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

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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

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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.

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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

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