Smiths Detection Introduces High-Speed EDS
Smiths Detection has introduced its entry into the market for high-speed scanning of checked baggage for explosives, offering the HI-SCAN 10080XCT, which it says is being tested by the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The new explosives detection system (EDS), which was developed in cooperation with Analogic Corp. [ALOG], is designed to be screen 1,800 bags per hour with a belt speed of 0.5 meters per second. The computed tomography-based system is designed to meet ECAC and TSA standards for checked baggage screening. Smiths Detection expects the first deployment of the system in Europe later this year. Analogic makes the core technology used in L-3 Communications’ [LLL] EDS systems sold to the TSA and to international customers. L-3, OSI Systems’ [OSIS] Rapiscan division and SureScan are also developing high-speed EDS systems for the TSA and international customers. So far none of these systems have met TSA’s screening standards for explosives.
Maryland Scientists Develop Photodetector That Could Aid Security Detection
Researchers at the Univ. of Maryland Center for Nanophysics and Advanced Materials have developed a new type of hot electron bolometer, a sensitive detector of infrared light, that can be used in a wide range of applications from detection of chemical and biochemical weapons from a distance and use in security imaging technologies such as airport body scanners, to chemical analysis in the laboratory and studying the structure of the universe through new telescopes. The bolometer was using bilayer grapheme, which has unique properties that that are expected to be sensitive to a broad range of light energies ranging from terahertz or submillimeter waves through the infrared to visible light.
Washington, D.C.-area Police Using MorphoTrak Biometric Device for Rapid Assessments
Police officers in the National Capital Region are using the MorphoTrak MorphoIDent mobile device that can fit into a shirt pocket to capture fingerprints for a quick check against remote databases to see if a person may be on a wanted list and even to help identify someone that has been incapacitated. MorphoTrak, a unit of the Safran Group, says that agencies in Fairfax, Prince William and other Virginia Counties have ordered 220 of the devices, which can also be sued to clear someone with the same name as another person. MorphoIDent capture two fingerprint images per subject and send it to a police agency’s database for a search, with responses in less than a minute. If there is no match, the print is discarded.
SpectraFluidics Introduces Reference Product for its Trace Detection Cartridges
SpectraFluidics, Inc., has launched the Reference 660 instrument that will enable original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to evaluate and develop applications for the company’s trace vapor detection cartridges. “The R660 will enable OEMs to evaluate our unique trace vapor detection technology and subsequently embed it into their range of imaging machines for passenger, baggage and cargo screening,” says Phil Strong, CEO of SpectraFluidics. The company combines free-surface microfluidics and surface-enhanced raman spectroscopy. SpectraFluidics says its detection technology differs from others with its ability to directly detect vapors with very high sensitivity—parts per trillion—and molecular specificity, both helping to distinguish from background contaminants and avoid false positives. “This is an important step in commercialization of this technology, and it opens the door for future applications for this exciting platform,” says Strong.
Coast Guard Accepts Rescue 21 System for San Juan
The Coast Guard has accepted the Rescue 21 search and rescue communications system for its San Juan, Puerto Rico, sector. Sector San Juan is responsible for all Coast Guard missions throughout Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands region. The General Dynamics [GD]-built Rescue 21 system, which the company has been deploying throughout the coastal regions of the U.S. and some of its territories, uses advanced direction finding and digital communications to help pinpoint distress calls from mariners out to 20 miles off shore. The Sector San Juan deployment comprises five communication towers, one station and one command and control center.
Animetrics Introduces New Facial Biometric Tool
Animetrics has introduced a new facial biometric tool for local, state and federal law enforcement that translates low resolution 2D facial images from a digital photo or video frame into a 3D image. The company’s ForensicaGPS is a facial creation and image quality enhancement tool that converts photos and video frames of a person’s face into “ID ready” images using facial pose correction, the company says. Animetrics says this capability makes it easier for victims to identify suspects or for law enforcement to compare the images against mug shots within its FaceR Identity Management Solution, correction facilities, criminal databases, and third party facial recognition systems. Animetrics, which is based in New Hampshire, is teaming with DataworksPlus and BI2 Technologies to distribute its system in the U.S. The company is teaming with European technology distributors UNIDAS German and UMC Forensics in Switzerland for distribution internationally. Animetrics also says that ForensicaGPS is being installed in police departments in Qatar, the UAE and Saudi Arabia.