Abstract: A medical imaging tool is described, capable of providing in real time 2-D images of the prompt gamma fields released during patient treatment. Owing to its millimetre position accuracy, the instrument is particularly suited for applications where a precise determination of the end-of-range (Bragg peak) of the beam is of paramount importance, as in cancerous and non-cancerous targets for treatment with ion beams and for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. With its unique dual-layer conception in coincidence, the instrument has high rejection ability against false neutron-generated counts, the principal source of background noise for in-beam dose monitoring. It can also provide a coarse measurement of the gamma incidence angle, permitting a correction of the parallax error, main source of dispersion for large area detectors employing collimators.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for neutron radiography is provided for the examination of elongate radioactive items, primarily nuclear fuel elements, and also for the non-destructive testing of irradiated and non-irradiated objects in order to determine the internal structure and material composition thereof. The method and apparatus include placing an object under examination into a protective container. A detection system includes a rotatable limb with a mounting seat for securing neutron detectors in a diametric groove. The limb being mounted to be rotatable by a set angle about an axis parallel to the axis of the object under examination and having a semi-circular recess therein for the passage of an elongate object as the limb rotates by an angle ±?i relative to the direction of a neutron beam.

Abstract: A pipeline leakage detection system and a method thereof are provided. In the pipeline leakage detection system, when a ball-type detection device is operated on a pipeline and moved by an external force, a processing module can, according to angular velocity data outputted by a posture detection module, control motors to drive wheels, so as to prevent a ball-type casing of the ball-type detection device from being rotated by the external force; a wireless transceiver module transmits thermal image signals around the pipeline captured by multiple infrared thermal imagers to a monitoring terminal; and the monitoring terminal combines the thermal image signals, according to a sequential order of pieces of time information of the thermal image signals and pieces of identification information of the infrared thermal imagers, to form multiple time images, and the monitoring terminal can analyze the time images to determine whether the pipeline has a leaking location.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nondestructive inspection system includes: a radiation source system generating different types of radiations and irradiating the generated different types of radiations toward an inspection object; a detector system detecting each of the radiations transmitted through the inspection object; a transfer system varying a position of the inspection object such that the radiations generated by the radiation source system are irradiated to the inspection object; and an image system generating an image regarding the inspection object on the basis of a detection result from the detector system, wherein the radiation source system comprises: an electron gun generating an electron beam; an electron accelerator accelerating the electron beam generated by the electron gun; and a target system selectively generating at least one of various types of radiations according to variables when the electron beam accelerated by the electron accelerator is irradiated thereto.

Abstract: Methods of detecting high atomic weight materials in a volume such as a truck or cargo container are disclosed. The volume is scanned with an X-ray imaging system and a muon detection system. Using the output data of the muon detection system, the exit momentum and incoming and outgoing tracks of each muon are reconstructed. A muon scattering statistical model is calculated using the muon exit momentum and the incoming and outgoing tracks of the muon. A most likely scattering density map is determined according to the muon-scattering statistical model and an X-ray statistical model. A visual representation of the most likely scattering density map is displayed.

Abstract: A remmeter includes two or more different-sized hydrogenous moderators, each incorporating a hydrogenous spectroscopic fast neutron detector and a thermal neutron detector to provide more accurate neutron dosimetry across a wide range of neutron energies (thermal neutrons to >15 MeV) in a form factor that is lighter than conventional remmeters. The remmeter utilizes the principle of spectral dosimetry, where the energy or energy distribution of the incident neutrons is first measured and then this energy information (along with the measured fluence) is used to establish the dosimetric quantity using the various fluence-to-dose conversion curves (e.g. H*(10) (ICRP(1997)), NCRP-38(1971)). Using the method of spectral dosimetry, the large variation in response in these curves as a function of neutron energy (especially over the region 1 keV to 1 MeV) is largely mitigated through the use of the energy and fluence information, and the appropriate fluence-to-dose conversion curve to calculate the dose.

