MEMS based computed tomographic scanner for border security

Abstract

High energy X-ray imaging is a well established-screening modality for large and high density cargo containers and vehicles at airports, seaports and border crossings. High energy X-rays are used for noninvasive detection of contraband goods and for curtailing illegal activities at the borders. The increased threat of global terrorism has led to the need for a non-intrusive imaging system that can yield high resolution images with reduced false alarms. In conventional X-ray systems, the constricted source detector arrangement and large container size prohibits the reconstruction of 2D cross sections. In this paper, we present a novel X-ray reflective mirror assembly for a more comprehensive screening of cargo containers. The proposed technique utilizes a micro-machined membrane deformable X-ray reflective mirror for efficient projection measurements. The deformable mirror compensates for the limited movement of the scan arrangement and yields high resolution 2D reconstruction