Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described wherein a charged beam in an enclosed conducting cavity in an accelerator is monitored for position, current, and energy. One method uses induced electric signals on non-intercepting conducting electrodes. Another method uses an intercepting and moving electrode than can be moved into the beam to different degrees to monitor the beam current and vertical profile at different radial positions. Non-intercepting electrodes are also used as part of a moving diagnostic probe to monitor properties of the beam at different radial positions. Another method uses the current in the leads to a power supply, a portion of this current being equal to the beam current. Another method uses the magnetic and electric fields from the beam that penetrates a non-conducting portion of the conducting cavity. Yet another method uses the radiation emitted during acceleration of the beam by the deflecting magnets that guide the beam.

Abstract: Methods and systems for non-intrusively detecting the existence of fissile materials in a container via the measurement of energetic prompt neutrons are disclosed. The methods and systems use the unique nature of the prompt neutron energy spectrum from neutron-induced fission arising from the emission of neutrons from almost fully accelerated fragments to unambiguously identify fissile material. These signals from neutron-induced fission are unique and allow the detection of any material in the actinide region of the nuclear periodic table.

Abstract: A new concept is presented along with different embodiments to produce improved duty cycle of electron beams and multiple beams of different energy from WF, FFAG and other betatron and induction accelerators. These variations are achieved by using the induction core in both directions of induction core swing to accelerate beams in different magnetic guide regions to improve beam repetition rates and duty cycle. The beams may have different energies and intensities. Multiple guide field regions may be used with an induction core while the field is varying in one direction to also produce multiple beams, each differing in energy and intensity. The use of a single core allows improved duty cycle and multiple beams with a substantial increase in performance and reduction of cost in those cases where the induction core, associated power supplies and control are a significant fraction of the cost of such an accelerator.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting potential items of interest in target samples, using nuclear resonance fluorescence, utilize incident photon spectra that are narrower than traditional bremsstrahlung spectra but overlap nuclear resonances in elements of interest for purposes of detection, such as but not limited to the detection of threats in luggage or containers being scanned.

Abstract: Methods and systems for non-intrusively detecting the existence of fissile materials in a container via the measurement of energetic prompt neutrons are disclosed. The methods and systems use the unique nature of the prompt neutron energy spectrum from photo-fission arising from the emission of neutrons from almost fully accelerated fragments to unambiguously identify fissile material. The angular distribution of the prompt neutrons from photo-fission and the energy distribution correlated to neutron angle relative to the photon beam are used to distinguish odd-even from even-even nuclei undergoing photo-fission. The independence of the neutron yield curve (yield as a function of electron beam energy or photon energy) on neutron energy also is also used to distinguish photo-fission from other processes such as (?, n). Different beam geometries are used to detect localized samples of fissile material and also fissile materials dispersed as small fragments or thin sheets over broad regions.

Abstract: Methods and systems for generating bremsstrahlung with enhanced photon flux in a narrow cone at forward angles utilize a thin target of a high-Z material such as gold as radiator, supported on a tube of a low-Z material such as titanium, which tube contains a circulating fluid such as water which acts as a coolant and also may absorb the incident electron beam.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for lenses based on crystal X-ray diffraction and reflection to be used to direct and energy filter X-ray beams.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting potential items of interest in target samples, using nuclear resonance fluorescence, utilize incident photon spectra that are narrower than traditional bremsstrahlung spectra but overlap nuclear resonances in elements of interest for purposes of detection, such as but not limited to the detection of threats in luggage or containers being scanned.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems of scanning a target for potential threats using the energy spectra of photons scattered from the target to determine the spatial distributions of average atomic number and/or mass in the target. An exemplary method comprises: illuminating each of a plurality of voxels of the target with a photon beam; determining an incident flux upon each voxel; measuring the energy spectrum of photons scattered from the voxel; determining, using the energy spectrum, the average atomic number in the voxel; and determining the mass in the voxel using the incident flux, the average atomic number of the material in the voxel, the energy spectrum, and a scattering kernel corresponding to the voxel. An exemplary system may use threat detection heuristics to determine whether to trigger further action based upon the average atomic number and/or mass of the voxels.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for the non-intrusive inspection and/or verification of cargo. In an exemplary embodiment, an elemental signature is determined at a first point in a supply chain and transmitted to a second point in the supply chain. When the goods arrive at the second point, the elemental signature of the goods may be measured and verified against the original elemental signature. In another embodiment, an elemental signature may be measured to verify the origin or identity of the goods. In some embodiments such elemental signatures are inherent to the shipped goods and/or their packaging. In other embodiments, elemental signatures are applied to the shipment as tag materials.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems of scanning a target for potential threats using the energy spectra of photons scattered from the target to determine the spatial distributions of average atomic number and/or mass in the target. An exemplary method comprises: illuminating each of a plurality of voxels of the target with a photon beam; determining an incident flux upon each voxel; measuring the energy spectrum of photons scattered from the voxel; determining, using the energy spectrum, the average atomic number in the voxel; and determining the mass in the voxel using the incident flux, the average atomic number of the material in the voxel, the energy spectrum, and a scattering kernel corresponding to the voxel. An exemplary system may use threat detection heuristics to determine whether to trigger further action based upon the average atomic number and/or mass of the voxels.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for the non-intrusive inspection and/or verification of cargo. In an exemplary embodiment, an elemental signature is determined at a first point in a supply chain and transmitted to a second point in the supply chain. When the goods arrive at the second point, the elemental signature of the goods may be measured and verified against the original elemental signature. In another embodiment, an elemental signature may be measured to verify the origin or identity of the goods. In some embodiments such elemental signatures are inherent to the shipped goods and/or their packaging. In other embodiments, elemental signatures are applied to the shipment as tag materials.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems of scanning a target for potential threats using the energy spectra of photons scattered from the target to determine the spatial distributions of average atomic number and/or mass in the target. An exemplary method comprises: illuminating each of a plurality of voxels of the target with a photon beam; determining an incident flux upon each voxel; measuring the energy spectrum of photons scattered from the voxel; determining, using the energy spectrum, the average atomic number in the voxel; and determining the mass in the voxel using the incident flux, the average atomic number of the material in the voxel, the energy spectrum, and a scattering kernel corresponding to the voxel. An exemplary system may use threat detection heuristics to determine whether to trigger further action based upon the average atomic number and/or mass of the voxels.