Abstract: A method of rapidly producing a new cyber response tool (e.g., in near-real-time) by matching vulnerabilities of enemy threats (e.g., a missile and/or a tank) to corresponding portions of other response tools that effectively exploit the matched vulnerability. An iterative framework may be utilized to repeatedly prioritize a set of cyber response tools based on a corresponding probability of success. For example, a computer or computer network may implement the iterative framework to carry out the probability computation and corresponding cyber response tool prioritization. If a total probability of success is below a given threshold (e.g., 95%), then creation of one or more new cyber response tools may be initiated. The probability of success may be a function of time (e.g., ten minutes before an expected launch) and/or a function of a phase of a lifecycle of the enemy threat (e.g., a launch phase).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting objects is described, and which provides high-speed image data acquisition to fuse multiple data streams in real-time, while avoiding destructive interference when individual sensors or detectors are utilized in providing data regarding features of a product to be inspected.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for measuring an effective atomic number of an object are disclosed. The apparatus includes: a ray source configured to product a first X-ray beam having a first energy and a second X-ray beam having a second energy; a Cherenkov detector configured to receive the first X-ray beam and the second X-ray beam that pass through an object under detection, and to generate a first detection value and a second detection value; and a data processing device configured to obtain an effective atomic number of the object based on the first detection value and the second detection value. The Cherenkov detector can eliminate disturbance of X-rays below certain energy threshold with respect to the object identification, and thus accuracy can be improved for object identification.

Abstract: The current invention concerns a method for identifying the elemental composition of and/or quantifying the presence of mono-isotopic elements in a molecule in a sample by computing a solution of a system of linear equations ??Ei?n?=Fi, whereby the set of numbers Fi comprises said set of relative peak heights from the aggregated isotopic distribution and the coefficients Ei? of said linear system comprise powers and/or power sums of roots r?,i?. The present invention also provides a method for analyzing at least part of an isotopic distribution of a sample, comprising obtaining data comprising at least one probability qj with which a j'th aggregated isotopic variant of said molecule with mass number Aj occurs within said aggregated isotopic distribution; and computing a probability qi with which an i'th aggregated isotopic variant occurs within said aggregated isotopic distribution, by taking a linear combination of said at least one probability qj.

Abstract: A bonded wafer structure having a handle wafer, a device wafer, and an interface region with an abrupt transition between the conductivity profile of the device wafer and the handle wafer is used for making semiconductor devices. The improved doping profile of the bonded wafer structure is well suited for use in the manufacture of integrated circuits. The bonded wafer structure is especially suited for making radiation-hardened integrated circuits.

Abstract: Provided is a security checking system. The security checking system includes an electron beam acceleration unit for accelerating electron beams having at least one energy intensity, an X-ray guide unit converting the electron beams accelerated by the electron beam acceleration unit into X-rays to guide the converted X-rays into an object, a neutron guide unit, and a detection unit detecting the X-rays and neutrons passing through the object. Thus, nuclear materials within the object may be detected, and also, maintenance/repair costs may be inexpensive to improve economic feasibility.

Abstract: Various technologies pertaining to identifying a material in a sample and imaging the sample are described herein. The material is identified by computing energy-dependent attenuation of neutrons that is caused by presence of the sample in travel paths of the neutrons. A mono-energetic neutron generator emits the neutron, which is downscattered in energy by a first detector unit. The neutron exits the first detector unit and is detected by a second detector unit subsequent to passing through the sample. Energy-dependent attenuation of neutrons passing through the sample is computed based upon a computed energy of the neutron, wherein such energy can be computed based upon 1) known positions of the neutron generator, the first detector unit, and the second detector unit; or 2) computed time of flight of neutrons between the first detector unit and the second detector unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is an instrument for detecting neutron backscatter from an object including a source of neutrons (12), a neutron detector (14) capable of detecting thermal neutrons and a housing (10) which is impervious to water and having at least one external operating surface (20) for placing adjacent the object, the source and detector being located within the housing in such a way that the distance between the detector and the operating surface(s) is less than 25 mm and the distance between the detector and any other external surface of the housing is at least 50 mm.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for generating location and size measurements for small scattered objects in a large medium are disclosed.

