Dosimeter reading apparatus with optical laser converter

Claim 2

A convertible radiation dosimeter reading apparatus for performing a plurality of differing laser stimulated reading modes of operation; the laser stimulated reading modes each measuring a state of ionization of at least one type of radiation sensing element which results from exposure of the radiation sensing element to ionizing radiation, comprising: a laser beam source for providing a laser beam; a laser beam converter for receiving said laser beams and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of output laser beams having differing characteristics to provide differing stimulating laser beams to read radiation dosimeters in a plurality of reading modes; an emission detector for measuring emission from a dosimeter which has been stimulated by at least one of the stimulating laser beams; a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; wherein the laser beam converts further comprises at least one output beam splitter for splitting at least one of the output laser beams into a secondary output beam.

Claim 3

A convertible radiation dosimeter reading apparatus for performing a plurality of differing laser stimulated reading modes of operation; the laser stimulated reading modes each measuring a state of ionization of at least one type of radiation sensing element which results from exposure of the radiation sensing element to ionizing radiation, comprising: a laser beam source for providing a laser beam; a laser beam converter for receiving said laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of output laser beams having differing characteristics to provide differing stimulating laser beams to read radiation dosimeters in plurality of reading modes; an emission detector for measuring emission from a dosimeter which has been stimulated by at least one of the stimulating laser beams; a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; wherein the laser beam converter further comprises: at least one output beam splitter for splitting at least one of the output laser beams into a secondary output beam; at least one secondary output beam detector for detecting a characteristic of the secondary output beam.

Claim 4

A convertible radiation dosimeter reading apparatus for performing a plurality of differing laser stimulated reading modes of operation; the laser stimulated reading modes each measuring a state of ionization of at least one type of radiation sensing element which results from exposure of the radiation sensing element to ionizing radiation, comprising: a laser beam source for providing a laser beam; a laser beam converter for receiving said laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of output laser beams having differing characteristics to provide differing stimulating laser beams to read radiation dosimeters in plurality of reading modes; an emission detector for measuring emission from a dosimeter which has been stimulated by at least one of the stimulating laser beams; a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; wherein the laser beam converter further comprises: at least one output beam splitter for splitting at least one of the output laser beams into a secondary output beam; at least one secondary output beam detector for detecting a characteristic of the secondary output beam.

Claim 5

A convertible radiation dosimeter reading apparatus for performing a plurality of differing laser stimulated reading modes of operation; the laser stimulated reading modes each measuring a state of ionization of at least one type of radiation sensing element which results from exposure of the radiation sensing element to ionizing radiation, comprising: a laser beam source for providing a laser beam; a laser beam converter for receiving said laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of output laser beams having differing characteristics to provide differing stimulating laser beams to read radiation dosimeters in a plurality of reading modes; an emission detector for measuring emission from a dosimeter which has been stimulated by at least one of the stimulating laser beams; a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; and first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; wherein the laser beam converter further comprises at least one beam equalizer for equalizing the cross-sectional power density of at least one of the output laser beams.

Claim 6

A convertible radiation dosimeter reading apparatus for performing a plurality of differing laser stimulated reading modes of operation; the laser stimulated reading modes each measuring a state of ionization of at least one type of radiation sensing element which results from exposure of the radiation sensing element to ionizing radiation, comprising: a laser beam source for providing a laser beam; a laser beam converter for receiving said laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of output laser beams having differing characteristics to provide differing stimulating laser beams to read radiation dosimeters in a plurality of reading modes; an emission detector for measuring emission from a dosimeter which has been stimulated by at least one of the stimulating laser beams; a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; and first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; wherein the laser beam converter further comprises at least one beam equalizer for equalizing the cross-sectional power density of at least one of the output laser beams.

Claim 7

A convertible radiation dosimeter reading apparatus for performing a plurality of differing laser stimulated reading modes of operating; the laser stimulated reading modes each measuring a state of ionization of at least one type of radiation sensing element which results from exposure of the radiation sensing element to ionizing radiation, comprising: a laser beam source for providing a laser beam; a laser beam converter for receiving said laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of output laser beams having differing characteristics to provide differing stimulating laser beams to read radiation dosimeters in a plurality of reading modes; an emission detector for measuring emission from a dosimeter which has been stimulated by at least one of the stimulating laser beams; a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; wherein the laser beam converter further comprises at least one beam equalizer for equalizing the cross-sectional power density of at least one of the output laser beams; said beam equalizer including an optically transmissive channel having interior walls which are reflective of the laser beam transmitted therethrough.

Claim 8

A convertible radiation dosimeter reading apparatus for performing a plurality of differing laser stimulated reading modes of operating; the laser stimulated reading modes each measuring a state of ionization of at least one type of radiation sensing element which results from exposure of the radiation sensing element to ionizing radiation, comprising: a laser beam source for providing a laser beam; a laser beam converter for receiving said laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of output laser beams having differing characteristics to provide differing stimulating laser beams to read radiation dosimeters in a plurality of reading modes; an emission detector for measuring emission from a dosimeter which has been stimulated by at least one of the stimulating laser beams; a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; wherein the laser beam converter further comprises at least one beam equalizer for equalizing the cross-sectional power density of at least one of the output laser beams; said beam equalizer including an optically transmissive channel having interior walls which are reflective of the laser beam transmitted therethrough.

Claim 9

A convertible radiation dosimeter reading apparatus for performing a plurality of differing laser stimulated reading modes of operation; the laser stimulated reading modes each measuring a state of ionization of at least one type of radiation sensing element which results from exposure of the radiation sensing element to ionizing radiation, comprising: a laser beam source for providing a laser beam; a laser beam converter for receiving said laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of output laser beams having differing characteristics to provide differing stimulating laser beams to read radiation dosimeters in a plurality of reading modes; an emission detector for measuring emission from a dosimeter which has been stimulated by at least one of the stimulating laser beams; a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; whereing the laser beam converter further comprises at least one beam equalizer for equalizing the cross-sectional power density of at least of the output laser beams; said beam equalizer including an optically transmissive channel having interior walls which are reflective of the laser beam transmitted therethrough, and a lens for dispersing the laser beam along the interior walls.

