Starting shortly after the 9/11 attack CP&A began self‑funded R&D related to non‑intrusive inspection of cargo containers for atomic bombs.  In a very short time we learned that detection requires some degree of external radiation in the form of X‑Rays, Gamma Rays, or Neutrons. Unlike a dental office where the hygienist can hide behind a shielded wall, there are no hiding places for longshore workers on a busy container terminal.

Experiments conducted by the Idaho Accelerator Center determined that safety shielding design is more complicated than anticipated.  Primary rays are predictable by existing software.  However, the primary rays interact with almost everything to cause scatter radiation that can be unsafe for longshore workers even when they are shielded from the direct rays.  The scatter radiation can even "reflect" from the atmosphere above, a phenomenon termed sky shine.

We do not have access to proprietary software that is used to simulate radiation safety.  Our experience with actual radiation measurements is used to devise practical shielding measures that can be simulated by radiation experts and then field verified.  Our shielding design usually includes provisions for simple field adjustments for conditions that defy accurate computer simulation.