Abstract: The specification discloses methods of adjusting calibration data in an X-ray inspection system. Calibration data is initially generated. X-ray scan images of a cargo container are then acquired. Each of the X-ray scan images are segmented into regions of interest, where the regions of interest volumetrically encompass a known material or a material corresponding to a known HS code. Using the calibration data, first data indicative of Zeff of each of the regions of interest are determined. The first data is compared with second data indicative of known Zeff corresponding to the known materials and/or HS codes. The calibration data is then adjusted to generate a second calibration data if the first and second data differ significantly. The calibration data is replaced by the second calibration data in the memory.

Abstract: Methods and an x-ray source for sweeping an x-ray beam across an object of inspection. A beam of electrons is emitted by a cathode, while a sweep controller applies a signal to a beam controller in a prescribed path on an anode, thereby causing an x-ray beam to be emitted from an aperture disposed at one apex of a snout of variable length. The aperture may be a Rommel aperture that allows for forming a scanning x-ray of desired size and flux independently of the angle at which the beam is emitted. Scanning rate may be varied during the course of a scan. Multiple x-ray beams may be formed simultaneously, where one beam is inside a conveyance while the other is outside the conveyance, for example.

Abstract: Methods for discriminating among x-ray beams of distinct energy content. A first volume of scintillation medium converts energy of incident penetrating radiation into scintillation light which is extracted from a scintillation light extraction region by a plurality of optical waveguides that convert the scintillation light to light of a longer wavelength. An x-ray beam initially incident upon the first volume of scintillation medium and traversing the first volume is then incident on a second volume of scintillation medium. The first and second scintillation media may be separated by an absorber or one or more further volumes of scintillation medium, and may also have differential spectral sensitivities. Scintillation light from the first and second scintillation volumes is detected in respective detectors and processed to yield a measure of respective low energy and high-energy components of the incident x-ray beam.

Abstract: Methods for discriminating among x-ray beams of distinct energy content. A first volume of scintillation medium converts energy of incident penetrating radiation into scintillation light which is extracted from a scintillation light extraction region by a plurality of optical waveguides that convert the scintillation light to light of a longer wavelength. An x-ray beam initially incident upon the first volume of scintillation medium and traversing the first volume is then incident on a second volume of scintillation medium. The first and second scintillation media may be separated by an absorber or one or more further volumes of scintillation medium, and may also have differential spectral sensitivities. Scintillation light from the first and second scintillation volumes is detected in respective detectors and processed to yield a measure of respective low energy and high-energy components of the incident x-ray beam.

Abstract: Methods and an x-ray source for sweeping an x-ray beam across an object of inspection. A beam of electrons is emitted by a cathode, while a sweep controller applies a signal to a beam controller in a prescribed path on an anode, thereby causing an x-ray beam to be emitted from an aperture disposed at one apex of a snout of variable length. The aperture may be a Rommel aperture that allows for forming a scanning x-ray of desired size and flux independently of the angle at which the beam is emitted. Scanning rate may be varied during the course of a scan. Multiple x-ray beams may be formed simultaneously, where one beam is inside a conveyance while the other is outside the conveyance, for example.

Abstract: Methods and an x-ray system for dynamically regulating x-ray dose. An x-ray beam is generated and collimated at a source collimator and detected after the x-ray beam traverses an inspected object. A filter may be dynamically interposed by translation of the filter between a focal spot of the source and the source collimator in such a manner as to maintain the portion of the x-ray beam that traverses the inspected object below a specified limit. Alternatively, an aperture of the source collimator may be varied in size or position relative to the focal spot.

Abstract: A detector and methods for inspecting material on the basis of scintillator coupled by wavelength-shifting optical fiber to one or more photo-detectors, with a temporal integration of the photo-detector signal. An unpixelated volume of scintillation medium converts energy of incident penetrating radiation into scintillation light which is extracted from a scintillation light extraction region by a plurality of optical waveguides. This geometry provides for efficient and compact detectors, enabling hitherto unattainable geometries for backscatter detection and for energy discrimination of incident radiation. Additional energy-resolving transmission configurations are enabled as are skew- and misalignment compensation.

