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Multiple energy x-ray source for security applications

  • US 20050117683A1
  • Filed: 10/04/2004
  • Published: 06/02/2005
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/10/2000
  • Status: Abandoned Application
First Claim
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1. An inspection system for inspecting an object, the inspection system comprising a. at least one source of penetrating radiation for irradiating the object, each source characterized at each instant of time by an instantaneous energy spectrum and an intensity;

  • b. a first detector for detecting the penetrating radiation after interaction with the object;

    c. a second detector for detecting products of an interaction between the penetrating radiation and the object;

    d. a regulator for actuating the at least one source so as to provide penetrating radiation for irradiating the object, wherein the penetrating radiation;

    i. has a first instantaneous spectrum dominated by photons of energies less than a first fiducial energy in a first instance wherein photons of energies less than the first fiducial energy penetrate through the object and are registered by the first detector;

    ii. has a second instantaneous spectrum dominated by photons of energies exceeding a second fiducial energy and less than a third fiducial energy in a second instance wherein photons of energies less than the first fiducial energy do not penetrate through the object and photons of energies exceeding a second fiducial energy and less than a third fiducial energy penetrate through the object and are registered by at least one of the detectors;

    iii. has a third instantaneous spectrum dominated by photons of energies exceeding a fourth fiducial energy in a third instance wherein photons of energies less than the third fiducial energy do not penetrate through the object and a product of an interaction between photons of energies exceeding a fourth fiducial energy and the object are registered by the second detector;

    such that an average radiation dose is maintained below a specified level.

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