Three-dimensional material-specific imaging using energetic pulsed neutrons

Douglas R. Brown; Robert Loveman; John Stevenson; Tsahi Gozani; Peter Ryge

doi:10.1117/12.450781

19 December 2001 Three-dimensional material-specific imaging using energetic pulsed neutrons

Douglas R. Brown, Robert Loveman, John Stevenson, Tsahi Gozani, Peter Ryge

Proceedings Volume 4508, Penetrating Radiation Systems and Applications III; (2001) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.450781
Event: International Symposium on Optical Science and Technology, 2001, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

A novel method for detecting materials concealed in fully loaded cargo containers and trucks using pulsed neutrons has been developed. This method, called Pulsed Fast Neutron Analysis (PFNA), uses a collimated beam of nanosecond pulsed, mono-energetic neutrons to stimulate gamma rays emitted from the elements in the cargo materials through inelastic scattering. The collimation and precise timing of the gamma rays allows the position of the interactions to be determined. By sweeping the beam over the inspected object as it is conveyed, a full 3D image of the elemental contents is composed. Unique elemental signatures of specific materials are then used to identify the contraband. This technique has been incorporated into a cargo and truck inspection system capable of scanning full-sized cargo containers. Algorithms have been developed to detect concealed drugs, explosives and hazardous materials. The location of the detected materials is displayed on a unique, workstation-based, user interface. Pull-down menus allow the user to select the elements of interest and the resulting display indicates the location and spatial extent of the material in three-dimensions.

Citation Download Citation

Douglas R. Brown, Robert Loveman, John Stevenson, Tsahi Gozani, and Peter Ryge "Three-dimensional material-specific imaging using energetic pulsed neutrons", Proc. SPIE 4508, Penetrating Radiation Systems and Applications III, (19 December 2001); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.450781

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