Abstract: Methods and an x-ray system for dynamically regulating x-ray dose. An x-ray beam is generated and collimated at a source collimator and detected after the x-ray beam traverses an inspected object. A filter may be dynamically interposed by translation of the filter between a focal spot of the source and the source collimator in such a manner as to maintain the portion of the x-ray beam that traverses the inspected object below a specified limit. Alternatively, an aperture of the source collimator may be varied in size or position relative to the focal spot.

Abstract: Methods for inspecting contents of a container. High-energy penetrating radiation collimated into a fan beam illuminates an inspected container from one side, while a plurality of detector plates are disposed on the opposite side of the container. Each detector plate has a plurality of detector modules, each of which, in turn, is disposed on a remotely activated alignment and has multiple detector elements. A controller governs the orientation of each of the plurality of detector plates based at least on the detector signal generated by its detector elements such that each detector element of each detector module of each detector plate may be aligned to within a specified fraction of the transverse dimension of the fan beam as measured at the exit slot.

Abstract: Methods for inspecting contents of a container. High-energy penetrating radiation collimated into a fan beam illuminates an inspected container from one side, while a plurality of detector plates are disposed on the opposite side of the container. Each detector plate has a plurality of detector modules, each of which, in turn, is disposed on a remotely activated alignment and has multiple detector elements. A controller governs the orientation of each of the plurality of detector plates based at least on the detector signal generated by its detector elements such that each detector element of each detector module of each detector plate may be aligned to within a specified fraction of the transverse dimension of the fan beam as measured at the exit slot.

Abstract: A scanning system and methods for inspecting contents of a container. High-energy penetrating radiation collimated into a fan beam illuminates an inspected container from one side, while a plurality of detector plates are disposed on the opposite side of the container. Each detector plate has a plurality of detector modules, each of which, in turn, is disposed on a remotely activated alignment and has multiple detector elements. A controller governs the orientation of each of the plurality of detector plates based at least on the detector signal generated by its detector elements such that each detector element of each detector module of each detector plate may be aligned to within a specified fraction of the transverse dimension of the fan beam as measured at the exit slot.

Abstract: A scanning system and methods for inspecting contents of a container. High-energy penetrating radiation collimated into a fan beam illuminates an inspected container from one side, while a plurality of detector plates are disposed on the opposite side of the container. Each detector plate has a plurality of detector modules, each of which, in turn, is disposed on a remotely activated alignment and has multiple detector elements. A controller governs the orientation of each of the plurality of detector plates based at least on the detector signal generated by its detector elements such that each detector element of each detector module of each detector plate may be aligned to within a specified fraction of the transverse dimension of the fan beam as measured at the exit slot.

Abstract: A system and methods are provided for imaging an object, based on activating an array of discrete X-ray sources in a prescribed temporal pattern so as to illuminate the object with a beam varying in spatial orientation, and detecting X-rays of the beam after interaction with the object and generating a detector signal. An image of the object may then be constructed on the basis of the time variation of the detector signal. The discrete X-ray sources may be moved during the course of inspection, moreover, the prescribed temporal pattern may constitute a Hadamard code. The discrete sources may be carbon nanotube x-ray sources.

Abstract: A system and methods are provided for imaging an object, based on activating an array of discrete X-ray sources in a prescribed temporal pattern so as to illuminate the object with a beam varying in spatial orientation, and detecting X-rays of the beam after interaction with the object and generating a detector signal. An image of the object may then be constructed on the basis of the time variation of the detector signal. The discrete X-ray sources may be moved during the course of inspection, moreover, the prescribed temporal pattern may constitute a Hadamard code. The discrete sources may be carbon nanotube x-ray sources.