Abstract: Techniques, systems, and devices are disclosed for constructing a scattering and stopping relationship of cosmic-ray charged particles (including cosmic-ray electrons and/or cosmic-ray muons) over a range of low-atomic-mass materials, and to detect and identify content of a volume of interest (VOI) exposed to cosmic-ray charged particles based on the constructed scattering and stopping relationship. In one aspect, a process for constructing a scattering-stopping relationship for a range of low-density materials exposed to cosmic-ray charged particles is disclosed. This technique first determines a scattering parameter and a stopping parameter for each material within the range of low-density materials exposed to charged particles from cosmic ray. The technique then establishes a scattering-stopping relationship of cosmic ray charged particles for the range of low-density materials based on the determined pairs of scattering and stopping parameters associated with the range of low-density materials.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for inspecting materials in a vehicle or object. In one aspect, a system for muon tomography detection includes a first and second housing structure each including a first array and second array of muon detection sensors, respectively, the first housing structure positioned opposite the second at a fixed height to form a detection region to contain a target object, in which the muon detection sensors measure positions and directions of muons passing through the first array to the detection region and passing from the detection region through the second array; support structures to position the first housing structure at the fixed height; and a processing unit to receive data from the muon detection sensors and analyze scattering behaviors of the muons in materials of the target object to obtain a tomographic profile or spatial distribution of scattering centers within the detection region.

Abstract: In one aspect, a process for characterizing a range of materials based on the scattering and stopping of incident cosmic ray charged particles passing through each material includes: determining a scattering metric and a stopping metric for each material within the range of materials exposed to cosmic ray charged particles; computing a ratio of the scattering metric to the stopping metric to obtain a scattering-to-stopping ratio for each material within the range of materials for the material; and establishing a scattering-stopping relationship for the range of materials based on the determined pairs of the scattering-to-stopping ratio and the associated scattering metric for the range of materials.

Abstract: In one aspect, a process for characterizing a range of materials based on the scattering and stopping of incident cosmic ray charged particles passing through each material includes: determining a scattering metric and a stopping metric for each material within the range of materials exposed to cosmic ray charged particles; computing a ratio of the scattering metric to the stopping metric to obtain a scattering-to-stopping ratio for each material within the range of materials for the material; and establishing a scattering-stopping relationship for the range of materials based on the determined pairs of the scattering-to-stopping ratio and the associated scattering metric for the range of materials.

Abstract: Techniques, systems, and devices are disclosed for constructing a scattering and stopping relationship of cosmic-ray charged particles (including cosmic-ray electrons and/or cosmic-ray muons) over a range of low-atomic-mass materials, and to detect and identify content of a volume of interest (VOI) exposed to cosmic-ray charged particles based on the constructed scattering and stopping relationship. In one aspect, a process for constructing a scattering-stopping relationship for a range of low-density materials exposed to cosmic-ray charged particles is disclosed. This technique first determines a scattering parameter and a stopping parameter for each material within the range of low-density materials exposed to charged particles from cosmic ray. The technique then establishes a scattering-stopping relationship of cosmic ray charged particles for the range of low-density materials based on the determined pairs of scattering and stopping parameters associated with the range of low-density materials.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for inspecting materials in a vehicle or object. In one aspect, a system for muon tomography detection includes a first and second housing structure each including a first array and second array of muon detection sensors, respectively, the first housing structure positioned opposite the second at a fixed height to form a detection region to contain a target object, in which the muon detection sensors measure positions and directions of muons passing through the first array to the detection region and passing from the detection region through the second array; support structures to position the first housing structure at the fixed height; and a processing unit to receive data from the muon detection sensors and analyze scattering behaviors of the muons in materials of the target object to obtain a tomographic profile or spatial distribution of scattering centers within the detection region.

Abstract: A method to screen individuals specifically for paramagnetic or ferromagnetic objects they may be carrying or wearing, before they enter the high-field region of an MRI suite. The device used comprises either a screening portal or a compact, hand-held magnetic gradiometer and its electronics. The method places all of the sensor arrays in close proximity to all parts of a subject's body, for screening purposes.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for varying field strength in a magnetic resonance system while keeping a relatively uniform magnetic field distribution. In an embodiment, a two-pole, generally u-shaped magnet assembly generates a static and uniform magnetic field. The magnet assembly includes two facing magnet poles separated by an air gap. Holes may be formed with the magnet poles. The field control rods may be placed at a pre-determined distance into these holes and symmetrically or asymmetrically moved across each magnet poles in a controlled manner to change the magnetic field strength while keeping the uniform magnetic field distribution. Maximum magnetic field strength may occur when the rods are removed. Minimum magnetic field strength may occur when the rods are fully inserted.

