Theory and application of x-ray and gamma-ray backscatter to landmine detection. Research report, 1968-1973

Technical Report · Sat Mar 01 00:00:00 EDT 1975

OSTI ID:7195301

Roder, F L; Van Konynenburg, R A

This report discusses the theory and application of x-ray and gamma-ray backscatter to the problem of nonmetallic landmine detection. The fundamental interactions of X and gamma radiation with matter, including photoelectric absorption, Compton scattering, and pair production, are reviewed. The backscatter spectrum is analyzed in terms of the components due to single and multiple scattering. The variation of the backscatter spectrum with changes in the average atomic number of the scattering material and with changes in source energy is explained. Four different source/detector geometries are compared in terms of countrate for a given source strength, target-present-to-target-absent ratio, sensitivity to height variations above the scatter, and sensitivity to scatter density. Theoretical and practical factors in the selection of sources and detectors are considered. Three techniques for compensating for height variations are discussed, the most promising of which is a K-edge-filter method.

• Research Organization: Army Mobility Equipment Research and Development Center, Fort Belvoir, Va. (USA)
• OSTI ID: 7195301
• Report Number(s): AD-A-015541; USAMERDC-2134
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
CHEMICAL EXPLOSIVES
BACKSCATTERING
GAMMA RADIATION
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
RADIATION DETECTORS
X RADIATION
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
EXPLOSIVES
IONIZING RADIATIONS
RADIATIONS
SCATTERING
440105* - Radiation Instrumentation- Radiometric Instruments- (-1987)