Laser-plasma based source 3D Tomography for cargo inspection

Projektinformationen

MULTISCAN 3D

ID Finanzhilfevereinbarung: 101020100

DOI

10.3030/101020100

Projekt abgeschlossen

EK-Unterschriftsdatum 26 April 2021

Startdatum 1 September 2021

Enddatum 31 August 2025

Finanziert unter

• Secure societies - Protecting freedom and security of Europe and its citizens

Gesamtkosten

€ 6 989 608,75

EU-Beitrag

€ 6 989 608,75

Koordiniert durch

COMMISSARIAT A L ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
France

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - MULTISCAN 3D (Laser-plasma based source 3D Tomography for cargo inspection)

Berichtszeitraum: 2022-09-01 bis 2023-08-31

Zusammenfassung vom Kontext und den Gesamtzielen des Projekts

The overall objective of the project is to develop a revolutionary static radiation generating technique capable of addressing customs challenges. Indeed, limits of radiography mean that today, customs organizations and other authorities, need additional technologies in separate set-ups to fully inspect containers. They require solutions that combine effective threat detection with efficient interplay with operational constraints. That is why they inquire for alternatives to X-rays, capable of providing more precise information, for example, on the content of hermetically sealed containers.
The project MULTISCAN3D propose to improve X-ray inspection system with new all-in-one inspection system (first and second line of inspection) to develop flexible, relocatable solution with shorter screening inspection time and higher targets definition.
• A first line with a fast-high energy 3D X-rays tomography,
• A second line composed of neutron interrogation/photofission and narrow gamma ray beam based NRR
MULTISCAN3D starts by investigating and defining needs and requirements, in a technologically-neutral way, with Europe’s most prominent Customs Authorities which will be translated to technical specifications.
The main body of the research will be focused on three parts:
• Laser plasma-based accelerators as X-ray sources
• 3D reconstruction for multi-view configurations and data processing
• Detectors and source monitoring
Lab validations and real-environment demonstration will be carried out. At the same time complementary techniques with chemical and SNM identification capabilities will be investigated.

Arbeit, die ab Beginn des Projekts bis zum Ende des durch den Bericht erfassten Berichtszeitraums geleistet wurde, und die wichtigsten bis dahin erzielten Ergebnisse

In the first year of the project, the MULTISCAN consortium focused on the design of the future system by sharing complementary partners expertise on the main technological bricks (laser, beam transport, conversion chamber, detector design, 3D reconstruction…). One part consisted of the clarification of use cases and requirements for such system with the collaboration of customs partners. In parallel a large simulation work was done on the study of the laser production and the 3D tomographic reconstruction. Different detector technologies were also studied and developed during this first phase of the project.
During the second year of the project, simulations were carried out to confirm the feasibility of X-ray production by the laser-plasma interaction and to optimize the geometrical configuration for the 3D image reconstruction. Regular working meetings were organized in person with the partners to progress on various aspects such as: the design of the conversion chamber, the beam transport, different kind of beam distribution systems were proposed and discussed. The optimization of the detectors technology and geometry have been finalized with the fabrication of a mock-up of detectors delivered and currently being tested at SMITHS facilities. Technical developments and validation of technological components also took place, including first measurement campaigns at XXL-CT which permit to obtain experimental data for 3D reconstructions modelling. Measurements will be done in the next weeks at LOA facilities with the conversion chamber to produce the first X-ray beams. Several detectors (such as beam monitoring, dosimetry), developed on the project will be tested during these X-ray production campaigns.

Fortschritte, die über den aktuellen Stand der Technik hinausgehen und voraussichtliche potenzielle Auswirkungen (einschließlich der bis dato erzielten sozioökonomischen Auswirkungen und weiter gefassten gesellschaftlichen Auswirkungen des Projekts)

Research projects have demonstrated that the additional information produced from computed tomography enables an increase in inspection performance when compared to the use of single and dual view X-ray scanners. The cooperation between end-users and technology partners in the process of setting requirements, developing specifications, and designing technology is a unique opportunity for all involved and crucial stage in delivering an innovative solution.
This project will develop a single system that delivers novel 3D transmission imaging for first line inspection with additional capabilities to discern between materials on the atomic level at second line. Thus, this project has the potential of providing to end-users technology that is revolutionary different to current capability and able to deliver technology that better fits the logistical flow, makes inspections more effective and efficient by resolving more and reducing costs associated with delays and physical inspection processes.
The project proposes to go beyond the state of the art on the following challenges described below:
• Develop a new NII Inspection technique
• Optimise X-ray and electron sources and their transportation
• Assess and develop a 3-dimensional reconstruction for multi-view configurations
• Ensure the detection of the multiple X-ray sources with a single ring
• Ensure monitoring the dose
• Ensure the second line identification
• Ensure the real environment demonstration

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