Detection

AMETEK wins DHS contract for germanium-based nuclear radiation detector
There are several types of radiation detectors, but experts lean toward germanium-based gamma ray detectors as offering the best combination of resolution and sensitivity; a specialist in this technology has just won a $2.4 million contract from DHS — a contract with a potential $50 million value over a five year period
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Thresher acquires Talon
The market for the secure containment, transportation, and storage of nuclear materials is growing — what with these materials offering lucrative targets for terrorists and growing environmental concerns; Thresher, a company which knows a thing or two about casting and composite materials, is acquiring Talon, a specialist in manufacturing premium metal matrix composites
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ICx Nomadics turns men into dogs with new explosive sniffer
The Fido XT is used alongside canine units to maximize coverage; users must train themselves to imitate German shepherds; technology is sensitive enough to locate a pistol that has not been fired in ten years; robot mounting an option, too
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New business opportunities in radiation detection technologies
The North Korea nuclear test, and the inexorable march of Iran toward acquiring nuclear weapons, increase the risks of nuclear weapon proliferation; there are thus many opportunities in developing new radiation detection technologies
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GAO hashly criticizes the next generation of radiation portal monitors
Scheduled for deployment next year, the monitors failed to correctlty identify highly enriched uranium, whether masked or bare; GAO finds the cost of $377,000 per unit entirely unjustified and asks DHS officials to go back to the drawing board; Thermo Electron, Raytheon, and Canberra Industries to received $1.2 billion for new machines
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Researchers develop portable lab on a chip to identify WMD contamination
Soldiers and first responders are exposed to chemical and biological threats, so there is a need to develop a quick and accurate technology to identify dangerous exposure — a technology, moreover, which can be carried easily into the field or the urban disaster area to perform on-the-spot contamination checks; researchers affiliated with MIT have developed such a technology
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RAE Systems strikes a deal with the National Guard
Company will supply portable gas and radiation detectors to fifty-five Guard Civil Support Teams; agile Rapid Deployment Kits consist of four specialized monitors and sensors
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New analytical technique for detecting liquid explosives
ASU professor set out to develop a more sensitive enzymatic detector for better management of diabetics, and realized that the technology may be used for quick and accurate detection of liquid explosives; and a good thing, too, as terrorists show a greater tendency to move away from commercial explosives toward home-made ones
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Illinois issues request for specially-made radiation detectors
Off the shelf products no good for this enterprising state with high standards for quality and usability; officials seek to purchase 22,000 hybrid devices; Thermo Electron, Canberra Industries, and RAE Systems among likely bidders
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Smiths Detection, RedXDefense partner to create mass transit EDS
In Congress they debate whether or not to mandatory 100 percent inspection of U.S.-bound cargo containers; two explosive detection leaders are joining hands to produce a system which will make sure that 100 percent of subway passengers in the U.S. are screened for explosives
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Possible North Korean nuclear test brings business opportunities
Demand seen for small radiation detectors in Asia; manufacturers of potassium iodite, potassium iodide, and potassium iodate should start reviewing inventory now
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San Diego shows promise as homeland security incubator
Local companies take advantage of proximity to high education; Daylight Solutions offers a hand held trace explosive detector that relies on lasers; Seacoast Science “volitaile organic chemical detector” identifies sarin, acetone, and other deadly chemicals
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Broadware Technologies, Cubic team up for Baltimore MTA explosives detection system
Program brings together trace detection and video capabilities to defend against train terrorism; when explosves are detected at ticketing kiosks, Broadware cameras transmit a digital picture to security personnel while the entry gates refuse access
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Senate passes port inspection deal; no 100% inspection
The beefed-up port security measure places heavy emphasis on radiation detection at U.S. ports, but Republicans fought off Democrats’ demand to include a mandatory 100% inspection of all U.S.-bound cargo containers; bill also increases funding for rail and land transportation security
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Lobbyists resist homeland security measures recommended by 9/11 Commission
Farmers fight off ammonium nitrate controls; television station opposes handing over frequency for emergency services; retailers stick to their guns on radiological screening of containers
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