X-ray detector and X-ray examination system utilizing fluorescent material

A system for examining an object with X-rays, said system comprising:

• an X-ray source for irradiating the object to be examined with X-rays;
• an X-ray detector for detecting Compton scattering X-rays from the object and for generating image signals based on the detected Compton scattering X-rays;
• a display for displaying an image of the interior of the object in accordance with said image signals generated by the X-ray detector,
• wherein the X-ray detector includes
• a housing,
• a fluorescent generator, mounted in said housing, for generating a fluorescent output in response to X-rays impinged thereon, said fluorescent generator having a peak luminous wavelength,
• a photomultiplier, mounted in said housing, for converting the output of the fluorescent generator to electrical image signals, and for providing said image based on the electric signals, said photomultiplier having a peak wavelength sensitivity independent of said peak luminous wavelength,
• wherein said fluorescent generator includes at least one fluorescent material selected from the group consisting of:
• A.sub.2 O.sub.2 S:D and BaFX:E
• wherein
• A is at least one element selected from Gd, La and Y,
• D is at least one element selected from Tb and Pr, or,
• D is at least one element selected from Tb and Pr, and at least one element selected from Ce and Yb,
• X is at least one element selected from Cl and Br,
• E is Eu or a mixture of Eu and at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ce and Yb.