Visible X-ray indication and detection system for X-ray backscatter applications

• US 9,594,033 B2
• Filed: 07/22/2014
• Issued: 03/14/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 07/22/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: The Boeing Co.
• Original Assignee: The Boeing Co.
• Inventors: Georgeson, Gary E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ho, Allen C.
• Application Number:
  US14/338,322
• Publication Number:
  US 20160025658A1
• Time in Patent Office: 966 Days
• Field of Search: 378 44- 50, 378 86- 90, 378/98.7
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2223/053 back scatter
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2223/0766 X-ray fluorescence with indicator, tags
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2223/32 adjustments of elements during operation
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 23/203 Measuring back scattering
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 23/223 by irradiating the sample with X-rays or gamma-rays and by measuring X-ray fluorescence
• CPC Class Codes: G01T 1/04 Chemical dosimeters G01T1/06, G01T1/08 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01T 1/10 Luminescent dosimeters
• CPC Class Codes: G01T 1/16 Measuring radiation intensity G01T1/29 takes precedence ; self-powered detectors G01T3/006; using an ionisation chamber filled with a liquid or solid, e.g. frozen liquid, dielectric G01T3/008
• CPC Class Codes: G01T 1/20 with scintillation detectors
• CPC Class Codes: G01T 7/00 Details of radiation-measuring instruments
• CPC Class Codes: G01V 5/22 Active interrogation, i.e. by irradiating objects or goods using external radiation sources, e.g. using gamma rays or cosmic rays
• CPC Class Codes: G01V 5/222 measuring scattered radiation

Abstract

An X-ray backscatter indication and detection system, including an object disposed with respect to a target area targeted by X-rays, such that X-rays that backscatter from the target area strike the surface of the object. The surface of the object includes an X-ray sensitive indicator substance that fluoresces with a visible light when contacted by backscattered X-rays.

Claims

1. An X-ray leak detector comprising:

an X-ray generator for generating X-rays that strike a target area;

a shield disposed in front of the X-ray generator, the shield configured to block X-rays backscattered from the target area;

a first object disposed behind the shield relative to the target area; and

an X-ray fluorescent Q-dot solution disposed on the first object, the X-ray fluorescent Q-dot solution configured to fluoresce with a visible light when X-rays strike the X-ray fluorescent Q-dot solution.

2. The X-ray leak detector of claim 1, further comprising:

a camera operatively disposed with respect to the first object such that the camera can detect the visible light resulting from fluorescence of the X-ray fluorescent Q-dot solution.

3. The X-ray leak detector of claim 2, further comprising:

a computer that stores an image of the visible light and analyzes the visible light to identify a presence of X-rays on the target area.

4. The X-ray leak detector of claim 1, further comprising:

a second object disposed behind the shield relative to the target area, and further disposed opposite the first object relative to the X-ray generator; and

a second X-ray fluorescent Q-dot solution disposed on the second object, the second X-ray fluorescent Q-dot solution configured to fluoresce with the visible light when X-rays strike the second X-ray fluorescent Q-dot solution.

5. The X-ray leak detector of claim 4, wherein the first object is disposed to receive first X-rays leaked from a collimator of the X-ray generator and the second object is disposed to receive second X-rays leaked from a location where a cable exits from the X-ray generator.

6. A method of detecting X-ray leaks from an X-ray leak detector, the method comprising:

generating X-rays from an X-ray generator, wherein the X-rays strike a target area;

placing a shield disposed in front of the X-ray generator, wherein placing the shield comprises blocking X-rays backscattered from the target area;

placing an X-ray fluorescent Q-dot solution on a first object disposed behind the shield relative to the target area, the X-ray fluorescent Q-dot solution configured to fluoresce with a visible light when X-rays strike the X-ray fluorescent Q-dot solution.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising:

detecting, with a camera operatively disposed with respect to the first object, the visible light resulting from fluorescence of the X-ray fluorescent Q-dot solution.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising:

storing, at a computer, an image of the visible light; and

analyzing, by the computer, the visible light to identify a presence of X-rays on the target area.

9. The method of claim 6, further comprising:

placing a second X-ray fluorescent Q-dot solution on a second object, the second object disposed behind the shield relative to the target area, and further disposed opposite the first object relative to the X-ray generator, the second X-ray fluorescent Q-dot solution configured to fluoresce with the visible light when X-rays strike the second X-ray fluorescent Q-dot solution.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein placing an X-ray fluorescent Q-dot solution on a first object comprises disposing the first object to receive first X-rays leaked from a collimator of the X-ray generator, and wherein placing a second X-ray fluorescent Q-dot solution on a second object comprises disposing the second object to receive second X-rays leaked from a location where a cable exits from the X-ray generator.

11. The method of claim 6, wherein placing an X-ray fluorescent Q-dot solution on a first object comprises using an aerosol device to spray a surface of the first object.

12. An X-ray monitor comprising:

an X-ray measuring tool comprising;

a housing;

a sensor target area on the housing and configured to receive an X-ray flux; and

an X-ray detector disposed inside the housing and configured to measure the X-ray flux; and

an X-ray fluorescent Q-dot solution disposed on the sensor target area, the X-ray fluorescent Q-dot solution configured to fluoresce with a visible light when X-rays strike the X-ray fluorescent Q-dot solution.

13. The X-ray monitor of claim 12, wherein the X-ray fluorescent Q-dot solution further extends past and surrounds the sensor target area.

14. The X-ray monitor of claim 13, further comprising:

a camera disposed to monitor the visible light; and

a computer connected to the camera, wherein the computer is configured to determine whether an expected amount of X-ray flux is entering the sensor target area based on a characterization of the visible light.

15. The X-ray monitor of claim 14, further comprising:

a mechanism connected to the computer, the mechanism configured to adjust an orientation of the X-ray measuring tool, and wherein the computer is further configured to command the mechanism to adjust the orientation based on the characterization such that a desired amount of X-ray flux is entering the sensor target area.

16. A method of using an X-ray monitor, the X-ray monitor comprising:

an X-ray measuring tool comprising;

a housing;

a sensor target area on the housing and configured to receive an X-ray flux; and

an X-ray detector disposed inside the housing and configured to measure the X-ray flux; and

an X-ray fluorescent Q-dot solution disposed on the sensor target area;

the method comprising;

pointing the X-ray monitor towards a source of X-rays, whereby the X-ray fluorescent Q-dot solution fluoresces with a visible light when the X-rays strike the X-ray fluorescent Q-dot solution; and

adjusting an orientation of the X-ray monitor to increase a luminescence of the visible light from the sensor target area, whereby an increased flux of the X-rays will pass through the sensor target area into the X-ray detector.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the X-ray fluorescent Q-dot solution further extends past and surrounds the sensor target area.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:

monitoring the visible light with a camera; and

determining, using a computer connected to the camera, whether an expected amount of X-ray flux is entering the sensor target area based on a characterization of the visible light.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising:

using a mechanism, connected to the computer, to adjust an orientation of the X-ray measuring tool based on the characterization such that a desired amount of X-ray flux is entering the sensor target area.

20. The method of claim 16 further comprising:

spraying the X-ray fluorescent Q-dot solution onto the sensor target area using an aerosol device.