Abstract: A method and apparatus for the remote, non-invasive detection or characterization of materials manifests a controlled temperature perturbation to the sample material location concurrently with sample interrogation by ionizing radiation and with detection of the response emission energy spectra. This configuration induces and detects Doppler effects manifested at the sample location, allowing material inventory and composition measurements, and allowing a comparative reduction of the exposure duration compared to other isothermal proportional count, coincidence count or spectral analysis techniques. The method and apparatus apply primarily to the detection of elements and isotopes in baggage handling, cargo inspection, chemical characterization, process control and geologic operations, though the method and apparatus are not restricted to these applications.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heat exchange with a volatile fluid in a parallel-channel capillary network traversing a solid receiver module manifests a multi-functional miniature device capable of performing as an evaporator, a condenser, a humidifier, a single-stream heat exchanger, a pressure generator, a thrust motor, a Fraunhofer diffraction device, or a collimation device. Heat is exchanged at a dedicated interface on the body by thermal contact or radiative fluence, and indirectly with the working fluid. Application-specific process control is manifested by applied heat rate, control of fluid saturation levels and vapor partial pressure at the capillary ends, and arrangement of flow network connections. The system operates in steady-state or transient modes, depending on the adapted functional mode and duty cycle. Specific materials and working fluids tolerate transient system performance levels of apparent heat rates exceeding 10 [MW/m3] and local fluid pressures exceeding 1 [GPa].

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the remote, non-invasive detection or characterization of materials manifests a controlled temperature perturbation to the sample material location concurrently with sample interrogation by ionizing radiation and with detection of the response emission energy spectra. This configuration induces and detects Doppler effects manifested at the sample location, allowing material inventory and composition measurements, and allowing a comparative reduction of the exposure duration compared to other isothermal proportional count, coincidence count or spectral analysis techniques. The method and apparatus apply primarily to the detection of elements and isotopes in baggage handling, cargo inspection, chemical characterization, process control and geologic operations, though the method and apparatus are not restricted to these applications.