Abstract: A chemical detection system includes a frame, an emitter coupled to the frame, and a detector coupled to the frame proximate the emitter. The system also includes a shielding system coupled to the frame and positioned at least partially between the emitter and the detector, wherein the frame positions a sensing surface of the detector in a direction substantially parallel to a plane extending along a front portion of the frame. A method of analyzing composition of a suspect object includes directing neutrons at the object, detecting gamma rays emitted from the object, and communicating spectrometer information regarding the gamma rays. The method also includes presenting a GUI to a user with a dynamic status of an ongoing neutron spectroscopy process. The dynamic status includes a present confidence for a plurality of compounds being present in the suspect object responsive to changes in the spectrometer information during the ongoing process.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of a chemical element in an object by emission of neutrons onto the object, characterized in that the emission of neutrons onto the object is constituted, firstly, by a continuous emission of neutrons originating from an associated particle neutron generator (G1) and, secondly, by an emission of neutron pulses which are superimposed on the continuous emission of neutrons, where the neutron pulses originate from a pulsed neutron generator (G2) which generates neutron pulses of pulse duration T2, where two successive neutron pulses are separated by a duration T4, and where the continuous and pulsed emissions of neutrons on to the object produce a gamma capture radiation and an inelastic gamma radiation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Time-of-Flight based neutron inspection system. The system employs a collimated beam of fast neutrons for targeted interrogation of suspect areas in cargo. Elemental composition is determined as a function of depth. Analysis is then used to determine the presence of contraband.

Abstract: A Method for determining the material composition of a material sample which emits radiation comprises the following method steps: recording a spectrum of the energy deposited in a detector material by the radiation; determining a first energy deposited in a first energy range, a second energy deposited in a second energy range, and a third energy deposited in a third energy range; assigning a first colour parameter to the first deposited energy, a second colour parameter to the second deposited energy, and a third colour parameter to the third deposited energy; and comparing the assigned colour parameters with predetermined values for the colour parameters, the predetermined values typically corresponding to colour parameters of a predetermined material composition.

Abstract: A radiation detector made of High Purity Germanium (HPGe) has been specially machined to be this invented multilayer Inter-Coaxial configuration. With this special configuration, extra large volume HPGe detectors of diameters to be 6 inches, 9 inches, and even 12 inches, can be produced with current achievable HPGe crystal purity and quality, in which the entire detector crystal will be depleted and properly over biased for effective photo-induced signal collection with just less than 5000V bias applied. This invention makes extra large efficiency of 200%, 300%, and maybe even higher than 500% possible with HPGe gamma ray detectors with reasonable great resolution performances procurable based on current HPGe crystal supply capability. The invention could also be applied to any other kind of semiconductor materials if any of them could be purified enough for this application in the future.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for identifying an atomic element in proximity to an integrated circuit. Trace amounts of a contaminant are identifiable. The atomic element is exposed to neutron radiation to convert a portion of the atomic element into a radioactive isotope of the atomic element. Upsets are measured for the binary states of the memory cells of the integrated circuit during a time period following the exposure to the neutron radiation. The atomic element is identified from the upsets of the binary states of the memory cells of the integrated circuit.

Abstract: A first image including a projection of a portion is generated based on data representing attenuation of higher-energy radiation having a peak energy of at least 1 MeV that passes through a portion of an inspection volume. A second image including a projection of the portion is generated based on data representing attenuation of lower-energy radiation passing through the portion of the inspection volume. A dual-pixel image is created from the first image and the second image. A region of interest is selected from the dual-pixel image. A first basis function that is derived from an attenuation characteristic associated with the region of interest is selected. The region of interest is represented in terms of an amplitude associated with the first basis function and an amplitude associated with the second basis function.

Abstract: A system and method for detection of special nuclear materials within a larger space is disclosed and claimed. Gamma rays emitted from special nuclear materials upon neutron interrogation detected. An associated-particle neutron generator provides interrogation neutrons.

Abstract: A detection system and methods are described for determining whether a target contains a selected substance or device such as an explosive device, illegal drugs, dangerous chemicals, or the like. According to some embodiments, a detection system is comprising a radiation source and one or more detectors. The detection system in this directs radiation from a distance and towards a target suspected to contain a dangerous device or substance. A response is detected from the target. The response is compared to one or more templates that represent known explosives, drugs, dangerous chemicals, or the like. A score may be generated that corresponds to a similarity between the targeted and known substances. When the score indicates that the target substance is likely to be dangerous or contraband, then an alarm or other indication may be generated in some embodiments.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for locating certain substances of interest within remote targets. The detection apparatus includes a neutron beam generator, a pixilated gamma ray detector, data collection modules and sensors, and a detection processing module. If the remote target contains substances of interest, gamma rays radiate isotropically from the remote target when it is bombarded by the neutrons. A portion of these gamma rays are intercepted and detected by a plurality of discrete gamma sensing elements contained in the gamma ray detector, which is spaced apart from the neutron source. The detection processing module determines whether the remote target contains explosive substances and further locates the target by processing the collected data from the gamma ray detector, status information collected from the neutron source, and the position sensor(s) associated with the neutron shield.

