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Friday, March 29, 2024

New Detection Technology Could Thwart Brussels-Style Attacks

New Detection Technology Could Thwart Brussels-Style Attacks Homeland Security TodayA device created at a British university could provide an answer to safeguarding the public from explosive devices.

ExDtect – the brainchild of Loughborough University professor John Tyrer – can identify tiny amounts of explosive particles invisible to the naked eye.

Using complex laser technology it can remotely scan vehicles, cargo and crowded areas, such as airports, train stations and sports stadiums, automatically alerting an operator if it detects traces of explosives and accurately pinpointing its location.

The system is non-invasive, works in real time and is designed to cause no delays to the public or businesses. It is fully automated and the images produced are no more controversial than those generated by CCTV.

ExDtect will soon be used to scan cargo for an international courier, and discussions are taking place with several other international organizations which are also keen to use the technology.

Professor Tyrer, from the University’s Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering, created the device along with colleagues from the Department of Chemistry.

“Sadly it seems inevitable now that we are going to see more and more terrorist attacks like those we recently witnessed in Brussels,” said Professor Tyrer. “And had our device been in operation at Brussels Airport I firmly believe those terrorists would have been identified and prevented from entering the terminal.”

“When you handle an explosive, the chemicals and various constituent components present, leave traces on your fingers and clothes, and are transmitted to anything you touch. Using some of the laser technology that we have invented here at Loughborough over the past few years, we have been able to create a device that can see the explosives and reject all other materials."

New Detection Technology Could Thwart Brussels-Style Attacks Homeland Security Today
Homeland Security Today
The Government Technology & Services Coalition's Homeland Security Today (HSToday) is the premier news and information resource for the homeland security community, dedicated to elevating the discussions and insights that can support a safe and secure nation. A non-profit magazine and media platform, HSToday provides readers with the whole story, placing facts and comments in context to inform debate and drive realistic solutions to some of the nation’s most vexing security challenges.
Homeland Security Today
Homeland Security Todayhttp://www.hstoday.us
The Government Technology & Services Coalition's Homeland Security Today (HSToday) is the premier news and information resource for the homeland security community, dedicated to elevating the discussions and insights that can support a safe and secure nation. A non-profit magazine and media platform, HSToday provides readers with the whole story, placing facts and comments in context to inform debate and drive realistic solutions to some of the nation’s most vexing security challenges.

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