Higher order parametric X-ray spectra in mosaic graphite and single silicon crystals

We have observed up to eight orders (n) in the spectra of parametric x-radiation, in the range 5-40 keV, produced by the interaction of a 90 Mev electron beam with mosaic graphite and 90 and 35 Mev beams with single silicon crystals. The measured yields and intensity ratios, I(2)/I(n= I), in graphite are not in agreement with the theory of PXR for mosaic crystals. In comparison, the yield and ratios of intensities in silicon are close to the predictions of PXR theory for perfect crystals. The bandwidths of spectral lines measured in both silicon and graphite are in good agreement with theoretical predictions, and are determined by the angular field of view of the detector.U.S. Department of EnergyDNANaval Postgraduate SchoolContract No. DE-FG03-91ER8109

Control of posture with FES systems

One of the major obstacles in restoration of functional FES supported standing in paraplegia is the lack of knowledge of a suitable control strategy. The main issue is how to integrate the purposeful actions of the non-paralysed upper body when interacting with the environment while standing, and the actions of the artificial FES control system supporting the paralyzed lower extremities. In this paper we provide a review of our approach to solving this question, which focuses on three inter-related areas: investigations of the basic mechanisms of functional postural responses in neurologically intact subjects; re-training of the residual sensory-motor activities of the upper body in paralyzed individuals; and development of closed-loop FES control systems for support of the paralyzed joints

A method for measuring dark current electron beams in an rf linac

X-ray fluorescence from thin foils inserted into the NPS linac has been used to measure the integrated electron beam intensity when the accelerator is operating with dark current. The measured x-ray flux, the known inner shell ionization cross sections and radiative transition probabilities are used to obtain measurements of dark currents of the order of 10{sup -14} amperes. The same arrangement allows continuous, in-situ energy calibration of our SiLi detector in the electromagnetic noise environment of the linac. This technique was orginally developed to perform absolute production efficiency measurements of parametric x-ray generation in the 5-50 keV range

Neuromechanical response of the upper body to unexpected perturbations during gait initiation in young and older adults

Background: Control of upper body motion deteriorates with ageing leading to impaired ability to preserve balance during gait, but little is known on the contribution of the upper body to preserve balance in response to unexpected perturbations during locomotor transitions, such as gait initiation. Aim: To investigate differences between young and older adults in the ability to modify the trunk kinematics and muscle activity following unexpected waist lateral perturbations during gait initiation. Methods: Ten young (25 ± 2 years) and ten older adults (73 ± 5 years) initiated locomotion from stance while a lateral pull was randomly applied to the pelvis. Two force plates were used to define the feet centre-of-pressure displacement. Angular displacement of the trunk in the frontal plane was obtained through motion analysis. Surface electromyography of cervical and thoracic erector spinae muscles was recorded bilaterally. Results: A lower trunk lateral bending towards the stance leg side in the preparatory phase of gait initiation was observed in older participants following perturbation. Right thoracic muscle activity was increased in response to the perturbation during the initial phase of gait initiation in young (+ 68%) but not in older participants (+ 7%). Conclusions: The age-related reduction in trunk movement could indicate a more rigid behaviour of the upper body employed by older compared to young individuals in response to unexpected perturbations preceding the initiation of stepping. Older adults’ delayed activation of thoracic muscles could suggest impaired reactive mechanisms that may potentially lead to a fall in the early stages of the gait initiation

A method for measuring dark current electron beams in an RF linac

X-ray fluorescence from thin foils inserted into the Naval Postgraduate School linac has been used to measure the integrated electron beam intensity when the accelerator is operating with dark current. The measured x-ray flux, the known inner shell ionization cross sections and radiative transition probabilities are used to obtain measurements of dark currents of the order of 10-14 Amperes. The same arrangement allows continuous, in-situ energy calibration of our SiLi detector in the electromagnetic noise environment of the linac. This technique was originally developed to perform absolute production efficiency measurements of parametric x-ray generation in the 5 - 50 keV range.This work was partially supported by the Defense Nuclear Agency, the Naval Postgraduate School and USDOE SBIR Contract (No. DE-FGO3- 9 1ER8 1099)

A transition radiation source with a grazing angle optic for step and scan lithography

Using a grazing angle mirror, the collection and collimation of transition radiation into a slit pattern that can be scanned across an image plane for X-ray dose uniformity is demonstrated. An Au-coated grazing-angle optic was used to focus transition radiation into a rectangular or slit pattern (7 mm ´ 16 mm) in the image plane at 631 mm from the optic and 881 mm from the transition radiator. Intensity variation across the longitudinal direction ( 10 mm) of the slit was less than greater or equal to 5%. The grazing angle optic with a transition radiator can be used for step and scan lithography for obtaining circuit resolution patterns below 0.1 um

Observation of higher order parametric X-ray spectra in mosaic graphite and single silicon crystals

We have observed up to 8 orders (n) in the spectra of parametric x-radiation (PXR), in the range 5-40 keV, produced by the interaction of a 90 MeV electron beam with mosaic graphite and single silicon crystals. The measured yields and intensity ratios I(n>/_2)/I(n=1), in graphite are not in agreement with the theory of PXR for mosaic crystals. In comparison, the ratios of intensities in silicon are close to the predictions of PXR theory for perfect crystals. The bandwidths of spectral lines measured in both silicon and graphite are in good agreement with theoretical predictions.This work was partially supported by a DOE SBIR Contract (No. DE-FG03-91ER81099), DNA and the Naval Postgraduate SchoolApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited

Multiple timescales in postural dynamics associated with aging are revealed by wavelet analysis

Discrete wavelet analysis is used to resolve the center of pressure time series data into several timescale components, providing new insights into postural control. Healthy young and elderly participants stood quietly with their eyes open or closed and either performed a secondary task or stood quietly. Without vision, both younger and older participants had reduced energy in the long timescales, supporting the concept that vision is used to control low frequency postural sway. Furthermore, energy was increased at timescales corresponding to closed-loop (somatosensory and vestibular) and open-loop mechanisms, consistent with the idea of a shift from visual control to other control mechanisms. However, a relatively greater increase was observed for older adults. With a secondary task a similar pattern was observed-increased energy at the short and moderate timescales, decreased energy at long timescales. The possibility of a common strategy-at the timescale level-in response to postural perturbations is considered