Variable-ratio neutron-gamma ray source
AssigneeHamilton Sundstrand Corporation
InventorsAndrew J. Zillmer, Nathan J. Hoffman, Gregory A. Johnson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A variable-ratio neutron-gamma ray source comprises a neutron generator, a shield, a collimator, and an external gamma target. The neutron generator generates neutrons and the shield reduces external radiation exposure. The collimator collimates the neutrons into a neutron beam that traverses the shield. The external gamma target generates a dual neutron-gamma ray beam from the neutron beam, wherein the dual neutron-gamma ray beam has a variable neutron-gamma ratio as a function of a thickness of the external gamma target.
Claims20
A variable-ratio neutron-gamma ray source comprising:
- a neutron generator for generating neutrons;
- a shield for reducing external radiation exposure;
- a collimator for collimating the neutrons into a neutron beam that traverses the shield;
- and
- an external gamma target for generating a dual neutron-gamma ray beam from the neutron beam, wherein the dual neutron-gamma ray beam has a variable neutron-gamma ratio as a function of a thickness of the external gamma target.
A variable-ratio neutron-gamma ray detection system comprising:
- a source for interrogating a container, the source comprising:
- a neutron generator for generating a neutron beam,
- an external gamma target for converting the neutron beam into a dual neutron-gamma ray beam having a neutron-gamma ratio, and
- an actuator for varying the neutron-gamma ratio by positioning the external gamma target;
- and
- a detector array for detecting an object in the container as a function of neutron and gamma ray attenuation in the beam.
A method for detecting an object, the method comprising:
- illuminating the object with a dual neutron-gamma ray beam;
- measuring a neutron-gamma attenuation ratio in the dual neutron-gamma ray beam;
- detecting the object as a function of the neutron-gamma attenuation ratio;
- and
- varying a neutron-gamma ratio of the dual neutron-gamma beam by positioning an external gamma target.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.