Signature-based radiation scanning using radiation interrogation to detect explosives

Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) pose a serious threat to society. The signature-based radiation scanning technology has been developed to counter this threat. This technology can be automated, requires minimal operator involvement, and in principle can rapidly identify IEDs from standoff distances. Preliminary research using neutron interrogation indicates that explosive samples of about 7 kg or greater hidden in various targets can be detected from standoff distances of more than a meter, with high sensitivity and high specificity.