Claim 10

A convertible radiation dosimeter reading apparatus for performing a plurality of differing laser stimulated reading modes of operation; the laser stimulated reading modes each measuring a state of ionization of at least one type of radiation sensing element which results from exposure of the radiation sensing element to ionizing radiation, comprising: a laser beam source for providing a laser beam; a laser beam converter for receiving said laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of output laser beams having differing characteristics to provide differing stimulating laser beams to read radiation dosimeters in a plurality of reading modes; an emission detector for measuring emission from a dosimeter which has been stimulated by at least one of the stimulating laser beams; a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; whereing the laser beam converter further comprises at least one beam equalizer for equalizing the cross-sectional power density of at least of the output laser beams; said beam equalizer including an optically transmissive channel having interior walls which are reflective of the laser beam transmitted therethrough, and a lens for dispersing the laser beam along the interior walls.

Claim 11

A convertible radiation dosimeter reading apparatus for performing a plurality of differing laser stimulated reading modes of operation; the laser stimulated reading modes each measuring a state of ionization of at least one type of radiation sensing element which results from exposure of the radiation sensing element to ionizing radiation, comprising: a laser beam source for providing a laser beam; a laser beam converter for receiving said laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of output laser beams having differing characteristics to provide differing stimulating laser beams to read radiation dosimeters in a plurality of reading modes; an emission detector for measuring emission from a dosimeter which has been stimulated by at least one of the stimulating laser beams; a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receiving the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe positions; wherein the laser beam converter further comprises at least one laser beam power reducer included along at least one of the optical pathways to reduce the power of at least one of the output laser beams; said laser beam power reducer including a beam splitter for reflecting a portion of the laser beam to thereby reduce power of the laser beam.

Claim 12

A convertible radiation dosimeter reading apparatus for performing a plurality of differing laser stimulated reading modes of operation; the laser stimulated reading modes each measuring a state of ionization of at least one type of radiation sensing element which results from exposure of the radiation sensing element to ionizing radiation, comprising: a laser beam source for providing a laser beam; a laser beam converter for receiving said laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of output laser beams having differing characteristics to provide differing stimulating laser beams to read radiation dosimeters in a plurality of reading modes; an emission detector for measuring emission from a dosimeter which has been stimulated by at least one of the stimulating laser beams; a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receiving the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe positions; wherein the laser beam converter further comprises at least one laser beam power reducer included along at least one of the optical pathways to reduce the power of at least one of the output laser beams; said laser beam power reducer including a beam splitter for reflecting a portion of the laser beam to thereby reduce power of the laser beam.

Claim 13

A convertible radiation dosimeter reading apparatus for performing a plurality of differing laser stimulated reading modes of operation; the laser stimulated reading modes each measuring a state of ionization of at least one type of radiation sensing element which results from exposure of the radiation sensing element of ionizing radiation, comprising: a laser beam source for providing a laser beams; a laser beam converter for receiving said laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of output laser beams having differing characteristics to provide differing stimulating laser beams to read radiation dosimeters in a plurality of reading modes; an emission detector for measuring emission from a dosimeter which has been stimulated by at least one of the stimulating laser beams; a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receiving the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; wherein the laser beam converter further comprises a beam dump for receiving a secondary laser beam split by a beam splitter to dissipate the power thereof.

Claim 14

A convertible radiation dosimeter reading apparatus for performing a plurality of differing laser stimulated reading modes of operation; the laser stimulated reading modes each measuring a state of ionization of at least one type of radiation sensing element which results from exposure of the radiation sensing element of ionizing radiation, comprising: a laser beam source for providing a laser beams; a laser beam converter for receiving said laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of output laser beams having differing characteristics to provide differing stimulating laser beams to read radiation dosimeters in a plurality of reading modes; an emission detector for measuring emission from a dosimeter which has been stimulated by at least one of the stimulating laser beams; a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receiving the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; wherein the laser beam converter further comprises a beam dump for receiving a secondary laser beam split by a beam splitter to dissipate the power thereof.

Claim 15

A convertible radiation dosimeter reading apparatus for performing a plurality of differing laser stimulated reading modes of operation; the laser stimulated reading modes each measuring a state of ionization of at least one type of radiation sensing element which results from exposure of the radiation sensing element to ionizing radiation, comprising: a laser beam source for providing a laser beam; a laser beam converter for receiving said laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of output laser beams having differing characteristics to provide differing stimulating laser beams to read radiation dosimeters in a plurality of reading modes; an emission detector for measuring emission from a dosimeter which has been stimulated by at least one the stimulating laser beams; a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; wherein the laser beam converter further comprises at least one laser beam power reducer included along at least one of the optical pathways to reduce the power of at least one of the output laser beams; said laser beam power reducer including a beam splitter for reflecting a portion of the laser beam to thereby reduce power of the laser beam; said beam splitter being positioned to split an incoming laser beam.

Claim 16

A convertible radiation dosimeter reading apparatus for performing a plurality of differing laser stimulated reading modes of operation; the laser stimulated reading modes each measuring a state of ionization of at least one type of radiation sensing element which results from exposure of the radiation sensing element to ionizing radiation, comprising: a laser beam source for providing a laser beam; a laser beam converter for receiving said laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of output laser beams having differing characteristics to provide differing stimulating laser beams to read radiation dosimeters in a plurality of reading modes; an emission detector for measuring emission from a dosimeter which has been stimulated by at least one the stimulating laser beams; a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; wherein the laser beam converter further comprises at least one laser beam power reducer included along at least one of the optical pathways to reduce the power of at least one of the output laser beams; said laser beam power reducer including a beam splitter for reflecting a portion of the laser beam to thereby reduce power of the laser beam; said beam splitter being positioned to split an incoming laser beam.

