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A new sensor, that has been developed at Warwick University and that can detect hidden objects faster than any other existing sensor, could improve the speed and way in which security checks at airports are completed. The Q-Eye senses radiation on the Terahertz region of the radiation spectrum, and as well as being used in airports, other possible uses include in finding undisclosed goods in retail and for use in the quality control process in food manufacturing.
Professors Evan Parker and Terry Whall of Warwick University’s Nano-Silicon Group said that they were surprised at the speed and accuracy that the sensor worked when they tested a prototype. They said that the results showed that the device could have world-beating detector capability, and that the design of the sensors also meant that they could be manufactured for very specific purposes and on wafer thin surfaces. This combination of compactness and quality means that the sensors would likely make their way into various locations and to serve a number of purposes very quickly if further testing backed up the positive results shown so far.
Airport scanning is considered an integral part of aviation security, helping to potentially detect concealed weapons and explosives. However, scanners primarily scan for metal objects, and the advent of 3D printing means that plastic guns, as well as complex explosive devices that do not feature metal either, are becoming increasingly commonplace. The Q-Eye could help to bypass these potential problems because it would detect the radiation given off by certain components within these devices, and would be able to identify any unexpected items, identified due to the difference in radiation levels.
The National Crime Agency recently reported that there has been and continues to be an influx of automatic weaponry into the UK, sparking fears that a Tunisia style attack may be launched on home shores. 30 Britons were killed during a shooting at a Tunisia hotel, and the gunman was said to have intentionally targeted Britons. With Wimbledon underway, and the anniversary of the 7/7 bombings having just finished, security levels have been raised throughout the country.
Following the 7/7 bombings, ten years ago, airports were put on high alert and a number of additional security checks were implemented. The amount of liquids that people could take aboard planes was greatly reduced, while full body scanners were introduced. These body scanners were controversial, enabling the operator to see through a person’s clothes in order to detect whether passengers were carrying any hidden items or objects.
Despite these initial security increases, though, there are some concerns that the country has let security levels drop. A number of airport security tests have been carried out, devices have made it through scanners, and some airports have relented in taking actions that are primarily made to reduce security screening times, rather than to ensure the security of all passengers on the planes and in airports. New scanners that would work quickly, and potentially negate the need for full body scanners or for equally intrusive pat downs would be welcomed by most.
Professors Evan Parker and Terry Whall of Warwick University’s Nano-Silicon Group said that they were surprised at the speed and accuracy that the sensor worked when they tested a prototype. They said that the results showed that the device could have world-beating detector capability, and that the design of the sensors also meant that they could be manufactured for very specific purposes and on wafer thin surfaces. This combination of compactness and quality means that the sensors would likely make their way into various locations and to serve a number of purposes very quickly if further testing backed up the positive results shown so far.
Airport scanning is considered an integral part of aviation security, helping to potentially detect concealed weapons and explosives. However, scanners primarily scan for metal objects, and the advent of 3D printing means that plastic guns, as well as complex explosive devices that do not feature metal either, are becoming increasingly commonplace. The Q-Eye could help to bypass these potential problems because it would detect the radiation given off by certain components within these devices, and would be able to identify any unexpected items, identified due to the difference in radiation levels.
The National Crime Agency recently reported that there has been and continues to be an influx of automatic weaponry into the UK, sparking fears that a Tunisia style attack may be launched on home shores. 30 Britons were killed during a shooting at a Tunisia hotel, and the gunman was said to have intentionally targeted Britons. With Wimbledon underway, and the anniversary of the 7/7 bombings having just finished, security levels have been raised throughout the country.
Following the 7/7 bombings, ten years ago, airports were put on high alert and a number of additional security checks were implemented. The amount of liquids that people could take aboard planes was greatly reduced, while full body scanners were introduced. These body scanners were controversial, enabling the operator to see through a person’s clothes in order to detect whether passengers were carrying any hidden items or objects.
Despite these initial security increases, though, there are some concerns that the country has let security levels drop. A number of airport security tests have been carried out, devices have made it through scanners, and some airports have relented in taking actions that are primarily made to reduce security screening times, rather than to ensure the security of all passengers on the planes and in airports. New scanners that would work quickly, and potentially negate the need for full body scanners or for equally intrusive pat downs would be welcomed by most.