The forensic imaging techniques of portable X-ray units used in render safe operations of improvised explosive devices (IEDs)

In this study, it was aimed to get a proper image of the components, (battery, cable, firing mechanism, main charge etc.) of a 48 × 35 × 11 cm simulated improvised explosive device (IED) placed into a suitcase, using appropriate X-ray beam angle, distance and pulse. A-600 portable X-ray imaging system (Vidisco Inc.) was used as the experiment equipment.The imaging relation among the ray-source, video camera unit (VCU) and control display unit (CDU) was studied by using geometric formations to avoid shooting mistakes. The optimum shooting distance, angle and pulse parameters for simulated suitcase IED were determined in a closed environment under normal conditions. With the determined parameters, X-ray images were taken from three main directions to obtain a 2-dimension image of a 3-dimension substance. With the shootings from these main directions, the images taken onto the VCU were determined as square, rectangular and hexagonal. The picture enhancement techniques were also determined to avoid the blurring, enlargement and penumbra shadow on the images taken. It was concluded that the proper images of simulated IED placed in a suitcase were taken with 150 cm distance, 99 pulse and 90° main and 45°/135° supporting side angles.