Claim 17

A convertible radiation dosimeter reading apparatus for performing a plurality of differing laser stimulated reading modes of operation; the laser stimulated reading modes each measuring a state of ionization of at least one type of radiation sensing element which results from exposure of the radiation sensing element to ionizing radiation, comprising: a laser beam source for providing a laser beam; a laser beam converter for receiving said laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of output laser beams having differing characteristics to provide differing stimulating laser beams to read radiation dosimeters in a plurality of reading modes; an emission detector for measuring emission from a dosimeter which has been stimulated by at least one of the stimulating laser beams; a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame of adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least in a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; wherein the laser beam converter further comprises at least one laser beam power reducer included along at least one of the optical pathways to reduce the power of at least one of the output laser beams; said laser beam power reducer including a beam splitter for reflecting a portion of the laser beam to thereby reduce power of the laser beam; said beam splitter being positioned to split an output laser beam.

Claim 18

A convertible radiation dosimeter reading apparatus for performing a plurality of differing laser stimulated reading modes of operation; the laser stimulated reading modes each measuring a state of ionization of at least one type of radiation sensing element which results from exposure of the radiation sensing element to ionizing radiation, comprising: a laser beam source for providing a laser beam; a laser beam converter for receiving said laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of output laser beams having differing characteristics to provide differing stimulating laser beams to read radiation dosimeters in a plurality of reading modes; an emission detector for measuring emission from a dosimeter which has been stimulated by at least one of the stimulating laser beams; a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame of adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least in a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; wherein the laser beam converter further comprises at least one laser beam power reducer included along at least one of the optical pathways to reduce the power of at least one of the output laser beams; said laser beam power reducer including a beam splitter for reflecting a portion of the laser beam to thereby reduce power of the laser beam; said beam splitter being positioned to split an output laser beam.

Claim 19

A convertible radiation dosimeter reading apparatus for performing a plurality of differing laser stimulated reading modes of operation; the laser stimulated reading modes each measuring a state of ionization of at least one type of radiation sensing element which results from exposure of the radiation sensing element to ionizing radiation, comprising: a laser beam source for providing a laser beam; a laser beam converter for receiving said laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of ouput laser beams having differing characteristics to provide differing stimulating laser beams to read radiation dosimeters in a plurality of reading modes; an emission detector for measuring emission from a dosimeter which has been stimulated by at least one of the stimulating laser beams; a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; whereing the laser beam converter further comprises at least one laser beam power reducer included along at least one of the optical pathways to reduce the power of at least one of the output laser beams; said laser beam power reducer including at least oen aperture adjacent at least one lens to thereby reduce power of the laser beam.

Claim 20

A convertible radiation dosimeter reading apparatus for performing a plurality of differing laser stimulated reading modes of operation; the laser stimulated reading modes each measuring a state of ionization of at least one type of radiation sensing element which results from exposure of the radiation sensing element to ionizing radiation, comprising: a laser beam source for providing a laser beam; a laser beam converter for receiving said laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of ouput laser beams having differing characteristics to provide differing stimulating laser beams to read radiation dosimeters in a plurality of reading modes; an emission detector for measuring emission from a dosimeter which has been stimulated by at least one of the stimulating laser beams; a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; whereing the laser beam converter further comprises at least one laser beam power reducer included along at least one of the optical pathways to reduce the power of at least one of the output laser beams; said laser beam power reducer including at least oen aperture adjacent at least one lens to thereby reduce power of the laser beam.

Claim 21

A convertible radiation dosimeter reading apparatus for performing a plurality of differing laser stimulating reading modes of operation; the laser stimulated reading modes each measuring a state of ionization of at least one type of radiation sensing element which results from exposure of the radiation sensing element to ionizing radiation, comprising: a laser beam source for providing a laser beam; a laser beam converter for receiving said laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of output laser beams having differing characteristics to provide differing stimulating laser beams to read radiation dosimeters in a plurality of reading modes; an emission detector for measuring emission from a dosimeter which has been stimulated by at least one of the stimulating laser beams; a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; wherein the laser beam converter further comprises at least one laser beam power reducer included along at least one of the optical pathways to reduce the power of at least one of the output laser beams; said laser beam power reducer including a lens and an aperture adjacent the lens to thereby reduce power of the laser beam.

Claim 22

A convertible radiation dosimeter reading apparatus for performing a plurality of differing laser stimulating reading modes of operation; the laser stimulated reading modes each measuring a state of ionization of at least one type of radiation sensing element which results from exposure of the radiation sensing element to ionizing radiation, comprising: a laser beam source for providing a laser beam; a laser beam converter for receiving said laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of output laser beams having differing characteristics to provide differing stimulating laser beams to read radiation dosimeters in a plurality of reading modes; an emission detector for measuring emission from a dosimeter which has been stimulated by at least one of the stimulating laser beams; a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; wherein the laser beam converter further comprises at least one laser beam power reducer included along at least one of the optical pathways to reduce the power of at least one of the output laser beams; said laser beam power reducer including a lens and an aperture adjacent the lens to thereby reduce power of the laser beam.

Claim 23

A laser beam converter for use in a phosphor reading apparatus which includes a laser beam for stimulating a phosphor sample to cause an emission therefrom, the laser beam converter allowing the phosphor reading apparatus to produce a plurality of phosphor stimulating output laser beams having a plurality of differing characteristics, comprising: a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; at least one output beam splitter for splitting at least one of the output laser beams into a secondary output beam; at least one specimen opening formed to allow the stimulating output laser beams to be beamed onto said phosphor sample.

Claim 24

A laser beam converter for use in a phosphor reading apparatus which includes a laser beam for stimulating a phosphor sample to cause an emission therefrom, the laser beam converter allowing the phosphor reading apparatus to produce a plurality of phosphor stimulating output laser beams having a plurality of differing characteristics, comprising: a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; at least one output beam splitter for splitting at least one of the output laser beams into a secondary output beam; at least one specimen opening formed to allow the stimulating output laser beams to be beamed onto said phosphor sample.

