X-ray backscatter detection using modulated X-rays
AssigneeLockheed Martin Corporation
InventorJ. Richard Wood
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Mechanisms for identifying a characteristic of a material. An X-ray signal is generated. The X-ray signal is modulated with at least two radio frequency modulation signals to form a modulated X-ray signal. The modulated X-ray signal is directed toward a target material. A backscatter signal is received from the target material, the backscatter signal including harmonic components generated by the target material in response to receiving the modulated X-ray signal. Based at least in part on the harmonic components, a characteristic of the target material is identified.
Claims22
A method for identifying a characteristic of a material, comprising:
- generating an X-ray signal;
- modulating the X-ray signal with at least two radio frequency (RF) modulation signals to form a modulated X-ray signal;
- directing the modulated X-ray signal toward a target material;
- receiving a backscatter signal from the target material, the backscatter signal including harmonic components generated by the target material in response to receiving the modulated X-ray signal;
- and
- based at least in part on the harmonic components, identifying a characteristic of the target material.
A system for determining a characteristic of a material, comprising:
- an X-ray source;
- a modulator configured to modulate the X-ray source with at least two radio frequency (RF) modulation signals to form a modulated X-ray signal;
- a transmitter configured to transmit the modulated X-ray signal toward a target material;
- a receiver configured to receive a backscatter signal from the target material, the backscatter signal including harmonic components generated by the target material in response to receiving the modulated X-ray signal;
- and
- a controller configured to, based at least in part on the harmonic components, identify a characteristic of the target material.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.