Better Than X-Rays: The Z-Backscatter Scan-Van

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X-ray vs. ZB(click to view full) American Science and Engineering’s Z Backscatter Van(TM) (ZBV) is a low-cost, extremely maneuverable short-range screening system built into a commercially available delivery van. The ZBV employs AS&E’s patented Z Backscatter technology, which reveals contraband that transmission X-rays miss – such as explosives (including car bombs), plastic weapons, and people – providing photo-like imaging for rapid analysis. The Z-Backscatter Van is also capable of identifying low levels of radioactivity from both gamma rays and neutrons with optional Radioactive Threat Detection (RTD) technology. This article explains how it works, and provides an illustrative slice of coverage regarding contracts and key events from FY 2005 to the end of FY 2008. The latest set of additions wraps up DID’s coverage… * The Technology * Contracts & Key Events, FY 2005-2008 * Additional Readings The Technology The basics(click to view full) ZBV is a short-range technology, but within that range t’s quite useful. A lot of organic material is low-density, and doesn’t show up well on traditional transmission X-ray images. For instance, organic matter like explosive materials contains low atomic number (low Z) elements such as carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen. American Science and Engineering, Inc.’s (AS&E) products […]

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