Patent ID: 8344331
Filing Date: 2013-01-01
Classification: A61B,G01T

Abstract:
1. A probe for detecting K-alpha photon emissions, comprising: a housing having an aperture at an end thereof; a detector crystal having a cathode, an anode spaced apart from the cathode, and an edge extending between the cathode and the anode, the detector crystal being situated within the housing adjacent to the housing aperture; an energy conversion device situated within the housing between the detector crystal and the aperture, the energy conversion device being made from a predetermined material configured to convert energy directed through the housing aperture from a source of primary photon emission radiation to a corresponding secondary K-alpha emission within a predetermined emission energy acceptance window; and a power supply coupled to the detector crystal and configured to establish a polarized electrical field between the anode and the cathode of the detector crystal, the detector crystal receiving the K-alpha emission and generating an electrical signal representative of the amount of target emissions received through the housing aperture.