Abstract: A radioactive source information tracking and reporting system and method is disclosed. The system and method include a device operable to detect a presence of a radioactive source contained within a shielded container. The device is further operable to detect a location of the shielded container. A message is generated and transmitted to a central facility. The message includes a shielded container identifier, a location of the shielded container, and an indication of the presence of the radioactive source.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of examining an object is disclosed comprising scanning an object at first and second radiation energies, detecting radiation at the first and second energies, and calculating a function of the radiation detected at the first and second energies. The function may be calculated for corresponding portions of the object. It is determined whether the object at least potentially comprises high atomic number material having an atomic number greater than a predetermined atomic number based, at least in part, on the function. The function may be a ratio. The function may be compared to a second function, which may be a threshold having a value based, at least in part, on material of the predetermined atomic number. The second function may be the same as the first function.

Abstract: A portable detection apparatus for scanning a target object comprises, in an exemplary embodiment, a tower unit, sensor unit and electronics unit, each configured for removable engagement with one another for relatively quick disassembly during transport and storage and reassembly during use. Additionally, each unit is sized and configured for ease of transport and for being able to operate in relatively confined spaces. The sensor unit is configured for selective engagement with a vertically oriented tower column of the tower unit, and is capable of not only traversing the length of the tower column but also rotating both horizontally and vertically thereabout, allowing the sensor unit to articulate and be selectively positionable adjacent the target object regardless of the target object's location. The electronics unit is selectively engagable with the tower unit and provides a portable computing device configured for remotely operating the sensor unit a safe distance away.

Abstract: Nuclear gauges and method of configuration and methods of calibrations of the nuclear gauges are provided. The nuclear gauges are used in measuring the density and/or moisture of construction-related materials. The nuclear gauge can include a gauge housing having a vertical cavity therethrough and at least one radiation detector located within the housing. The nuclear gauge can include a vertically moveable source rod and a radiation source operatively positioned within a distal end of the source rod.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for effectively detecting and locating explosive substances within remote targets, including improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The detection apparatus includes a neutron beam generator, a gamma ray detector, data collection modules and sensors, and a detection processing module. The neutron beam generator includes a fast neutron source, a neutron moderator to slow some or all of the fast neutrons to thermal energies, a partially enclosing neutron shield, and a rotatable neutron shield surrounding the generated neutrons. The neutron shield has an aperture to form a neutron beam directed at a remote target. If the remote target contains explosive substances, gamma rays radiate isotropically from the remote target when it is bombarded by the neutrons. A portion of these gamma rays are intercepted and detected by the gamma ray detector, which is spaced apart from the neutron source.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for effectively detecting and locating explosive substances within remote targets, including improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The detection apparatus includes a neutron beam generator, a gamma ray detector, data collection modules and sensors, and a detection processing module. The neutron beam generator includes a fast neutron source, a neutron moderator to slow some or all of the fast neutrons to thermal energies, a partially enclosing neutron shield, and a rotatable neutron shield surrounding the generated neutrons. The neutron shield has an aperture to form a neutron beam directed at a remote target. If the remote target contains explosive substances, gamma rays radiate isotropically from the remote target when it is bombarded by the neutrons. A portion of these gamma rays are intercepted and detected by the gamma ray detector, which is spaced apart from the neutron source.

Abstract: An illumination and detection architecture that illuminates a target for detecting a material of interest. The architecture includes an illumination component that illuminates the target using a predetermined light wavelength known to energize and thereby cause a detectable change in the desired chemical and/or compounds associated with the target in a particular way. The change is then captured by an image capture system and processed to determine the presence or absence detected of the desired material of interest at the target.

Abstract: A neutron detector has a volume of neutron moderating material and a plurality of individual neutron sensing elements dispersed at selected locations throughout the moderator, and particularly arranged so that some of the detecting elements are closer to the surface of the moderator assembly and others are more deeply embedded. The arrangement captures some thermalized neutrons that might otherwise be scattered away from a single, centrally located detector element. Different geometrical arrangements may be used while preserving its fundamental characteristics. Different types of neutron sensing elements may be used, which may operate on any of a number of physical principles to perform the function of sensing a neutron, either by a capture or a scattering reaction, and converting that reaction to a detectable signal. High detection efficiency, an ability to acquire spectral information, and directional sensitivity may be obtained.

