Hidden explosives detector employing pulsed neutron and x-ray interrogation

Patent · Fri Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1993

OSTI ID:868734

Schultz, Frederick J ^[1]; Caldwell, John T ^[2]

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1. Oak Ridge, TN
2. Los Alamos, NM

Methods and systems for the detection of small amounts of modern, highly-explosive nitrogen-based explosives, such as plastic explosives, hidden in airline baggage. Several techniques are employed either individually or combined in a hybrid system. One technique employed in combination is X-ray imaging. Another technique is interrogation with a pulsed neutron source in a two-phase mode of operation to image both nitrogen and oxygen densities. Another technique employed in combination is neutron interrogation to form a hydrogen density image or three-dimensional map. In addition, deliberately-placed neutron-absorbing materials can be detected.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-84OR21400
• Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc. (Oak Ridge, TN)
• Patent Number(s): US 5200626
• OSTI ID: 868734
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

hidden
explosives
detector
employing
pulsed
neutron
x-ray
interrogation
methods
systems
detection
amounts
modern
highly-explosive
nitrogen-based
plastic
airline
baggage
techniques
employed
individually
combined
hybrid
technique
combination
imaging
source
two-phase
mode
operation
image
nitrogen
oxygen
densities
form
hydrogen
density
three-dimensional
map
addition
deliberately-placed
neutron-absorbing
materials
detected
neutron-absorbing material
ray imaging
absorbing material
neutron source
pulsed neutron
x-ray imaging
plastic explosives
detector employing
neutron interrogation
explosive nitro
sorbing material
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