Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for detecting one or more thermal and/or mechanical properties of a structure. The method may include forming one or more test structures from a material that forms the structure, generating and storing calibration data determined from the one or more test structures, emitting X-ray radiation into the structure, detecting X-ray scatter from the structure, and determining the one or more properties of the structure based on the detected X-ray scatter and the calibration data.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a using method for a test wafer including a test substrate and a metal foil formed on the front side of the test substrate. The using method includes a modified layer forming step of applying a laser beam having a transmission wavelength to the test substrate from the back side of the test wafer in the condition where the focal point of the laser beam is set inside the test substrate, thereby forming a modified layer inside the test substrate, and a damage detecting step of observing the front side of the test wafer after performing the modified layer forming step, thereby detecting damage to the metal foil.

Abstract: Provided are a char feeding hopper that makes it possible to accurately measure char, a char recovery system, and a coal gasification combined power generation system. The char feeding hopper comprises: a char feeding hopper body that feeds separated char to a coal gasifier side; at least two casing tubes (121, 122) that are inserted from a side wall of the char feeding hopper body and that are provided so as to be aligned with one another in the vertical axis direction; a radiation source section (101) that is provided within the casing tube (121) and that emits ?-rays within the char feeding hopper body; and a ?-ray detector that is provided within the casing tube (122) and that detects emitted ?-rays. The cross-section of each casing tube (121, 122) has a shape that is provided with a tapered section (200) having an apex angle on the upper edge thereof.

Abstract: A method for scanning an individual with a security device includes providing a scanner, engaging the scanner in a first scanning mode to produce an initial scan of the individual with a controller, producing an initial representation based on the initial scan, determining a property of a second scanning mode based on information from the initial representation, and engaging the scanner in the second scanning mode to produce a second scan of the individual.

Abstract: A method and assembly for determining the thickness of layers of a sample stack influencing the intensity of reflected light from a light source. The thickness is determined from the intensity detected by an array detector with a plurality of detector elements in lines and columns. The detector comprises a plurality of sections in the form of parallel stripes, the stripes detecting the light reflected by the sample stack of layers simultaneously. Light of one selected wavelength range only is detected by each of the plurality of sections of the detector. The image of the sample stack on the detector or of the parallel stripes is moved in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the parallel stripes such that each point of the sample stack is detected at least once in each of the different wavelength ranges.

Abstract: The present invention is a device and method for the non-invasive detection of hazardous materials in an aquatic environment, wherein the device comprises a sealed housing, in which there is a fast neutron generator (101) surrounded by ? particle detectors (106), and gamma quantum detector (111), wherein the fast neutron generator (101) emits neutrons in the direction of the tested object (107) through the neutron and/or gamma quanta guide (108), and the gamma quanta detector records gamma quanta emitted by the nuclei of the tested object (107) transmitted through neutron and/or gamma quanta guide (110).

Abstract: A body scanner system for scanning a person to be scanned is described. Said body scanner system comprises a scan unit which has at least one antenna for emitting electromagnetic waves and a separately formed platform for said person. Said body scanner system comprises a scanning state in which said person stands on said platform during scanning while said scan unit is emitting electromagnetic waves used for scanning said person. Said body scanner system is transportable wherein said scan unit is formed such that said platform is held by said scan unit in a transportation state of said body scanner system. Further, a method for scanning a person is described.

Abstract: A nuclear material within a container is to be detected. Included are: a neutron source for generating neutrons emitted toward the container; a detection section capable of detecting neutrons including primary neutrons emitted from the neutron source and secondary neutrons generated through a nuclear fission reaction of the nuclear material; and a processing section for performing a reactor noise analysis process based on data obtained through detecting of neutrons by the detection section. The neutron source generates neutrons in a pulsatile manner. The processing section performs the reactor noise analysis process based on data obtained by excluding, from time series data obtained through detecting of neutrons by the detection section, data of a time range including a generation time of the neutrons generated by the neutron source in the pulsatile manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a pulse processing circuit (100) for the processing of current pulses (CP) generated by incident photons (X) in a piece of converter material, for instance in a pixel (11) of a radiation detector. Deviations of the pulse shape from a reference are detected and used to identify pulse corruption due to pile-up effects at high count rates and/or charge sharing between neighboring pixels. The deviation detection may for instance be achieved by generating, with a pulse shaper (110), bipolar shaped pulses from the current pulse (CP) and/or two shaped pulses of different shapes which can be compared to each other.

