Performance of a commercial backscatter instrument adapted for noncontacting areal density measurements on small-diameter surfaces

Measuring the local areal density of a sensitive explosive deposited on a small-diameter surface requires noncontacting technique and good resolution. The side effects of spacing the sensing platen of an NX-500 Betascope 2.54 mm from the surface of cylinders as small as 13-mm diameter are examined. Resolution in two directions and offset error sensitivity of the system are defined and determined using coatings of simulated explosive. An eddy-current system is described which can be easily added to reduce offset errors caused by fixture misalignment