Other

Shawn Araikum

Rex J Keddy

Tom L Nam

Barbara L Jones

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a system of and method for processing a digitized image derived from detector instrumentation () to form a reconstructed image. In a typical image processing system (), &#x3b3;-rays () impinge upon a gamma camera unit (), defining detector instrumentation, and then pass through a lead collimator () to cause a scintillator () to emit light in the visible electromagnetic spectrum at given locations above an array of analogue photomultiplier tubes (). With appropriate circuitry () these analogue signals may then be digitized, by means of processor (), and then stored in memory (). The present invention aims to more accurately reconstruct these digital images, with, in broad terms, the raw data stored in memory () being sent to a processor (), which processes the data in terms of algorithms that form part of the invention. According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of processing a digitized phantom image derived from detector instrumentation to form a reconstructed point spread function image.

Method of and system for reconstructing a digital optical image

The invention provides a method of detecting and monitoring ionizing radiation such as nuclear radiation. The method comprises providing a diamond radiation sensor element having a nitrogen concentration not exceeding 20 ppm and which is optimized for phosphorescent response, and exposing it to ionizing radiation. The resulting phosphorescent response of the sensor element is then monitored, typically over a period of at least 20 seconds. The invention extends to the sensor element itself, and to apparatus employing the sensor.

Diamond radiation detector element

The instant invention relates to a method and an apparatus of monitoring nuclear radiation. The method utilizes a diamond radiation sensor element having a nitrogen impurity concentration of less than 150 ppm. The sensor element is subjected to nuclear radiation, while being stimulated with light of a selected wavelength or range of wavelengths, preferably in the ultraviolet or near-ultraviolet range, resulting in light emissions from the sensor element. Typically, the sensor element is fixed to the end of an optical fibre, the far end of the fibre being used to channel stimulating light to the sensor element and to feed resultant light emissions from the sensor element to a photomultiplier tube.

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Sydenham, Durban, Natal, South Africa

Shawn Araikum