Estimating the Influence of Quantum Noises on the Quality of Material Identification by the Dual-Energy Method

Abstract

A mathematical model has been developed to describe the radiation transparency of a test object with allowance for quantum noise. The technique of estimating the effective atomic number of the test object by the dual-energy method has been improved based on the analysis of radiation transparency with regard to necessary restrictions and recommendations. An algorithm is presented for the statistical evaluation of the influence of quantum noises on the quality of test-object material identification by the dual-energy method. An example is given of using the algorithm in a baggage and carry-on inspection system that has the maximum X-ray energies of 80 and 160 keV and is equipped with total-absorption detectors.