Explosives detection with quadrupole resonance analysis

Timothy J. Rayner; Benjamin D. Thorson; Simon Beevor; Rebecca West; Ronald A. Krauss

doi:10.1117/12.266273

6 February 1997 Explosives detection with quadrupole resonance analysis

Timothy J. Rayner, Benjamin D. Thorson, Simon Beevor, Rebecca West, Ronald A. Krauss

Proceedings Volume 2936, Physics-Based Technologies for the Detection of Contraband; (1997) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.266273
Event: Enabling Technologies for Law Enforcement and Security, 1996, Boston, MA, United States

Abstract

The increase in international terrorist activity over the past decade has necessitated the exploration of new technologies for the detection of plastic explosives. Quadrupole resonance analysis (QRA) has proven effective as a technique for detecting the presence of plastic, sheet, and military explosive compounds in small quantities, and can also be used to identify narcotics such as heroin and cocaine base. QRA is similar to the widely used magnetic resonance (MR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques, but has the considerable advantage that the item being inspected does not need to be immersed in a steady, homogeneous magnetic field. The target compounds are conclusively identified by their unique quadrupole resonance frequencies. Quantum magnetics has develop and introduced a product line of explosives and narcotics detection devices based upon QRA technology. The work presented here concerns a multi-compound QRA detection system designed to screen checked baggage, cargo, and sacks of mail at airports and other high-security facilities. The design philosophy and performance are discussed and supported by test results from field trials conducted in the United States and the United Kingdom. This detection system represents the current state of QRA technology for field use in both commercial and government sectors.

Citation Download Citation

Timothy J. Rayner, Benjamin D. Thorson, Simon Beevor, Rebecca West, and Ronald A. Krauss "Explosives detection with quadrupole resonance analysis", Proc. SPIE 2936, Physics-Based Technologies for the Detection of Contraband, (6 February 1997); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.266273

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