Analyzing and Identifying

Isotopic Composition of Cargo

Passport technologies provide for a non-intrusive detection system utilizing a versatile electron accelerator and advanced identification technology to analyze the isotopic composition of the materials it scans. Nuclear Resonance Fluorescence imaging (NRF) and EZ-3D™ three-dimensional radiography technology accurately identify the composition of the materials in the container while producing 2D and 3D maps of its contents.

A novel electron accelerator generates a beam, which is magnetically transported towards a radiator target. There, the energy of electrons is efficiently converted into photons. The photons are made to travel parallel to each other (collimated) to form rays, which go through the cargo (in the figure shown from top to bottom).

The beam is magnetically moved (using no mechanical motion) from one position to the next along the width of the container as the vehicle and cargo move forward under the inspection arch. When photons pass through the contents of the container, they create an isotopic “fingerprint” unique to each material.

Because the system creates a 3D map identifying all the contents of the container, items representing threats or contraband can be located quickly and efficiently. Automatically identifying isotopes against a database of targeted materials, it generates automatic alerts without human intervention. It also provides or can be integrated with advanced imaging systems such as computer tomography (CT), multi-view x-ray systems, laminography, or transmission-imaging x-ray systems.