Scatter enhanced 3D X-ray imaging
Lead Research Organisation:
CRANFIELD UNIVERSITY
Department Name: Cranfield Defence and Security
Abstract
Poor quality X-ray images pose serious problems for the security operators manning X-ray scanners at places such as airports. The operators search for the weapons of terrorism such as guns, knives or explosive devices in images containing the clutter of everyday items. The detection and identification of a threat in a 'typical' suitcase or carry-on bag may be categorised broadly into two areas. Namely, the interpretation of cluttered images to reveal the presence of a threat 'shape' and the identification of potentially harmful or explosive substances through the production of material characteristic signals. The former, is reliant upon spatial information, which is best dealt with by a human operator as the full member set of threats cannot be defined, while the latter requires an appropriate sensor technology to provide the raw data for colour encoding of the resultant images. The logistical problems associated with hold-baggage screening and carry-on baggage cannot be understated. For instance, approximately 68 million people pass through Heathrow International Airport each year. The environment is akin to a high volume production line in which each item to be inspected is different. This is a unique and particularly difficult inspection task.Researchers from the Nottingham Trent University and Cranfield University are developing a new type of 3D X-ray scanner technology. The imaging technique combines powerful 3D imagery with the capability to discriminate between dangerous substances and benign luggage contents. In collaboration with scientists based at the Home Office Scientific Development Branch (HOSDB) at St Albans, they are developing a technology that will provide video type image sequences accurately highlighting the material composition of the objects under inspection. The dynamic imagery provides the observer with hitherto unseen information concerning the actual contents of the objects being inspected through a powerful and compelling sensation of three-dimensional structure. An interesting aspect of the technique is that the resultant images are a synthesis of the various signal contributions from a complex arrangement of integrated sensors. The combination of characteristically scattered signals with high-resolution mass discrimination images has the potential to provide fast and spatially accurate materials discrimination. To realise the integrated detectors required for this novel approach, scientists at Durham Scientific Crystals Ltd a spin off company from the Physics Department at the University of Durham, are developing compound semiconductors such as cadmium telluride in single crystal form. This UK led project brings together a number of timely innovations concerning the production of dynamic 3D X-ray images and the direct detection of X-rays by semiconductor sensors.The key to developing a the world's first scatter enhanced 3D X-ray scanner now relies upon establishing the precise requirements for the configuration of the sensors together with their geometric, temporal, spectral and electronic properties. Besides the potential to significantly improve the efficiency of visual inspection, the research will inform a larger body of work concerning the development of computational methods for the automatic detection of explosive substances. More futuristically the implications for the success of this approach are far reaching in that the technique may well have the potential to improve the high energy X-ray screening of freight and/or vehicles as well as medical and industrial applications.
People |
ORCID iD |
K Rogers (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Dicken A
(2010)
Position determination of scatter signatures--a novel sensor geometry.
in Talanta
Dicken A
(2010)
The separation of X-ray diffraction patterns for threat detection
in Applied Radiation and Isotopes
Dicken A
(2011)
Combined X-ray diffraction and kinetic depth effect imaging.
in Optics express
Evans P
(2010)
High intensity x-ray diffraction in transmission mode employing an analog of Poisson's spot
in Applied Physics Letters
Rogers K
(2010)
Focal construct geometry - a novel approach to the acquisition of diffraction data
in Journal of Applied Crystallography
Description | A principal discovery was that X-rays that carry material information could be made to focus into high intensity spots. This means that signals that are normally too weak to measure can be recorded on low-cost detectors. |
Exploitation Route | The technology developed could be exploited wherever rapid materials specific information is required. For example to identify illicit materials at airports, to monitor in-line manufacturing processes and to provide clinical information in hospitals. |
Sectors | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Healthcare,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology,Security and Diplomacy |
Description | The findings were used to stimulate a new research area (focal construct technology) that has subsequently attracted multiple grant awards and produced a commercialisation vehicle. |
First Year Of Impact | 2011 |
Sector | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology,Security and Diplomacy,Transport |
Impact Types | Societal,Economic |
Description | Home Office |
Amount | £420,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | IRC2010 |
Organisation | Home Office |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start |
Description | Home Office |
Amount | £400,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | IRC2010 |
Organisation | Home Office |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2011 |
End | 01/2014 |
Description | Home Office |
Amount | £400,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | IRC2010 |
Organisation | Home Office |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2011 |
End | 07/2014 |
Description | Home Office |
Amount | £420,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | IRC2010 |
Organisation | Home Office |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start |
Company Name | HALO X-ray Technologies Ltd |
Description | HALO X-ray Technologies is an innovation company developing new and disruptive materials identification systems for aviation security, medical systems and process control applications. The HXT patent portfolio, currently licensed from our academic partners, protects our core IP. Industry-standard lab- and time-bound X-ray analysis techniques are now possible as real-time solutions for multiple industries by implementing new X-ray optics to dramatically improve signal strength. This significantly translates underlying and well-established science into a solution that can solve industrial and commercial applications at speeds required for these markets. As an example, aviation security has historically used technology that typically only estimates if a material is a threat. This leads to false alarms, long delays through checkpoints and frustrated passengers. HXT technology has capability to definitively identify material and for the first time at speeds that will enhance rather than slow checkpoint systems and at a cost point that is well-aligned with our target markets. HXT platform technology can provide medical systems for point-of-care solutions to address an ageing population and process control systems providing definitive and rapid materials analysis to improve efficiency for in-line industrial manufacturing. HXT IP provides platform capability across numerous sectors, realising disruptive and compelling solutions and offering significant business opportunity in all areas of application. The current focus is on aviation and border security and there are a number of opportunities specifically for this sector, such as: - Drugs and currency detection for postal systems. - Personal electronic devices screening (PEDS). - Checkpoint screening system for explosives detection. |
Year Established | 2012 |
Impact | Halo X-ray Technologies Ltd (HXT) has its offices and development facilities based in *BioCity Nottingham. HXT systems offer new opportunities to the aviation security environment and will be potentially deployed in greater locations throughout the airport. The aviation checkpoint will be improved as our technology and systems roll out and new HXT technology will facilitate additional security checks at the departure gate. *BioCity is a private limited company founded by the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University who are each part owners of the business. |
Website | https://www.haloxray.com/ |