A sensitive radiation imaging system having a 360 degree field-of-view

The characteristics of a new type of radiation imaging system based on the use of a cylindrical, rotating, coded-aperture mask will be described. The system makes use of a number of combined mask-detection elements that are arranged in such a way as to provide a 360 degree field of view. The angular resolution and sensitivity of the system can be selected to suit the particular application. The sensitivity of the imager depends on the total volume of the detector used whilst the angular resolution is related to the diameter of the cylindrical mask.