In the News
Safer Skies: New Technologies for Explosives Detection
Airport Innovation, May 2007
The importance of the civil aviation industry to the world’s economic strength and social conscience make airports and airliners prime targets for potential terrorists. The ability to prevent and deter attacks on these systems is as important as it is difficult, requiring technical advances as well as changes to policy and procedures.
In light of recent events in the UK, deploying technology solutions that offer the necessary level of security, while also minimizing disruptions to the traveling public is increasingly important. Technology needs to be fast, accurate and adaptable. Ideally the same system should be capable of screening passengers and baggage and surveying suspicious materials in the terminal. The extremely large volume of passengers and employees at airport terminals requires detection systems that can reliably and efficiently screen potentially dangerous containers with a minimum of inconvenience.
Detection of liquid explosives
Despite tremendous advances in technology and procedures, there is no silver bullet for explosives detection. Rather, there’s an array of tools in the toolbox which can be used in concert to provide a more robust airport security system.
For example, existing X-ray and CT scanners can alert operators to conduct additional testing on suspicious bags or packages, but they don’t identify specific explosive materials. These systems attempt to separate explosive compounds from benign substances based on X-ray images and densities, but are often triggered by common innocuous materials such as chocolate and plastics. In the meantime, non-nitrates based explosives, like acetone peroxide (TATP) and HMDT will not be detected. Similarly, trace detection machines are very sensitive in their ability to detect a limited number of explosives, but cannot identify many other dangerous materials.
The liquid explosives threat adds another layer of difficulty, as common household containers and products become objects of suspicion. In order to be successfully deployed in an airport screening environment, equipment must be fast; easy to deploy and operate; adaptable to address to new threats; highly accurate; and be able to integrate with the existing security operations and infrastructure.
Right Technology, Right Now
Raman spectroscopy holds great promise as a complementary technology to X-ray, CT scanning and IMS to quickly screen for explosives, flammable materials and dangerous chemicals. Raman systems focus laser light on the material causing a scattering of the light which is then collected back into the instrument for analysis. Each chemical has a unique Raman signature – much like a human fingerprint – that is used to positively identify the substance. The use of light means that these systems are particularly suited for airport security because they can identify explosives and their precursors through sealed containers -- such as bottles or food containers -- without opening the container or touching the contents. This helps minimize exposure to potentially harmful substances and speeds the screening process. Raman instruments can also be used to identify suspicious materials on the airport property; from white powders in a restroom to unknown fluid on the tarmac, maintaining efficient, un-interrupted operations.
Raman spectroscopy is a proven technique for chemical identification, already in use by government agencies, military organizations and hazmat teams around the world. Products like Ahura Scientific’s FirstDefender are deployed every day to assist in the identification of harmful substances and to ensure public safety. Designed for portability, accuracy and ruggedness, FirstDefender is unique tool for explosives detection.
Safe, efficient and convenient air travel is vital to the global economy. We must do everything on our power to prevent explosive materials from entering aircraft, while minimizing inconvenience to the law-abiding traveling public. Raman spectroscopy and products like FirstDefender can provide an added layer of safety during these uncertain times.