Abstract: The present specification discloses methods for inspecting an object. The method includes scanning an object in a two-step process. In the primary scan, a truck or cargo container (container) is completely scanned with a fan beam radiation, the transmitted radiation is measured with an array of detectors, and the transmission information and optionally the fission signatures are analyzed to determine the presence of high-density, high-Z and fissionable materials. If the container alarms in one or more areas, the areas are subjected to a secondary scan. This is done by precisely repositioning the container to the location of the suspect areas, adjusting the scanning system to focus on the suspect areas, performing a stationary irradiation of the areas, and analyzing the measured feature signatures to clear or confirm the presence of SNM.

Abstract: The present specification discloses methods for inspecting an object. The method includes scanning an object in a two-step process. In the primary scan, a truck or cargo container (container) is completely scanned with a fan beam radiation, the transmitted radiation is measured with an array of detectors, and the transmission information and optionally the fission signatures are analyzed to determine the presence of high-density, high-Z and fissionable materials. If the container alarms in one or more areas, the areas are subjected to a secondary scan. This is done by precisely repositioning the container to the location of the suspect areas, adjusting the scanning system to focus on the suspect areas, performing a stationary irradiation of the areas, and analyzing the measured feature signatures to clear or confirm the presence of SNM.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gamma-neutron detector based on mixtures of thermal neutron absorbers that produce heavy-particle emission following thermal capture. In one configuration, B-10 based detector is used in a parallel electrode plate geometry that integrates neutron moderating sheets, such as polyethylene, on the back of the electrode plates to thermalize the neutrons and then detect them with high efficiency. The moderator can also be replaced with plastic scintillator sheets viewed with a large area photomultiplier tube to detect gamma-rays as well. The detector can be used in several scanning configurations including portal, drive-through, drive-by, handheld and backpack, etc.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gamma-neutron detector based on mixtures of thermal neutron absorbers that produce heavy-particle emission following thermal capture. In one configuration, B-10 based detector is used in a parallel electrode plate geometry that integrates neutron moderating sheets, such as polyethylene, on the back of the electrode plates to thermalize the neutrons and then detect them with high efficiency. The moderator can also be replaced with plastic scintillator sheets viewed with a large area photomultiplier tube to detect gamma-rays as well. The detector can be used in several scanning configurations including portal, drive-through, drive-by, handheld and backpack, etc.

Abstract: The invention provides an X-ray source having a generator for generating an electron beam, an accelerator for accelerating the generated electron beam in a desired direction, one or more magnetic elements for transporting portions of the electron beam in a more than one desired direction, and a shaped target made from a material having an atomic number lying within a predetermined range of values, the transported parts of the electron beam producing a fan beam of X rays upon striking the shaped target.

Abstract: An inspection system for scanning cargo and vehicles is described which employs an X-ray source that includes an electron beam generator, for generating an electron beam; an accelerator for accelerating said electron beam in a first direction; and, a first set of magnetic elements for transporting said electron beam into a magnetic field created by a second set of magnetic elements, wherein the magnetic field created by said second set of magnetic elements causes said electron beam to strike a target such that the target substantially only generates X-rays focused toward a high density section in the scanned object, which is estimated in a second pulse using image data captured by a detector array in a first pulse. The electron beam direction is optimized by said X-ray source during said second pulse to focus X-rays towards said high density section based on said image data in said first pulse.

Abstract: The application discloses systems and methods for X-ray scanning for identifying material composition of an object being scanned. The system includes at least one X-ray source for projecting an X-ray beam on the object, where at least a portion of the projected X-ray beam is transmitted through the object, and an array of detectors for measuring energy spectra of the transmitted X-rays. The measured energy spectra are used to determine atomic number of the object for identifying the material composition of the object. The X-ray scanning system may also have an array of collimated high energy backscattered X-ray detectors for measuring the energy spectrum of X-rays scattered by the object at an angle greater than 90 degrees, where the measured energy spectrum is used in conjunction with the transmission energy spectrum to determine atomic numbers of the object for identifying the material composition of the object.