Abstract: A substance identification system comprises interrelated components. A fluidics cartridge is configured to permit suspension of a sample of a substance of interest in a liquid medium, and to permit transfer of the suspended sample into a container via syringe/needle action or other suitable actuation means. The container is configured to be fixedly or removably coupled with the fluidics cartridge. An interface cartridge is configured to position the container for analysis by a portable substance identification device.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for varying field strength in a magnetic resonance system while keeping a relatively uniform magnetic field distribution. In an embodiment, a two-pole, generally u-shaped magnet assembly generates a static and uniform magnetic field. The magnet assembly includes two facing magnet poles separated by an air gap. Holes may be formed with the magnet poles. The field control rods may be placed at a pre-determined distance into these holes and symmetrically or asymmetrically moved across each magnet poles in a controlled manner to change the magnetic field strength while keeping the uniform magnetic field distribution. Maximum magnetic field strength may occur when the rods are removed. Minimum magnetic field strength may occur when the rods are fully inserted.

Abstract: A method for classifying a substance is provided. The method includes transmitting an electromagnetic signal at the substance, measuring a portion of the electromagnetic signal reflected by the substance, determining a reflection coefficient of the substance using the measured portion of the electromagnetic signal, and outputting a classification of the substance based on the determined reflection coefficient.

Abstract: A substance identification system is configured to identify at least one detection target faster and with greater accuracy than is possible using prior substance identification systems and/or prior substance identification techniques. A chamber includes a pellet forming area having a predetermined geometry that is configured to maximize a ratio of a pellet surface area to a pellet volume. A magnet is positioned on one side of the chamber and configured to form a pellet of aggregated magnetic particles in the pellet forming area. A laser source is positioned on the same side of the chamber as the magnet and configured to illuminate the pellet, when the pellet is formed in the pellet forming area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to screen individuals specifically for paramagnetic or ferromagnetic objects they may be carrying or wearing, before they enter the high-field region of an MRI suite. The device comprises either a screening portal or a compact, hand-held magnetic gradiometer and its electronics. The device places all of the sensor arrays in close proximity to all parts of a subject's body, for screening purposes.

Abstract: A method to screen individuals specifically for paramagnetic or ferromagnetic objects they may be carrying or wearing, before they enter the high-field region of an MRI suite. The device used comprises either a screening portal or a compact, hand-held magnetic gradiometer and its electronics. The method places all of the sensor arrays in close proximity to all parts of a subject's body, for screening purposes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to screen individuals specifically for paramagnetic or ferromagnetic objects they may be carrying or wearing, before they enter a controlled area. The device comprises a screening portal, including multiple sensor arrays and associated electronics. The device places the sensor arrays in close proximity to a subject's body, including the head and feet if desired, for screening purposes. The portal can have multiple excitation sources oriented to generate a multi-axis excitation field, and multi-axis sensors. The portal can also have an interlock with the door of the controlled area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to screen individuals specifically for paramagnetic or ferromagnetic objects they may be carrying or wearing, before they enter a security area. The device comprises either a screening portal or a compact, hand-held magnetic gradiometer and its electronics. The device places all of the sensor arrays in close proximity to all parts of a subject's body, for screening purposes.

Abstract: A probe instrument using room-temperature sensor(s) that can measure variations in magnetic susceptibilities. The instrument has sufficient resolution to monitor paramagnetic materials in a human body, such as iron in a human liver, by noninvasively examining patients with iron-overload diseases. The instrument includes room temperature magnetic sensors, and detects the sample, that is, the tissue response to an alternating current field applied by an applied field coil. The applied field coil dimensions are chosen so that the applied field is optimized for maximum response from the liver while minimizing the effects due to the overlying abdominal tissue and at the same time not unduly increasing the sensitivity of the instrument to the lung. To overcome variations in the sensor output due to fluctuations in the applied field, change in the ambient temperature and mechanical relaxation of the instrument, the sensor-sample distance is modulated.

Abstract: A screening portal for detecting the passage of ferromagnetic threat objects, whether permanently magnetized or not, by the use of AC induction coil sensors to detect a non-magnetized object, in combination with sensors capable of detecting the passage of a permanently magnetized object.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for minimizing the effects of temperature drift in a magnetic susceptibility measurement instrument, such as an instrument used in pre-MRI screening for the presence of ferromagnetic foreign bodies. The magnetic field source and magnetic sensors can be combined into a single, rigid unit. The stability and sensitivity required in high quality magnetic susceptibility measurements can be achieved through symmetrical design of the source-sensor unit, minimization of thermal stresses, minimization of temperature variations, use of materials with low thermal expansion coefficients, or through appropriate combinations thereof. Use of patient eye movement where an eye is being screened, use of a water bag between the patient and the instrument, or use of telemedicine to facilitate performance of the necessary computations can also be incorporated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to screen individuals specifically for paramagnetic or ferromagnetic objects they may be carrying or wearing, before they enter a controlled area. The device comprises a screening portal, including at least one magnetic gradiometer and its electronics. The device places all of the sensor arrays in close proximity to a subject's body, for screening purposes. The portal has at least one excitation coil oriented to cause the excitation field to have zero mutual inductance with the gradiometers.