Abstract: Non-contacting caliper measurements of free standing sheets such as porous polymer and paper detect mid-IR interferometric fringes created by the reflection of light from the top and bottom surfaces of the sheet. The technique includes directing a laser beam at a selected angle of incidence onto a single spot on the exposed outer surface wherein the laser beam comprises radiation having a wavelength in the 3-50 micron range and scanning the laser beam through a selected angle range as the laser beam is directed onto the exposed outer surface and measuring the intensity of an interference pattern that forms from the superposition of radiation that is reflected from the exposed outer surface and from the inner surface. Thickness can be extracted from the fringe separation in the interference pattern. Rotating and focusing elements ensure that the spot position on the sheet remains the same while varying the incident angle.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a method and system for inspecting cargoes. The method comprises: acquiring a transmission image of the inspected cargoes; processing the transmission image to acquire an interested region; extracting features from the interested region, and determining cargo information of the inspected cargoes according to the extracted features; and providing a proposed treatment suggestion of the cargoes based on the determined cargo information and at least a part of information in a manifest. The above solution can facilitate an image judgment person to accurately judge whether the concerned cargoes are allowed to pass.

Abstract: A nuclear material within a container is to be detected. Included are: a neutron source for generating neutrons emitted toward the container; a detection section capable of detecting neutrons including primary neutrons emitted from the neutron source and secondary neutrons generated through a nuclear fission reaction of the nuclear material; and a processing section for performing a reactor noise analysis process based on data obtained through detecting of neutrons by the detection section. The neutron source generates neutrons in a pulsatile manner. The processing section performs the reactor noise analysis process based on data obtained by excluding, from time series data obtained through detecting of neutrons by the detection section, data of a time range including a generation time of the neutrons generated by the neutron source in the pulsatile manner.

Abstract: Drilling shaft deflection device (750) for establishing a deflection angle and azimuthal toolface direction of a drill bit (22) in a rotary steerable subterranean drill (20). The drilling shaft deflection device (750) includes a drilling shaft (24) rotatably supported in a housing (46) and a drilling shaft deflection assembly (92) contained within the housing (46) that transitions the drilling shaft (24) between deflected and undeflected configurations. The deflection device (750) further contains a pair of drive motors (760a, 760b) anchored to the housing (46) and respectively interconnected to eccentric ring actuators (156, 158) for deflecting and rotating the shaft (24).

Abstract: A method of monitoring component health is provided. The method includes moving a health monitor over a scattering surface of the component, emitting light of various wavelengths toward the scattering surface from a light source of the health monitor, observing one or more responses of the scattering surface to the light of the various wavelengths at a detector of the health monitor and identifying a condition of the scattering surface from the observed one or more responses of the scattering surface to the light of the various wavelengths.

Abstract: A device for measuring an amount of beryllium in a radioactive object, including: a hollow cylinder of a first piece made of a material to thermalize neutrons emitted by the radioactive object and a metal piece to mitigate a dose rate on the radioactive object, the first piece having a hollow cylinder shape deprived of a wall fraction, the metal piece including a solid part inserted in a space which corresponds to the deprived wall fraction of the first piece and a recessed part which is an extension of the solid part and is accommodated within the wall of the first piece, in contact with the first piece; a gamma radiation source accommodated in an indentation of the recessed part of the metal piece; and at least one neutron detector placed in a bulk of the first piece.

Abstract: A vehicle for external inspection of tubing conformed by a body with a magnetic traction arrangement in its lower part and at least one inspection device mounted on the body; In which the magnetic drive arrangement includes two front magnetic wheels, a rear magnetic wheel coupled to two servomotors, one for controlling longitudinal advancement and another rudder servomotor for controlling the spin or rotation of this third wheel, and wherein the magnetic drive arrangement Inspection consists of a laser sensor coupled to a linear actuator.

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: At least one property of a complex liquid is determined utilizing first and second sensing devices for measuring a respective first and second physical parameter of the liquid and generating respective first and second measured data indicative thereof. A control unit connectable to the sensing devices is used for analyzing the first and second measured data and determining the at least one property of the complex liquid. The first measured data may be responsive to a relatively low-frequency electric or electromagnetic field induced in the liquid, and the second measured data may be a response of the liquid to a relatively high-frequency external electromagnetic field applied to it.

