Methods and systems are disclosed for the deployment and operation of shipping container scanning systems that enables scanning of containers passing through a modern, highly automated port without impeding the flow of commerce. Locating the scanners where container dwell time is already longest, and configuring scanners to scan up to several containers in parallel but under separate scanning control, minimizes any delay associated with scanning. Operationally integrating scanning systems with the automated logistical port systems ensures smooth, delay-free operation. Controlling the flow of information so that scanning results, including but not limited to images and assessments of the presence or absence of threat material or contraband, are sent only to government Customs and/or security facilities adjacent to but separate from the port insulates port operators from involvement in activities that could slow container throughput.

An X-ray backscatter imaging system for precise searching for container hazardous cargo, includes: an X-ray generator configured to irradiate X-rays toward a search target container; and a cylinder-type scattering X-ray detection collimator configured to allow only scattering X-rays generated on a specific layer of the search target container among the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray generator to pass through, and X-rays scattering on a specific layer is measured by adjusting angles of collimators based on a layer to be measured, so that a search for hazardous cargo by layer of the container can be performed precisely.

Systems and methods for detecting clandestine fissile or radioactive material on the basis of emitted radiation and particles (such as neutrons and alpha particles) arising from within the material. Emission by the fissile or radioactive material is detected in conjunction with a conventional x-ray imaging system that includes an external source of illuminating penetrating radiation, at least one detector configured to detect at least the penetrating radiation and to generate a detector signal, and a processor configured as a detector signal discriminator to generate an output indicating whether the detector signal is triggered by an origin other than illuminating penetrating radiation. Active and passive modes of detection are described by some embodiments. Other embodiments are directed toward neutron detection, gamma ray detection with energy resolution, and designs of detectors to enhance the detection of clandestine nuclear material.

In one aspect, a process for characterizing a range of materials based on the scattering and stopping of incident cosmic ray charged particles passing through each material includes: determining a scattering metric and a stopping metric for each material within the range of materials exposed to cosmic ray charged particles; computing a ratio of the scattering metric to the stopping metric to obtain a scattering-to-stopping ratio for each material within the range of materials for the material; and establishing a scattering-stopping relationship for the range of materials based on the determined pairs of the scattering-to-stopping ratio and the associated scattering metric for the range of materials.

An x-ray imaging apparatus includes an x-ray source module configured to output source x-rays, a pencil-beam-forming module having input and output ports, and a module engagement interface that enables a user to select aligned and non-aligned configurations of the source and pencil-beam-forming modules. In the aligned configuration, the pencil-beam-forming module is aligned with the source module to receive source x-rays at the input port and to output a scanning pencil beam through the output port toward a target. In the non-aligned configuration, the pencil-beam-forming module is not aligned with the x-ray source module to receive the source x-rays nor to output the pencil beam, but instead enables the source x-rays to form a stationary, wide-area beam directed toward the target. Example embodiments can be handheld, can enable both backscatter imaging and high-resolution transmission imaging using the same apparatus, and can be employed in finding and disarming explosive devices.

A neutron detector system for discriminating fissile material from non-fissile material wherein a digital data acquisition unit collects data at high rate, and in real-time processes large volumes of data directly to count neutrons from the unknown source and detecting excess grouped neutrons to identify fission in the unknown source. The system includes a Poisson neutron generator for in-beam interrogation of a possible fissile neutron source and a DC power supply that exhibits electrical ripple on the order of less than one part per million. Certain voltage multiplier circuits, such as Cockroft-Walton voltage multipliers, are used to enhance the effective of series resistor-inductor circuits components to reduce the ripple associated with traditional AC rectified, high voltage DC power supplies.

Imaging systems and methods are provided for detecting object that may be hidden under clothing, ingested, inserted, or otherwise concealed on or in a person's body. An imaging assembly and mechanisms for vertically moving the imaging assembly may be configured to reduce the overall form factor of such imaging systems, while still retaining an ability to perform full/complete imaging of a subject. A calibration system assembly can be included, comprising a first calibration assembly and second calibration assembly to perform fine-grained adjustments to the positioning of the X-ray detector.

Systems, methods, and devices for thermally protecting a scintillator crystal of a scintillation detector are provided. In one example, a thermally-protected scintillator may include a scintillator crystal and a thermal protection element, which may partially surround the scintillator crystal. The thermal protection element may be configured to prevent the scintillator crystal from experiencing a rate of change in temperature sufficient to cause cracking or non-uniform light output, or a combination thereof.

Systems, methods, and devices for thermally protecting a scintillator crystal of a scintillation detector are provided. In one example, a thermally-protected scintillator may include a scintillator crystal and a thermal protection element, which may partially surround the scintillator crystal. The thermal protection element may be configured to prevent the scintillator crystal from experiencing a rate of change in temperature sufficient to cause cracking or non-uniform light output, or a combination thereof.

A variable mode X-ray transmission system is provided that can be operated in low or high dose rate modes depending upon the area or portion of the vehicle to be screened. In one embodiment, variable dose rate is achieved by use of a novel collimator. The systems disclosed in this application enable the scanning of a vehicle cab portion (occupied by people, such as a driver) at low dose rate, which is safe for human beings, while allowing the scanning of the cargo portion (unoccupied by people) at a high dose rate. Rapid switching from low dose rate to high dose rate operating mode is provided, while striking a balance between high material penetration for cargo portion and low intensity exposure that is safe for occupants in the cab portion of the inspected vehicle.