Abstract: A radiographic inspection system includes an electron gun, a fixed anode of a dense material, and apparatus for steering an electron beam generated by the electron gun to multiple focal spots on the anode. A detector includes a plurality of individual detector elements. Operation of the system includes is carried out by directing the electron beam at a first time interval to a first focal spot on the anode, generating a first X-ray beam aligned with a first detector element. During a second time interval, the electron beam is directed to a second focal spot on the anode, spaced-away from the first focal spot, generating a second X-ray beam aligned with a second detector element. This cycle is repeated with additional focal spots in a one-dimensional or two-dimensional pattern. The detector element output is read in coordination with the position of the electron beam.

Abstract: A method for aligning a radiographic inspection system includes providing a radiation source capable of emitting a beam pattern, positioning a detector to receive radiation emitted from the radiation source, and causing the radiation source to emit the beam pattern. The detector is used to determine the distribution of flux intensity of the beam pattern. A two-dimensional or three-dimensional map of the beam pattern may be stored. The system is aligned by positioning the radiation source and the detector with reference to the map, so that the detector is disposed at a predetermined location within the beam pattern.

Abstract: A system for radiographic inspection of an object includes a radiation source located on one side of the object and a radiation detector located on another side of the object, being positioned to receive radiation from the radiation source. At least one motion sensor is associated with the radiation detector, the radiation source, or the object, for detecting motion. The magnitude of motion of the components is compared to a pre-established limit value. The imaging process is conducted when the magnitude of any motion is less than the limit value.

Abstract: An energy discrimination radiography system includes at least one radiation source configured to alternately irradiate a component with radiation characterized by at least two energy spectra, where the component has a number of constituents. At least one radiation detector is configured to receive radiation passing through the component and a computer is operationally coupled to the detector. The computer is configured to receive data corresponding to each of the energy spectra for a scan of the component, process the data to generate a multi-energy data set, and decompose the multi-energy data set to generate material characterization images in substantially real time. A method for inspecting the component includes irradiating the component, receiving a data stream of energy discriminated data, processing the energy discriminated data, to generate a multi-energy data set, and decomposing the multi-energy data set, to generate material characterization images in substantially real time.