Laser based explosives detection

Transport Canada (TC) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have been active players in the research and development of trace explosive detection systems (TEDS). Under the direction of TC, private industry has been asked to develop devices meeting more and more stringent criteria. The recent development of a specification for TEDS by TC will provide industry with a clear blueprint for developing devices which will serve the traveling public today and into the foreseeable future. One of the ongoing projects involves the use of laser based explosives detection. This technique involves the use of laser-generated infrared radiation to scan the surface of objects. The interaction of the laser radiation with any residual explosive on the surface of the object will initiate "micro" bursts. The resulting light generated by these bursts can be detected and is characteristic of the explosive involved. Temporal and spectral analyses of the emitted light reveal unique signal patterns that are used to differentiate the "micro" bursts. The results are preliminary, however, the technique offers the potential for detecting explosives on objects in near-real time. Thus, the technique could be used to scan carry-on baggage as the individual pieces of luggage travel on the X-ray system's conveyer belt.