Abstract: The invention relates to the fact that a common industrial neutron interrogation screening requirement is that a high throughput rate be accommodated by the screening system. The accumulation of elemental abundance ratio spectral data to minimize statistical uncertainty is a function of the neutron flux passing through the subject. If the subject passes through a neutron beam, with a strictly limited time window for exposure, the flux must be sufficient to accumulate the required statistics. The level of neutron flux necessary may exceed the cost effective limits of the selected neutron source means. Exposure time window dilation is disclosed through a class of system configurations which become practical for reduction to practice by utilization of linear neutron source topology neutron generators. This disclosure is concerned with example embodiments which utilize the length, width, thickness and segmentation of the source emission zone within an appropriate neutron source.

Abstract: A multi-stage process utilizing one or more radiation sensors on a distributed network for the detection and identification of radiation, explosives, and special materials within a shipping container. The sensors are configured as nodes on the network. The system collects radiation data from one or more nodes. The collected radiation data is dynamically adjusted according to at least one of a plurality of background radiation data based on a determined background environment about the container. The collected and adjusted radiation data is compared to one or more stored spectral images representing one or more isotopes to identify one or more isotopes present. The identified one or more isotopes present are corresponded to possible materials or goods that they represent.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a metal sorting device including an X-ray tube, a dual energy detector array, a microprocessor, and an air ejector array. The device senses the presence of samples in the x-ray sensing region and initiates identifying and sorting the samples. After identifying and classifying the category of a sample, at a specific time, the device activates an array of air ejectors located at specific positions in order to place the sample in the proper collection bin.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and method for detecting substances, such as explosives and/or drugs, using, in part, short bursts of energy light from a relatively low energy strobe. Embodiments include coupling the strobe with a detector for use in a portable hand-held unit, or a unit capable of being carried as a backpack. Embodiments further include placement of one or more stroboscopic desorption units and detectors in luggage conveyors systems, carry-on X-ray machines, and check-in counter locations.

Abstract: The invention uses a series of combined passive neutron and gamma ray sensors systematically placed along a path of commercial traffic, for example an airport runway, combined with a pulsed source of low energy protons and deuterons. The pulsed source produces monoenergetic gamma rays and low energy (60 keV) neutrons. This pulsed source uses a pinch-reflex ion diode operated on a pulsed power generator to produce proton beams. These beams bombard a PTFE (Teflon) target to produce characteristic gamma-rays. These gamma rays would induce a fission reaction in any fissile material creating gamma rays and neutrons. The passive sensors located in the path of commercial traffic would sense both the resultant gamma and neutron products of the reaction.

Abstract: Sensor arrays arranged in a detection system provide high performance detection of the presence of fissile material and radioactive material in cargo containers and at moderate cost. One or more sensor arrays operate to detect gamma and/or neutron radiation from one or more sides of a container that can be in transport relative to at least one of a spreader bar, a gantry crane, a self-propelled frame structure, and a transport vehicle. A combined use of any two or more of the following: a spreader bar radiation detector array, radiation detectors deployed on the frame of a gantry crane, extended radiation detectors, and a detector array deployed on a BOM cart, truck bed, or bottom area of the container, as the container is moved at a port enables comprehensive coverage of the container under inspection.

Abstract: A multi-stage process utilizing one or more radiation sensors on a distributed network for the detection and identification of radiation, explosives, and special materials within a shipping container. The sensors are configured as nodes on the network. The system collects radiation data from one or more nodes and compares the collected data to one or more stored spectral images representing one or more isotopes to identify one or more isotopes present. The identified one or more isotopes present are corresponded to possible materials or goods that they represent. The possible materials or goods are compared with the manifest relating to the container to confirm the identity of materials or goods contained in the container or to detect and/or identify unauthorized materials or goods in the container. For shielded materials, explosives and other types of material detection, a neutron pulse device could be incorporated into the system.

Abstract: An illumination and detection architecture that illuminates a target for detecting a material of interest. The architecture includes an illumination component that illuminates the target using a predetermined light wavelength known to energize and thereby cause a detectable change in the desired chemical and/or compounds associated with the target in a particular way. The change is then captured by an image capture system and processed to determine the presence or absence detected of the desired material of interest at the target.

