Performance of X-ray detectors with SiPM readout in cargo accelerator-based inspection systems

Existing requirements for high throughput cargo radiography inspection include high resolution images (better than 5 mm line pair resolution), penetration beyond 400 mm steel equivalent, material discrimination (organic, inorganic, high Z), high scan speeds (> 10kph, up to 60kph), low dose and small radiation exclusion zone; all in a cost effective system. To meet and exceed these requirements research into a number of new radiography methods has been initiated. Novel concepts relying on intrapulse modulated energy X-ray sources, mono-energetic gamma-ray sources, and new types of fast X-ray detectors, Scintillation-Cherenkov Detectors, are expected to be more beneficial being combined with unique features of Silicon Photomultiplier (SiPM) technology.