Remote detection of explosive substances
US8288734B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 18, 2011 |
| Grant date | Oct 16, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 18, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01V5/234
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for locating certain substances of interest within remote targets. The detection apparatus includes a neutron beam generator, a pixilated gamma ray detector, data collection modules and sensors, and a detection processing module. If the remote target contains substances of interest, gamma rays radiate isotropically from the remote target when it is bombarded by the neutrons. A portion of these gamma rays are intercepted and detected by a plurality of discrete gamma sensing elements contained in the gamma ray detector, which is spaced apart from the neutron source. The detection processing module determines whether the remote target contains explosive substances and further locates the target by processing the collected data from the gamma ray detector, status information collected from the neutron source, and the position sensor(s) associated with the neutron shield.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.