Single beam backscatter x-ray system

A method for inspecting an object by an apparatus under computer control that performs method steps, the apparatus comprising a control computer, a radiation source, a collimator, a movement system, and a detector, the method comprising:

• emitting radiation from a radiation source under control of the control computer, the radiation selected from the group consisting of:
• X-rays, gamma rays, and neutrons;
• forming a beam from a portion of the radiation emitted by the radiation source using a collimator, wherein the collimator is connected to the radiation source by a bearing system comprising a first structure associated with the radiation source and a second structure connected to the first structure in which the second structure holds the collimator;
• moving the second structure of the bearing system using the movement system, under control of the control computer, such that the second structure rotates in one of a plurality of directions substantially about a center point in the radiation source while the radiation source remains stationary relative to the second structure, wherein rotation of the second structure substantially about the center point in the radiation source changes a direction in which the beam formed by the collimator is directed, wherein a connection between the first structure and the second structure is a fixed connection and wherein movement of the second structure causes the second structure and the first structure to rotate in the one of the plurality of directions substantially about the center point around the radiation source within a selected range of degrees;
• directing, using the movement system, the beam toward the object;
• detecting, using the detector under control of the control computer, backscatter formed in response to the beam encountering the object;
• and
• generating an image of the object from the detected backscatter.