Claim 25

A laser beam converter for use in a phosphor reading apparatus which includes a laser beam for stimulating a phosphor sample to cause an emission therefrom, the laser beam converter allowing the phosphor reading apparatus to produce a plurality of phosphor stimulating output laser beams having a plurality of differing characteristics, comprising: a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; at least one output beam splitter for splitting at least one of the output laser beams into a secondary output beam; at least one secondary output beam detector for detecting a characteristic of the secondary output beam; at least one specimen opening formed to allow the stimulating output laser beams to be beamed onto said phosphor sample.

Claim 26

A laser beam converter for use in a phosphor reading apparatus which includes a laser beam for stimulating a phosphor sample to cause an emission therefrom, the laser beam converter allowing the phosphor reading apparatus to produce a plurality of phosphor stimulating output laser beams having a plurality of differing characteristics, comprising: a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; at least one output beam splitter for splitting at least one of the output laser beams into a secondary output beam; at least one secondary output beam detector for detecting a characteristic of the secondary output beam; at least one specimen opening formed to allow the stimulating output laser beams to be beamed onto said phosphor sample.

Claim 27

A laser beam converter for use in a phosphor reading apparatus which includes a laser beam for stimulating a phosphor sample to cause an emission therefrom, the laser beam converter allowing the phosphor reading apparatus to produce a plurality of phosphor stimulating output laser beams having a plurality of differing characteristics, comprising: a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characterstics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; at least one beam equalizer for equalizing the cross-sectional power density of at least one of the output laser beams; at least one specimen opening formed to allow the stimulating output laser beams to be beamed onto said phosphor sample.

Claim 28

A laser beam converter for use in a phosphor reading apparatus which includes a laser beam for stimulating a phosphor sample to cause an emission therefrom, the laser beam converter allowing the phosphor reading apparatus to produce a plurality of phosphor stimulating output laser beams having a plurality of differing characteristics, comprising: a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characterstics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; at least one beam equalizer for equalizing the cross-sectional power density of at least one of the output laser beams; at least one specimen opening formed to allow the stimulating output laser beams to be beamed onto said phosphor sample.

Claim 29

A laser beam converter according to claim 14 and further comprising an imaging assembly for imaging the output laser beams passing through the optical pathways into a desired image.

Claim 30

A convertible radiation dosimeter reading apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the laser beam converter further comprises: at least one output beam splitter for splitting at least one of the output laser beams into a secondary output beam; at least one secondary output beam detector for detecting a characteristic of the secondary output beam.

Claim 31

A convertible radiation dosimeter reading apparatus according to claim 16 wherein said secondary output beam detector detects power of the secondary output beam.

Claim 32

A convertible radiation dosimeter reading apparatus according to claim 17 and further comprising at least one laser beam power reducer for reducing the power of at least one of said output laser beams.

Claim 33

A laser beam converter for use in a phosphor reading apparatus which includes a laser beam for stimulating a phosphor sample to cause an emission therefrom, the laser beam converter allowing the phosphor reading apparatus to produce a plurality of phosphor stimulating output laser beams having a plurality of differing characteristics, comprising: a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; at least one beam equalizer for equalizing the cross-sectional power density of at least one of the output laser beams; said beam equalizer including an optically transmissive channel having interior walls which are reflective of the laser beam transmitted therethrough; at least one specimen opening formed to allow the stimulating output laser beams to be beamed onto said phosphor sample.

Claim 34

A laser beam converter for use in a phosphor reading apparatus which includes a laser beam for stimulating a phosphor sample to cause an emission therefrom, the laser beam converter allowing the phosphor reading apparatus to produce a plurality of phosphor stimulating output laser beams having a plurality of differing characteristics, comprising: a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; at least one beam equalizer for equalizing the cross-sectional power density of at least one of the output laser beams; said beam equalizer including an optically transmissive channel having interior walls which are reflective of the laser beam transmitted therethrough; at least one specimen opening formed to allow the stimulating output laser beams to be beamed onto said phosphor sample.

Claim 35

A laser beam converter for use in a phosphor reading apparatus which includes a laser beam for stimulating a phosphor sample to cause an emission therefrom, the laser beam converter allowing the phosphor reading apparatus to produce a plurality of phosphor stimulating output laser beams having a plurality of differing characteristics, comprising: a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; at least one beam equalizer for equalizing the cross-sectional power density of at least one of the output laser beams; said beam equalizer including an optically transmissive channel having interior walls which are reflective of the laser beam transmitted therethrough, and a lens for dispersing the laser beam along the interior walls; at least one specimen opening formed to allow the stimulating output laser beams to be beamed onto said phosphor sample.

Claim 36

A laser beam converter for use in a phosphor reading apparatus which includes a laser beam for stimulating a phosphor sample to cause an emission therefrom, the laser beam converter allowing the phosphor reading apparatus to produce a plurality of phosphor stimulating output laser beams having a plurality of differing characteristics, comprising: a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; at least one beam equalizer for equalizing the cross-sectional power density of at least one of the output laser beams; said beam equalizer including an optically transmissive channel having interior walls which are reflective of the laser beam transmitted therethrough, and a lens for dispersing the laser beam along the interior walls; at least one specimen opening formed to allow the stimulating output laser beams to be beamed onto said phosphor sample.

Claim 37

A laser beam converter for use in a phosphor reading apparatus which includes a laser beam for stimulating a phosphor sample to cause an emission therefrom, the laser beam converter allowing the phosphor reading apparatus to produce a plurality of phosphor stimulating output laser beams having a plurality of differing characteristics, comprising: a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second ouput laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; at least one laser beam powder reducer included along at least one of the optical pathways to reduce the power of at least one of the output laser beams; at least one specimen opening formed to allow the stimulating output laser beams to be beamed onto said phosphor sample.