Abstract: An inspection system for scanning cargo and vehicles is described which employs an X-ray source that includes an electron beam generator, for generating an electron beam; an accelerator for accelerating said electron beam in a first direction; and, a first set of magnetic elements for transporting said electron beam into a magnetic field created by a second set of magnetic elements, wherein the magnetic field created by said second set of magnetic elements causes said electron beam to strike a target such that the target substantially only generates X-rays focused toward a high density section in the scanned object, which is estimated in a second pulse using image data captured by a detector array in a first pulse. The electron beam direction is optimized by said X-ray source during said second pulse to focus X-rays towards said high density section based on said image data in said first pulse.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gamma-neutron detector based on mixtures of thermal neutron absorbers that produce heavy-particle emission following thermal capture. In one configuration, B-10 based detector is used in a parallel electrode plate geometry that integrates neutron moderating sheets, such as polyethylene, on the back of the electrode plates to thermalize the neutrons and then detect them with high efficiency. The moderator can also be replaced with plastic scintillator sheets viewed with a large area photomultiplier tube to detect gamma-rays as well. The detector can be used in several scanning configurations including portal, drive-through, drive-by, handheld and backpack, etc.

Abstract: The application discloses systems and methods for X-ray scanning for identifying material composition of an object being scanned. The system includes at least one X-ray source for projecting an X-ray beam on the object, where at least a portion of the projected X-ray beam is transmitted through the object, and an array of detectors for measuring energy spectra of the transmitted X-rays. The measured energy spectra are used to determine atomic number of the object for identifying the material composition of the object. The X-ray scanning system may also have an array of collimated high energy backscattered X-ray detectors for measuring the energy spectrum of X-rays scattered by the object at an angle greater than 90 degrees, where the measured energy spectrum is used in conjunction with the transmission energy spectrum to determine atomic numbers of the object for identifying the material composition of the object.

Abstract: The present specification discloses methods for inspecting an object. The method includes scanning an object in a two-step process. In the primary scan, a truck or cargo container (container) is completely scanned with a fan beam radiation, the transmitted radiation is measured with an array of detectors, and the transmission information and optionally the fission signatures are analyzed to determine the presence of high-density, high-Z and fissionable materials. If the container alarms in one or more areas, the areas are subjected to a secondary scan. This is done by precisely repositioning the container to the location of the suspect areas, adjusting the scanning system to focus on the suspect areas, performing a stationary irradiation of the areas, and analyzing the measured feature signatures to clear or confirm the presence of SNM.

Abstract: The application discloses systems and methods for X-ray scanning for identifying material composition of an object being scanned. The system includes at least one X-ray source for projecting an X-ray beam on the object, where at least a portion of the projected X-ray beam is transmitted through the object, and an array of detectors for measuring energy spectra of the transmitted X-rays. The measured energy spectra are used to determine atomic number of the object for identifying the material composition of the object. The X-ray scanning system may also have an array of collimated high energy backscattered X-ray detectors for measuring the energy spectrum of X-rays scattered by the object at an angle greater than 90 degrees, where the measured energy spectrum is used in conjunction with the transmission energy spectrum to determine atomic numbers of the object for identifying the material composition of the object.

Abstract: The invention provides an X-ray source having a generator for generating an electron beam, an accelerator for accelerating the generated electron beam in a desired direction, one or more magnetic elements for transporting portions of the electron beam in a more than one desired direction, and a shaped target made from a material having an atomic number lying within a predetermined range of values, the transported parts of the electron beam producing a fan beam of X rays upon striking the shaped target.

Abstract: The present specification discloses a system for detecting nuclear material based on at least one source of probing radiation and the radiation signatures generated from interrogating an object under inspection. In addition, the present specification describes a threshold-activation detector capable of detecting prompt neutrons, via the activation, after the source's blinding radiation has stopped. The threshold-activation detector can be manufactured from liquid fluorocarbons that allow for the detection of beta radiation and gamma rays.

