Periodic Reporting for period 1 - MULTISCAN 3D (Laser-plasma based source 3D Tomography for cargo inspection)
Okres sprawozdawczy: 2021-09-01 do 2022-08-31
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.
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.
The achievement of MULTISCAN objectives are always difficult to evaluate due to the number of challenges to face. In the first year of the project, the MULTISCAN consortium focused on how to share all the complementary excellence to design the future system. Nothing is trivial due to all breakthrough to overpass various areas have been explored in parallel:
One part was to clarify the use cases and requirements of a non-intrusive inspection system for disruptive cargo for customs and deployment at the border. This study made it possible to break down into operational and technical specifications the future global system.
The technological core of the project – to design and built a disruptive new laser-plasma based source - relies on the development and the validation of different technical bricks to adjust them at the end of the project together:
• Study and validate laser-plasma technologies for the future of high-energy X-ray source
• Develop 3D tomographic reconstruction algorithms to achieve highly detailed 3D imaging with low emitted dose
• Develop new detector technology to cope with multiple X-ray sources for 3-dimensional and insight container inspection.
During this first part of the project, several discussions with partners, within each Wps and with a wider consortium are organized in order to manage the key issues regarding for examples the following combine studies, the initial laser level of energy, mode of operation of the laser as frequency, laser distribution and transportation around the targeted container, the mirrors and optoelectronic reflectors, the plasma generation, the number of views to carry out require image quality, the vacuum production and plasma gas inputs. These choices induce simulation studies starting point.
At this stage of the project all these points have not yet been clarified, technical discussion with simulations and lab validation in the future should permit to converge on the different technical bricks. The first year shows all the difficulties, the challenges to size the global architecture of the system with very interdependent technological bricks. The big challenge for the coming year will be to converge on these various points. Furthermore, some key points require mitigation plan.
One part was to clarify the use cases and requirements of a non-intrusive inspection system for disruptive cargo for customs and deployment at the border. This study made it possible to break down into operational and technical specifications the future global system.
The technological core of the project – to design and built a disruptive new laser-plasma based source - relies on the development and the validation of different technical bricks to adjust them at the end of the project together:
• Study and validate laser-plasma technologies for the future of high-energy X-ray source
• Develop 3D tomographic reconstruction algorithms to achieve highly detailed 3D imaging with low emitted dose
• Develop new detector technology to cope with multiple X-ray sources for 3-dimensional and insight container inspection.
During this first part of the project, several discussions with partners, within each Wps and with a wider consortium are organized in order to manage the key issues regarding for examples the following combine studies, the initial laser level of energy, mode of operation of the laser as frequency, laser distribution and transportation around the targeted container, the mirrors and optoelectronic reflectors, the plasma generation, the number of views to carry out require image quality, the vacuum production and plasma gas inputs. These choices induce simulation studies starting point.
At this stage of the project all these points have not yet been clarified, technical discussion with simulations and lab validation in the future should permit to converge on the different technical bricks. The first year shows all the difficulties, the challenges to size the global architecture of the system with very interdependent technological bricks. The big challenge for the coming year will be to converge on these various points. Furthermore, some key points require mitigation plan.
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
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