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US 9,594,033 B2Granted
Visible X-ray indication and detection system for X-ray backscatter applications
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorGary E. Georgeson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An X-ray backscatter indication and detection system, including an object disposed with respect to a target area targeted by X-rays, such that X-rays that backscatter from the target area strike the surface of the object. The surface of the object includes an X-ray sensitive indicator substance that fluoresces with a visible light when contacted by backscattered X-rays.
Claims20
An X-ray leak detector comprising:
- an X-ray generator for generating X-rays that strike a target area;
- a shield disposed in front of the X-ray generator, the shield configured to block X-rays backscattered from the target area;
- a first object disposed behind the shield relative to the target area;
- and
- an X-ray fluorescent Q-dot solution disposed on the first object, the X-ray fluorescent Q-dot solution configured to fluoresce with a visible light when X-rays strike the X-ray fluorescent Q-dot solution.
2 more elements
A method of detecting X-ray leaks from an X-ray leak detector, the method comprising:
- generating X-rays from an X-ray generator, wherein the X-rays strike a target area;
- placing a shield disposed in front of the X-ray generator, wherein placing the shield comprises blocking X-rays backscattered from the target area;
- placing an X-ray fluorescent Q-dot solution on a first object disposed behind the shield relative to the target area, the X-ray fluorescent Q-dot solution configured to fluoresce with a visible light when X-rays strike the X-ray fluorescent Q-dot solution.
An X-ray monitor comprising:
- an X-ray measuring tool comprising:
- a housing;
- a sensor target area on the housing and configured to receive an X-ray flux;
- and
- an X-ray detector disposed inside the housing and configured to measure the X-ray flux;
- and
- an X-ray fluorescent Q-dot solution disposed on the sensor target area, the X-ray fluorescent Q-dot solution configured to fluoresce with a visible light when X-rays strike the X-ray fluorescent Q-dot solution.
4 more elements
A method of using an X-ray monitor, the X-ray monitor comprising:
- an X-ray measuring tool comprising:
- a housing;
- a sensor target area on the housing and configured to receive an X-ray flux;
- and an X-ray detector disposed inside the housing and configured to measure the X-ray flux;
- and an X-ray fluorescent Q-dot solution disposed on the sensor target area;
- the method comprising:
- pointing the X-ray monitor towards a source of X-rays, whereby the X-ray fluorescent Q-dot solution fluoresces with a visible light when the X-rays strike the X-ray fluorescent Q-dot solution;
- and
- adjusting an orientation of the X-ray monitor to increase a luminescence of the visible light from the sensor target area, whereby an increased flux of the X-rays will pass through the sensor target area into the X-ray detector.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.