Abstract: The present disclosure provides a back scattering inspection system and a back scattering inspection method. The back scattering inspection system includes a frame and a back scattering inspection device. The rack includes a track arranged vertically or obliquely relative to the ground, and a space enclosed by the track forms an inspection channel; and the back scattering inspection device includes a back scattering ray emitting device and a back scattering detector, and the back scattering inspection device is movably disposed on the track for inspecting an inspected object passing through the inspection channel. The back scattering inspection system can perform back scattering inspection on a plurality of surfaces of the inspected object.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and apparatus for characterizing high aspect ratio (HAR) structures of fabricated or partially fabricated semiconductor devices. The methods involve using small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) to determine average parameters of an array of HAR structures. In some implementations, SAXS is used to analyze symmetry of HAR structures in a sample and may be referred to as tilted structural symmetry analysis-SAXS (TSSA-SAXS) or TSSA. Analysis of parameters such as tilt, sidewall angle, bowing, and the presence of multiple tilts in HAR structures may be performed.

Abstract: The present specification discloses a covert mobile inspection vehicle with a backscatter X-ray scanning system that has an X-ray source and detectors for obtaining a radiographic image of an object outside the vehicle. The systems preferably include at least one sensor for determining a distance from at least one of the detectors to points on the surface of the object being scanned, a processor for processing the obtained radiographic image by using the determined distance of the object to obtain an atomic number of each material contained in the object, and one or more sensors to obtain surveillance data from a predefined area surrounding the vehicle.

Abstract: A downhole segmented radiation detector tool measuring formations surrounding a borehole is provided, the tool including at least a plurality of segments capable of detecting radiation, wherein the segments return to the tool after interacting with material surrounding the tool; and radiation shielding configured to allow radiation directly from a radiation source to pass internally through the downhole tool to a reference segment. A method of measuring formations surrounding a borehole is also provided, the method including at least: lowering a downhole tool into a borehole surrounded by a subterranean formation; detecting a first plurality of X-rays or gamma-rays that return to the downhole tool after interacting with materials surrounding the downhole tool using a first segment of an array segmented radiation detector; and configuring associated radiation shielding to allow radiation directly from a radiation source to pass internally through the downhole tool to the reference segment.

Abstract: Containers for disposal of waste materials, used or unused having desired burn properties. The containers have tailored or engineered properties based on material construction so that they are burnable and alter burn properties of the source materials, used or unused, contained therein. The containers may also include cavities into which accelerants, retarders, combustion aids, fuel value enhancing agents, additives to change an ash composition, other additives or the like are added.

Abstract: Ultralow-dose, x-ray or gamma-ray imaging is based on fast, electronic control of the output of a laser-Compton x-ray or gamma-ray source (LCXS or LCGS). X-ray or gamma-ray shadowgraphs are constructed one (or a few) pixel(s) at a time by monitoring the LCXS or LCGS beam energy required at each pixel of the object to achieve a threshold level of detectability at the detector. An example provides that once the threshold for detection is reached, an electronic or optical signal is sent to the LCXS/LCGS that enables a fast optical switch that diverts, either in space or time the laser pulses used to create Compton photons. In this way, one prevents the object from being exposed to any further Compton x-rays or gamma-rays until either the laser-Compton beam or the object are moved so that a new pixel location may be illumination.

Abstract: A method of examination of an object comprising the steps of: applying a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance technique to obtain a data item correlated to the relative nuclear susceptibility within the sample; obtaining a further data item correlated to another measure of the object under examination; determining therefrom a ratio.

Abstract: An X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes an X-ray generation circuit generating X-rays, X-ray detection circuit including X-ray detection modules detecting the X-rays for respective energy widths, counting circuit counting a photon originating from the X-rays for the respective energy widths based on an output from the X-ray detection circuit, and reconstruction circuit reconstructing a medical image based on an output from the counting circuit. Each of the X-ray detection modules includes a collimator collimating the X-rays, diffraction cell arranged on a rear surface side of the collimator and diffracting the X-ray at an angle corresponding to an energy of the X-ray, and X-ray detector cells arranged in a predetermined distance away from a rear surface of the collimator, and detecting the diffracted X-ray.

