Finding the needle in a haystack: x-rays, tomography, spectrometry, and photoionization are being used to detect explosives and weapons.(Sensors & detection)(Cover Story)

Machine Design,  July, 2003  by Mraz, Stephen J.

Tags: beam, image, ion, L-3 Communications Holdings Inc., luggage

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Since 9/11, security has risen to an entirely new level of importance. One security goal is keeping weapons, biologic and chemical agents, and radioactive material out of the U.S. and off public-transportation systems. But consider these facts: * Last year an estimated 130 million cars, 12 million shipping containers, 11 millions trucks, and 2 million railroad cars crossed U.S.

borders, not to mention nearly 500 million people. * 700 million people and nearly one billion pieces of checked luggage travel through U.S. airports each year. * Authorities seized more than ...

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