Motivations and methods for the analysis of multi-modality x-ray systems for explosives detection

Abstract

Transmission-based imaging and X-ray diffraction-based material analysis have largely developed independently. However, for a variety of applications ranging from in-vivo soft tissue analysis to concealed explosives detection, it is necessary to realize high-fidelity, spatially-resolved material discrimination. We therefore seek to understand to what degree transmission and X-ray diffraction (XRD) complement one another and can be implemented practically, particularly in the case of explosives detection in aviation security. Using a combination of simulated and experimental data, we identify the relative value of the X-ray signatures available to transmission and XRD measurements, and explore how the measurement fidelity can impact these results.

Improved reconstruction and classification performance in a hybrid CT+XRD explosives detection system

“…Our original XRD reconstructions were previously used to provide improve detection capabilities, relative to CT measurements alone. 8,9 Our hypothesis for this work is that there exists room for improvement in the XRD reconstruction which would improve material specificity when a classification algorithm is trained and tested on the results. We aim to show the improved material specificity through improved binary one-vs-all classification results.…”

“…5 Our work in this paper focuses on how X-ray diffraction imaging can be coupled with existing X-ray transmission measurements 6, 7 to produce a system with a lower false alarm rate than either system alone due to its superior material characterization capabilities. 8,9 Specifically we provide detail on the utility of high quality XRD reconstructions in discriminating threat materials from benign objects. Furthermore, we describe how an XRDI system may be integrated into the current aviation security workflow and analyze the impact on false alarm rate.…”