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Method and apparatus for the safe and rapid detection of nuclear devices within containers

  • US 7,379,530 B2
  • Filed: 06/29/2006
  • Issued: 05/27/2008
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/06/2006
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method for detecting high-Z nuclear materials or high-Z nuclear material containers inside a cargo container in a safe, reliable and rapid manner to permit scanning large numbers of containers, comprising the steps of:

  • generating a pulsed high-density beam of gamma rays having a duration of a picosecond or shorter and capable of penetrating a container having first and second opposed sides;

    directing the beam at the first side of the container; and

    ,detecting the beam at the second side of the container, whereby high-Z material inside the container absorbs the beam of gamma rays so that a diminution of detected gamma rays at the second opposed side indicates the presence of high-Z material and thus a potential nuclear material threat.

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