Associated Particle Imaging Shipboard Inspection System

Dynamics Technology, Inc. (DTI) will develop a man-portable shipboard inspection system based on Associated Particle Imaging (API) technology, which can provide through-wall imaging behind bulkheads and within containers, along with automated threat material identification. The system builds on a decade of research by DTI and its partners, encompassing explosives identification, current government-sponsored R&D for related API applications, and recent progress in commercial components that supports rugged cost-effective systems development. Associated particle imaging is a neutron imaging technique that is particularly well suited to shipboard inspection because of its unique capability to provide: (1) man-portable inspection capability, (2) 3-D imagery to greatly enhance clutter suppression and improve automated material identification; and (2) penetration of steel bulkheads at high SNR. In Phase I, DTI will define operational requirements, perform an analytical feasibility assessment, provide supporting API measurements to validate the concept, identify advanced component tradeoffs, and define Phase II R&D requirements. In Phase II, we will develop advanced components and processing technology needed to achieve the functional and operational goals of a shipboard inspection system.