초록 ▼

A method and apparatus are provided for imaging and identifying concealed objects within an obscuring medium using radiation (optical, photo-acoustic, ionizing, and/or acoustic) optimized for imaging (e.g. temporal properties, spectral bandwidth, directionality, polarization, etc.). Radiation propag

A method and apparatus are provided for imaging and identifying concealed objects within an obscuring medium using radiation (optical, photo-acoustic, ionizing, and/or acoustic) optimized for imaging (e.g. temporal properties, spectral bandwidth, directionality, polarization, etc.). Radiation propagates through, interacts with, exits the medium and the object, and is detected/imaged. Image quality can be improved if radiation is collimated and/or if transmission and/or backscattered measurements from a number of perspectives are used to improved image reconstruction. Coupling materials can be employed during image acquisition to enhance radiation coupling as well as providing desirable absorption and scattering properties. Contrast materials and agents can also aid in the detection of concealed objects. Adaptive methods, e.g. using reference objects, including implementations based on the concept of guide stars, can improve the imaging process. The surface can be monitored and groomed to enhance the imaging process. Tomosynthesis techniques can be used to reconstruct images. Acousto-optic effects may be observed when both optical radiation and acoustic radiation are introduce into the medium. A laser vibrometry, speckle, or holographic interferometry imaging technique can be used to readout the acoustic waveform exiting the medium surface directly or after interacting with a deformable mirrored or reflective layer coupled to the medium. The medium may be prepared prior to imaging in order to reduce surface irregularities and roughness. Multilayer mirrors and capillary optics can be used to enhance imaging systems which use ionizing radiation. Resistance images can be obtained using probes to penetrate the medium.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.]1. An apparatus for obtaining images of concealed objects in an obscuring medium comprising:at least one radiation source providing acoustic radiation, the at least one source disposed so radiation therefrom will be incident on an obscuring medium to be scanned,at least one radiatio

[ We claim:] [1.]1. An apparatus for obtaining images of concealed objects in an obscuring medium comprising:at least one radiation source providing acoustic radiation, the at least one source disposed so radiation therefrom will be incident on an obscuring medium to be scanned,at least one radiation detector associated with the at least one radiation source and disposed to detect radiation exiting the medium,a collimator associated with each detector and disposed between the medium and each detector, wherein the obscuring medium is at least one of snow, ice, gravel, sand, soil, mud, river bottom, lake bottom, ocean bottom, biological waste, sewage or sludge, and human tissue, anda radiation-transparent module having an elastically conformable contact surface, wherein the contact surface is free of rigid support members and is conformable to a discontinuous or irregular medium surface, wherein the module is positioned between at least one of the following two pairs: the radiation source and a radiation entrance surface of the medium, and a radiation exit surface of the medium and the radiation detector, the module providing a uniform entry surface profile for the radiation incident on the obscuring medium.