Optosecurity solves the liquid explosives problem
Technology relies on standard 2D X-ray imaging; attached to legacy systems, Optoscreener XMS identifies threats by their molecular signatures; passengers place their plastic quart bags on the conveyor; system can even detect if a person is hiding liquids in their carry-on luggage
Quebec, Canada-based Optosecurity, best known for its “optical threat detection correlation” technologies that identify guns and knives, announced this week a new ability to detect liquid explosives using standard 2D X-ray technology. Designed to be integrated with existing airport X-ray machines — it is simply and inobtrusively clamped to their sides — the Optosecurity XMS (X-Ray Molecular Spectrometer) can identify potential threats according to their unique molecular signatures, including oxidizers and flammables; and can even identify seemingly innocuous materials that may be assembled into a bomb.
This latter capability is crucial. Although many consumers find it frustrating, TSA’s decision to limit carry-on liquids to the quantity that can fit in three ounce containers capable of being held in a quart bag was based on careful estimation of how much material would be needed to assemble a powerful bomb onboard an aircraft. The XMS takes advantage of these rules by requiring the quart bags to be run through the X-ray machine. If a passenger fails to comply, the system identifies the undeclared liquid containers and alerts security personnel (interference from other items in the luggage prevents immediate explosives screening).
Investors in Optosecurity include the Business Development Bank of Canada;
Innovatech Québec, a $125 million early stage venture capital fund owned by the Government of Quebec; and Fondaction, whose $396.4 million in assets are derived from retirement savings collected from more than 60,000 shareholders.
-read more in this company news release