Abstract: The present specification discloses a radiographic inspection system for screening an area. The inspection system has a container that defines an enclosed volume, a radiation source positioned within the enclosed volume, a detector array, a movable structure attached to a portion of the base of the container, and a controller programmed to move the movable structure to achieve an optimum height of the radiation source's field of view based upon a plurality of data.

Abstract: A method of determining and quantifying the presence and concentration of regulated radionuclides present in filter material used to remove radionuclide contaminants from the cooling water of a nuclear reactor. Multiple samples of the reactor cooling water are taken and the presence and concentration of directly measurable fission and activation produced radionuclides are determined through gamma spectroscopy. The release rate of radioactivity from the reactor as a function of the removal rate of the filter material is determined at equilibrium. The presence and the concentration of the indirectly measured fission regulated radionuclides are determined as a function of release rates of the directly measurable fission produced isotopes.

Abstract: A method for analysing at least one fuel rod comprising a stack of nuclear fuel, a rod comprising packed zones completely filled with fuel and intermediate zones partially full of fuel, comprises: acquiring a count profile associated with a non-migrating isotope, a profile being made up of spectrometry measurements taken along the rod for this isotope; determining a set of at least one indicator K_i that makes it possible to quantify the reduction in material at an intermediate zone of index i, the said indicator being deduced from the count profile; detecting the change in geometry by comparing the set of at least one indicator K_i against a set of at least one reference value RK indicative of the initial geometry of the nuclear fuel stack.

Abstract: In a method for determining optical properties by measuring intensities at a thin layer, light is directed into the thin layer and passes through a beam splitter, which directs a first part of the light onto the thin layer and a second part of the light onto a reference detector. Interference of the first part of the light in the thin layer is detected via a high-resolution detector and forwarded to an evaluating unit, which determines the reflection and/or transmission coefficients, which are correlated with the optical layer thickness through a comparison using at least one database stored in the evaluating unit. The optical layer thickness is obtained as a gray value modification by way of a gray scale value analysis and a conversion factor stored in the at least one data base. A corresponding device and intended uses of the method and device are also described.

Abstract: A portable x-ray backscattering imaging system for creating a backscatter image representing an object is disclosed. The portable x-ray backscattering imaging system may include a drum, a radioactive source, a plurality of backscatter detectors, and a portable exterior shield. The drum may be rotatable about an axis of rotation at a rotational speed. The radioactive source may be connected to the drum and configured to generate x-rays. The plurality of backscatter detectors may be configured to detect backscattering radiation created as the x-rays generated by the radioactive source scatter back from the object. The portable exterior shield may enclose the drum. The exterior shield may be constructed of a material that substantially blocks the x-rays and defines a window that allows for the x-rays to pass through.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to obtaining at least one sample of load or load path data from at least one piezoelectric sensor associated with a structure, comparing the at least one sample of data to at least one prior sample of data obtained from the at least one sensor, and providing a status of a health of the structure based on the comparison.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a method and a scanning system for the nonintrusive inspection of vehicles, container trucks and train carriages, realized without direct human intervention upon the inspected object, thus eliminating time wasting activities like physical control, unsealing, etc. The proposed method for nonintrusive inspection of vehicles and containers has a high inspection capacity (up to 200 vehicles per hour), by achieving a complete vehicle radiography (except the driver's cabin), while driving through a scanning portal, geometrically optimized to be transported rapidly in ISO standardized containers using conventional transport systems (airplane, ship, train, or terrestrial on public roads). The system which implements the method presented earlier is constituted from a mobile scanning unit and a mobile control center which is positioned outside the exclusion area “a” which remotely command all the processes involved in the nonintrusive inspection.

Abstract: A method of noninvasively determining desired positioning of a component beneath a substrate is described. The component has a concealing surface longitudinally separated by a substrate body from an accessible surface of the substrate. A component having longitudinally differing activated and deactivated positions is provided. The component is located longitudinally beneath the concealing surface of the substrate. The accessible surface of the substrate is inspected with an inspection device while the component is beneath the concealing surface. With the inspection device, at least one of an activated and a deactivated position of the component is detected. The detected activated and/or deactivated position of the component is indicated, in a user-perceptible format. An apparatus for noninvasively determining desired positioning of a component beneath a substrate is also provided.

