Lobster eye X-ray imaging system and method of fabrication thereof
First Claim
1. A backscatter-based X-ray staring imaging apparatus comprising:
- at least one X-ray generator for irradiating a selected target with a non-scanning broad beam;
an X-ray focusing device positioned for receiving X-ray backscatter from said irradiated target; and
a detector positioned relative to said focusing device for forming an image from said received X-ray backscatter.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A Lobster Eye X-ray Imaging System based on a unique Lobster Eye (LE) structure, X-ray generator, scintillator-based detector and cooled CCD (or Intensified CCD) for real-time, safe, staring Compton backscatter X-ray detection of objects hidden under ground, in containers, behind walls, bulkheads etc. In contrast to existing scanning pencil beam systems, Lobster Eye X-Ray Imaging System'"'"'s true focusing X-ray optics simultaneously acquire ballistic Compton backscattering photons (CBPs) from an entire scene irradiated by a wide-open cone beam from one or more X-ray generators. The Lobster Eye X-ray Imaging System collects (focuses) thousands of times more backscattered hard X-rays in the range from 40 to 120 keV (or wavelength λ=0.31 to 0.1 Å) than current backscatter imaging sensors (BISs), giving high sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and penetration through ground, metal walls etc. The collection efficiency of Lobster Eye X-ray Imaging System is optimized to reduce emitted X-ray power and miniaturize the device. This device is especially advantageous for and satisfies requirements of X-ray-based inspection systems, namely, penetration of the X-rays through ground, metal and other material concealments; safety; and man-portability. The advanced technology disclosed herein is also applicable to medical diagnostics and military applications such as mine detection, security screening and a like.
54 Citations
30 Claims
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1. A backscatter-based X-ray staring imaging apparatus comprising:
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at least one X-ray generator for irradiating a selected target with a non-scanning broad beam;
an X-ray focusing device positioned for receiving X-ray backscatter from said irradiated target; and
a detector positioned relative to said focusing device for forming an image from said received X-ray backscatter. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. An X-ray inspection system for generating an image of at least one object hidden behind a wall;
- the system comprising;
at least one X-ray source generating open cone X-ray radiation for irradiating an area to be inspected which area includes said wall and object;
a digital X-ray imaging detector for converting an X-ray image into an electronic image;
a lobster eye-based X-ray focusing structure for receiving and focusing X-ray radiation backscattered from said inspected area and onto said imaging detector for imaging said at least one object. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
- the system comprising;
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16. A lobster eye lens comprising:
a decussate arrangement of interleaved wafer-thin flat ribs configured as a three-dimensional array forming a plurality of contiguous channels of continuously diminishing square cross-section. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. In an X-ray imaging system comprising at least one-X-ray source for generating X-ray energy toward a proximate target area, a detector having a focal surface for receiving backscatter X-rays reflected from the target area, and a lobster eye lens for focusing said backscatter X-rays onto said detector focal surface;
- a defocusing effect compensator for reducing inadvertent defocusing image aberration, said compensator being based upon at least one of a) apodization;
b) focal surface movement; and
c) focal surface field curvature compensation.
- a defocusing effect compensator for reducing inadvertent defocusing image aberration, said compensator being based upon at least one of a) apodization;
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25. An angular staring spectrometer comprising:
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an X-ray source positioned at a first selected location relative to a sample to be analyzed;
a lobster eye lens positioned at a second selected location relative to said sample, said lens having a focusing surface; and
a plurality of X-ray detectors located on said focusing surface as an array of detectors selectively spaced from each other to provide an output based upon the cross-sectional geometry of the scattering cone generated by the X-ray backscatter from said sample which is indicative of the material of said sample. - View Dependent Claims (26)
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27. A method of generating an image of an area being inspected;
- the method comprising the steps of;
irradiating said area with X-ray energy;
positioning a detector for receiving X-ray backscatter from said irradiated area; and
placing an X-ray lobster eye lens between said area and said detector for focusing said X-ray backscatter onto said detector. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29, 30)
- the method comprising the steps of;
Specification