Abstract: A Compton tomography system comprises an x-ray source configured to produce a planar x-ray beam. The beam irradiates a slice of an object to be imaged, producing Compton-scattered x-rays. The Compton-scattered x-rays are imaged by an x-ray camera. Translation of the object with respect to the source and camera or vice versa allows three-dimensional object imaging.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting special nuclear materials are disclosed. Said method and system detect the special nuclear materials by making use of the photofission characteristic and thermal neutron induced fission characteristic thereof. In one preferred embodiment, the high density and/or high atomic number region in the object to be detected is also detected first as a suspicious region.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting an object. A radiation generation system is configured to emit radiation. A detector system is configured to detect backscatter formed in response to the radiation encountering the object. A redirection system is positioned relative to the detector system and is configured to redirect the backscatter to the detector system.

Abstract: A system for the inspection of the internal structure of a target includes at least one x-ray source that emits collimated x-rays to irradiate the target. At least one detector is positioned to detect backscatter x-rays from the target. The detector may include a collimation slot that limits the field of view of the detector. The target may be a railway component and the system may inspect the internal structure of the component as it is moved along the railway by a vehicle. The system may detect a change in the density of a target based on a comparison of the detected backscatter x-rays. The use of a plurality of segmented backscatter x-ray detectors having a collimation slot may pixelate the internal image in the direction of the collimation slot.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inspecting personnel or their effects. A first and second carriage each carries a source for producing a beam of penetrating radiation incident on a given subject. A positioner provides for relative motion of each beam vis-à-vis the subject in a motion, the vertical component of which is one-way. A detector receives radiation produced by at least one of the sources after the radiation interacts with the subject.

Abstract: The miniaturized pipe inspection system for measuring corrosion and scale in small pipes utilizes scattered radiation, which is measured by high efficiency solid scintillation gamma detector/spectrometer inserted inside the tube and separated from its bulky photomultiplier tube (PMT) and associated electronics by light pipe or fiber optic cable whose diameter can be very small. The light signal produced in the scintillation material is transmitted through the light pipe to outside the pipe to be inspected, where a PMT and electronic components including gamma ray energy analyzers are located. Gamma spectroscopy combined with gamma counting allows for multiple gamma ray primary and multiple backscattered radiation, thereby yielding high accuracy and high reliability of obtained corrosion, erosion and deposits data.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing a granulate for producing a pharmaceutical product has a data receiving unit adapted for receiving X-ray diffraction data indicative of a scattering of X-rays irradiated onto the granulate, a processor unit adapted for processing the X-ray diffraction data to derive information indicative of a compressibility and/or a dissolution characteristic of the granulate, and a control unit adapted for controlling a process of producing a pharmaceutical product based on the derived information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for identifying unknown substances in an object. According to the state of the art a collimated X-ray beam is directed onto the object and X-ray energy scattered from the object is detected and measured. The measurement values detected are compared to known measurement values corresponding to specific substances or classes of substances to identify unknown substances in the object.

Abstract: A technique for use in security screening and detection contexts employs an X-ray explosive imager that acquires images from backscattered RF modulated X-ray signals on which a time series analysis is performed to detect image change across the time series of images that represent pixels changing at the rate of the difference frequency of the RF frequency and the a priori NQR signature frequencies.

Abstract: A system and a method for measuring an ash content and a calorific value of a coal are provided. The system comprises: at least two dual-energy gamma ray transmission measuring devices and a computing device, in which at least one first dual-energy gamma ray transmission measuring device is disposed before an inlet of a coal combustion apparatus for measuring a first attenuation coefficient of a gamma ray from the at least one first dual-energy gamma ray transmission measuring device with regard to the coal; at least one second dual-energy gamma ray transmission measuring device is disposed after an outlet of the coal combustion apparatus for measuring a second attenuation coefficient of a gamma ray from the at least one second dual-energy gamma ray transmission measuring device with regard to a coal ash; and the computing device is configured to compute the ash content and the calorific value of the coal.

Abstract: The present specification discloses a covert mobile inspection vehicle with a backscatter X-ray scanning system that has an X-ray source and detectors for obtaining a radiographic image of an object outside the vehicle. The systems preferably include at least one sensor for determining a distance from at least one of the detectors to points on the surface of the object being scanned, a processor for processing the obtained radiographic image by using the determined distance of the object to obtain an atomic number of each material contained in the object, and one or more sensors to obtain surveillance data from a predefined area surrounding the vehicle.

Abstract: The energy of an X-ray beam and critical depth are selected to detect structural discontinuities in a material having an atomic number Z of 57 or greater. The critical depth is selected by adjusting the geometry of a collimator that blocks backscattered radiation so that backscattered X-ray originating from a depth less than the critical depth is not detected. Structures of Lanthanides and Actinides, including nuclear fuel rod materials, can be inspected for structural discontinuities such as gaps, cracks, and chipping employing the backscattered X-ray.

