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Proof-of-principle contraband detection system for nonintrusive inspection

1997; SPIE; Volume: 2867; Linguagem: Inglês

10.1117/12.267907

1996-756X

J. Sredniawski, T. Debiak, E. Kamykowski, John E. Rathke, P. W. Schmor, Bill Milton, G. Stanford, J.G. Rogers, J. Boyd, J. Brondo,

Geophysical Methods and Applications

A proof-of-principle (POP) contraband detection system (CDS), is under construction at Northrop Grumman's Advanced Technology and Development Center. We employ gamma resonance absorption to detect nitrogen or chlorine in explosives and certain forms of illegal drugs. Using tomography, 3D images of the total density and selected element density are generated. These characteristics together may be utilized with considerable confidence in determining if contraband is present in baggage or cargo. The CDS employs a high current DC electrostatic accelerator that provides a beam of proton sat either 1.75 or 1.89 MeV. These high energy particles impinge upon a target coated with 13 C or 34 S. The resultant resonant gamma rays are preferentially absorbed in either 14 N or 35 Cl. Because of the penetrating power of the gamma rays, this approach can be utilized for inspection of fully loaded aircraft containers such as the LD3. With proper design for handling baggage and with certain CDS design features not present in the POP, throughputs approaching 2000 bags/hour are estimated. Furthermore, the technology being developed for the CDS accelerator may have other applications such as for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy or Neutron Radiography. Our current program calls for testing of the POP CDS by late 1996. This paper presents the overall design, and characteristics of the CDS POP and the status of the program.