Megavolt Computed Tomography for Air Cargo Container Inspection

X-ray computed tomography (CT) is one of the approved technologies for screening checked airline baggage for explosive devices in the U.S. Explosives in cargo pose a similar threat as in luggage. Standard and advanced x-ray systems have been considered for inspecting air cargo. However, continued improvement in the detection of explosives in cluttered cargo containers is needed. Supported by funds from the transportation security administration (TSA), GE Homeland Protection developed a Megavolt Computed Tomography (MVCT) prototype as an extension of the checked-luggage CT. The system provides a full high-resolution 3-D image of the cargo contents from which the presence of explosives is inferred. The MVCT employs a high-energy x-ray source to penetrate nearly all fully loaded LD3 containers and has demonstrated the capability of detecting explosives. Alarms are generated automatically and user-friendly 3D image display and manipulation tools enable easy alarm resolution. In addition to explosives, the MVCT is capable of detecting shielding and special nuclear materials and other contraband simultaneously. The MVCT system will be described and selected results will be presented.