Method of aligning a linear array X-ray detector

In a computer based system for non-destructive measuring and testing of manufactured parts, the system including an X-ray source for providing a beam of X-ray radiation, a beam limiter positioned in the beam of radiation and having an adjustable gap in at least one plane and being positionable in the at least one plane for establishing a directed beam of radiation, a linear array X-ray detector having a plurality of radiation detecting elements for converting detected radiation into electrical signals, the detector being generally oriented in the directed beam of radiation, and a collimator coupled to the detector for restricting radiation received by the detector to a predetermined range of approach angles, a method for aligning the detector to the directed beam of X-ray radiation comprising the steps of:

• opening the beam limiter gap until each element of the linear array receives X-ray radiation unattenuated by the beam limiter;
• positioning the linear array detector such that each radiation detecting element produces signals of maximum amplitude;
• reducing the beam limiter gap until the signals from the detector begin to reduce in amplitude;
• repositioning the beam limiter in the at least one plane such that the signals from the detector achieve another maximum amplitude;
• and
• positioning the linear array detector in the at least one plane until the radiation detecting elements produce signals of still another maximum amplitude.