Generation of diffraction signature of item within object

A method for determining a molecular composition of an item within an object, comprising:

• performing a first examination on an object via first radiation to generate data indicative of the object by moving a source of the first radiation relative to the object based upon a position the item within the object;
• analyzing the data to identify the item within the object;
• performing a second examination on the item via second radiation generated from decay of a radiographic isotope, comprising:
• filtering data indicative of incoherent scatter of the second radiation from data indicative of coherent scatter of the second radiation;
• generating a diffraction signature of the item based upon an angular disbursement of the second radiation upon interaction with the item;
• and
• using the diffraction signature to determine a molecular composition of the item.

A system for generating a diffraction signature of an item within an object, comprising:

• a radiation source comprising a radiographic isotope configured to expose the item to radiation;
• a first positioning apparatus to which the radiation source is coupled, the first positioning apparatus configured to move the radiation source relative to the object based upon a position of the item within the object;
• a detector array configured to detect radiation that interacts with the item, wherein the detector array comprises an energy disbursement detector array configured to measure an energy of the radiation that interacts with the item to distinguish incoherent scatter from coherent scatter;
• and
• a diffraction signature component configured to generate the diffraction signature of the item based upon an angular disbursement of the radiation that interacts with the item.