Application of an explosive detection device based on quadrupole resonance (QR) technology in aviation security

The Federal Aviation Administration has deployed Advanced Technology (AT) based explosive detection devices for screening checked baggage in US domestic airports. The paper addresses the application of quadrupole resonance (QR) technology to detect explosives in checked baggage in aviation security. This technology was deployed in combination with advanced X-ray by the US government. The paper focuses on the quadrupole resonance technique for detecting the presence of energetic material (explosives) in baggage in aviation security. The principle of operation of this promising technology, and its application in combination with dual energy x-ray technology, to detect a range of explosive materials is detailed. The quadrupole resonance based explosive detection device generates radio frequency (RF) pulses that sense the unique crystalline structure of the explosive. With its discriminating probe of the chemical state of the matter, QR can readily identify the nitrogen atoms in a particular crystalline structure of the explosives. Technical issues such as performance trade-offs of probability of detection P(d), probability of false alarm rate P(fa) and throughput will be discussed without revealing sensitive and proprietary data. Insight gained on the deployed system integration of combined technologies (QR and x-ray), and operational experience will be elaborated. The on-going FAA initiatives to improve performance and its application of the QR technology for screening checked and carry-on baggage for aviation security will be summarized.