Growing interest in multi-view X-ray technology

Transportation security agencies in the United Kingdom and United States look set to toughen security by introducing multi-view X-ray machines as standard hand baggage screening equipment. Both the U.K.’s Department for Transport and the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) may soon adopt this technology as the norm. Multi-view X-ray machines offer several different views of objects within each piece of luggage, and they also automatically detects the presence of improvised explosive devices. With a single-view X-ray, it is not possible to differentiate visually between a drinks bottle, for example, and liquid explosive. Foods such as apples or chocolate can also be mistaken for high-density explosives. By scanning an object with high and low-level X-rays and comparing the results, it is possible to calculate the object’s atomic number and therefore decide whether a threat is present. Nulti-view X-ray machines would have likely identified the liquids the August 2006 terorists tried to bring on board at Heathrow.

At this year’s TranSec World Expo, to be held 25-26 June in Amsterdam, the latest multi-view tecnology will be showcased. Group Events Director, Peter Jones, said, “This year’s event will give delegates a unique opportunity to hear from over 50 key speakers on the numerous safety issues facing the transport industry. The advancements in terminal security as well as the terminals of the future are just two of the issues under the spotlight. TranSec World Expo is the perfect forum for information exchange and debate within the transport security industry.”

L-3 Communications, Smiths Detection, and Rapiscan Systems are among the companies exhibiting at TranSec World Expo that have entered the multi-view X-ray machine market.