公开(公告)号：US07151266B1

公开(公告)日：2006-12-19

申请号：US10412990

申请日：2003-04-14

Applicant: Steven Basil Christo

Inventor： Steven Basil Christo

IPC: G01T1/18 ,  H01J47/06

CPC classification number: G01T1/167 ,  G01T1/18 ,  G01V5/0075 ,  H01J47/02 ,  H01J47/1211

Abstract: Apparatus for the inspection of cargo containers for nuclear materials comprising one or more arrays of modules comprising grounded, closed conductive tubes filled with an ionizing gas mixture such as, but not limited to, Argon:CO2. A wire is suspended along each tube axis and electrically connected at both ends of the tube. A positive, dc high voltage is supplied to one end of the wire and an amplifier is attached to the other end through a capacitance to decouple the amplifier from the high voltage. X-rays, gamma rays or neutrons produced by nuclear material and passing through the tube ionize the gas. The electrons from the gas ionization process are accelerated toward the wire surface due to the wire's electrical potential. The acceleration of the electrons near the wire's surface is sufficient to ionize more gas and produce an amplification of electrons/ions that create a surge of current large enough to be detectable by the amplifier. Means are also provided for a warning device coupled to the amplifier.

Abstract translation: 用于检查用于核材料的货物集装箱的装置，包括一个或多个模块阵列，其包括填充有电离气体混合物（例如但不限于氩气：CO 2）的接地的封闭导电管。 电线沿着每个管轴悬挂并在管的两端电连接。 正极直流高电压被提供给导线的一端，并且放大器通过电容附接到另一端，以将放大器与高电压分离。 由核材料产生并通过管的X射线，γ射线或中子使气体离子化。 由于电线的电位，来自气体电离过程的电子被加速到线表面。 电线附近的电子加速足以使更多的气体离子化并产生电子/离子的放大，产生足够大的电流浪涌，以便放大器可以检测。 还提供了用于耦合到放大器的警告装置的装置。