Optimisation of a low angle x-ray scatter system for explosive detecfion

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 ofparameters such as scattering angle, beam collimation, explosive material geometry, overlying materials and counting statistics have been measured erperimentally and comparisons made with theoreticaipredictions. It has been found that: