System and Method For Measuring and Analyzing Target Emissions

• US 20120168635A1
• Filed: 03/16/2012
• Published: 07/05/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 08/17/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Leidos, Inc. (Leidos Holdings, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Leidos, Inc. (Leidos Holdings, Inc.)
• Inventors: Vourvopoulos, George, Holslin, Daniel T., Martinez, Juan J.
• Application Number:
  US13/423,165
• Publication Number:
  US 20120168635A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 250/393
• CPC Class Codes: G01T 1/167 Measuring radioactive content of objects, e.g. contamination whole body counters G01T1/163
• CPC Class Codes: G01T 3/00 Measuring neutron radiation G01T5/00 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01V 5/20 Detecting prohibited goods, e.g. weapons, explosives, hazardous substances, contraband or smuggled objects
• CPC Class Codes: G01V 5/234 Measuring induced radiation, e.g. thermal neutron activation analysis

Abstract

An interrogation component is controllable between three detection/timing modes: neutron generator OFF for predetermined amount of time (Mode 1), neutron generator pulsing at 5-10 kHz/2-10 microseconds (Mode 2), and neutron generator pulsing at 200-400 Hz/25-200 microseconds (Mode 3). Utilizing the interrogation component in the three detection/timing modes to inspect a target facilitates data collection in both passive and active modes for both passive and stimulated emissions of gamma and neutron radiation.

Claims

1. A method of interrogating the contents of a target comprising:

directing neutron pulses having a first frequency at the target;

detecting a first type of radiation emitted from the target in response to the neutron pulses at the first frequency;

directing neutron pulses having a second frequency at the target; and

detecting a second type of radiation emitted from the target in response to the neutron pulse at the second frequency.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising directing gamma radiation at the target and detecting at least a portion of the gamma radiation that passes through the target.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising detecting a third type of radiation emitted from the target that is not response to interrogation by the neutron pulses.