1. Explosive Detection Technologies
Usha Kiran Sureddy

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. (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

16. 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

17. Transmission Vs. Backscatter

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

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

22. 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

23. 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

24. Thank you!
Q&A?