Abstract: An improved system for radiographically inspecting a relatively stationary object and a related method are disclosed. A source transmits radiation toward a selected location at which the object is positioned. Radiation interactive with the object is thereafter transmitted in one embodiment to a detection area having electronic detectors and another embodiment through an atomic element filter to the detection area. En route to the detectors area or the filter and detection area, radiation is first blocked by a scanning point selection means which sequentially selects only a pencil beam portion of the radiation to be transmitted to the detection area at any given time. The pencil beams sequentially selected sweep the entire detection area over a short time, enabling use of signals generated by the electronic detectors in obtaining an image of the object or for obtaining the identity and location of atomic elements constituting the object.

Abstract: A system and related method are provided for radiographically inspecting an object, located in a radiation path at an inspecting location, using backscattered radiation to obtain a radiographic representation of the object. Radiation, from a source, is transmitted to the selected location. A portion of the transmitted radiation passes through the object and is backscattered by an illuminator to a radiation detecting device. Another portion of the transmitted radiation interacts with and is backscattered by the object to the detecting device. The detecting device generates response signals in response to both portions of the backscattered radiation. The response signals are used to obtain the radiographic representation of the object.