Reconfigurable backscatter detector

A backscatter x-ray system comprising:

• an x-ray tube configured to emit x-rays;
• a collimator configured to form an x-ray beam using a portion of the x-rays emitted by the x-ray tube, wherein the x-ray beam is directed towards a surface of an object;
• and
• a detector system configured to detect backscatter of the x-ray beam formed in response to the x-ray beam contacting the object, the detector system comprising:
• a structure including a shape, wherein the shape is configured to change from a first shape to a second shape that is non-planar, and
• a sensor array comprising a flexible panel, the flexible panel comprising a plurality of first scintillating optical fibers arranged in a plurality of clusters within a semi-rigid casing, each cluster comprising a grouping of multiple first scintillating optical fibers joined together,
• wherein the flexible panel further comprises a plurality of second scintillating optical fibers individually positioned between the plurality of clusters within the semi-rigid casing, and
• wherein the flexible panel is coupled to a surface of the structure such that the flexible panel conforms to the shape of the structure from the first shape to the second shape.

A method for inspecting an object, the method comprising:

• identifying a selected shape for a detector system in a backscatter inspection system, wherein the selected shape comprises a substantially non-planar shape corresponding to a surface of the object;
• changing a shape of the detector system from a first shape t the selected shape using a structure of the detector system, the detector system comprising a sensor array configured to detect backscatter,
• wherein the sensor array comprises a flexible panel, the flexible panel comprising a plurality of first scintillating optical fibers arranged in a plurality of clusters within a semi-rigid casing, each cluster comprising a grouping of multiple first scintillating optical fibers joined together,
• wherein the flexible panel further comprises a plurality of second scintillating optical fibers individually positioned between the plurality of clusters within the semi-rigid casing, and
• wherein the flexible panel is coupled to a surface of the structure such that the flexible panel conforms to the shape of the detector system from the first shape to the selected shape;
• emitting a radiation beam towards the surface of the object, wherein the radiation beam is formed using a portion of radiation emitted from a radiation source, wherein the radiation comprises x-rays configured to at least partially penetrate the object;
• and
• detecting backscatter formed in response to the radiation beam ene ag contacting the object using the detector system having the selected shape.