Roadside Explosive Device X-Ray Detecting System Navy SBIR FY2004.2 - Quick Response Topics Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2004.2 Topic No.: N04-901 Topic Title: Roadside Explosive Device X-Ray Detecting System Proposal No.: N042-901-0198 Firm: Physical Optics Corporation Electro-Optics & Holography Division 20600 Gramercy Place, Bldg 100 Torrance, California 90501-1821 Contact: Michael Gertsenshteyn Phone: (310) 320-3088 Web Site: www.poc.com Abstract: The Marine Corps needs an instrument that can detect roadside improvised explosive devices (IEDs), which continue to threaten U.S. forces as they conduct overseas operations. The system should be mounted on a small, remotely operated vehicle (ROV) or a man-operate vehicle, or should be man-portable; so that it can detect concealed IEDs, even through metal. Existing backscatter imaging sensors for detecting explosive devices take a truck to transport, are expensive, and above all are hazardous. To meet this need, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Roadside Explosive Device X-ray (REX) Detecting System that focuses hard X-rays to discriminate IEDs from similar objects. REX can examine suspect roadside objects from all points of view, recovering full 360 degrees imagery of potential IEDs in real time. The proposed REX system images IEDs and other hidden objects by means of Compton backscattering. It will operate in the X-ray energy range from 40 to 80 keV. The REX system has high resolution and high signal-to-noise ratio because of its true focusing capabilities. In Phase I POC will develop a preliminary proof-of-concept prototype of the REX system. In Phase II, a preproduction REX system will be fabricated and tested. Benefits: The military applications of POC's proposed REX system will include detection of IEDs, and of roadside and buried landmines and bombs. The REX system can be incorporated by the Marine Corps into remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and will also be useful in sharpening medical X-ray imagery. POC's REX system can focus hard X-rays (up to 140 keV) for nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of product quality by X-ray screening, and for security screening in airports and at marine terminals and border checkpoints. Today only 2% of the cargo containers coming into the U.S. are screened. POC's REX system technology will make the required capability available, ensuring rapid market penetration and fast commercialization of this technology. Return