Abstract: A method for characterizing a material, comprising: arranging a piece of the material near a source of ionizing photons and a detector; irradiating the piece with photons and acquiring, via the detector, two energy spectra of a photon flux that has been diffused into the material at various depths, the ratio of the photon paths in the material before and after diffusion remaining constant; determining a combined attenuation function with the spectra and the paths; selecting a plurality of energy ranges from said function; calculating, in each range, a quantity that is representative of the function; and estimating, from at least two of said quantities, a physical characteristic of the material by comparison with the same quantities obtained from known materials.

Abstract: One aspect relates to at least a portion of at least one Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider configured to receive an at least one Compton scattered X-ray that has scattered through a substantial scattering depth range to one or more substantial prescribed scattering depths within an at least one matter of an at least a portion of an individual based at least in part on a set of scattering characteristics, the set of scattering characteristics at least partially corresponding to the at least one matter of the least the portion of the individual; the at least the portion of the at least one Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider being configured for providing an at least one Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing through one or more visualization, imaging, or information providing depth ranges to one or more visualization, imaging, or information providing prescribed depths into the at least one matter of the least t

Abstract: A system and method for inspecting a vehicle or other object by means of two sources and one or more detectors of penetrating radiation. The sources and detector(s) are carried on a mobile conveyance and deployed at a point of operation. One source irradiates an inspected object from within an enclosure, while a second source swings away from the conveyance on a deployable member, such as a boom, such that the second source can irradiate the vehicle from above. A backscatter image of the inspected object is based at least in part on radiation from the second source scattered by the inspected object.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for obtaining radiation interaction data from an object to enable better determination of the composition of the object. A radiation source and a radiation detector system are used to collect both transmitted and scattered radiation, preferably including radiation from at least one forward scatter mode. The detector system is capable of detecting and collecting spectroscopically resolvable information about incident radiation. Each intensity dataset is resolved across at least three of energy bands within the spectrum of the source, and this data may then be processed numerically to enable better determination of the composition of the object.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for screening subjects at security locations while preserving the privacy of subjects and retaining the efficiency and thus, throughput, of the screening process. More specifically, the present invention is an improved X-ray detection system and method that allows for maximum threat detection performance with improved verbal and visual communication between the screening and imaging system operator and an image analyst, either proximally or remotely located, thus allowing for an accurate, directed physical search and minimal “pat-down” of subjects under inspection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for screening an object, such as electronic equipment, for the presence of foreign substances. According to the state of the art, a collimated X-ray beam is directed onto the object and X-ray energy scattered from the object is detected and measured. The method and device according to the invention further execute the following steps: determining the number of counts corresponding to at least the integral inelastic part of the spectrum measured; and establishing the presence or absence of foreign substances based on evaluation of the number of counts determined.

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: Mechanisms for identifying a characteristic of a material. An X-ray signal is generated. The X-ray signal is modulated with at least two radio frequency modulation signals to form a modulated X-ray signal. The modulated X-ray signal is directed toward a target material. A backscatter signal is received from the target material, the backscatter signal including harmonic components generated by the target material in response to receiving the modulated X-ray signal. Based at least in part on the harmonic components, a characteristic of the target material is identified.

Abstract: Provided are an X-ray analyzer and a mapping method for an X-ray analysis which, in a inspection for a harmful substance contained in, for example, a material or a composite electronic component, enable determination as to whether a sample is normal or abnormal to be performed visually based on an image obtained by the X-ray mapping analysis. In the X-ray analyzer, an X-ray mapping image of a sample which is confirmed to be normal in advance is obtained as a reference mapping image. A mapping analysis is performed on a inspection sample. A difference from the reference mapping image is obtained for each pixel, to thereby display a difference mapping image. A region in which the amount of specific element is larger than a reference amount is displayed with high brightness, and hence an abnormal portion may be easily found.

Abstract: A device for detection and identification of carbon- and nitrogen-containing materials is described. In particular, the device performs the detection and identification of carbon- and nitrogen-containing materials by photo-nuclear detection. The device may comprise a race-track microtron, a breaking target, and a water-filled Cherenkov radiation counter.