Abstract: An X-ray detector (320), configured to have X-ray detecting elements (322) arranged in array, detects the intensity of X-rays that are radiated from the X-ray tube (311) and have passed through a subject (500). A data processing device (420) executes steps of: arranging scan data, which is based on the intensity of X-rays, in an array sequence of the X-ray detecting elements (322) or in a time sequence, to detect an anomalous scan data; associating a weight greater than “1” with scan data adjacent to the anomalous scan data, and associating a weight of “1” with other imaging data; calculating an update amount of a pixel vector that reflects these weights; and performing an iterative operation using the update amount to generate an X-ray CT image of the subject (500).

Abstract: A method includes obtaining a first small defect response at a given frequency of a first small defect on a first wellbore pipe positioned within a wellbore. A Fourier transform of the first small defect response is then calculated, and a first measured response at the given frequency of a first arbitrary metal loss defect in the first wellbore pipe is obtained with a sensor of a pipe inspection tool. A Fourier transform of the first measured response is then calculated, and a magnitude of the first arbitrary metal loss based on the Fourier transform of the first small defect response and the Fourier transform of the first measured response is then estimated.

Abstract: In one aspect the invention provides a system for non-destructive testing of overhead electrical power-line equipment. The system comprises a digital x-ray system and a support unit adapted to be suspended from said overhead electrical power-line equipment. The digital x-ray system comprises an x-ray source, an x-ray digital imager, an imager control unit and a wireless communication unit. The digital x-ray system is mounted on the support unit. Apparatus aspects for the support unit and method aspects are also provided.

Abstract: The techniques include an image recognition system to receive a realogram image including a plurality of organized objects and to detect and identify objects in the realogram image of one or more items on a retail shelf, identify shelf fronts and labels on the shelf fronts, identify empty space under shelves, identify areas where unidentified products may be, and identify areas where products are “out of stock”.

Abstract: A processing device and method for a spectrometric measurement in terms of energy of a photon flux that may be received by a photosensitive element of a detector comprises the following successive steps: converting each photon received by the photosensitive element into an electrical signal, a characteristic of which is representative of the energy of the photon considered; filtering each electrical signal with a first low-pass filter whose cutoff frequency is adjusted as a function of the photon flux, the bigger the flux, the higher the cutoff frequency; determining the characteristic of each filtered electrical signal; generating an energy spectrum for the photon flux received as a function of the characteristic of the filtered electrical signals; and filtering the energy spectrum with a second low-pass filter whose cutoff frequency is adjusted as a function of the photon flux, the bigger the flux, the lower the cutoff frequency.

Abstract: Photoelectron emission mapping systems for use with EUV (extreme ultraviolet) mask inspection and lithography systems are described. The mapping systems may be used to provide photoelectron emission maps for EUV photolithography masks and/or EUV mirrors. The systems use EUV photoelectron sources used for mask inspection or photolithography to impinge EUV light on the masks and/or mirrors. The EUV light generates photoelectron on the surfaces of the mask and/or mirrors and the photoelectrons are collected and analyzed by detectors placed away from optical spaces of the EUV chamber.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a booklet processing unit is disclosed. It includes a conveyance means for conveying a booklet containing an IC chip along a conveyance way; a printing means for printing a first particular information in the booklet; a recording means for recording a second particular information on the IC chip; a distinguishing means for distinguishing the quality of the printing state of the booklet and a recording state of the IC chip; and a marking means which moves a marking component and marks the booklet when the booklet is identified as being in a poor state by the distinguishing means such that the IC chip is avoided by the marking.

Abstract: An X-ray examination station includes a first source of X-ray radiation for whole body scanning of a human body using a first fan beam of X-ray radiation; a first vertical linear radiation detector configured to detect the first fan beam; a second source of X-ray radiation installed at mid-height of a person being examined, for scanning a central portion of the human body using a second fan beam of X-ray radiation; a second vertical detector of X-ray radiation configured to detect the second fan beam; and a control unit configured to turn on each of the X-ray radiation sources. The first and the second radiation fan beams are emitted in parallel planes. The first X-ray radiation source is turned on for the whole body scanning. The second X-ray radiation source is turned on for scanning the central portion of the body.

Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating the quality of a crystal includes an optical device that measures a surface reflectance of a wafer in which a V-pit is formed; and a data processing unit that calculates a threading dislocation density by calculating a difference in surface reflectance of the wafer that is measured by the optical device.

