X-ray backscatter imaging: Photography through barriers

Abstract

X-ray imaging techniques based on Compton backscatter permit inspection and screening of sea containers, a wide variety of vehicles, luggage, and even people. In contrast to more commonly used transmission images, backscatter imaging involves positioning both source and detection apparatus on only one side of a target object. This presents the user with inspection opportunities in situations that may be extremely difficult, if not impossible, for transmission systems that require access by the detector subsystem to the opposing side of the target. The backscatter image is somewhat akin to a photograph of the contents of a closed container, taken through the container walls. Techniques for producing X-ray images based on Compton scattering will be discussed, along with wide-ranging examples of how systems based on these principles are used to perform inspections for both security applications and for the detection of contraband materials at ports and borders. Potential applications in the area of nondestructive evaluation will also be considered. Differences in the type of information displayed by transmission and backscatter images will be highlighted, and tradeoffs between backscatter image quality and interpretability, scan speed, effective penetration, and X-ray tube voltage will also be discussed. The method used in scanning the target object results in an extremely low radiation dose, a result that significantly broadens the application spectrum for this imaging technique.