Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080219408 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR THE DIRECTING AND ENERGY FILTERING OF X-RAYS FOR NON-INTRUSIVE INSPECTION - Systems and methods are disclosed herein for lenses based on crystal X-ray diffraction and reflection to be used to direct and energy filter X-ray beams. | 09-11-2008 |
20090074128 | NON-INTRUSIVE METHOD TO IDENTIFY PRESENCE OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS USING ENERGETIC PROMPT NEUTRONS FROM PHOTON-INDUCED FISSION - Methods and systems for non-intrusively detecting the existence of fissile materials in a container via the measurement of energetic prompt neutrons are disclosed. The methods and systems use the unique nature of the prompt neutron energy spectrum from photo-fission arising from the emission of neutrons from almost fully accelerated fragments to unambiguously identify fissile material. The angular distribution of the prompt neutrons from photo-fission and the energy distribution correlated to neutron angle relative to the photon beam are used to distinguish odd-even from even-even nuclei undergoing photo-fission. The independence of the neutron yield curve (yield as a function of electron beam energy or photon energy) on neutron energy also is also used to distinguish photo-fission from other processes such as (γ, n). Different beam geometries are used to detect localized samples of fissile material and also fissile materials dispersed as small fragments or thin sheets over broad regions. These signals from photo-fission are unique and allow the detection of any material in the actinide region of the nuclear periodic table. | 03-19-2009 |
20090074142 | USE OF NEARLY MONOCHROMATIC AND TUNABLE PHOTON SOURCES WITH NUCLEAR RESONANCE FLUORESCENCE IN NON-INTRUSIVE INSPECTION OF CONTAINERS FOR MATERIAL DETECTION AND IMAGING - Methods and systems for detecting potential items of interest in target samples, using nuclear resonance fluorescence, utilize incident photon spectra that are narrower than traditional bremsstrahlung spectra but overlap nuclear resonances in elements of interest for purposes of detection, such as but not limited to the detection of threats in luggage or containers being scanned. | 03-19-2009 |
20090091274 | METHOD FOR ACHIEVING HIGH DUTY CYCLE OPERATION AND MULTIPLE BEAMS WITH WEAK FOCUSING AND FIXED FIELD ALTERNATING GRADIENT INDUCTION ACCELERATORS - A new concept is presented along with different embodiments to produce improved duty cycle of electron beams and multiple beams of different energy from WF, FFAG and other betatron and induction accelerators. These variations are achieved by using the induction core in both directions of induction core swing to accelerate beams in different magnetic guide regions to improve beam repetition rates and duty cycle. The beams may have different energies and intensities. Multiple guide field regions may be used with an induction core while the field is varying in one direction to also produce multiple beams, each differing in energy and intensity. The use of a single core allows improved duty cycle and multiple beams with a substantial increase in performance and reduction of cost in those cases where the induction core, associated power supplies and control are a significant fraction of the cost of such an accelerator. | 04-09-2009 |
20090174509 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ACCELERATING PARTICLES USING INDUCTION TO GENERATE AN ELECTRIC FIELD WITH A LOCALIZED CURL - A method is described wherein the acceleration of a beam of charged particles is achieved using the properties of conductors to limit the penetration of magnetic and electric fields in short times compared to natural time constants. This allows the use of induction electric fields with a Curl localized to a gap to accelerate particles while coupling the accelerated beam to a power supply. Two methods of coupling the particle beam to the power supply are disclosed as exemplary. | 07-09-2009 |
20090175401 | NON-INTRUSIVE METHOD TO IDENTIFY PRESENCE OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS USING ENERGETIC PROMPT NEUTRONS FROM NEUTRON-INDUCED FISSION - Methods and systems for non-intrusively detecting the existence of fissile materials in a container via the measurement of energetic prompt neutrons are disclosed. The methods and systems use the unique nature of the prompt neutron energy spectrum from neutron-induced fission arising from the emission of neutrons from almost fully accelerated fragments to unambiguously identify fissile material. These signals from neutron-induced fission are unique and allow the detection of any material in the actinide region of the nuclear periodic table. | 07-09-2009 |
20090177440 | DIAGNOSTIC METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR AN ACCELERATOR USING INDUCTION TO GENERATE AN ELECTRIC FIELD WITH A LOCALIZED CURL - Methods and apparatus are described wherein a charged beam in an enclosed conducting cavity in an accelerator is monitored for position, current, and energy. One method uses induced electric signals on non-intercepting conducting electrodes. Another method uses an intercepting and moving electrode than can be moved into the beam to different degrees to monitor the beam current and vertical profile at different radial positions. Non-intercepting electrodes are also used as part of a moving diagnostic probe to monitor properties of the beam at different radial positions. Another method uses the current in the leads to a power supply, a portion of this current being equal to the beam current. Another method uses the magnetic and electric fields from the beam that penetrates a non-conducting portion of the conducting cavity. Yet another method uses the radiation emitted during acceleration of the beam by the deflecting magnets that guide the beam. | 07-09-2009 |