Abstract: The invention relates to the fact that a common industrial neutron interrogation screening requirement is that a high throughput rate be accommodated by the screening system. The accumulation of elemental abundance ratio spectral data to minimize statistical uncertainty is a function of the neutron flux passing through the subject. If the subject passes through a neutron beam, with a strictly limited time window for exposure, the flux must be sufficient to accumulate the required statistics. The level of neutron flux necessary may exceed the cost effective limits of the selected neutron source means. Exposure time window dilation is disclosed through a class of system configurations which become practical for reduction to practice by utilization of linear neutron source topology neutron generators. This disclosure is concerned with example embodiments which utilize the length, width, thickness and segmentation of the source emission zone within an appropriate neutron source.

Abstract: A phantom for heavy ion radiation therapy provides characterization of an ion beam that may enter but not exit from the phantom. The phantom may include multiple materials and multiple spatially dispersed ion detectors to obtain signals that may be fit to known beam curves to accurately characterize the location and other parameters of Bragg peak of a given ion beam within a patient.

Abstract: A method for identifying at least one nuclear threat to homeland security, wherein such each nuclear threat is either hidden inside at least one cargo container before transit, or is placed inside at least one cargo container while in transit. Each such nuclear threat while interacting with its surroundings generates a unique nuclear threat signature.

Abstract: A neutron detector composed of a matrix of scintillating particles imbedded in a lithiated glass is disclosed. The neutron detector detects the neutrons by absorbing the neutron in the 6Li isotope which has been enriched from the natural isotopic ratio to a commercial ninety five percent. The utility of the detector is optimized by suitably selecting scintillating particle sizes in the range of the alpha and the triton. Nominal particle sizes are in the range of five to twenty five microns depending upon the specific scintillating particle selected.

Abstract: A neutron detector has a volume of neutron moderating material and a plurality of individual neutron sensing elements dispersed at selected locations throughout the moderator, and particularly arranged so that some of the detecting elements are closer to the surface of the moderator assembly and others are more deeply embedded. The arrangement captures some thermalized neutrons that might otherwise be scattered away from a single, centrally located detector element. Different geometrical arrangements may be used while preserving its fundamental characteristics. Different types of neutron sensing elements may be used, which may operate on any of a number of physical principles to perform the function of sensing a neutron, either by a capture or a scattering reaction, and converting that reaction to a detectable signal. High detection efficiency, an ability to acquire spectral information, and directional sensitivity may be obtained.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting and locating hidden explosive substances. The detection apparatus includes a thermal neutron beam generator, a gamma ray detector, data collection module and sensors, and a detection processing module. The thermal neutron beam generator includes a fast neutron source, a neutron moderator to slow the fast neutrons to thermal neutrons, and a rotatable neutron shield enclosing the generated thermal neutrons. The rotatable neutron shield has an aperture through which a thermal neutron beam is projected at a remote target. Gamma rays radiating from hidden explosives in the remote target are detected by the gamma ray detector, while the associated detection processing module spatially locates the target based at least in part on the position of the aperture in the rotatable neutron shield.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a metal sorting device including an X-ray tube, a dual energy detector array, a microprocessor, and an air ejector array. The device senses the presence of samples in the x-ray sensing region and initiates identifying and sorting the samples. After identifying and classifying the category of a sample, at a specific time, the device activates an array of air ejectors located at specific positions in order to place the sample in the proper collection bin.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for determining the absence or presence of contraband in an object with a fast neutron source for irradiating the object; a detector for measuring ?-rays emitted by the irradiated object from energy state relaxation as a result of neutron capture, typically after the object has been irradiated.

Abstract: A system for detecting and classifying small amounts of explosives and other controlled substances while rejecting confounders, including a source/detector array formed of a plurality of sources and a plurality of detectors, a signal processor coupled to the source/detector array for processing data received from the detectors, a classifier coupled to the signal processor for classifying data received from the signal processor according to a plurality of algorithms, a maximal rejection classifier coupled to the classifier; and a declarative decision module coupled to the maximal rejection classifier for rendering an accurate decision regarding the contents of the object is provided. The apparatus includes an enclosure, a shield layer disposed within the enclosure, a cavity disposed within the shield layer, a plurality of neutron sources and a detection array disposed within the cavity, and a transport mechanism for moving objects through the cavity past the sources and detection array.