Patent ID: 7663119
Filing Date: 2010-02-16
Classification: G01T

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for distributed neutron generation for use in exposure and measurement of neutron induced effects on objects to be examined comprising a neutron interrogation system with a plurality of elongated neutron emission zones connected in common to distribute electrical power to generate neutrons and to share fusion reactant gas in a common low pressure vessel or manifold to form a plurality of neutron sources, wherein the neutron sources or emission zones are used in combination with a neutron moderator, an absorbing and collimating material or a material composite to produce beams of neutrons directed through the objects passing at scanning locations, the beams being shaped to minimize scan duration or to obtain positional information about interior contents of the object being interrogated or to effect different penetration characteristics of the neutrons and resulting secondary radiation wherein neutron interrogation techniques are applied to, obtain information about an elemental or isotopic ratio and neutron scattering characteristics to provide information about an interior composition of an object.