Important step forwards

in explosive detection

In the aviation scene speed is essential, especially where both passengers and baggage get screened for explosives, for avoiding any bottlenecks in the security department. Schiphol main focus is this aspect of speed and therefore joined the BrightSky consortium together with DT-Solutions, Hogeschool van Amsterdam and tech company Stage Gate 11. Within and during this project the companies share their progress. 

Jaap de Rijk of DT-Solutions informs on the progress of our technique and product Echo X. The current X-ray screening of hold baggage often presents an alarm on items that are not illicit at all. These ‘false alarms’ can be automatically resolved using the Echo X technology for a recheck instead of a manual one. This project allowed our research engineers to perform a couple of realistic and successful tests to demonstrate the operational quality of the technology. This will enhance the speed of HBS screening greatly. 

As well as DT-Solutions, within the company SG11 great progress is made. Rob Satink of SG11 explains: ‘Our Delta R OTD concept detects traces of explosives by means of light reflection. We swipe a so-called swab over a surface and feed this to our light sensor which translate the visible into potential traces. Recently we succeeded proving the sensitivity of our sensor can do so within the European standards. Enhanced speed, reduced usage of single-use swabs and a sturdier system provide multiple advantages for airports.’

Satink reveals the upcoming steps for SG11: ‘After the lab-tests of the OTD, we are planning on the construction of a thorough analysis of the current state of both the technology and concept of operation at the intended location. This will provide useful, new insights and allows us to further develop de Delta R OTD.’

Geert Boosten of Hogeschool van Amsterdam points out the unique opportunity for students to tag along and contribute to this project and that the gained insights on the role of security are included in the curriculum. The multidisciplinary character of this project also attracts students from multiple study programmes. This allows the education to remain state of the art and is keeping pace with the developments of the work field. 

For DT-Solution the upcoming steps will be: ‘Producing a moveable, mobile version of the current prototype, that will allow us to continue testing, but then at Schiphol with a realistic scenario. This mobile device will then also be brought to test centers authorized to perform tests with actual explosives.’