Abstract: A method for detecting nuclear species in a sample by adaptive scanning using nuclear resonance fluorescence may comprise illuminating the target sample with photons from a source; detecting a signal in an energy channel; determining a scan evaluation parameter using the signal detected; determining whether the scan evaluation parameter meets a detection efficiency criterion; adjusting one or more system parameters such that the scan evaluation parameter meets the detection efficiency criterion; and comparing the signal in an energy channel to a predetermined species detection criterion to identify a species detection event. In another embodiment, detecting a signal in an energy channel may further comprise detecting photons scattered from the target sample. In another embodiment, detecting a signal in an energy channel may further comprise detecting photons transmitted through the target sample and scattered from at least one reference scatterer.

Abstract: A method for detecting nuclear species in a sample by adaptive scanning using nuclear resonance fluorescence may comprise illuminating the target sample with photons from a source; detecting a signal in an energy channel; determining a scan evaluation parameter using the signal detected; determining whether the scan evaluation parameter meets a detection efficiency criterion; adjusting one or more system parameters such that the scan evaluation parameter meets the detection efficiency criterion; and comparing the signal in an energy channel to a predetermined species detection criterion to identify a species detection event. In another embodiment, detecting a signal in an energy channel may further comprise detecting photons scattered from the target sample. In another embodiment, detecting a signal in an energy channel may further comprise detecting photons transmitted through the target sample and scattered from at least one reference scatterer.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting potential items of interest in target samples, using nuclear resonance fluorescence, utilize incident photon spectra that are narrower than traditional bremsstrahlung spectra but overlap nuclear resonances in elements of interest for purposes of detection, such as but not limited to the detection of threats in luggage or containers being scanned.

Abstract: A technique for detecting explosives and other materials using resonance fluorescence, resonance absorption, and other electromagnetic processes with a continuous spectrum of photons is disclosed. The method is particularly attractive as a way to detect explosives at airports and other transporation terminals. According to one aspect of the invention, bremsstrahlung or other continuous-spectrum photon radiation in the appropriate energy ranges is made incident on a target (e.g., a piece of luggage or other container) to resonantly excite the atoms of the target. In one embodiment, the energies of the photons scattered directly from the target are detected and measured. These energies are characteristic of the nuclear species excited in the target, and thus the concentrations of these elements in the target can be determined. A high concentration of nitrogen and oxygen with a low concentration of carbon indicates practically without fail an explosive material.

Abstract: A compact circular magnetic induction accelerator (betatron) for use as a borehole gamma ray source includes a field magnet and generally circular pole pieces composed of a class of ferrite having the general formula M.sup.2+ Fe.sub.2.sup.3+ O.sub.4, where M represents two or more divalent metal ions from the group consisting of Mn, Zn and Ni. The core magnet is in the form of two symmetrical closed loops, with one leg of each loop passing axially through the circular pole pieces. The field coil and the core coil may be arranged in series or in parallel, and switching circuits are provided for effecting electron beam capture and ejection. In an illustrative borehole application, the betatron is used as a gamma ray source in a bulk density logging tool.

Abstract: A technique for detecting explosives using resonance fluorescence of bremsstrahlung radiation is disclosed. The method is particularly attractive as a way to detect bombs at airports and other transportation terminals. According to the invention, bremsstrahlung radiation is made incident on a target (e.g., a piece of luggage) to resonantly excite the atoms of the target. In one embodiment, the energies of the photons scattered directly from the target are detected and measured. These energies are characteristic of the nuclear species excited in the target, and thus the concentrations of these elements in the target can be determined. A high concentration of nitrogen and oxygen with a low concentration of carbon indicates practically without fail an explosive material. In another embodiment, the energies of photons resonantly scattered from reference scatterers composed substantially of nuclear species of interest and located downstream from the target are detected and measured.