Patent · US Expired

Lobster eye X-ray imaging system and method of fabrication thereof

US7231017B2 · kind B2 · utility

33Cited by
17References
21Claims
0Family size

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Key dates

Filing dateJul 27, 2005
Grant dateJun 12, 2007
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 3, 2025

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG21K1/06
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A Lobster Eye X-ray Imaging System based on a unique Lobster Eye (LE) structure, X-ray generator, scintillator-based detector and cooled CCD (or Intensified CCD) for real-time, safe, staring Compton backscatter X-ray detection of objects hidden under ground, in containers, behind walls, bulkheads etc. In contrast to existing scanning pencil beam systems, Lobster Eye X-Ray Imaging System's true focusing X-ray optics simultaneously acquire ballistic Compton backscattering photons (CBPs) from an entire scene irradiated by a wide-open cone beam from one or more X-ray generators. The Lobster Eye X-ray Imaging System collects (focuses) thousands of times more backscattered hard X-rays in the range from 40 to 120 keV (or wavelength λ=0.31 to 0.1 Å) than current backscatter imaging sensors (BISs), giving high sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and penetration through ground, metal walls etc. The collection efficiency of Lobster Eye X-ray Imaging System is optimized to reduce emitted X-ray power and miniaturize the device. This device is especially advantageous for and satisfies requirements of X-ray-based inspection systems, namely, penetration of the X-rays through ground, metal …

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.