Explosives detector
US5124554A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 19, 1991 |
| Grant date | Jun 23, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 19, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2223/501
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus for non-invasively inspecting an object, such as an item of luggage, for explosives material comprises a multi-channel thermal neutron inspection system having a plurality of neutron irradiation chambers. Simultaneous operation of several channels increases maximum system throughout several times. Each chamber has a lithium neutron source which is stimulated to neutron production by a proton beam. Beam switching magnets are energized by pulsing to divert a common proton beam to each source in turn. The initial beam is generated by a radio frequency quadrupole accelerator. The advantages of this system are very low residual source activity and controllable neutron production thereby minimizing safety hazards. The irradiation chamber may contain several different gamma ray detectors to identify the presence elements present in explosives material. In addition a neutron radiography imaging means may be employed to identify the presence of potential shielding materials.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.