Phoenix demonstrates new system capability to detect hard-to-find explosives

Phoenix Nuclear Labs has developed and successful tested an explosives detection system at its headquarters.

During the preliminary tests, funded by the US Army, the neutron-based interrogation system demonstrated its ability to detect so-called undetectable explosives.

The system detects the explosive material itself instead of specific chemical signatures or other associated components, such as metallic casing or triggering mechanisms.

The tests comes as the US Department of Homeland Security announced it is improving airport security due to an increased threat level from terrorists developing bombs which can evade airport screening technologies.

Phoenix Nuclear Labs president Ross Radel said: "We’ve known for some time that certain types of improvised explosive devices could potentially go undetected through existing scanners that use X-rays."

"The beauty of our system is that it can detect unconventional explosives, such as homemade explosives, that might not be caught by our existing security infrastructure."

The explosives detection system is a modification of PLS’s core high yield neutron generator technology which was funded over the last year by the US Army through a programme focusing primarily at mobile detection of IED’s in combat settings.

The same technology, however, can be used to rapidly screen cargo for explosives and other contraband in airports or at ports and border crossings.

Phoenix Nuclear Labs is scheduled to carry out full scale testing of the explosives detection system by the end of August.

The company is planning to work with the army to further develop this technology to a commercial-ready state for future insertion in the field.