A tomographic gamma-ray scanner for industrial applications

An experimental computerised tomographic (CT) gamma-ray scanner is being developed for the non-destructive testing of industrial objects. A micro-computer controlled traversing system steps the test object across a collimated gamma-ray beam the transmitted intensity of which is measured by a NaI(Tl) detector for a large number of beam paths both through the object and the surrounding air. These data are used to reconstruct an image of the scanned section in terms of a two-dimensional distribution of linear attenuation coefficients at the gamma-ray energy used. A 100 mCi 241AM source of 59.6 keV gamma-rays has been used initially in order to compare the performance with medical CT X-ray scanners. (orig.)