Apparatus and methods for real-time detection of explosives devices
Inventors
Blackburn, Brandon W. • Hunt, Alan W. • Chichester, David L.
Assignees
US Department of Energy • Raytheon Co
Publication Number
US-8625744-B2
Publication Date
2014-01-07
Expiration Date
2029-11-20
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Abstract
The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to apparatus, devices, systems, and/or methods for real-time detection of a concealed or camouflaged explosive device (e.g., EFPs and IEDs) from a safe stand-off distance. Apparatus, system and/or methods of the disclosure may also be operable to identify and/or spatially locate and/or detect an explosive device. An apparatus or system may comprise an x-ray generator that generates high-energy x-rays and/or electrons operable to contact and activate a metal comprised in an explosive device from a stand-off distance; and a detector operable to detect activation of the metal. Identifying an explosive device may comprise detecting characteristic radiation signatures emitted by metals specific to an EFP, an IED or a landmine. Apparatus and systems of the disclosure may be mounted on vehicles and methods of the disclosure may be performed while moving in the vehicle and from a safe stand-off distance.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to apparatus, devices, systems, and methods for real-time and remote detection, identification, and spatial location of concealed or camouflaged explosive devices such as explosively formed penetrators (EFPs), improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and landmines from safe stand-off distances. The apparatus uses high energy x-rays or electrons to activate metals contained in explosive devices, causing emission of characteristic radiation signatures which can be detected and analyzed to identify the presence and nature of the explosive device.
The problem being solved is the lack of existing technology for remotely identifying and locating explosive devices like EFPs and IEDs at safe stand-off distances in real time. Current technology is limited to close proximity scanning such as luggage scanners. In combat situations, there is a necessity to detect explosives rapidly and from a distance sufficient to allow a convoy vehicle to avoid the threat. The invention addresses this by employing high-energy radiation to irradiate suspect areas from distances ranging approximately 10 to 100 meters, enabling rapid detection while moving at operational speeds.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes three independent claims covering the core inventive features of an apparatus, a method, and a system for real-time detection of concealed explosive devices.
Generation of high-energy radiation for metal activation from stand-off distance
An apparatus or system includes a generator operable to produce high-energy x-rays or electrons that irradiate metals in explosive devices from a stand-off distance, activating atoms in the metal to produce isotopes which emit characteristic radiation.
Directed scanning and detection of radiation from activated metals
A scanner directs the high-energy x-rays or electrons onto target areas suspected to conceal explosive devices, and a detector captures the radiation emitted by metals, determining if detected radiation matches known isotope radiation signatures specific to metals associated with explosive devices.
Identification and spatial location of explosive devices
The detector is operable to identify the metal by matching radiation signatures to a database and spatially locate the source of radiation using imaging techniques like Compton coincidence and coded aperture imaging.
Background radiation subtraction to isolate signals from explosive devices
The detector includes features to subtract background radiation emitted from benign clutter materials in the scanned area, allowing discrimination of radiation signals associated only with metals of interest in explosive devices.
Method for real-time detection involving irradiation, detection, and identification
A method involving generating high-energy x-rays or electrons to irradiate a target area, activating metals in explosive devices to produce emission of radiation, detecting the emitted radiation, and determining whether it matches isotope radiation signatures associated with metals of interest, optionally including spatial locating and background subtraction.
Operation at safe stand-off distances and while moving
Apparatus, systems, and methods are operable at stand-off distances greater than 10 meters, including while mounted on a vehicle moving at convoy speeds from about 5 to about 35 miles per hour.
The claims collectively cover a real-time detection system and method that utilize high-energy x-ray or electron irradiation to activate metals in explosive devices from a stand-off distance, detect and identify characteristic radiation signatures, spatially locate the devices, subtract background noise, and operate dynamically on moving vehicles to provide timely alerts and information to operators.
Stated Advantages
Enables remote and real-time detection of concealed explosive devices from safe stand-off distances to protect personnel and vehicles.
Allows identification and spatial location of explosive devices even when buried or camouflaged, enhancing threat assessment.
Operates effectively while the detection system is moving at convoy speeds, allowing continuous protection during transit.
Provides rapid detection times ranging from about one to fifteen seconds depending on stand-off distance, facilitating immediate action.
Imaging and detection employ radiation signatures specific to metals in explosive devices, reducing false positives from benign materials.
Documented Applications
Mounted on military convoy vehicles or personal vehicles to detect and localize explosive devices while moving at normal operational speeds.
Used in combat zones and civilian areas for detecting concealed or camouflaged explosives such as EFPs, IEDs, and landmines remotely.
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