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Using Radio Waves to Detect Explosives

Posted by samzenpus on from the tuned-to-boom dept.

deadmantyping writes "A Japanese research group published a paper describing a method to detect explosives in luggage using radio waves. The method relies upon nitrogen nuclear quadrapole resonance (NQR) and is able to distinguish between different white powders, whereas currently used x-ray technology is not."

3 of 99 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Interesting idea, but one caveat I perceve... by Dr.+Eggman · · Score: 5, Insightful

    What if a crazy man just straps some bombs on, walks up to the security checkpoint and sets himself off? There's no security check to protect the first security check. Better add one.

    ...and recurse.

    --
    Demented But Determined.
  2. That's nice by overshoot · · Score: 4, Insightful
    I wonder how it is at distinguishing between common metallic solids and thermite?

    A little oxidized iron, a little aluminum powder, a tiny amount of binder, press, and you have the makings of some attractive plaques or statuary. A bit of magnesium wire and a battery and you have everything you need to start a large mass of aluminum burning. Spectacularly.

    Good thing none of the Bad Guys have the brains of a flatworm. Or at least, that's what our whole air travel security strategy assumes.

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    Lacking <sarcasm> tags, /. substitutes moderation as "Troll."
  3. Not all explosives contain nitrogen by dsci · · Score: 4, Insightful

    And not all nitrogen containing explosives are white powders. :)

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