20090196397 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR COMPUTER TOMOGRAPHY OF NUCLEAR ISOTOPES USING NUCLEAR RESONANCE FLUORESCENCE - The transmission of photons through a target produces “holes” in the transmitted energy spectrum that are characteristic of the NRF energies of the nuclear isotopes in the target. Measuring the absorption via the transmission of these photons through a target allows the production of tomographic images that are associated with specific nuclear isotopes. Thus three-dimensional density patterns are generated for the elements in a container. The process is very much like standard X-ray tomography but it identifies specific nuclear isotopes as well as their densities. | 08-06-2009 |
20090213993 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF MOLECULAR AND CRYSTALLINE MATERIALS BY THE DOPPLER BROADENING OF NUCLEAR STATES BOUND IN MOLECULES, CRYSTALS AND MIXTURES USING NUCLEAR RESONANCE FLUORESCENCE - The broadening of the lines in NRF from an isotope that is part of a material may be due to several causes: the temperature of the material, the molecular structure of the material and the crystalline structure of the material. By measuring the broadening caused by the molecular structure and the crystalline structure the material itself can be identified. The exact energy of the lines in NRF may also depend on the nature of the crystalline and molecular structure of the material. By measuring the changes in the energy of the NRF lines caused by the structure of the material the material itself may be identified. These techniques provide a “fingerprint” of the molecule or crystal that is involved. The fingerprint information may be used to determine a potential threat. | 08-27-2009 |
20090279666 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF MATERIALS USING PHOTONS SCATTERED FROM THE NUCLEAR "PYGMY RESONANCE" - The scattered intensity of photons from the nuclear Pygmy Resonance taken in conjunction with the scattered intensity at lower energies provides a signal that is sensitive to the nature of the nuclear species doing the scattering. Highly enriched uranium and depleted uranium can be distinguished by this signal from other materials. Other nuclei can also be distinguished and identified. Methods and apparatus for employing the phenomenon to identify or assist in the identification of materials are disclosed. | 11-12-2009 |
20100027749 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETERMINING THE AVERAGE ATOMIC NUMBER AND MASS OF MATERIALS - Disclosed herein are methods and systems of scanning a target for potential threats using the energy spectra of photons scattered from the target to determine the spatial distributions of average atomic number and/or mass in the target. An exemplary method comprises: illuminating each of a plurality of voxels of the target with a photon beam; determining an incident flux upon each voxel; measuring the energy spectrum of photons scattered from the voxel; determining, using the energy spectrum, the average atomic number in the voxel; and determining the mass in the voxel using the incident flux, the average atomic number of the material in the voxel, the energy spectrum, and a scattering kernel corresponding to the voxel. An exemplary system may use threat detection heuristics to determine whether to trigger further action based upon the average atomic number and/or mass of the voxels. | 02-04-2010 |
20110064200 | USE OF NEARLY MONOCHROMATIC AND TUNABLE PHOTON SOURCES WITH NUCLEAR RESONANCE FLUORESCENCE IN NON-INTRUSIVE INSPECTION OF CONTAINERS FOR MATERIAL DETECTION AND IMAGING - Methods and systems for detecting potential items of interest in target samples, using nuclear resonance fluorescence, utilize incident photon spectra that are narrower than traditional bremsstrahlung spectra but overlap nuclear resonances in elements of interest for purposes of detection, such as but not limited to the detection of threats in luggage or containers being scanned. | 03-17-2011 |
20110164732 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR COMPUTER TOMOGRAPHY OF NUCLEAR ISOTOPES USING NUCLEAR RESONANCE FLUORESCENCE - The transmission of photons through a target produces “holes” in the transmitted energy spectrum that are characteristic of the NRF energies of the nuclear isotopes in the target. Measuring the absorption via the transmission of these photons through a target allows the production of tomographic images that are associated with specific nuclear isotopes. Thus three-dimensional density patterns are generated for the elements in a container. The process is very much like standard X-ray tomography but it identifies specific nuclear isotopes as well as their densities. | 07-07-2011 |
20120013274 | Methods and Systems for Confining Charged Particles to a Compact Orbit During Acceleration Using a Non-Scaling Fixed Field Alternating Gradient Magnetic Field - A method is described wherein a beam of charged particles is confined to an orbit within a compact region of space as it is accelerated across a wide range of energies. This confinement is achieved using a non-scaling magnetic field based on the Fixed Alternating Gradient principle where the field strength includes non-linear components. Examples of magnet configurations designed using this method are disclosed. | 01-19-2012 |
20120114101 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR THE DIRECTING AND ENERGY FILTERING OF X-RAYS FOR NON-INTRUSIVE INSPECTION - Systems and methods are disclosed herein for lenses based on crystal X-ray diffraction and reflection to be used to direct and energy filter X-ray beams | 05-10-2012 |
