Applying radiation

US4143275A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Battelle Memorial Institute · CH

Inventors

• Philip J. Mallozzi · Delaware, US
• Harold M. Epstein · Columbus, US
• Richard G. Jung · Columbus, US
• David C. Applebaum · Columbus, US
• Barry P. Fairand · Upper Arlington, US
• William J. Gallagher · Worthington, US
• Ronald L. Uecker · Wausau, US
• Myron C. Muckerheide · Port Washington, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 28, 1977
• Grant date: Mar 6, 1979
• Expiry date: Sep 28, 1997

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G21K2201/064
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Method and apparatus for applying radiation by producing X-rays of a selected spectrum and intensity and directing them to a desired location. Radiant energy is directed from a laser onto a target to produce such X-rays at the target, which is so positioned adjacent to the desired location as to emit the X-rays toward the desired location; or such X-rays are produced in a region away from the desired location, and are channeled to the desired location. The radiant energy directing means may be shaped (as with bends; adjustable, if desired) to circumvent any obstruction between the laser and the target. Similarly, the X-ray channeling means may be shaped (as with fixed or adjustable bends) to circumvent any obstruction between the region where the X-rays are produced and the desired location. For producing a radiograph in a living organism the X-rays are provided in a short pulse to avoid any blurring of the radiograph from movement of or in the organism. For altering tissue in a living organism the selected spectrum and intensity are such as to affect substantially the tissue in a preselected volume without injuring nearby tissue. Typically, the selected spectrum comprises the rang…