Characterizing Modulation Transform Functions for varying Zeff materials

Abstract

Compton Backscatter Imaging (CBI) is a decades old approach to imaging surfaces where positioning of a detector and x-ray source for transmission imaging is either not possible or convenient. For that reason, it has been explored and utilized in areas of explosive detection and security applications, railway infrastructure integrity, and aerospace safety. Within these applications, much of the focus is on resolution for specific signatures within the target medium, particularly voids that indicate decreased structural integrity. The purpose of this research is to characterize the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) signature of plastic, lead, steel, aluminum, and copper. MTF contrast analysis yields greater results in image clarity and post processing when compared to altering the image capture alone. Doing so would allow researchers to configure scanning equipment to detect key elements specific to CBI imaging of potential explosive devices. While past research has focused on an explosive penalty or contraband, the goal for this research is to target components of a device like the wiring or power source.