X-Ray Backscatter Mobile Inspection Van

Abstract

Systems and methods for inspecting an object with a scanned beam of penetrating radiation. Scattered radiation from the beam is detected, in either a backward or forward direction, as is radiation transmitted through the inspected object. The source of penetrating radiation is concealed within an enclosure of a road-worthy vehicle, and detected with a large-area uncollimated detector similarly concealed within the enclosure.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An inspection system for inspecting an object, the system comprising:
 a. a conveyance characterized by an enclosing body;   b. a source of penetrating radiation contained entirely within the enclosing body of the conveyance for generating penetrating radiation incident upon the object while the object is disposed externally to the enclosing body;   c. an uncollimated detector contained entirely within the body of the enclosed conveyance, for generating a scatter signal based on penetrating radiation scattered by the object; and   d. a controller for ascertaining a specified characteristic of the object based on the scatter signal.   
     
     
         2 . An inspection system according to  claim 1 , wherein the specified characteristic of the object ascertained by the controller is an atomic number characterizing material contained within the object. 
     
     
         3 . An inspection system according to  claim 1 , wherein the source of penetrating radiation includes a spatial modulator for forming a flying spot beam. 
     
     
         4 . An inspection system according to  claim 1 , additionally comprising at least one detector disposed externally to said enclosing body. 
     
     
         5 . An inspection system in accordance with  claim 1 , further comprising at least a second detector for generating the scatter signal. 
     
     
         6 . An inspection system in accordance with  claim 1 , further comprising a transmission detector for generating a transmission signal. 
     
     
         7 . An inspection system in accordance with  claim 6 , wherein the transmission detector includes an L-shaped detector with a vertical section and a horizontal section. 
     
     
         8 . An inspection system in accordance with  claim 6 , wherein the transmission detector is incorporated into a speed bump structure.