SHIPPING CONTAINER SCANNING SYSTEM The container system envisioned would be simple in design, low in cost and more

effective than any existing system in use today. Using only electromagnetic and acoustic waves for scanning, the proposed system would be far safer than systems utilizing ionizing radiation or x-rays as an essential operational element. Two different interrogations systems would operate concurrently. First, to warn of radioactive materials in the container BiGeO and CdWO mono-crystal detectors would be used to detect extremely low levels of radioactivity as well as to indicate the types of radiation being detected. Second would be a unique, combined electromagnetic and acoustic scanning system. This system would consist of three major elements: (a) Electromagnetic and acoustic wave generator (b) Electromagnetic and acoustic wave detector (c) Data analysis and processing unit The electromagnetic acoustic generator is an extremely simple device in concept and construction. The electromagnetic acoustic generator consists of (i) a variable frequency audio generator; (ii) a 1000-watt audio amplifier; (iii) a variable frequency step-up transformer; and (iv) a high voltage electrode, the electrode being placed inside an untuned cylindrical cavity. In operation, the electrode would be placed near the container to which a conductor is connected to serve as the return for the high voltage. The variable frequency audio generator would automatically tune from 100 hertz to 100,000 hertz driving the audio amplifier to which the output is connected to the automatically tuned step-up transformer that would track the audio signal. The output of the step-up transformer would be adjusted to arc to the container wall, inducing ultra wide spectrum longitudinal and transverse electromagnetic waves, as well as also acting as an arc transducer to longitudinal and transverse mechanical (acoustic waves) in the container walls. The electromagnetic acoustic detector consists of electromagnetic detectors for longitudinal and transverse mechanical (acoustic waves) and longitudinal and transverse electromagnetic waves. While the container is stimulated by the electromagnetic and acoustic waves the electromagnetic acoustic detector would gather telemetry produced by the interaction of all applied signals in the form of signal interplay, signal modulation and signal absorption as well as secondary signal emissions produced by the contents of the container. The data analysis and processing unit would scan this telemetry from both the BiGeO and CdWO mono-crystal detectors and the electromagnetic and acoustic wave detectors for various signatures such as Doppler indication of respiration or heartbeat in the case of smuggled animals or human stow-aways as well as other signatures to detect dangerous microbes or explosives. Imaging would also be possible offering a resolution comparable to modern MRI systems.