Abstract: An exemplary apparatus can be provided to determine information regarding a sample(s), which can include, for example an arrangement(s) composed of, at least partially, a particular material in a predetermined area thereof, and including a light facilitating device that can be configured to provide or receive a light radiation(s) to or from the sample(s). The particular material can have a characteristic which can facilitate a sufficient amount of X-ray radiation to pass therethrough so as to generate an X-ray image(s). An X-ray absorption of the material can be at most about 10 times that of a ¼? acrylic plate. The light facilitating device can include a light transmitting configuration which can provide the light radiation(s) to the sample.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for performing combined neutron and gamma ray radiography. For example, one exemplary system comprises: a neutron source; a set of alpha particle detectors configured to detect alpha particles associated with neutrons generated by the neutron source; neutron detectors positioned to detect at least some of the neutrons generated by the neutron source; a gamma ray source; a set of verification gamma ray detectors configured to detect verification gamma rays associated with gamma rays generated by the gamma ray source; a set of gamma ray detectors configured to detect gamma rays generated by the gamma ray source; and an interrogation region located between the neutron source, the gamma ray source, the neutron detectors, and the gamma ray detectors.

Abstract: A transmissive target includes a target layer configured to include target metal and generate X-ray when receiving electrons and a substrate configured to support the target layer and include carbon as a main component. A carbide region including carbide of the target metal and a non-carbide region including the target metal are disposed in a mixed manner on a boundary surface between the substrate and the target layer on a target layer side.

Abstract: The nitrate-nitrogen concentration in soil is estimated based on the nitrate-nitrogen 200 nm absorption peak. In one embodiment, a device measures the attenuation spectrum of a soil-extractant mixture over a wavelength range that includes wavelengths in the vicinity of the 200 nm absorption peak (the spectral operating range) and then determines the nitrate-nitrogen concentration based on the attenuation spectrum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for non-destructive, contact or non-contact inspection of composite assemblies using radiation having a frequency in the terahertz range (10 GHz-10 THz) of the spectrum, whereby said method is implemented as an embodiment of the system for non-destructive, contact or non-contact inspection of composite assemblies using terahertz radiation, that is also claimed under the present invention. Said method enables the forming of a two or three-dimensional image of the material structure of an assembly of composite materials, from which image detection and analysis of material conditions of the composite materials forming said composite assemblies is possible, irrespective of the way that the composite materials forming said composite assemblies were joined together, and without the need for a priori knowledge about the structural characteristics, shape or configuration of said composite materials (for instance layered, foam, placed on metal substrate).

Abstract: A method and system for determining the mineral content of a sample using an electron microscope. The method includes directing an electron beam toward an area of interest of a sample, the area of interest comprising an unknown composition of minerals. The working distance between the backscattered electron detector of the microscope and the area of interest of the sample is determined. Compensation is made for the difference between the working distance and a predetermined working distance in which the predetermined working distance being the working distance that provides desired grayscale values for detected backscattered electrons. One way of compensating for working distance variation is to used an autofocus feature of the microscope to adjust the working distance. Backscattered electrons from the area of interest of the sample are then detected.

Abstract: An electromagnetic wave measurement device includes an electromagnetic wave outputter that outputs an electromagnetic wave having a frequency equal to or more than 0.01 THz and equal to or less than 100 THz toward a device under test. An electromagnetic wave detector detects the electromagnetic wave which has transmitted through the device under test. A relative position changer changes a relative position of an intersection of an optical path of the electromagnetic wave transmitting through the device under test and the device under test, with respect to the device under test, so that the intersection is at a predetermined relative position due to the refraction of the electromagnetic wave by the device under test. A characteristic value deriver derives a characteristic value of the electromagnetic wave based on a detection result of the electromagnetic wave detector, the characteristic value being associated with the predetermined relative position.