20120183125 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETERMINING THE AVERAGE ATOMIC NUMBER AND MASS OF MATERIALS - Disclosed herein are methods and systems of scanning a target for potential threats using the energy spectra of photons scattered from (lie target to determine the spatial distributions of average atomic number and/or mass in the target. An exemplary method comprises: illuminating each of a plurality of voxels of the target with a photon beam; determining an incident flux upon each voxel; measuring the energy spectrum of photons scattered from the voxel; determining, using the energy spectrum, the average atomic number in the voxel; and determining the mass in the voxel using the incident flux, the average atomic number of the material in the voxel, the energy spectrum, and a scattering kernel corresponding to the voxel. An exemplary system may use threat detection heuristics to determine whether to trigger further action based upon the average atomic number and/or mass of the voxels. | 07-19-2012 |
20120224669 | ADAPTIVE SCANNING OF MATERIALS USING NUCLEAR RESONANCE FLUORESCENCE IMAGING - A method for detecting nuclear species in a sample by adaptive scanning using nuclear resonance fluorescence may comprise illuminating the target sample with photons from a source; detecting a signal in an energy channel; determining a scan evaluation parameter using the signal detected; determining whether the scan evaluation parameter meets a detection efficiency criterion; adjusting one or more system parameters such that the scan evaluation parameter meets the detection efficiency criterion; and comparing the signal in an energy channel to a predetermined species detection criterion to identify a species detection event. In another embodiment, detecting a signal in an energy channel may further comprise detecting photons scattered from the target sample. In another embodiment, detecting a signal in an energy channel may further comprise detecting photons transmitted through the target sample and scattered from at least one reference scatterer. | 09-06-2012 |
20130099801 | DIAGNOSTIC METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR AN ACCELERATOR USING INDUCTION TO GENERATE AN ELECTRIC FIELD WITH A LOCALIZED CURL - Methods and apparatus are described wherein a charged beam in an enclosed conducting cavity in an accelerator is monitored for position, current, and energy. One method uses induced electric signals on non-intercepting conducting electrodes. Another method uses an intercepting and moving electrode than can be moved into the beam to different degrees to monitor the beam current and vertical profile at different radial positions. Non-intercepting electrodes are also used as part of a moving diagnostic probe to monitor properties of the beam at different radial positions. Another method uses the current in the leads to a power supply, a portion of this current being equal to the beam current. Another method uses the magnetic and electric fields from the beam that penetrates a non-conducting portion of the conducting cavity. Yet another method uses the radiation emitted during acceleration of the beam by the deflecting magnets that guide the beam. | 04-25-2013 |
20130208842 | NON-INTRUSIVE METHOD TO IDENTIFY PRESENCE OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS USING ENERGETIC PROMPT NEUTRONS FROM NEUTRON-INDUCED FISSION - Methods and systems for non-intrusively detecting the existence of fissile materials in a container via the measurement of energetic prompt neutrons are disclosed. The methods and systems use the unique nature of the prompt neutron energy spectrum from neutron-induced fission arising from the emission of neutrons from almost fully accelerated fragments to unambiguously identify fissile material. These signals from neutron-induced fission are unique and allow the detection of any material in the actinide region of the nuclear periodic table. | 08-15-2013 |
20130315377 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETERMINING THE AVERAGE ATOMIC NUMBER AND MASS OF MATERIALS - Disclosed herein are methods and systems of scanning a target for potential threats using the energy spectra of photons scattered from the target to determine the spatial distributions of average atomic number and/or mass in the target. An exemplary method comprises: illuminating each of a plurality of voxels of the target with a photon beam; determining an incident flux upon each voxel; measuring the energy spectrum of photons scattered from the voxel; determining, using the energy spectrum, the average atomic number in the voxel; and determining the mass in the voxel using the incident flux, the average atomic number of the material in the voxel, the energy spectrum, and a scattering kernel corresponding to the voxel. An exemplary system may use threat detection heuristics to determine whether to trigger further action based upon the average atomic number and/or mass of the voxels. | 11-28-2013 |
20140321589 | NON-INTRUSIVE METHOD TO IDENTIFY PRESENCE OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS USING ENERGETIC PROMPT NEUTRONS FROM PHOTON-INDUCED FISSION - Methods and systems for non-intrusively detecting the existence of fissile materials in a container via the measurement of energetic prompt neutrons are disclosed. The methods and systems use the unique nature of the prompt neutron energy spectrum from photo-fission arising from the emission of neutrons from almost fully accelerated fragments to unambiguously identify fissile material. The angular distribution of the prompt neutrons from photo-fission and the energy distribution correlated to neutron angle relative to the photon beam are used to distinguish odd-even from even-even nuclei undergoing photo-fission. The independence of the neutron yield curve (yield as a function of electron beam energy or photon energy) on neutron energy also is also used to distinguish photo-fission from other processes such as (γ, n). Different beam geometries are used to detect localized samples of fissile material and also fissile materials dispersed as small fragments or thin sheets over broad regions. These signals from photo-fission are unique and allow the detection of any material in the actinide region of the nuclear periodic table. | 10-30-2014 |