Multispectral X-ray Material Identification via Compound Proton Number
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the composition of materials using X-ray attenuation coefficients are limited in providing quantitative information, especially for mixtures and compounds, as they rely on approximations and do not accurately characterize the atomic number over wide energy ranges, leading to inaccuracies in material identification.
Innovation Solution
The method calculates a Compound Proton Number Set using X-ray measurements at multiple energies, treating the material attenuation coefficient as a set of energy-dependent polynomial equations with high-order powers of atomic number, allowing for more accurate material identification through multispectral techniques and the use of semiconductor detectors like cadmium telluride (CdTe) for detailed radiation interaction data analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional dual-energy X-ray methods are used to determine material composition, then the measurement process is simple and fast, but the accuracy of material identification is insufficient especially for compounds with complex attenuation characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from dual-energy (2 energy levels) to multispectral X-ray imaging (multiple energy levels), adding dimensional complexity to the measurement process. This enables the calculation of higher-order Compound Proton Numbers (beyond the traditional Zeff), providing more discriminative power for material identification while accepting increased system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters used for material characterization from simple effective atomic number (Zeff) to a set of Compound Proton Numbers of multiple orders (n=1,2,3,...). This parameter transformation enables more accurate differentiation of materials with similar attenuation characteristics by capturing higher-order moments of the attenuation curve
2Measurement precision
If higher-order Compound Proton Numbers are calculated using multispectral techniques, then material identification accuracy is improved, but the quantity of radiation data required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the continuous X-ray spectrum into multiple discrete energy bins or channels, allowing independent measurement of attenuation at each energy level. This segmentation enables the calculation of multiple Compound Proton Numbers from distinct spectral regions, improving material identification while organizing the large data set into manageable, physically-meaningful parameters
3Ease of manufacture
If approximations are used for attenuation coefficients, then the calculation process is simplified, but the reliability of material identification decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fitting methods (which rely on approximating attenuation curves with simple parametric models) with a direct mathematical inversion approach. By formulating the problem as a system of linear equations relating measured attenuations to Compound Proton Numbers, the method eliminates the need for iterative fitting and approximation, providing exact solutions when sufficient spectral data is available
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach provides precise identification of material composition by resolving higher-order powers of atomic numbers, enhancing the accuracy of material identification beyond traditional dual-energy systems, especially for compounds with complex attenuation characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
The three most important methods of interaction are; Compton Scattering, Photoelectric Effect, Pair production
Implementation Method 2
The three most important methods of interaction are; Compton Scattering, Photoelectric Effect, Pair production
Implementation Method 3
The three most important methods of interaction are; Compton Scattering, Photoelectric Effect, Pair production
Implementation Method 4
The Beer-Lambert law states that for a beam of photons of energy E with intensity I0 incident on a material with thickness, t (cm), the intensity that emerges is
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A method of identifying the material content of an object comprises: providing a radiation source and a radiation detector; irradiating a test object with radiation from the source; collecting at the detector system intensity data for radiation emergent from the test object; resolving the intensity data spectroscopically between a plural set of energy bands; numerically processing the spectroscopically resolved intensity data via the following steps: considering a material attenuation coefficient as a plural set of energy dependent polynomial equations in atomic number with a set of energy dependent coefficients across the said plural set of energy bands; determining a measured attenuation coefficient at each said energy band; calculating therefrom one or more orders of Compound Proton Number and/or effective mass thickness and/or density and for example a Compound Proton Number Set comprising plural order powers and preferably plural higher order powers of weighted compound atomic number.