single flat beam while X-radiation received at each scanning instant and converted into visible light radiation is in its turn converted into digital electronic signals. The radiation detectors filed are featuring a decreased noise level alongside with increased sensitivity and precision for registration of the intensity of X-radiation and also an extended dynamic range of X-radiation intensity values being registered which makes it possible to provide implementation of the method and the apparatus filed in the most advantageous way.

A method of controlling a plasma doping process using a time-of-flight ion detector includes generating a plasma comprising dopant ions in a plasma chamber proximate to a platen supporting a substrate. The platen is biased with a bias voltage waveform having a negative potential that attracts ions in the plasma to the substrate for plasma doping. A spectrum of ions present in the plasma is measured as a function of ion mass with a time-of-flight ion detector. The total number ions impacting the substrate is measured with a Faraday dosimetry system. An implant profile is determined from the measured spectrum of ions. An integrated dose is determined from the measured total number of ions and the calculated implant profile. At least one plasma doping parameter is modified in response to the calculated integrated dose.

An electronic earplug for wideband control of pressures at the tympanic membrane is presented. A unique methodology of determining effective component placement inside an earplug that provides acoustic isolation between the ambient noise and tympanic membrane is explained. Methods for providing accurate dosimetry and improved active control result from the unique earplug design process, leading to very wideband active noise reduction at the tympanic membrane.

A system for providing a simulated total dose exposure measurement during a nuclear facility training exercise by locating participants using a real time location system, modeling incremental exposure as a function of location and summing incremental exposure to produce a total dose for each of the participants. Total dose may be displayed via a wireless link to a simulated dosimiter worn by each participant. Radiation sources may also have location tags and the exposure model may be modified in real time according to the tracked location of the radiation source. In one embodiment, the locating technology comprises near field locating technology based on comparing near field signal characteristics. Alternative locating technologies may be used.

A UV exposure dosimetry system includes at least one UV sensor that accurately measures the UV irradiance intensity. The UV dosimetry system integrates the measured UV irradiance intensity over time to calculate the real-time UV dosage and the vitamin D production by taking into account factors comprising UV sensor location, body surface area, clothing coverage, and sunscreen usage. Based on the measurement, the system can predict the time remaining to skin burn and the time remaining to reach daily goal of vitamin D production. The system also calculates the UV index in real-time, and can crowd source the measured data in a network. The UV dosimetry system supports multi-user control through an advanced and user friendly input and output interface.

A method of controlling a plasma doping process using a time-of-flight ion detector includes generating a plasma comprising dopant ions in a plasma chamber proximate to a platen supporting a substrate. The platen is biased with a bias voltage waveform having a negative potential that attracts ions in the plasma to the substrate for plasma doping. A spectrum of ions present in the plasma is measured as a function of ion mass with a time-of-flight ion detector. The total number ions impacting the substrate is measured with a Faraday dosimetry system. An implant profile is determined from the measured spectrum of ions. An integrated dose is determined from the measured total number of ions and the calculated implant profile. At least one plasma doping parameter is modified in response to the calculated integrated dose.