Portable Non-Contact Non-Invasive Underwater Compton Imaging Tomography System Navy SBIR FY2011.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2011.2 Topic No.: N112-158 Topic Title: Portable Non-Contact Non-Invasive Underwater Compton Imaging Tomography System Proposal No.: N112-158-0180 Firm: Physical Optics Corporation Applied Technologies Division 1845 West 205th Street Torrance, California 90501 Contact: Volodymyr Romanov Phone: (310) 320-3088 Web Site: www.poc.com Abstract: To address the Navy's need for a technology for in situ imaging and displaying internal components (firing train components, anti-removal and anti-tamper devices, methods of attachments if applicable, and air voids) of underwater explosive threats such as limpet mines or underwater improvised explosive devises (IEDs), Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Portable Non-Contact Non-Invasive Underwater Compton Imaging Tomography (PUNICITO) system. This proposed PUNICITO is based on a novel POC-developed Compton Imaging Tomography (CIT) technique. The innovative PUNICITO will enable users to obtain three-dimensional, high-resolution, and high-contrast X-ray images of investigated objects with detailed spatial localization of all features of internal components. PUNICITO's hardware is mounted in one submersible enclosure attached to a remotely operated vehicle. PUNICITO requires only one-sided, noncontact access to the object. PUNICITO provides a full exposure time of 2-5 min per 1 sq ft, spatial resolution of less than 0.5 mm, and sensitivity of less than 1%, which meets Navy requirements. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate the feasibility of PUNICITO in X-ray laboratory underwater experiments with simulated limpet mines/IEDs. In Phase II, POC plans to assemble, test, and demonstrate a fully functional TRL-6 PUNICITO system laboratory prototype. Benefits: Military applications of PUNICITO will include accurate in situ imaging and displaying of internal components (firing train components, anti-removal and anti-tamper devices, methods of attachments if applicable, and air voids) of underwater explosive threats (with one-side access), such as limpet mines or underwater improvised explosive devices (IEDs). With minor modifications, PUNICITO can be incorporated by the U.S. Navy, Army, and Air Force as a reliable, rapid, automatic, easy-to-use system for three-dimensional imaging of internal structures of aircraft, missiles, and light vessel hulls above/below the waterline, etc. PUNICITO also has significant commercial applications, including in situ structural inspection below the waterline of modern commercial ships, underwater pipelines, and other underwater structures. With appropriate modifications, the PUNICITO system can be used for in situ structural inspection of terrestrial structures such as pipelines, nuclear power plant equipment, aircraft, and any other applications requiring defect detection in thick (up to 2-4 in.) non-uniform multilayered metal/composite/ceramic structures with complicated geometries. Potential customers include Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and General Dynamics. Return