Non-destructive detection systems and methods

Abstract

Described are preferred devices and systems useful in the non-destructive detection of predetermined substances, such as plastique explosives, in objects under interrogation. The devices and systems are readily constructed and can be manufactured as self-contained, portable detection devices.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A laminate device for self-contained delivery of epithermal neutrons, comprising: 
 a first polymer layer having embedded therein a source of alpha-radiation;    a second polymer layer, the second polymer layer being opaque to alpha-radiation and having defined therein a diffraction opening for passing alpha-radiation from said chemical source of alpha-radiation;    a third polymer layer having embedded therein a source of epithermal neutrons, said third polymer layer being positioned relative to said second polymer layer such that alpha-radiation from said source of alpha-radiation impinges upon the source of neutrons, thereby generating epithermal neutrons; and    a fourth polymer layer, said fourth polymer layer being impermeable to epithermal neutrons and defining a diffraction opening for passing said generated epithermal neutrons.    
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , which also includes a fifth polymer layer having embedded therein a sealed article containing liquid nitrogen, for cooling the device.  
     
     
         3 . A radiation source/detector array device for non-destructive interrogation, comprising: 
 a non-conductive substrate opaque to epithermal neutrons;    a pattern of electrically conductive material imprinted upon said non-conductive substrate, said pattern providing a plurality of leads for electrical connection of radiation detectors;    a plurality of radiation detectors affixed to said substrate and electrically connected to said plurality of leads; and    a plurality of self-contained radiation sources affixed to said substrate.    
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 2  wherein said plurality of self-contained radiation sources includes devices according to  claim 1 .  
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 4  which also includes a plurality of x-ray sources, and a plurality of x-ray detectors.  
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5 , which also includes a plurality of neutron detectors.  
     
     
         7 . A method for non-destructively interrogating an object, comprising: 
 positioning said object adjacent a source/detector array device for non-destructive interrogation, the device including: 
 a non-conductive substrate;  
 a pattern of electrically conductive material imprinted upon said non-conductive substrate, said pattern providing a plurality of leads for electrical connection of radiation detectors;  
 a plurality of radiation detectors affixed to said substrate and electrically connected to said plurality of leads; and  
 a plurality of self-contained radiation sources affixed to said substrate;  
 so that the object interacts with radiation generated by said radiation sources and generates a characteristic radiation signal; and  
   detecting said characteristic radiation signal with said detectors.    
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein said radiation sources include thermal neutron sources.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the epithermal neutron sources include: 
 a first polymer layer having embedded therein a chemical source of alpha-radiation;  
 a second polymer layer, the second polymer layer being opaque to alpha-radiation and having defined therein a diffraction opening for passing alpha-radiation from said chemical source of alpha-radiation;  
 a third polymer layer having embedded therein a chemical source of epithermal neutrons, said third polymer layer being positioned relative to said second polymer layer such that alpha-radiation from said source of alpha-radiation impinges upon the source of neutrons, thereby generating epithermal neutrons; and  
 a fourth polymer layer, said fourth polymer layer being opaque to epithermal neutrons and defining a diffraction opening for passing said generated epithermal neutrons.