Non-destructive detection systems and methods

• US 6,037,597 A
• Filed: 02/18/1998
• Issued: 03/14/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 02/18/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Neutech Systems, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Neutech Systems, Inc.
• Inventors: Karavolos, Angelo
• Primary Examiner(s): Westin, Edward P.
• Assistant Examiner(s): RIVIERE, ADRIANNE
• Application Number:
  US09/025,554
• Time in Patent Office: 755 Days
• Field of Search: 250/269.2, 250/269.4, 250/269.5, 250/269.6, 250/390.06, 250/390.04, 250/394, 250/391, 250/393, 376/191
• US Class Current: 250/393
• CPC Class Codes: G01T 3/08 with semiconductor detectors

Abstract

Described are preferred devices and systems useful in the non-destructive detection of predetermined substances, such as plastique explosives, in objects under interrogation. The devices and systems are readily constructed and can be manufactured as self-contained, portable detection devices.

Claims

1. A laminate device for self-contained delivery of epithermal neutrons, comprising:

a first polymer layer having embedded therein a chemical source of alpha-radiation;

a second polymer layer, the second polymer layer being opaque to alpha-radiation and having defined therein a diffraction opening for passing alpha-radiation from said chemical source of alpha-radiation;

a third polymer layer having embedded therein a source of epithermal neutrons, said third polymer layer being positioned relative to said second polymer layer such that alpha-radiation from said chemical source of alpha-radiation impinges upon the source of neutrons, thereby generating epithermal neutrons; and

a fourth polymer layer, said fourth polymer layer being impermeable to epithermal neutrons and defining a diffraction opening for passing said generated epithermal neutrons.

2. The device of claim 1, which also includes a fifth polymer layer having embedded therein a sealed article containing liquid nitrogen, for cooling the device.

4. The device of claim 3 wherein said plurality of self-contained radiation sources includes devices according to claim 1.

5. The device of claim 4 which also includes a plurality of x-ray sources, and a plurality of x-ray detectors.

6. The device of claim 5, which also includes a plurality of neutron detectors.

3. A radiation source/detector array device for non-destructive interrogation, comprising:

a non-conductive substrate opaque to epithermal neutrons;

a pattern of electrically conductive material imprinted upon said non-conductive substrate, said pattern providing a plurality of leads for electrical connection of radiation detectors;

a plurality of radiation detectors affixed to said substrate and electrically connected to said plurality of leads; and

a plurality of self-contained radiation sources affixed to said substrate.

7. A method for non-destructively interrogating an object, comprising:

positioning said object adjacent a source/detector array device for non-destructive interrogation, the device including;

a non-conductive substrate;

a pattern of electrically conductive material imprinted upon said non-conductive substrate, said pattern providing a plurality of leads for electrical connection of radiation detectors;

a plurality of radiation detectors affixed to said substrate and electrically connected to said plurality of leads; and

a plurality of self-contained radiation sources affixed to said substrate;

so that the object interacts with radiation generated by said radiation sources and generates a characteristic radiation signal; and

detecting said characteristic radiation signal with said detectors.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein said radiation sources include thermal neutron sources.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein the epithermal neutron sources include:

a first polymer layer having embedded therein a chemical source of alpha-radiation;

a second polymer layer, the second polymer layer being opaque to alpha-radiation and having defined therein a diffraction opening for passing alpha-radiation from said chemical source of alpha-radiation;

a third polymer layer having embedded therein a chemical source of epithermal neutrons, said third polymer layer being positioned relative to said second polymer layer such that alpha-radiation from said source of alpha-radiation impinges upon the source of neutrons, thereby generating epithermal neutrons; and

a fourth polymer layer, said fourth polymer layer being opaque to epithermal neutrons and defining a diffraction opening for passing said generated epithermal neutrons.