Survey of Commercially Available Explosives Detection Technologies and Equipment 2004

• NCJ Number: 208861
• Author(s): Lisa Theisen Ph.D.; David W. Hannum; Dale W. Murray; John E. Parmeter Ph.D.
• Date Published: November 2004
• Length: 96 pages
• Grant Number(s): 96-MU-MU-K011
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Best Practice/State-of-the-Art Review

Annotation

This document provides a review of currently available explosives detection methods and technologies.

Abstract

The goal of the document is to assist law enforcement agencies in the selection of explosives detection equipment. Following the introduction in chapter 1, chapter 2 discusses purchase consideration and various applications for explosives detection. Also reviewed in this chapter are explosives detection system performance parameters, including sensitivity, false alarm rates, nuisance alarms, and interferents. Chapter 3 describes trace explosives detection technologies and provides an introduction to trace detection, explosives vapor detection, and explosives particulate detection. Eight trace detection technologies are described in detail, including pictures. Chapter 4 explores bulk explosives detection technologies, which mainly involve imaging techniques such as the Single-Energy X-ray Technique and the Computed Tomography Technique. For each technique described, there is a review of the principle of operation, the advantages and disadvantages of the system, and a description of commercially available systems. A glossary contains definitions of explosives-related terms. Exhibits, references