Bomb detection using backscattered x-ray radiography

摘要

The primary method used to determine if an unattended package is dangerous is currently transmission radiography. This system has two main drawbacks. First, the film must be placed on one side of the package and an x-ray source on the other side of the package. An arrangement that cannot always be achieved due to the position of the package. The other drawback is that the package may detonate before the film is removed and all the information about the package lost. By modifying a backscattered x-ray radiography apparatus for detecting landmines, Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) has developed a system for bomb detection. The system eliminates the use of film behind the target and all of the detection is done from the same side as the source. The system is also computer controlled so that if the package does explode before the complete image is generated, all the information that has been gathered is saved. Due to the simplicity of the system, it could be deployed by a robot to further reduce the risk to humans. Images of mock bombs have been collected in a variety of settings and the components were readily identified.