PROGRAM TO EXPLORE AND EVALUATE POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS OF RADIOISOTOPE EXCITED X-RAY FLUORESCENCE TECHNIQUES IN CRIMINALISTICS AND NATIONAL SECURITY

摘要

Advances in methods of generating and detecting x-rays, coupled with improvements in miniaturization of electronics, have motivated this investigation of the possibility of employing this technology in the areas of criminalistics and national security. Specifically, the advent of radioisotope sources for x-ray generation permit the construction of simple-to-use, compact, portable systems suitable for use in the field by law enforcement personnel. In order to ascertain potential applications a survey involving fourteen government and nongovernment law enforcement and security agencies was carried out. This revealed nineteen problem areas of which eight appeared amenable to solution via the use of x-ray fluorescence methods. Of these, six were selected for further study on the basis of feasibility and the extent of potential use. The degree of technical and operational feasibility has been determined in each case and recommendations for further work are given.