Sample identification system combining X-ray imaging and diffraction, based upon the use of a pixelated, energy resolving sensor

Illicit drugs are a major problem for society and it is estimated to cost the UK £15.4 billion per year. One of the problems faced by police forces and UKBA officers is the ability to test objects or containers found on individuals or groups of individuals at the scene of a suspected crime or at points of entry to the UK (airports, ports, etc). This project is to develop a compact sample analyser that could provide detailed analysis of sufficient quality to be used as evidence in court without opening the packaging. The system is based upon a novel approach to a well know analytical procedure - X-ray diffraction. X-ray diffraction is usually carried out in one of two ways. These are called angular dispersive or energy dispersive and they each have advantages and disadvantages. This project uses a new X-ray sensor developed by the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in a mode that allows the two X-ray diffraction approaches to be combined into one. This uses the best of both approaches and gives high quality sample analysis in a matter of seconds without any moving parts.