US 8,541,756 B1 · Systems and methods for generating X-rays and neutrons using a single linear accelerator

Abstract

Systems and methods for generating X-rays and neutrons using a single linear accelerator are disclosed. Such system and methods may interrogate an object at times with X-rays and at other times with neutrons, e.g., after suspicious material is detected based on the X-rays. A system may include a single linear accelerator for generating first and second electron beams; first and second targets; a magnet configured to control irradiation of the first and second targets by the first and second electron beams; and a controller that (a) causes the linear accelerator to generate the first electron beam and causes the magnet to direct the beam to first target to generate X-rays; and (b) causes the linear accelerator to generate the second electron beam and causes the magnet to direct the beam to the second target to generate neutrons.

Claims26

Dependent claims

A system for interrogating an object, the system comprising:

a single linear accelerator configured to generate first and second electron beams respectively having first and second energies;
first and second targets;
a magnet configured to control irradiation of the first and second targets by the first and second electron beams;
and
a controller in operable communication with the linear accelerator and with the magnet, the controller configured to:
(a) cause the linear accelerator to generate the first electron beam at a first time and cause the magnet to direct the first electron beam to the first target so as to generate a first X-ray beam that has a first X-ray energy and irradiates the object;
and
(b) cause the linear accelerator to generate the second electron beam at a second time and cause the magnet to direct the second electron beam to the second target so as to generate a neutron beam that irradiates the object.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Systems and methods for generating X-rays and neutrons using a single linear accelerator

Life of this patent

Systems and methods for generating X-rays and neutrons using a single linear accelerator

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims26