A CdZnTe array for the detection of explosives in baggage by energy-dispersive X-ray diffraction signatures at multiple scatter angles

CdZnTe detectors were used to collect energy-dispersive diffraction spectra at a range of scatter angles, from sheets of explosives hidden in baggage. It is shown that the combined information from these 'signatures' can be u sed to determine whether an explosive sample is present or not. The geometr ical configuration of the collimation and the position of the baggage withi n the scanner must be taken into careful consideration when optimising the capabilities of such a system. The CdZnTe array lends itself well to the de tection of explosives in baggage since multiple signals may be collected si multaneously providing more rapid detection than achieved using a single de tector. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.