Method and apparatus to monitor a beam of ionizing radiation
Methods and apparatus to capture images of fluorescence generated by ionizing radiation and determine a position of a beam of ionizing radiation generating the fluorescence from the captured images. In one embodiment, the fluorescence is the result of ionization and recombination of nitrogen in air.
1. A method, comprising:
capturing images of fluorescence in air generated by a beam of ionizing radiation using an array of cameras to capture the images of fluorescence; and
determining a position of the beam of ionizing radiation generating the fluorescence from the captured images; and
using the captured images to steer the beam.
2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the fluorescence results from ionization and recombination of nitrogen molecules.
3. The method according to claim 1 , further including using an ultra violet camera to capture the images of fluorescence.
4. A system, comprising:
an image acquisition system to capture images of fluorescence in air generated by a beam of ionizing radiation; and
a control module to determine a position of the beam of ionizing radiation generating the fluorescence from the captured images to steer the beam using the captured images.
5. The system according to claim 4 , wherein the image acquisition system comprises at least one camera.
6. The system according to claim 4 , wherein the system comprises an active interrogation system for interrogating an object of interest.
7. The system according to claim 4 , wherein the image acquisition system captures recombination of Nitrogen molecules.
8. The system according to claim 4 , wherein the image acquisition system captures ultra-violet light.
9. The system according to claim 4 , wherein the image acquisition system operates in the solar blind region of the spectrum.
10. The system according to claim 4 , further including a beam source to interrogate an object of interest.
11. A system, comprising:
a means for determining a position of a beam of ionizing radiation generating fluorescence in air from captured images of the fluorescence generated by the beam of ionizing radiation; and
a processing means to determine steering of the beam of ionizing radiation from the images.
12. The system according to claim 11 , further including a means for receiving images comprising an array of cameras.
13. The system according to claim 11 , further including a means for generating the beam of ionizing radiation.
14. The system according to claim 11 , further including a feedback means to steer the beam of ionizing radiation.
15. The system according to claim 11 , wherein the fluorescence is generated by recombination of nitrogen molecules.