Ultra Fast X-Ray Imaging Detector

ABSTRACT:The DOD needs a multiple pulse X-ray imaging system with high frame rate capability to measure the motion of the target ballast and characterize the debris cloud generated during hypervelocity impacts. Such imaging capability is of vital importance for designing new long-range missile systems with improved accuracy, for assessing damage to the target upon impact to determine its lethality, and to design armors/armored vehicles to protect military personnel and material from enemy attacks.The proposed effort will transition the ultra-fast X-ray imaging technology, developed by Radiation Monitoring Devices (RMD), Inc., under Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR), into greater capability for the warfighter by enabling dynamic imaging of denser hypervelocity objects and impact analysis. The key component of such a system is a fast scintillation screen with enhanced absorption of high energy X-rays, and high spatial resolution.We will focus on developing and delivering scintillator screens that can perform at high X-ray energies desired for testing.The scintillator screens will be integrated into high performance imaging detectors that will permit imaging at the desired high frame rates. This research will be carried out under the SBIR Technology Transition Plan (STTP/CRP) over a period of two years.BENEFIT:In addition to the aforementioned DOD application, the proposed scintillation imaging system would find widespread use in applications where high resolution, fast readout x-ray detectors are used.These include numerous other defense applications, medical functional imaging, structural biology, microtomography of teeth and bones, polymer processing, x-ray astronomy, nondestructive testing, and basic physics research.Ultrahigh frame rate detectors are also of vital importance for dynamic compression studies which are of critical importance for developing advanced materials to effectively withstand shockwaves.High-resolution digital x-ray imaging detectors currently have a large commercial market, significant fraction of which represents area where the proposed scintillator and the detector will have immediate impact.