Based on the latest achievements in radiation detection, a novel imaging detector simultaneously recording x-ray imaging at three separate energies in proposed. According to preliminary computational predictions the detector is expected to have excellent energy selection, excellent measurement accuracy and high detection sensitivity. New data analysis approach is also preposed to best utilize the full power of the detector to extract elemental composition from the inspected object. The novel triple energy x-ray imaging detector and the three-element-composition data analysis approach will enable the x-ray imaging method to gain full power of conducting elemental composition analysis in the scope for explosives detection. A unique feature of the proposed approach is to establish a comprehensive three-element-composition database, instead of merely relying on a couple of simplistic rules to achieve high accuracy and high reliability explosives detection. The feasibility of the purposed new concepts will be demonstrated in the Phase I through computational simulation and experimental tests. In the phase ii, a prototype triple energy x-ray imaging system will be constructed. Preliminary experimental tests including typical explosives material, relevant normal airport luggage goods under simulated conditions will be conducted.
