Aviation security / detectionEnd to limits on carrying liquids on board in sight
New bottled liquid scanners unveiled; researchers at the Los Alamos National Laboratory developed a magnetic resonance device to read liquids’ molecular makeup, even when the substances are in metal containers; the device is so sensitive it can tell the difference between red and white wine, and between different types of soda; satisfactory test result may spell the end of limitations on carrying liquids on board
Prohibition may end soon // Source: amtmarketing.com
Albuquerque International Airport, New Mexico, was the scene last week of a demonstration by DHS officials to test the latest generation of the bottled liquid scanner developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Everything from bottled water and champagne to shampoo and pink liquid laxatives were scanned to make sure explosives weren’t hiding inside. The device uses magnetic resonance to read the liquids’ molecular makeup, even when the substances are in metal containers. Within fifteen seconds, a light on top of the simple-looking metal box flashes red or green, depending on whether there is danger. The device is so sensitive it can tell the difference between red and white wine, and between different types of soda.
“What we’re doing is really looking for the real dangers, like liquid homemade explosives,” said Stephen Surko, program manager of the Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency. The technology is still a few years from being deployed in airports, and the lab will have to partner with a manufacturer, and the machines will have to go through testing and certification.
Federal officials have spent more than $14 million developing the liquid scanners. Over the last two years, researchers have been able to make the bottled liquid scanner about 90 percent smaller and six times faster. The goal is to make it even smaller so it can fit beside other equipment at airport
checkpoints.
In the United Kingdom a security scanner that can see through bottles and detect whether they contain explosive liquid will start trials next month at Newcastle Airport. The technology could allow the Department for Transport to lift restrictions on liquid in hand luggage, meaning passengers would again be allowed to carry bottles of any size on board. This scanner was developed by Kromek, based in Sedgefield, County Durham, a company established by research scientists from the physics department at Durham University.