Claim 38

A laser beam converter for use in a phosphor reading apparatus which includes a laser beam for stimulating a phosphor sample to cause an emission therefrom, the laser beam converter allowing the phosphor reading apparatus to produce a plurality of phosphor stimulating output laser beams having a plurality of differing characteristics, comprising: a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second ouput laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; at least one laser beam powder reducer included along at least one of the optical pathways to reduce the power of at least one of the output laser beams; at least one specimen opening formed to allow the stimulating output laser beams to be beamed onto said phosphor sample.

Claim 39

A laser beam converter for use in a phosphor reading apparatus which includes a laser beam for stimulating a phosphor sample to cause an emission therefrom, the laser beam converter allowing the phosphor reading apparatus to produce a plurality of phosphor stimulating output laser beams having a plurality of differing characteristics, comprising: a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; at least one laser beam power reducer included along at least one of the optical pathways to reduce the power of at least one of the output laser beams; said laser beam power reducer including a beam splitter for reflecting a portion of the laser beam to thereby reduce power of the laser beam; at least one specimen opening formed to allow the stimulating output laser beams to be beamed onto said phosphor sample.

Claim 40

A laser beam converter for use in a phosphor reading apparatus which includes a laser beam for stimulating a phosphor sample to cause an emission therefrom, the laser beam converter allowing the phosphor reading apparatus to produce a plurality of phosphor stimulating output laser beams having a plurality of differing characteristics, comprising: a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; at least one laser beam power reducer included along at least one of the optical pathways to reduce the power of at least one of the output laser beams; said laser beam power reducer including a beam splitter for reflecting a portion of the laser beam to thereby reduce power of the laser beam; at least one specimen opening formed to allow the stimulating output laser beams to be beamed onto said phosphor sample.

Claim 41

A laser beam converter according to claim 22 and further comprising a beam dump for receiving a secondary laser beam split by the beam splitter to dissipate the power thereof.

Claim 42

A laser beam converter for use in a phosphor reading apparatus which includes a laser beam for stimulating a phosphor sample to cause an emission therefrom, the laser beam converter allowing the phosphor reading apparatus to produce a plurality of phosphor stimulating output laser beams having a plurality of differing characteristics, comprising: a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; at least one laser beam power reducer included along at least one of the optical pathways to reduce the power of at least one of the output laser beams; said laser beam power reducer including a beam splitter for reflecting a portion of the laser beam to thereby reduce power of the laser beam; said beam splitter being positioned to split an incoming laser beam; at least one specimen opening formed to allow the stimulating output laser beams to be beamed onto said phosphor sample.

Claim 43

A laser beam converter for use in a phosphor reading apparatus which includes a laser beam for stimulating a phosphor sample to cause an emission therefrom, the laser beam converter allowing the phosphor reading apparatus to produce a plurality of phosphor stimulating output laser beams having a plurality of differing characteristics, comprising: a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; at least one laser beam power reducer included along at least one of the optical pathways to reduce the power of at least one of the output laser beams; said laser beam power reducer including a beam splitter for reflecting a portion of the laser beam to thereby reduce power of the laser beam; said beam splitter being positioned to split an incoming laser beam; at least one specimen opening formed to allow the stimulating output laser beams to be beamed onto said phosphor sample.

Claim 44

A laser beam converter for use in a phosphor reading apparatus which includes a laser beam for stimulating a phosphor sample to cause an emission therefrom, the laser beam converter allowing the phosphor reading apparatus to produce a plurality of phosphor stimulating output laser beams having a plurality of differing characteristics, comprising: a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; at least one laser beam power reducer included along at least one of the optical pathways to reduce the power of at least one of the output laser beams; said laser beam power reducer including a beam splitter for reflecting a portion of the laser beam to thereby reduce power of the laser beam; said beam splitter being positioned to split an output laser beam; at least one specimen opening formed to allow the stimulating output laser beams to be beamed onto said phosphor sample.

Claim 45

A laser beam converter for use in a phosphor reading apparatus which includes a laser beam for stimulating a phosphor sample to cause an emission therefrom, the laser beam converter allowing the phosphor reading apparatus to produce a plurality of phosphor stimulating output laser beams having a plurality of differing characteristics, comprising: a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; at least one laser beam power reducer included along at least one of the optical pathways to reduce the power of at least one of the output laser beams; said laser beam power reducer including a beam splitter for reflecting a portion of the laser beam to thereby reduce power of the laser beam; said beam splitter being positioned to split an output laser beam; at least one specimen opening formed to allow the stimulating output laser beams to be beamed onto said phosphor sample.

Claim 46

A laser beam converter for use in a phosphor reading apparatus which includes a laser beam for stimulating a phosphor sample to cause an emission therefrom, the laser beam converter allowing the phosphor reading apparatus to produce a plurality of phosphor stimulating output laser beams having a plurality of differing characteristics, comprising: a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; at least one laser beam power reducer included along at least one of the optical pathways to reduce the power of at least one of the output laser beams; said laser beam power reducer including at least one aperture to thereby reduce power of the laser beam; at least one specimen opening formed to allow the stimulating output laser beams to be beamed onto said phosphor sample.

Claim 47

A laser beam converter for use in a phosphor reading apparatus which includes a laser beam for stimulating a phosphor sample to cause an emission therefrom, the laser beam converter allowing the phosphor reading apparatus to produce a plurality of phosphor stimulating output laser beams having a plurality of differing characteristics, comprising: a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; at least one laser beam power reducer included along at least one of the optical pathways to reduce the power of at least one of the output laser beams; said laser beam power reducer including at least one aperture to thereby reduce power of the laser beam; at least one specimen opening formed to allow the stimulating output laser beams to be beamed onto said phosphor sample.

Claim 48

A laser beam converter for use in a phosphor reading apparatus which includes a laser beam for stimulating a phosphor sample to cause an emission therefrom, the laser beam converter allowing the phosphor reading apparatus to produce a plurality of phosphor stimulating output laser beams having a plurality of differing characteristics, comprising: a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; at least one laser beam power reducer included along at least one of the optical pathways to reduce the power of at least one of the output laser beams; said laser beam power reducer including a lens and an aperture adjacent the lens to thereby reduce power of the laser beam; at least one specimen opening formed to allow the stimulating output laser beams to be beamed onto said phosphor sample.

