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Explosives hidden in luggage: How can X-ray machines quickly identify threats?
In today's global security environment, explosives detection has become an important means of protecting public safety. Whether at airports, ports or borders, the technology to detect all types of hidden explosives is constantly being innovated. Among these detection tools, X-ray machines have become the preferred tool for preventing potential threats due to their speed and accuracy.
Diversity of detection tools
Explosives detection technology ranges from basic chemical detection to complex electronic devices. In addition to X-ray machines, chromatography, trained dogs, and emerging biotechnology are constantly evolving to improve the reliability of detection.
Challenges of chromatography
Chromatographic detection is a simple method that relies on chemical reactions. Although it is relatively simple, certain types of explosives may still be difficult to detect in some cases.
For example, effective detection of many explosives may be limited in chromatographic methods for the detection of nitrogen compounds. This is why some non-nitrogen based explosives such as acetone peroxide are particularly tricky to detect.
Canine detection capabilities
At the same time, professionally trained dogs also play a critical role in explosives detection. Using their keen sense of smell, these dogs are able to effectively identify the scent of many types of explosives. However, over time, the dog's concentration may decrease, affecting the accuracy of the test results.
Application of advanced technology
With the rapid development of technology, mechanical odor detection technology such as ion mobility spectroscopy (IMS) is increasingly being used in important places such as airports. This method has demonstrated its high efficiency in explosives detection.
The rise of X-ray machinesNeutron activation technology, which uses high-energy neutrons to bombard suspected explosives for signs to determine their chemical composition, is also being developed.
The application of X-ray detection equipment, especially computed tomography (CT) technology, has significantly improved the speed and accuracy of detection. These systems are typically equipped with dedicated software, a built-in library of explosive threats, and color-coding capabilities to assist operators in threat assessment.
Marking substances and false detection devices
In order to improve the detection efficiency of explosives, manufacturers add detection marker substances such as DMDNB to explosives, which can greatly improve the detection effect. However, many counterfeit testing devices have also appeared on the market, which threaten public safety.
The U.S. Department of Justice has warned that many so-called explosive detection devices do not actually have any detection capabilities, which is a major hidden danger for security workers.
Future Outlook
With the development of science and technology, explosives detection technology will undoubtedly become more advanced and intelligent in the future. Whether it’s biotechnology using bees to detect explosives or nanotechnology-based silicon nanowire detectors, these emerging technologies have the potential to play a role in more sensitive and effective detection. And X-ray machines will still be an important part of it.
With the continuous improvement of explosive detection technology, will we be able to completely eliminate the possibility of all explosive threats in the future?