Abstract: A method and system for determining a property of a sample of fluid in a borehole. A fluid sample is collected in a downhole tool. While collecting, X-rays are transmitted proximate the fluid from an X-ray source in the tool and an X-ray flux that is a function of a property of the fluid is detected. The detected X-ray flux data is processed to determine the property of the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for identifying unknown substances in an object. According to the state of the art a collimated X-ray beam is directed onto the object and X-ray energy scattered from the object is detected and measured. The measurement values detected are compared to known measurement values corresponding to specific substances or classes of substances to identify unknown substances in the object.

Abstract: Systems and methods for inspecting an object with a scanned beam of penetrating radiation. Scattered radiation from the beam is detected, in either a backward or forward direction, as is radiation transmitted through the inspected object. The source of penetrating radiation is concealed within an enclosure of a road-worthy vehicle, and detected with a large-area uncollimated detector similarly concealed within the enclosure.

Abstract: In the present disclosure, before disassembly of liquid crystal module (1) having liquid crystal panel (2) and a back light, irradiation is performed with X-rays (13) from the front surface side of liquid crystal panel (2) of liquid crystal module (1). By this irradiation with X-rays (13), generated fluorescent X-rays (14) are detected to analyze an element contained in liquid crystal panel (2), while X-rays (17) backscattered or transmitted to the rear surface side of liquid crystal module (1) are detected to determine a type and a state of the back light. Then, based on the determined type and state of the back light, liquid crystal module (1) is disassembled.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices involving segmented radiation detectors are provided. For example, a segmented radiation detector may include a segmented scintillator and an optical-to-electrical converter. The segmented scintillator may have several segments that convert radiation to light, at least one of which may detect radiation arriving from an azimuthal angle around an axis of the segmented scintillator. The optical-to-electrical converter may be coupled to the segmented scintillator. The optical-to-electrical converter may receive the light from the segments of the segmented scintillator and output respective electrical signals corresponding to the amount of radiation detected by each segment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inspecting personnel or their effects. A first and second carriage each carries a source for producing a beam of penetrating radiation incident on a given subject. A positioner provides for relative motion of each beam vis-à-vis the subject in a motion, the vertical component of which is one-way. A detector receives radiation produced by at least one of the sources after the radiation interacts with the subject.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems of scanning a target for potential threats using the energy spectra of photons scattered from the target to determine the spatial distributions of average atomic number and/or mass in the target. An exemplary method comprises: illuminating each of a plurality of voxels of the target with a photon beam; determining an incident flux upon each voxel; measuring the energy spectrum of photons scattered from the voxel; determining, using the energy spectrum, the average atomic number in the voxel; and determining the mass in the voxel using the incident flux, the average atomic number of the material in the voxel, the energy spectrum, and a scattering kernel corresponding to the voxel. An exemplary system may use threat detection heuristics to determine whether to trigger further action based upon the average atomic number and/or mass of the voxels.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an article inspection device, comprising: a x-ray machine, a collimation unit, a transmission detector array and at least one scattering detector array. Each of the at least one scattering detector array comprising a plurality of same scattering detector modules arranged in a matrix of i-rows and j-columns. A transmission cross section of the article transmitted by the x-rays is divided into a plurality of same sub-regions arranged in a matrix of i-rows and j-columns. The plurality of scattering detector modules arranged in i-rows and i-columns correspond to the plurality of sub-regions arranged in i-rows and j-columns one by one for detecting pair production effect annihilation photons and Compton-effect scattering photons from the respective sub-regions.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspection of a sample includes an X-ray source, which is configured to irradiate a location on the sample with a beam of X-rays. An X-ray detector is configured to receive the X-rays that are scattered from the sample and to output a first signal indicative of the received X-rays. A VUV source is configured to irradiate the location on the sample with a beam of VUV radiation. A VUV detector is configured to receive the VUV radiation that is reflected from the sample and to output a second signal indicative of the received VUV radiation. A processor is configured to process the first and second signals in order to measure a property of the sample.

