Innovative method of using in-flight annihilation of fast positrons to detect explosives

J. Paul Farrell; M. Murzina; John L. Remo; G. Merkel; Noel A. Guardala

doi:10.1117/12.357068

2 August 1999 Innovative method of using in-flight annihilation of fast positrons to detect explosives

J. Paul Farrell, M. Murzina, John L. Remo, G. Merkel, Noel A. Guardala

Proceedings Volume 3710, Detection and Remediation Technologies for Mines and Minelike Targets IV; (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.357068
Event: AeroSense '99, 1999, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

We have developed an innovative method using radiation produced by in flight annihilation of energetic positrons to detect hidden explosives and other illegal substances. The system uses either radioisotope or compact accelerator based methods to generate a high energy positron beam. The high energy positrons annihilate in flight producing a tunable, narrow spectrum beam of high energy photons. The photon energy, which is determined by the positron energy, can be chosen to be resonant with elements of the explosive or other target. The concentration of the target material determines the intensity of the return signal. Standard gamma radiation detection techniques are used to detect the emitted gamma rays. Because of the innovative method we use to generate and monochromatize the positron beam, the entire system is inexpensive, compact and portable.

Citation Download Citation

J. Paul Farrell, M. Murzina, John L. Remo, G. Merkel, and Noel A. Guardala "Innovative method of using in-flight annihilation of fast positrons to detect explosives", Proc. SPIE 3710, Detection and Remediation Technologies for Mines and Minelike Targets IV, (2 August 1999); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.357068

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available