Radiation threat detection
First Claim
1. An inspection system for inspecting an object, the inspection system comprising:
- a. an external source of illuminating penetrating radiation for generating an illuminating beam and for irradiating the object, at least intermittently, the beam characterized at each instant of time by an instantaneous energy spectrum and an instantaneous intensity that may be substantially zero;
b. at least one detector configured to detect penetrating radiation including, but not limited to, penetrating radiation from the illuminating beam that is backscattered by the object, and configured to generate a detector signal; and
c. a processor configured as a detector signal discriminator to receive the detector signal,generate an x-ray image based on the detector signal depicting at least illuminating radiation backscattered by the object, andgenerate an output that may be perceived by an operator, the output indicating whether the detector signal is triggered at least in part by an origin independent of the illuminating penetrating radiation;
d. a display showing the x-ray image depicting at least illuminating radiation backscattered by the object.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and methods for detecting clandestine fissile or radioactive material on the basis of emitted radiation and particles (such as neutrons and alpha particles) arising from within the material. Emission by the fissile or radioactive material is detected in conjunction with a conventional x-ray imaging system that includes an external source of illuminating penetrating radiation, at least one detector configured to detect at least the penetrating radiation and to generate a detector signal, and a processor configured as a detector signal discriminator to generate an output indicating whether the detector signal is triggered by an origin other than illuminating penetrating radiation. Active and passive modes of detection are described by some embodiments. Other embodiments are directed toward neutron detection, gamma ray detection with energy resolution, and designs of detectors to enhance the detection of clandestine nuclear material.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. An inspection system for inspecting an object, the inspection system comprising:
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a. an external source of illuminating penetrating radiation for generating an illuminating beam and for irradiating the object, at least intermittently, the beam characterized at each instant of time by an instantaneous energy spectrum and an instantaneous intensity that may be substantially zero; b. at least one detector configured to detect penetrating radiation including, but not limited to, penetrating radiation from the illuminating beam that is backscattered by the object, and configured to generate a detector signal; and c. a processor configured as a detector signal discriminator to receive the detector signal, generate an x-ray image based on the detector signal depicting at least illuminating radiation backscattered by the object, and generate an output that may be perceived by an operator, the output indicating whether the detector signal is triggered at least in part by an origin independent of the illuminating penetrating radiation; d. a display showing the x-ray image depicting at least illuminating radiation backscattered by the object. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification