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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: EP/C007964/1
Title: DISTINGUISH: Detection of explosive substances by tomographic inspection using neutron and gamma-ray spectroscopy
Principal Investigator: Nolan, Professor P
Other Investigators:
Boston, Professor AJ
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
BAE Systems John Caunt Scientific Ltd Manchester Airport Plc
NIS Ltd Police Scientific Development Branch
Department: Physics
Organisation: University of Liverpool
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 09 January 2006 Ends: 08 July 2009 Value (£): 169,231
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Instrumentation Eng. & Dev.
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Aerospace, Defence and Marine
Related Grants:
EP/C008022/1
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
There is a need for inspection systems that are able to detect explosives (or drugs) hidden in for example luggage. These systems are most efficient if they can inspect the object without having to investigate by hand. e.g. a person does not have to search each piece of luggage or container. Explosives almost universally comprise hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen and oxygen is different ratios. A system that will detect elements like these is based on sending a beam of neutrons into the system. The different elements will emit gamma rays of different energies which are unique to the isotopes concerned. These gamma rays can be measured accurately with a germanium gamma-ray detector and hence the amount of each element determined. This information can then be used to determined the ratios of the four elements and hence whether explosives (or drugs etc.) are present. By using modern technology the germanium detector can also be used to make an image of the object under investigate, similar to an airport baggage scanner. In this case the gamma-rays and scattered neutrons will be detected simultaneously to make a clearer image. By the end of the project we hope to have demonstrated in the laboratory that these ideas are effective and to determine the potential sensitivity.
Key Findings
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Summary
Date Materialised
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Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.liv.ac.uk