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Method and apparatus for the noninvasive interrogation of objects

  • US 4,864,142 A
  • Filed: 01/11/1988
  • Issued: 09/05/1989
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/11/1988
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. Apparatus for the noninvasive inspection of an object so as to determine the presence of at least one preselected element therein, said apparatus comprising:

  • a neutron beam source for generating a beam of neutrons having a preselected energy and directing the beam onto the object;

    a neutron beam energy controller for varying the energy of the neutron beam over a preselected range, in which resonant scattering of the beam by said at least one preselected element will occur;

    neutron detector means disposed so as to receive neutrons scattered from the object and generate a signal corresponding thereto; and

    analyzer means for (1) analyzing the signal from said detector so as to determine if resonant scattering of the neutron beam by the object has occurred at an energy corresponding to resonant scattering by said at least one preselected element, and (2) providing an alarm indication if the resonant scattering of the neutron beam so corresponds, such that the presence of said at least one preselected element is indicated.

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