Liquid Threat Detection
Historically, checkpoint screening solutions were designed to allow human screeners identify metallic weapon threats such as guns and knives. Recent terrorist attempts have increasingly relied on concealed non-metallic threats and liquid explosives, making threat detection nearly impossible. Now, four years after the Heathrow incident, the swift and accurate detection of liquid threats remains the imperative challenge at checkpoints worldwide.
Without a technology solution to identify liquid materials, new regulation for carry-on baggage has been enforced worldwide for liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) —all liquids and suspicious substances, except in relatively small quantities have been banned from checkpoints. The prohibition of these materials has created a significant burden for individuals passing through security checkpoints.
Given the inefficiency and short term viability of the current ban, multiple international regulatory authorities have announced their intention to remove the current liquid travel restriction, starting with the EU in April 2011. Allowing liquids to pass through security checkpoints demands a significant upgrade of installed infrastructures to enable screeners to accurately and efficiently identify suspicious liquids.
Optosecurity has developed an innovative and creative response to this liquid detection challenge. Optosecurity’s innovative software, the XMS Threat Detection Software Suite, enables X-ray systems to automatically detect liquid explosives and chemical threats in real time, in containers up to 2 L through the X-ray system. Within seconds, the solution discriminates between dangerous and safe liquids even when their physical properties are very similar. XMS enhances the current security checkpoint system with an automated liquid threat detection that is reliable, consistent and swift.
At airports, XMS offers a much needed upgrade that can be field-deployed to existing single-view checkpoint X-ray systems, or further enhance the performance of new multi-view systems, providing immediate assistance in the detection of liquid explosives or other dangerous substances. Optosecurity’s ability to detect liquid threats in volumes up to 2 L, regardless of bottle shape or material, has the technological foundation to be the long term leader in liquid threat detection—serving a diverse number of physical security applications other than carry-on baggage screening, such as checked luggage and AIT.
