X-ray backscatter imaging of nuclear materials
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of imaging a high-Z material-including structure by X-ray backscatter imaging, said method comprising:
- irradiating a target including a high-Z material-including structure with an incident X-ray radiation from an X-ray source, said high-Z material-including structure including at least one element having an atomic number of at least 57;
detecting a backscattered X-ray radiation from said target with at least one detector-collimator assembly positioned to block a fraction of said backscattered X-ray radiation originating at depths less than a critical depth from a top surface of said target; and
constructing an image of said target employing at least data collected at said at least one detector-collimator assembly, said image including information on structural discontinuity of said high-Z material-including structure.
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Abstract
The energy of an X-ray beam and critical depth are selected to detect structural discontinuities in a material having an atomic number Z of 57 or greater. The critical depth is selected by adjusting the geometry of a collimator that blocks backscattered radiation so that backscattered X-ray originating from a depth less than the critical depth is not detected. Structures of Lanthanides and Actinides, including nuclear fuel rod materials, can be inspected for structural discontinuities such as gaps, cracks, and chipping employing the backscattered X-ray.
32 Citations
25 Claims
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1. A method of imaging a high-Z material-including structure by X-ray backscatter imaging, said method comprising:
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irradiating a target including a high-Z material-including structure with an incident X-ray radiation from an X-ray source, said high-Z material-including structure including at least one element having an atomic number of at least 57; detecting a backscattered X-ray radiation from said target with at least one detector-collimator assembly positioned to block a fraction of said backscattered X-ray radiation originating at depths less than a critical depth from a top surface of said target; and constructing an image of said target employing at least data collected at said at least one detector-collimator assembly, said image including information on structural discontinuity of said high-Z material-including structure. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification