Stand Off Explosive Residue Detection for Cargo

We have developed a new technology that can spot explosive residue. The main advantage of
this technology is that it operates in real time, images the residue which then automatically
signals an alert when a substance is spotted. This is a brand new approach to to explosive
detection. Current technologies can only manually alert to the presence of explosive material,
our technology can pin point the exact location on a whole consignment. The most commonly
used techniques at present are x-ray screening and physical examination including sniffer
dogs. Our technology will provide a vigilance that is constantly available unlike dogs who
only have a 20 minute attention span and can take anything up to 8 hours to arrive on site.
The key aim of this project is to develop a system prototype for scanning cargo. The
proposed prototype will be a portable unit that can be taken on site.
The main benefits of this technology are that a detection can be made without relying on
human interpretation ; it is stand off and therefore does not affect throughput; all cargo can be
scanned for surface traces of explosives rather than hand searching every item with a sniffer
dog or only scanning a random selection. This will result in 100% cargo screening and
security.
Under ICAO law, all air cargo leaving a country is that nation's responsibility. These security
controls are regulated by the Department's Transport Security and Contingencies Directorate
[TRANSEC]. Under UK rules, outbound cargo can only be considered secure either if it has
originated from a secure source or if it has undergone appropriate screening either at the
airport or during transportation.