Explosive Detection Technologies Usha Kiran Sureddy

Agenda Study different types of explosive detection technologies Neutron, Gamma Ray, X-Ray Active and Passive Analyze commercial applications Cargo detection Baggage screening Vehicle detection

Explosive Detection Technologies Gamma Ray Based Systems Ionization Chamber Pulsed Gamma Ray Analysis Neutron Based Systems Thermal Neutron Analysis (TNA) Fast Neutron Analysis (FNA) Pulsed Fast Neutron Analysis (PFNA) X-Ray Based Systems Transmission Backscatter

Ionization Chamber Passive technology that detects the presence of radioactivity by measuring electrons and ions produced by the particle to be detected Effective against radioactive materials in small traces Pinpoints the location of the threat by multi-dimensional detection arrays Easy to deploy, high throughput Cheaper to install and to maintain

Pulsed Gamma Ray Active technology to detect explosives, nuclear materials and chemical agents Measures relative content of nitrogen, oxygen and carbon and by identifying their molecular weight

Pulsed Gamma Ray Effective against explosives, nuclear materials, drugs, and chemical agents Ability to identify the chemical composition of the materials Ability to identify the type and location of the target Penetration capability High accuracy Imaging capability Multi-functionality

Gamma Ray Technologies: Applications Primary application for both these technologies is the inspection of bulk loads, such as containers Explosive detectors are used at seaports, airports and borders Useful for non-intrusive explosive detection Useful to identify the type and the location of the hazardous materials

Neutron Based Technologies These technologies use radioactive sources as neutron source Neutron particles generated by this source excite the nucleus of the atoms within the material being inspected, and the resulted rays are characterized by their intensity and energy Disadvantages System complexity and cost System weight Radiation hazards

Neutron Based Technologies Thermal Neutron Analysis (TNA) Slow neutron interaction Fast Neutron Analysis (FNA) Fast neutron interaction Pulsed Fast Neutron Analysis (PFNA) Fast neutron pulses interaction

Thermal Neutron Analysis (TNA) Thermal neutrons are produced by slowing down fast neutrons generated by sources or accelerators in specially designed moderators Neutron particles generated excite the nucleus of the atoms within the material being inspected, and the resulted rays are characterized by their intensity and energy TNA characterizes high explosives by their nitrogen and hydrogen traces

Thermal Neutron Analysis Advantages Easiest neutron based method High accuracy and low false alarm rate Low cost ($1 million) Detects N, H and Cl and some metallic elements Disadvantages Not capable of detecting ‘O’ or ‘C’ elements Possible interference from other elements Slow throughput Real time inspection not possible

Fast Neutron Analysis (FNA) FNA is based on fast neutron interactions, mostly inelastic neutron scattering Analysis similar to the TNA technique is employed FNA characterizes explosives by their nitrogen, carbon, oxygen, chlorine traces

Pulsed Fast Neutron analysis (PFNA) Based on pulsed fast neutron interactions with the nuclei of target High energy neutrons help generate spatial distribution of signal Effective in detecting nuclear materials and metals

Pulsed Fast Neutron analysis Advantages High accuracy and low false alarm rate Detects all kinds of explosives Identifies the type of material High Sensitivity, 3D imaging capability Disadvantages High cost (> $10 million) Complex system (more space and labor requirement) Requires high energy accelerator Shielding requirement

(Transmission & Backscatter) X-Ray Technologies (Transmission & Backscatter) Description Involve irradiation of a target item with X-rays, followed by detection of images created by X-rays that are either transmitted or backscattered by the item Pros 2D-3D quality imaging capability Established in the marketplace Multi-functionality (contraband, smuggling, manifest verification) Effective in Detecting Contraband Weapons Explosives (switches, detonators, etc.) Cons Can not identify the type of material Only sensitive to shapes, densities & absorption patterns of materials High false alarm rate (30%) Low throughput

Transmission Vs. Back-scatter Transmission Image Reveals fine details Can’t display materials discrimination Penetration of complex environments Backscatter Image Displays materials discrimination Ideal for complex environments

Transmission Vs. Backscatter

Ability to identify specific type of materials Summary of Technologies High Low PFNA Complexity TNA Pulsed Gamma X-ray Low High Ability to identify specific type of materials

Ideal Technology Features Operate at various energy levels (Less than 1MeV to 50MeV) High performance /price ratio ($10 million per unit) Successful Technology Flexible in size and shape Improved imaging capability Small footprint (4,000 – 5,000 sq. ft) Sensitivity to different radiation sources Fully automatic system (no labor requirement). No human error, Low cost Ability to integrate with the legacy systems

Ability to identify specific type of materials Future Trends High Low Traditional X-ray technologies integrate with new technologies to enhance the detection capabilities PFNA Complexity TNA X-ray Pulsed Gamma Low High Ability to identify specific type of materials

Market Applications Cargo Vehicle Screening Baggage Inspection Sea cargo Air cargo Road cargo Vehicle Screening Baggage Inspection Other applications People screening Medical applications

Summary of Markets Baggage Screening Seaport Cargo Market Potential Large market size (Over $4 billion) Deficiencies of existing technologies (False alarm rate, low sensitivity) Safety and throughput concerns Seaport Cargo Large Market size ($2-$4 billion) Ineffectiveness of existing tech. in detecting specific threats Safety and speed concerns Market Potential Air Cargo Medium market size ($1 billion) Penetration and multi-functionality Safety and throughput concerns Border Cargo Medium market size ($1 billion) Throughput is important Imaging quality is crucial to detect smuggled goods and narcotics Vehicle Screening Medium market size Human Safety Throughput concern

Conclusion Each technology has its own advantages and disadvantages Speed, precision and safety emerge as important features of technology Combination technologies will prevail Transmission & backscatter, X-rays combined with other technologies

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