Abstract: An x-ray spectrometer includes a radiation path and a plurality of layer groups oriented along the radiation path. The radiation path extends from a start point to an end point. The layer groups each include an attenuation layer, a scintillation layer, and a light diffuser layer. The light diffuser layer directs light emitted from the scintillation layer away from the radiation path. A linear diode array is positioned to measure the redirected light and generate a signal representing the penetration characteristics of the beam of radiation throughout the layer groups.

Abstract: A shutter for controlling radiation exposure includes a rotatable member. The rotatable member is rotatable between an open position and a closed position. The rotatable member includes a passageway, wherein the passageway is positioned to receive radiation in the open position and is not positioned to receive radiation in the closed position. In the closed position, the rotatable member may substantially block or absorb the radiation. The passageway may collimate the radiation into a beam of radiation. The rotatable member may include a plurality of passageways positioned to receive radiation in the open position. The rotatable member may be rotatable between a plurality of open positions, each open position corresponding to at least one passageway. The open positions may align the source of radiation with different passageways in the rotatable member to form a different beam shape, a different number of beams, a different beam direction, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method of operating a radiation inspection system includes identifying a regulatory region along a predetermined path where public access is restricted based upon criteria other than radiation exposure, measuring a radiation exposure level from a radiation source of the radiation inspection system within the regulatory region, irradiating a target within the regulatory region using the radiation source and without erecting a physical barricade, and determining a restricted area around the radiation source. The restricted area corresponds to an area where a radiation exposure rate exceeds a predetermined threshold. The radiation exposure rate may be determined by the radiation exposure level from the radiation source and a speed of the radiation inspection system. The method may include operating the radiation inspection system to dynamically adjust the restricted area so that it does not extend beyond the regulatory region. The radiation inspection system may be moveable along the predetermined path.

Abstract: A method of operating a radiation inspection system includes identifying a regulatory region along a predetermined path where public access is restricted based upon criteria other than radiation exposure, measuring a radiation exposure level from a radiation source of the radiation inspection system within the regulatory region, irradiating a target within the regulatory region using the radiation source and without erecting a physical barricade, and determining a restricted area around the radiation source. The restricted area corresponds to an area where a radiation exposure rate exceeds a predetermined threshold. The radiation exposure rate may be determined by the radiation exposure level from the radiation source and a speed of the radiation inspection system. The method may include operating the radiation inspection system to dynamically adjust the restricted area so that it does not extend beyond the regulatory region. The radiation inspection system may be moveable along the predetermined path.

Abstract: A shutter for controlling radiation exposure includes a rotatable member. The rotatable member is rotatable between an open position and a closed position. The rotatable member includes a passageway, wherein the passageway is positioned to receive radiation in the open position and is not positioned to receive radiation in the closed position. In the closed position, the rotatable member may substantially block or absorb the radiation. The passageway may collimate the radiation into a beam of radiation. The rotatable member may include a plurality of passageways positioned to receive radiation in the open position. The rotatable member may be rotatable between a plurality of open positions, each open position corresponding to at least one passageway. The open positions may align the source of radiation with different passageways in the rotatable member to form a different beam shape, a different number of beams, a different beam direction, or combinations thereof.