Superfast High-Energy Compton Forward-Scattered X-ray 3D Stereo Imaging

To address the Air Force need for a large, high-energy X-ray industrial system providing dynamic high-resolution 3D imaging of internal structures of large, solid rocket motors undergoing in-field testing, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposed and successfully completed the design and development of the new Superfast High-Energy Compton Forward-Scattered X-ray 3D Stereo Imaging (HECXtereo) technology that provides time-resolved (≥30 Hz) photogrammetric 3D information on various solid rocket motor propellants inside a metal-enclosed volume. Specifically, the innovative HECXtereo design does not require any physical motion of its hardware relative to the fixed solid rocket motor. HECXtereo enables fully automatic acquisition of multiple high-resolution, two-dimensional stereo Compton forward-scattered, high-energy X-ray images and enables fast, effective reconstruction of three-dimensional, high-resolution images of solid rocket motors, directly addressing the Air Force requirements. In Phase I, POC developed the HECXtereo hardware/software prototype and demonstrated its feasibility in processing experimental images, reaching technology readiness level (TRL)-4. In Phase II, POC will develop the fully functional HECXtereo Phase II TRL-5 prototype and will demonstrate it in a relevant environment. This prototype will be mobile and easily reconfigurable. It will be track-transportable and capable of dynamic inspection of any large system.