VISIBLE X-RAY INDICATION AND DETECTION SYSTEM FOR X-RAY BACKSCATTER APPLICATIONS

• US 20160025658A1
• Filed: 07/22/2014
• Published: 01/28/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 07/22/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: The Boeing Co.
• Original Assignee: The Boeing Co.
• Inventors: Georgeson, Gary E.
• Granted Patent: US 9,594,033 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2223/053 back scatter
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2223/0766 X-ray fluorescence with indicator, tags
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2223/32 adjustments of elements during operation
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 23/203 Measuring back scattering
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 23/223 by irradiating the sample with X-rays or gamma-rays and by measuring X-ray fluorescence
• CPC Class Codes: G01T 1/04 Chemical dosimeters G01T1/06, G01T1/08 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01T 1/10 Luminescent dosimeters
• CPC Class Codes: G01T 1/16 Measuring radiation intensity G01T1/29 takes precedence ; self-powered detectors G01T3/006; using an ionisation chamber filled with a liquid or solid, e.g. frozen liquid, dielectric G01T3/008
• CPC Class Codes: G01T 1/20 with scintillation detectors
• CPC Class Codes: G01T 7/00 Details of radiation-measuring instruments
• CPC Class Codes: G01V 5/22 Active interrogation, i.e. by irradiating objects or goods using external radiation sources, e.g. using gamma rays or cosmic rays
• CPC Class Codes: G01V 5/222 measuring scattered radiation

Abstract

An X-ray backscatter indication and detection system, including an object disposed with respect to a target area targeted by X-rays, such that X-rays that backscatter from the target area strike the surface of the object. The surface of the object includes an X-ray sensitive indicator substance that fluoresces with a visible light when contacted by backscattered X-rays.

Claims

1. An X-ray backscatter indication and detection system comprising:

an object disposed with respect to a target area targeted by X-rays, such that backscattered X-rays that backscatter from the target area strike a surface of the object, wherein the surface of the object includes an X-ray sensitive indicator substance that fluoresces with a visible light when contacted by backscattered X-rays.

2. The X-ray backscatter indication and detection system of claim 1, wherein said X-ray sensitive indicator substance that fluoresces is a Q-dot solution.

3. The X-ray backscatter indication and detection system of claim 1 further comprising an additional X-ray sensitive indicator substance.

4. The X-ray backscatter indication and detection system of claim 1 further comprising:

an image capture device operatively disposed with respect to the object to detect the visible light resulting from fluorescence of the X-ray sensitive indicator substance.

5. The X-ray backscatter indication and detection system of claim 4 further comprising:

a computer in communication with the image capture device, that stores an image of the visible light and performs an analysis of the image.

6. The X-ray backscatter indication and detection system of claim 4 further comprising an X-ray generator.

7. The X-ray backscatter indication and detector system of claim 6, wherein the X-ray generator, is in communication with a computer in communication with the image capture device, wherein the computer modifies operation of the X-ray generator based on the analysis of the image of the visible light taken by the image capture device.

8. The X-ray backscatter indication and detection of claim 6, wherein the object comprises:

a first panel in front of but to a first side of the X-ray generator;

a second panel in front of but to a second side of the X-ray generator, opposite the first side;

a third panel about perpendicular to the first panel at a first far end of the first panel, relative to the X-ray generator;

a fourth panel about perpendicular to the second panel at a second far end of the second panel, relative to the X-ray generator; and

a fifth panel behind the target area relative to the X-ray generator.

9. An X-ray leak detector comprising:

an X-ray generator;

a target area disposed such that X-rays generated by the X-ray generator strike the target area;

a shield disposed in front of the X-ray generator, the shield configured to block X-rays backscattered from the target area;

a first object disposed behind the shield relative to the target area; and

an X-ray sensitive Q-dot solution disposed on the first object, the X-ray sensitive Q-dot solution configured to fluoresce with a visible light when X-rays strike the X-ray sensitive Q-dot solution.

10. The X-ray leak detector of claim 9 further comprising:

a camera operatively disposed with respect to the first object such that the camera can detect the visible light resulting from fluorescence of the X-ray sensitive Q-dot solution.

11. The X-ray leak detector of claim 10 further comprising:

a computer that stores an image of the visible light and analyzes the visible light to identify a presence of X-rays on the target area.

12. The X-ray leak detector of claim 9 further comprising:

a second object disposed behind the shield relative to the target area, and further disposed opposite the first object relative to the X-ray generator; and

a second X-ray sensitive Q-dot solution disposed on the second object, the second X-ray sensitive Q-dot solution configured to fluoresce with the visible light when X-rays strike the second X-ray sensitive Q-dot solution.

13. The X-ray leak detector of claim 12, wherein the first object is disposed to receive first X-rays leaked from a collimator of the X-ray generator and the second object is disposed to receive second X-rays leaked from a location where a cable exits from the X-ray generator.

14. A method of detecting X-rays comprising:

inspecting an object having an X-ray sensitive substance that fluoresces a visible light when X-rays strike the substance disposed on at least a portion of a surface of the object to detect fluorescence.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the substance is a Q-dot solution.

16. An article comprising:

an object comprising a surface; and

an X-ray sensitive Q-dot solution disposed on the surface of the object, the X-ray sensitive Q-dot solution configured to fluoresce with a visible light when X-rays strike the X-ray sensitive Q-dot solution.

17. An X-ray monitor comprising:

an X-ray measuring tool comprising a housing, a sensor target area on the housing and configured to receive an X-ray flux, and an X-ray detector disposed inside the housing and configured to measure the X-ray flux; and

an X-ray sensitive Q-dot solution disposed on the sensor target area, the X-ray sensitive Q-dot solution configured to fluoresce with a visible light when X-rays strike the X-ray sensitive Q-dot solution.

18. The X-ray monitor of claim 17, wherein the X-ray sensitive Q-dot solution further extends past and surrounds the sensor target area.

19. The X-ray monitor of claim 18 further comprising:

a camera disposed to monitor the visible light; and

a computer connected to the camera, wherein the computer is configured to determine whether an expected amount of X-ray flux is entering the sensor target area based on a characterization of the visible light.

20. The X-ray monitor of claim 19 further comprising:

a mechanism connected to the computer, the mechanism configured to adjust an orientation of the X-ray measuring tool, and wherein the computer is further configured to command the mechanism to adjust the orientation based on the characterization such that a desired amount of X-ray flux is entering the sensor target area.