Abstract: A D-D portable neutron generator-based PGNAA setup is designed and tested for nitrogen concentration measurements in bulk samples. The PGNAA set up response was tested through 2.50 MeV and 2.52 MeV nitrogen prompt gamma ray yield measurements and indicates that the excellent performance of the portable neutron generator-based PGNAA setup can be used for detection of elements with low thermal neutron capture cross-section.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a prompt gamma-ray detection apparatus for analyzing chemical materials using femtosecond pulse laser-induced neutrons, which can be effectively used in the nondestructive inspection of various materials, such as metals, coal, cement, radioactive materials and the like as well as explosives and chemical materials, and which can provide better measurement results for the analysis of basic materials, and a method of measuring prompt gamma-rays using the apparatus. The prompt gamma-ray detection apparatus is advantageous because it can non-destructively analyze the elements in a chemical sample using a femtosecond pulse laser-induced neutron generator that solves the problems of an atomic reactor for research or a radioactive isotope as a neutron radiation source.

Abstract: Method for identifying CVD diamond comprises (1) placing a clean diamond on a fixed platform; (2) illuminating the diamond with light having various wavelengths; (3) receiving reflected light from the diamond; (4) calculating a reflectance value at each wavelength based on a light intensity at each wavelength of the reflected light, generating a spectral reflectance curve; (5) determining whether the spectral reflectance curve has a sharp trough, then storing the diamond if the spectral reflectance curve thereof does not have the sharp trough, while selecting the diamond for a further identification if the spectral reflectance curve thereof has the sharp trough; and (6) determining whether the sharp trough of the diamond selected from the step (5) is at a wavelength between 227 nm and 233 nm, and identifying the diamond to be the CVD diamond if the sharp trough is at the wavelength between 227 nm and 233 nm.

Abstract: A method is proposed herein to detect high atomic number materials, such as Special Nuclear Materials, within a container based on muon tomography. The container is modeled as a plurality of volume elements. Information related to an initial trajectory and a final trajectory of each muon passing through the container is received. Additionally, a set of initial outer prong vectors and a set of final outer prong vectors are created. Then, a plurality of vector combinations are created from a selected initial vector and a selected final vector. A metric is determined and associated with each vector combination. A subset of the plurality of vector combinations is associated with each volume element and an estimated scattering density is determined and assigned to the volume element. Based on the estimated scattering density assigned to the volume elements, a three dimensional image of the container may be generated.

Abstract: A radiation measuring system includes a whole-body counter having upper and lower radiation detectors that are located in front of a measurement space, which has an inlet passage and is located in a housing, and that detects respective internal radiations of a measurement target and first and second internal radiations of a body region corresponding to one of a thyroid gland, a lung, a whole body, or a hypogastrium, and a processor controlling determination of an internal radioactive contamination location of the measurement target, based on a ratio of the first and second internal radiations, applying the optimal measurement mode corresponding to the ratio of the first and second internal radiations, and detecting the first and second internal radiations of a body region corresponding to the internal radioactive contamination location.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting the contents of a cargo container includes a neutron source having an ion source configured to provide deuterium or tritium ions and an accelerator configured to accelerate the ions toward a target having at least one of deuterium or tritium. The apparatus further includes a radiation detector where the neutron source is configured to deliver a neutron flux into the container and the radiation detector is configured to detect radiation exiting the container subsequent to the delivery of the neutron flux into the container.

Abstract: A sample observation method of the present invention comprises a step of defining, with respect to an electron microscope image, an outline of an observation object with respect to a sample (3), or a plurality of points located along the outline, and a step of arranging a plurality of fields of view for an electron microscope along the outline, wherein electron microscope images of the plurality of fields of view that have been defined and arranged along the shape of the observation object through each of the above-mentioned steps are acquired. It is thus made possible to provide a sample observation method that is capable of selectively acquiring, with respect to observation objects of various shapes, an electron microscope image based on a field of view definition that is in accordance with the shape of the observation object, as well as an electron microscope apparatus that realizes such a sample observation method.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for screening luggage are provided. X-ray images derived by scanning the luggage with X-rays are received and processed with an automated threat detection (ATD) engine. A determination is then made whether to subject respective ones of the X-ray images to further visual inspection by a human operator at least in part based on results obtained by the ATD engine. In certain cases, visual inspection by a human operator is by-passed and the ATD results are relied upon in order to mark luggage for further inspection or to mark luggage as clear. In another aspect, X-ray images derived by scanning the luggage using two or more X-ray scanning devices are pooled at a centralized location. ATD operations are applied to the X-ray images, which are then provided “on-demand” to a human operator for visual inspection. Results of the visual inspection are entered by the human operator and then conveyed to on-site screening technicians associated with respective X-ray scanning devices.