Claim 49

A laser beam converter for use in a phosphor reading apparatus which includes a laser beam for stimulating a phosphor sample to cause an emission therefrom, the laser beam converter allowing the phosphor reading apparatus to produce a plurality of phosphor stimulating output laser beams having a plurality of differing characteristics, comprising: a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; at least one laser beam power reducer included along at least one of the optical pathways to reduce the power of at least one of the output laser beams; said laser beam power reducer including a lens and an aperture adjacent the lens to thereby reduce power of the laser beam; at least one specimen opening formed to allow the stimulating output laser beams to be beamed onto said phosphor sample.

Claim 50

A laser beam converter for receiving a laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of output laser beams having differing characteristics, comprising: a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; at least one output beam splitter for splitting at least one of the output laser beams into a secondary output beam.

Claim 51

A laser beam converter for receiving a laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of output laser beams having differing characteristics, comprising: a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; at least one output beam splitter for splitting at least one of the output laser beams into a secondary output beam.

Claim 52

A laser beam converter for receiving a laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of output laser beams having differing characteristics, comprising: a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; and second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; at least one output beam splitter for splitting at least one of the output laser beams into a secondary output beam; at least one secondary output beam detector for detecting a characteristic of the secondary output beam.

Claim 53

A laser beam converter for receiving a laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of output laser beams having differing characteristics, comprising: a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; and second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; at least one output beam splitter for splitting at least one of the output laser beams into a secondary output beam; at least one secondary output beam detector for detecting a characteristic of the secondary output beam.

Claim 54

A laser beam converter for receiving a laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of output laser beams having differing characteristics, comprising: a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second ouput laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; at least one beam equalizer for equalizing the cross-sectional power density of at least one of the output laser beams.

Claim 55

A laser beam converter for receiving a laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of output laser beams having differing characteristics, comprising: a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second ouput laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; at least one beam equalizer for equalizing the cross-sectional power density of at least one of the output laser beams.

Claim 56

A laser beam converter according to claim 30 and further comprising an imaging assembly for imagining the output laser beams passing through the optical pathways into a desired image.

Claim 57

A laser beam converter for receiving a laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of output laser beams having differing characteristics, comprising: a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; at least one beam equalizer for equalizing the cross-sectional power density of at least one of the output laser beams; said beam equalizer including an optically transmissive channel having interior walls which are reflective of the laser beam transmitted therethrough.

Claim 58

A laser beam converter for receiving a laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of output laser beams having differing characteristics, comprising: a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; at least one beam equalizer for equalizing the cross-sectional power density of at least one of the output laser beams; said beam equalizer including an optically transmissive channel having interior walls which are reflective of the laser beam transmitted therethrough.

Claim 59

A laser beam converter for receiving a laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of output laser beams having differing characteristics, comprising: a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; at least one beam equalizer for equalizing the cross-sectional power density of at least one of the output laser beams; said beam equalizer including an optically transmissive channel having interior walls which are relective of the laser beam transmitted therethrough, and a lens for dispersing the laser beam along the interior walls.

Claim 60

A laser beam converter for receiving a laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of output laser beams having differing characteristics, comprising: a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; at least one beam equalizer for equalizing the cross-sectional power density of at least one of the output laser beams; said beam equalizer including an optically transmissive channel having interior walls which are relective of the laser beam transmitted therethrough, and a lens for dispersing the laser beam along the interior walls.

Claim 61

A laser beam converter for receiving a laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of output laser beams having differing characteristics, comprising: a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; at least one laser beam power reducer included along at least one of the optical pathways to reduce the power of at least one of the output laser beams.

Claim 62

A laser beam converter for receiving a laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of output laser beams having differing characteristics, comprising: a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; at least one laser beam power reducer included along at least one of the optical pathways to reduce the power of at least one of the output laser beams.

Claim 63

A laser beam converter for receiving a laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of output laser beams having differing characteristics, comprising: a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; a second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; at least one laser beam power reducer included along at least one of the optical pathways to reduce the power of at least one of the output laser beams; said laser beam power reducer including a beam splitter for reflecting a portion of the laser beam to thereby reduce power of the laser beam.

Claim 64

A laser beam converter for receiving a laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of output laser beams having differing characteristics, comprising: a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; a second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; at least one laser beam power reducer included along at least one of the optical pathways to reduce the power of at least one of the output laser beams; said laser beam power reducer including a beam splitter for reflecting a portion of the laser beam to thereby reduce power of the laser beam.

Claim 65

A laser beam converter according to claim 35 and further comprising a beam dump for receiving a secondary laser beam split by the beam splitter to dissipate the power thereof.

Claim 66

A laser beam converter for receiving a laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of output laser beams having differing characteristics, comprising: a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; at least one laser beam power reducer included along at least one of the optical pathways to reduce the power of at least one of the output laser beams; said laser beam power reducer including a beam splitter for relecting a portion of the laser beam to thereby reduce power of the laser beam; said beam splitter being positioned to split an incoming laser beam.

Claim 67

A laser beam converter for receiving a laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of output laser beams having differing characteristics, comprising: a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; at least one laser beam power reducer included along at least one of the optical pathways to reduce the power of at least one of the output laser beams; said laser beam power reducer including a beam splitter for relecting a portion of the laser beam to thereby reduce power of the laser beam; said beam splitter being positioned to split an incoming laser beam.

Claim 68

A laser beam converter for receiving a laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of output laser beams having differing characteristics, comprising: a frame; a frame subunit mounted the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; at least one laser beam power reducer included along at least one of the optical pathways to reduce the power of at least one of the output laser beams; said laser beam power reducer including a beam splitter for reflecting a portion of the laser beam to thereby reduce power of the laser beam; said beam splitter being positioned to split an output laser beam.

