Next-generation
Air Cargo Scanning:
by X-ray and neutron analysis
Unlike the rigorous inspection igh-energy X-ray scanners are widely used
procedures to which passenger carry-
on and checked baggage is usually
H
around the world for scanning sea cargo for
narcotics, weapons and other concealed
contraband items. However, this is not true for
cargos shipped by air, where consolidated unit
load devices (ULDs) and pallets are rarely
subjected, consolidated air freight is subjected to X-ray examination. The air cargo environment
presents several unique challenges, including the complex
usually not scanned, either prior to nature of the cargo itself, the short time available for
inspection and the need to integrate seamlessly with
travel or upon arrival at a foreign existing airport freight handling arrangements.
Conventional X-ray systems collect 2-dimensional
destination. Dr James Tickner radiographic images using high energy X-ray sources and
detector systems. These images show the shape and density
discusses some of the technical of cargo items but are quite insensitive to composition. More
complex, dual-energy X-ray systems can provide some
challenges in X-raying air cargo and material identification capability, but this is limited to
distinguishing metals from organic materials.
describes a recently developed Many research groups around the world have investigated
using neutrons to improve cargo screening. Neutrons are
approach that uses neutrons to neutral particles that make up about half of everyday matter.
At high energies, they are very penetrating and can be used
improve cargo screening. to inspect large objects such as consolidated cargo.
Aviationsecurityinternational April 2008
www.asi-mag.com 19
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