G - Physics – 01 – N
Patent
G - Physics
01
N
G01N 23/221 (2006.01) G01N 23/222 (2006.01) G01V 5/00 (2006.01)
Patent
CA 2046896
An apparatus and method non-invasively interrogates an object (134) to detect contraband. The ap- paratus irradiates the object (134) with fast neutrons of energy greater than 6.7 MeV, and measures the ensu- ing gamma-ray spectra. Irradiation of the object is accomplished by produ- cing a neutron beam (132) and mov- ing the interrogated object stepwise or continuously relative to the beam. The nuclear interactions of highly penetrating neutrons within the irra- diated volume of the object give rise to energetic nuclear-species character- istic gamma-rays. The energy and intensity of the emitted gamma-rays provide information relative to the spatial arid density dis- tributions of the gamma-ray sources, i.e., the specific atomic nuclei within the object. From this information, three-dimensional images of the atomic nuclei spatial and density distributions are inferred. Such three-dimensional images allow a decision to be made as to the presence of contraband. Measurements are made using arrays (144) of gamma-ray scintillator detectors. A deci- sion analysis based on statistical methods (e.g., discriminant analysis) or an artificial neural system, or other expert system, facili- tates a low false alarm rate. One embodiment of the apparatus includes neutron beam collimator means (136) to define and limit the irradiation volume of the objet, and auxiliary neutron shielding means (135) to attenuate the neutrons in other than desired neutron beam direction(s). Another embodiment includes an X-ray system (150) and combines electron density information ob- tained from an X-ray image of the object with the spatial and density distribution information of the gamma-ray sources in order to further enhance the decision analysis.
Gozani Tsahi
Sawa Z. Peter
Shea Patrick M.
Macrae & Co.
Rapiscan Systems Neutronics And Advanced Technologies Corporatio
Science Applications International Corporation
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