Claim 69

A laser beam converter for receiving a laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of output laser beams having differing characteristics, comprising: a frame; a frame subunit mounted the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; at least one laser beam power reducer included along at least one of the optical pathways to reduce the power of at least one of the output laser beams; said laser beam power reducer including a beam splitter for reflecting a portion of the laser beam to thereby reduce power of the laser beam; said beam splitter being positioned to split an output laser beam.

Claim 70

A laser beam converter for receiving a laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of output laser beams having differing characteristics, comprising: a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; at least one laser beam power reducer included along at least one of the optical pathways to reduce the power of at least one of the output laser beams; said laser beam power reducer including at least one aperture to reduce power of the laser beam.

Claim 71

A laser beam converter for receiving a laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of output laser beams having differing characteristics, comprising: a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; at least one laser beam power reducer included along at least one of the optical pathways to reduce the power of at least one of the output laser beams; said laser beam power reducer including at least one aperture to reduce power of the laser beam.

Claim 72

A laser beam converter for receiving a laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of output laser beams having differing characteristics, comprising; a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; at least one laser beam power reducer included along at least one of the optical pathways to reduce the power of at least one of the output laser beams; said laser beam power reducer including a lens ans an aperture adjacent the lens to thereby reduce power of the laser beam .

Claim 73

A laser beam converter for receiving a laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of output laser beams having differing characteristics, comprising; a frame; a frame subunit mounted upon the frame for adjustable movement between a plurality of positions including at least a first subframe position and a second subframe position; a first optical pathway through the frame subunit; said first optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a first output laser beam with first output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the first subframe position; a second optical pathway through the frame subunit; said second optical pathway serving to receive the laser beam and produce a second output laser beam with second output laser beam characteristics when the frame subunit is positioned in the second subframe position; at least one laser beam power reducer included along at least one of the optical pathways to reduce the power of at least one of the output laser beams; said laser beam power reducer including a lens ans an aperture adjacent the lens to thereby reduce power of the laser beam .

Claim 78

A method according to claim 42 further comprising splitting at least one of said stimulating laser beams.

Claim 79

A method according to claim 42, further comprising splitting an output stimulating laser beam to produce a secondary output laser beam; detecting the power of the secondary output laser beam.

Claim 80

A method according to claim 42 wherein at least one of said stimulating steps includes stimulating with a laser beam which has been equalized to provide a more uniform laser beam power density.

Claim 81

A method according to claim 42 wherein at least one of said stimulating steps includes stimulating with a laser beam which has been focused to provide a small stimulating laser beam less than 100 microns in width.

Claim 82

A method according to claim 42 wherein the first stimulating beam is equalized and the second stimulating beam is focused.

Claim 83

A method according to claim 42 further comprising reducing beam power of at least one of said stimulating laser beams.

Claim 84

A method according to claim 42 further comprising reducing beam power of at least one of said stimulating laser beams by splitting an incoming laser beam.

Claim 85

A method according to claim 42 further comprising reducing beam power of at least one of said stimulating laser beams by passing the laser beam through an aperture.

Claim 86

A method according to claim 42 further comprising detecting enission from at least one of said dosimeters as a result of at least one of said stimulating steps.

Claim 87

A method according to claim 42 further comprising equalizing at least one of said laser beams to provide an equalized stimulating laser beam to provide a more uniform laser beam power density.

Claim 88

A method according to claim 52 wherein said equalizing is at least partially accomplished by passing a laser beam through an optical channel having reflective walls.

Claim 91

A convertible radiation dosimeter reading apparatus for performing a plurality of differing laser stimulated reading modes of operation; the laser stimulated reading modes each measuring a state of ionization of at least one type of radiation sensing element which results from exposure of the radiation sensing element to ionizing radiation, comprising: a laser beam source for providing a laser beam; a laser beam converter for receiving said laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of output laser beams having differing characteristics to provide differing stimulating laser beams to read radiation dosimeters in a plurality of reading modes; an emmission detector for measuring emission from a dosimeter which has been stimulated by at least one of the stimulating laser beams; wherein the laser beam converter further comprises at least one output beam splitter for splitting at least one of the output laser beams into a secondary output beam.

Claim 92

A convertible radiation dosimeter reading apparatus for performing a plurality of differing laser stimulated reading modes of operation; the laser stimulated reading modes each measuring a state of ionization of at least one type of radiation sensing element which results from exposure of the radiation sensing element to ionizing radiation, comprising: a laser beam source for providing a laser beam; a laser beam converter for receiving said laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of output laser beams having differing characteristics to provide differing stimulating laser beams to read radiation dosimeters in a plurality of reading modes; an emmission detector for measuring emission from a dosimeter which has been stimulated by at least one of the stimulating laser beams; wherein the laser beam converter further comprises at least one output beam splitter for splitting at least one of the output laser beams into a secondary output beam.

Claim 93

A convertible radiation dosimeter reading apparatus for performing a plurality of differing laser stimulated reading modes of operation; the laser stimulated reading modes each measuring a state of ionization of at least one type of radiation sensing element which results from exposure of the radiation sensing element to ionizing radiation, comprising: a laser beam source for providing a laser beam; a laser beam converter for receiving said laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of output laser beams having differing characteristics to provide differing stimulating laser beams to read radiation dosimeters in a plurality of reading modes; an emission detector for measuring emission from a dosimeter which has been stimulated by at least one of the stimulating laser beams; wherein the laser beam converter further comprises: at least one output beam splitter for splitting at least one of the output laser beams into a secondary output beam; at least one secondary output beam detector for detecting a characteristic of the secondary output beam.

