Optimization of a low-angle x-ray scatter system for explosive detection

Coherent scatter measurements have been shown to be a potentially useful tool in the detection of energetic materials. The relationship between explosive volume, method of concealment, environment, and resulting threat has been considered in the design of our energy dispersive low angle x-ray scatter system. The principle application of the system is for the detection of explosives concealed within passenger luggage in sheet form. The effects of parameters such as scattering angle, beam collimation, explosive material geometry, overlying materials and counting statistics have been measured experimentally and comparison made with theoretical prediction. It has been found that: 1) scatter signature analysis dictates optimum scattering angles for different explosives, and 2) partial volume effects must be combined with scatter angles to give total system optimization.