Transmission line array for explosive detection using nuclear quadrupole resonance
AssigneeR.A. Miller Industries, Inc.
InventorsJohn T. Apostolos, Paul A. Zank
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Abstract
A transmission line array is used for explosive/contraband detection using nuclear quadrupole resonance in which the array is driven in-phase with synchrony frequency-swept signals. Each of the balanced transmission lines is fed with a low power swept frequency source and stimulated emissions are picked out with a directional coupler. Location is provided using a cross grid array or a phase detector is used for each balanced line, with phase determining the distance to the sensed substance.
Claims10
In a system for detecting substances utilizing nuclear quadrupole resonance involving detecting of a substance between the elements of a balanced transmission line terminated with a resistive element in which the transmission line is driven through a circulator with a signal having a frequency equal to that of one of the spectral lines of the substance and in which the substance is detected by detection of the stimulated emissions from the substance as an output of the circulator, a method of detecting the substance over a wide area, comprising the steps of:
- providing an array of the balanced transmission lines, each terminated with a resistive element;
- simultaneously driving each of the balanced transmission lines in the array with a signal having a frequency equal to that of one of the spectral lines of the substance;
- and,
- detecting along which of the balanced transmission lines stimulated emissions exists.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.