Claim 94

A convertible radiation dosimeter reading apparatus for performing a plurality of differing laser stimulated reading modes of operation; the laser stimulated reading modes each measuring a state of ionization of at least one type of radiation sensing element which results from exposure of the radiation sensing element to ionizing radiation, comprising: a laser beam source for providing a laser beam; a laser beam converter for receiving said laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of output laser beams having differing characteristics to provide differing stimulating laser beams to read radiation dosimeters in a plurality of reading modes; an emission detector for measuring emission from a dosimeter which has been stimulated by at least one of the stimulating laser beams; wherein the laser beam converter further comprises: at least one output beam splitter for splitting at least one of the output laser beams into a secondary output beam; at least one secondary output beam detector for detecting a characteristic of the secondary output beam.

Claim 95

A convertible radiation dosimeter reading apparatus according to claim 56 wherein said secondary output beam detector detects power of the secondary output beam.

Claim 96

A convertible radiation dosimeter reading apparatus according to claim 56 wherein said secondary output beam detector detects power of the secondary output beam; and further comprising at least one beam equalizer for equalizing the power density of at least one of the output laser beams.

Claim 97

A convertible radiation dosimeter reading apparatus for performing a plurality of differing laser stimulated reading modes of operation; the laser stiumulated reading modes each measuring a state of ionization of at least one type of radiation sensing element which results from exposure of the radiation sensing element to ionizing radiation, comprising: a laser beam source for providing a laser beam; a laser beam converter for receiving said laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of output laser beams having differing characteristics to provide differing stimulating laser beams to read radiation dosimeters in a plurality of reading modes; an emission detector for measuring emission from a dosimeter which has been stimulated by at least one of the stimulating laser beams; wherein the laser beam converter further comprises at least one laser beam power reducer to reduce the power of at least one of the output laser beams; said laser beam power reducer including a beam splitter for reflecting a portion of the laser beam to thereby reduce power of the laser beam; wherein the laser beam converter further comprises a beam dump for receiving a secondary laser beam split by the beam splitter to dissipate the power thereof.

Claim 98

A convertible radiation dosimeter reading apparatus for performing a plurality of differing laser stimulated reading modes of operation; the laser stiumulated reading modes each measuring a state of ionization of at least one type of radiation sensing element which results from exposure of the radiation sensing element to ionizing radiation, comprising: a laser beam source for providing a laser beam; a laser beam converter for receiving said laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of output laser beams having differing characteristics to provide differing stimulating laser beams to read radiation dosimeters in a plurality of reading modes; an emission detector for measuring emission from a dosimeter which has been stimulated by at least one of the stimulating laser beams; wherein the laser beam converter further comprises at least one laser beam power reducer to reduce the power of at least one of the output laser beams; said laser beam power reducer including a beam splitter for reflecting a portion of the laser beam to thereby reduce power of the laser beam; wherein the laser beam converter further comprises a beam dump for receiving a secondary laser beam split by the beam splitter to dissipate the power thereof.

Claim 99

A convertible radiation dosimeter reading apparatus for performing a plurality of differing laser stimulated reading modes of operation; the laser stimulated reading modes each measuring a state of ionization of at least one type of radiation sensing element which results from exposure of the radiation sensing element to ionizing radiation, comprising: a laser beam source for providing a laser beam; a laser beam converter for receiving said laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of output laser beams having differing characteristics to provide differing stimulating laser beams to read radiation dosimeters in a plurality of reading modes; an emission detector for measuring emission from a dosimeter which has been stimulated by at least one of the stimulating laser beams; wherein the laser beam converter further comprises at least one laser beam power reducer to reduce the power of at least one of the output laser beams; said laser beam power reducer including a beam splitter for reflecting a portion of the laser beam to thereby reduce power of the laser beam; wherein said beam splitter is positioned to split an output laser beam.

Claim 100

A convertible radiation dosimeter reading apparatus for performing a plurality of differing laser stimulated reading modes of operation; the laser stimulated reading modes each measuring a state of ionization of at least one type of radiation sensing element which results from exposure of the radiation sensing element to ionizing radiation, comprising: a laser beam source for providing a laser beam; a laser beam converter for receiving said laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of output laser beams having differing characteristics to provide differing stimulating laser beams to read radiation dosimeters in a plurality of reading modes; an emission detector for measuring emission from a dosimeter which has been stimulated by at least one of the stimulating laser beams; wherein the laser beam converter further comprises at least one laser beam power reducer to reduce the power of at least one of the output laser beams; said laser beam power reducer including a beam splitter for reflecting a portion of the laser beam to thereby reduce power of the laser beam; wherein said beam splitter is positioned to split an output laser beam.

Claim 101

A convertible radiation dosimeter reading apparatus for performing a plurality of differing laser stimulated reading modes of operation; the laser stimulated reading modes each measuring a state of ionization of at least one type of radiation sensing element which results from exposure of the radiation sensing element to ionizing radiation, comprising: a laser beam source for providing a laser beam; a laser beam converter for receiving said laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of output laser beams having differing characteristics to provide differing stimulating laser beams to read radiation dosimeters in a plurality of reading modes; an emission detector for measuring emission from a dosimeter which has been stimulated by at least one of the stimulating laser beams; wherein the laser beam converter further comprises at least one laser beam power reducer to reduce the power of at least one of the output laser beams; said laser beam power reducer including a lens and an aperture adjacent the lens to thereby reduce power of the laser beam.

Claim 102

A convertible radiation dosimeter reading apparatus for performing a plurality of differing laser stimulated reading modes of operation; the laser stimulated reading modes each measuring a state of ionization of at least one type of radiation sensing element which results from exposure of the radiation sensing element to ionizing radiation, comprising: a laser beam source for providing a laser beam; a laser beam converter for receiving said laser beam and controllably converting the laser beam into a plurality of output laser beams having differing characteristics to provide differing stimulating laser beams to read radiation dosimeters in a plurality of reading modes; an emission detector for measuring emission from a dosimeter which has been stimulated by at least one of the stimulating laser beams; wherein the laser beam converter further comprises at least one laser beam power reducer to reduce the power of at least one of the output laser beams; said laser beam power reducer including a lens and an aperture adjacent the lens to thereby reduce power of the laser beam.