Abstract: Radiation is directed at an object, and radiation scattered by the object is sensed. An angular distribution of scatter in the sensed scattered radiation relative to a path of the radiation directed at the object is determined, and the angular distribution is evaluated. One or more atomic numbers, or effective atomic numbers, of materials composing the object is determined based on evaluating the angular distribution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel system and method for the determination of depth profiling with improved accuracy and reliability. The method comprises obtaining spectroscopic data from the sample while under at least two different electrical conditions of the sample, the spectroscopic data comprising a signal of charged particles emitted from the sample, and being indicative of a change in amplitude, spectral position and spectral shape of the signal from the sample while under different electrical conditions of the sample, the change being indicative of the compositional profile and spatial distribution for at least one chemical element in the sample along a direction through the sample.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems of scanning a target for potential threats using the energy spectra of photons scattered from the target to determine the spatial distributions of average atomic number and/or mass in the target. An exemplary method comprises: illuminating each of a plurality of voxels of the target with a photon beam; determining an incident flux upon each voxel; measuring the energy spectrum of photons scattered from the voxel; determining, using the energy spectrum, the average atomic number in the voxel; and determining the mass in the voxel using the incident flux, the average atomic number of the material in the voxel, the energy spectrum, and a scattering kernel corresponding to the voxel. An exemplary system may use threat detection heuristics to determine whether to trigger further action based upon the average atomic number and/or mass of the voxels.

Abstract: A first image including a projection of a portion is generated based on data representing attenuation of higher-energy radiation having a peak energy of at least 1 MeV that passes through a portion of an inspection volume. A second image including a projection of the portion is generated based on data representing attenuation of lower-energy radiation passing through the portion of the inspection volume. A dual-pixel image is created from the first image and the second image. A region of interest is selected from the dual-pixel image. A first basis function that is derived from an attenuation characteristic associated with the region of interest is selected. The region of interest is represented in terms of an amplitude associated with the first basis function and an amplitude associated with the second basis function.

Abstract: The present specification discloses a covert mobile inspection vehicle with a backscatter X-ray scanning system that has an X-ray source and detectors for obtaining a radiographic image of an object outside the vehicle. The systems preferably include at least one sensor for determining a distance from at least one of the detectors to points on the surface of the object being scanned, a processor for processing the obtained radiographic image by using the determined distance of the object to obtain an atomic number of each material contained in the object, and one or more sensors to obtain surveillance data from a predefined area surrounding the vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspection of a sample includes an X-ray source, which is configured to irradiate a location on the sample with a beam of X-rays. An X-ray detector is configured to receive the X-rays that are scattered from the sample and to output a first signal indicative of the received X-rays. A VUV source is configured to irradiate the location on the sample with a beam of VUV radiation. A VUV detector is configured to receive the VUV radiation that is reflected from the sample and to output a second signal indicative of the received VUV radiation. A processor is configured to process the first and second signals in order to measure a property of the sample.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for estimating the tenderness of meat comprises scanning a sample of meat through an x-ray beam; detecting or measuring the transmitted x-ray radiation through the meat sample; relating the transmitted x-ray radiation to a characteristic of the shear force of the meat sample; and assessing the tenderness of the meat sample from the characteristic of the shear force.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems of scanning a target for potential threats using the energy spectra of photons scattered from (lie target to determine the spatial distributions of average atomic number and/or mass in the target. An exemplary method comprises: illuminating each of a plurality of voxels of the target with a photon beam; determining an incident flux upon each voxel; measuring the energy spectrum of photons scattered from the voxel; determining, using the energy spectrum, the average atomic number in the voxel; and determining the mass in the voxel using the incident flux, the average atomic number of the material in the voxel, the energy spectrum, and a scattering kernel corresponding to the voxel. An exemplary system may use threat detection heuristics to determine whether to trigger further action based upon the average atomic number and/or mass of the voxels.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for screening subjects at security locations while preserving the privacy of subjects and retaining the efficiency and thus, throughput, of the screening process. More specifically, the present invention is an improved X-ray detection system and method that allows for maximum threat detection performance with improved verbal and visual communication between the screening and imaging system operator and an image analyst, either proximally or remotely located, thus allowing for an accurate, directed physical search and minimal “pat-down” of subjects under inspection.

Abstract: Systems and methods for inspecting an object with a scanned beam of penetrating radiation. Scattered radiation from the beam is detected, in either a backward or forward direction. Characteristic values of the scattered radiation are compared to expected reference values to characterize the object. Additionally, penetrating radiation transmitted through the inspected object may be combined with scatter information. In certain embodiments, the inspected field of view is less than 0.1 steradians, and the detector is separate from the source of penetrating radiation and is disposed, with respect to the object, such as to subtend greater than 0.5 steradians in the field of view of the object.

Abstract: Containers for disposal of waste materials, used or unused having desired burn properties. The containers have tailored or engineered properties based on material construction so that they are burnable and alter burn properties of the source materials, used or unused, contained therein. The containers may also include cavities into which accelerants, retarders, combustion aids, fuel value enhancing agents, additives to change an ash composition, other additives or the like are added.