Patent ID: 7388205

Claim:
A dual-mode system for inspecting a target object comprising: a radiation source attached to a first end of a deployable boom, the deployable boom being attached at a second end to a movable platform; a first detector and a helium neutron detector located on the movable platform; and an image processor coupled to the first detector and the helium neutron detector; wherein when the dual-mode system is operating in a first active mode for imaging a target object located between the radiation source and the movable platform, the radiation source directs radiation at a target object, the radiation is detected by the first detector, and the image processor images the target object based on an output of the first detector; and further wherein, when the dual-mode system is operating in a second passive mode for scanning a target object located between the radiation source and the movable platform, the target object is scanned by the helium neutron detector for radiation that is emitted by the target object, the emitted radiation from the target object is detected by the helium neutron detector, and an indicator indicates the presence of the emitted radiation from the target object based on an output of the helium neutron detector.