Abstract: The application discloses systems and methods for X-ray scanning for identifying material composition of an object being scanned. The system includes at least one X-ray source for projecting an X-ray beam on the object, where at least a portion of the projected X-ray beam is transmitted through the object, and an array of detectors for measuring energy spectra of the transmitted X-rays. The measured energy spectra are used to determine atomic number of the object for identifying the material composition of the object. The X-ray scanning system may also have an array of collimated high energy backscattered X-ray detectors for measuring the energy spectrum of X-rays scattered by the object at an angle greater than 90 degrees, where the measured energy spectrum is used in conjunction with the transmission energy spectrum to determine atomic numbers of the object for identifying the material composition of the object.

Abstract: A detector structure adjacent an opening in a cavity structure for detecting explosives in objects within such opening including a plurality of thin nonchlorinated hydrogenous wall members forming a passageway to define such opening. A source of high energy neutrons located adjacent the passageway to direct neutrons into the passageway. A premoderator formed by nonchlorinated hydrocarbon material surrounding the source of high energy neutrons to reduce the energy in at least a portion of the neutrons. A first moderator formed by heavy water surrounding the source of neutrons and the premoderator to reduce the energy in at least a further portion of the neutrons. A second moderator formed by carbonaceous material at least partially surrounding the plurality of thin hydrogenous wall members and the first moderator to reduce the energy in at least an additional portion of the neutrons and reflect back the additional portion of neutrons into the opening.

Abstract: A detector structure adjacent an opening in a cavity structure for detecting explosives in objects within such opening including a plurality of thin nonchlorinated hydrogenous wall members forming a passageway to define such opening. A source of high energy neutrons located adjacent the passageway to direct neutrons into the passageway. A premoderator formed by nonchlorinated hydrocarbon material surrounding the source of high energy neutrons to reduce the energy in at least a portion of the neutrons. A first moderator formed by heavy water surrounding the source of neutrons and the premoderator to reduce the energy in at least a further portion of the neutrons. A second moderator formed by carbonaceous material at least partially surrounding the plurality of thin hydrogenous wall members and the first moderator to reduce the energy in at least an additional portion of the neutrons and reflect back the additional portion of neutrons into the opening.

Abstract: A nuclear detection system and method uses an artificial neural system to efficiently detect explosives in checked airline baggage or other parcels with a high probability of detection (PD) and a low probability of false alarms (PFA). The detection system detects the presence of nitrogen and other elements and their rough density distribution within the object under investigation by performing a nuclear-based analysis of the object. The detection system includes a source of neutrons; an array of gamma ray detectors; at least one neutron detector; means for irradiating the object being examined with neutrons from the neutron source, which neutrons interact with the atomic nuclei of one or more specific elements, e.g.

Abstract: A system for detecting the presence of explosives contained in an object under observation, including a cavity structure for receiving the object and a radiation source for producing thermal neutrons directed to the object under observation. Gamma rays are produced to represent the presence of explosives and as an example the concentration of nitrogen contained in the object. Inorganic scintillators are located within the cavity structure to detect the gamma rays and produce an output signal representative of the presence and concentration of the nitrogen and/or other elements contained in the object. The inorganic scintillators are formed as a ring around the cavity structure to detect the nitrogen and/or other elements within at least one particular plane passing through the object. The object under observation is moved through the cavity structure to detect the nitrogen in successive planes to build up a three dimensional profile of explosives concentration.

Abstract: An apparatus and method non-invasively interrogates an object to detect contraband. The apparatus irradiates the object with fast neutrons of energy greater than 6.7 MeV, and measures the ensuing gamma-ray spectra. Irradiation of the object is accomplished by producing a neutron beam and moving the interrogated object stepwise or continuously relative to the beam. The nuclear interactions of highly penetrating neutrons within the irradiated volume of the object give rise to energetic nuclear-species characteristic gamma-rays. The energy and intensity of the emitted gamma-rays provide information relative to the spatial and density distributions of the gamma-ray sources, i.e., the specific atomic nuclei within the object. From this information, three-dimensional images of the atomic nuclei spatial and density distributions are inferred. Such three-dimensional images allow a decision to be made as to the presence of contraband. Measurements are made using arrays of gamma-ray scintillator detectors.