If Accuracy is paramount…

99.6% detection rate. Penetrates all barriers and identifies explosives at the molecular level.

If Speed is important…

Three times faster than current systems.

If

THOR series Advanced Explosives Detection Systems

Why is THOR LVX different?

Compared to current technologies such as nuclear magnetic resonance and X-ray detection, THOR systems use direct, photonuclear detection. This unique technology is capable of penetrating all barriers and identifies explosives at the molecular level. When exposed to micro bursts of radiation, these illegal substances produce a unique signature allowing the system to not only detect the presence of these substances but also identify their chemical composition quantity. The system can be expanded to detect the presence of nuclear material, narcotics, and targeted chemical and biological agents.

What is Photonuclear Detection?

Electron beams are accelerated to speed by magnetic forces and sent in 16 milli second pulses into the container being examined. Using this method, objects containing carbon and nitrogen – basic building blocks of virtually all explosives -will emit gamma energy. The type and amount of energy received by the detectors is compared to its database matching contraband substances to their unique molecular profile.

How does THOR work?

The heart of our THOR LVX system is a miniature particle accelerator producing an amazing 55 MeV of power. This tremendous power advantage allows the system to completely penetrate a cargo container and all methods of concealment such as water, concrete, steel. Detection software compares information received with its expandable database, identifies the

“target substance” estimates the amount of substance present.

(Selected Excerpts)

A microtron having an output electron beam at a level below 45 MeV is targeted onto a typically tungsten target to provide gamma radiation levels. Deflection magnets adjacent to the target deflect the electron beam of the microtron to cause it to scan. Articles placed on a container containing suspect nitrogen are systematically scanned and output gamma radiation of 511 keV detected from nitrogen. Nitrogen concentrations and consequently expected concealed explosives are easily mapped in two or three dimensions, quantitatively. With almost no exceptions, all explosives current in use contain large amounts of nitrogen, typically between 20% and 35% by weight. Although there are some common articles that also contain nitrogen (animal products and some synthetics), they generally have nitrogen present in lower concentrations and being generally more spread out.

A known method exploits the nuclear reaction produced by the capture of slow neutrons by nitrogen nuclei, giving off an unusually high energy (10.8 MeV) gamma ray that is easily detected by scintillation detectors. The parcel to be examined passes through a shielded enclosure in which it is subject to slow neutrons while being examined for gamma emission. In order to "see" whether the source of gamma rays is compact (a bomb) or spread out (a nylon sweater), a number of detectors are used to form a crude image of the gamma emitting object, i.e., the shape of the nitrogen-containing material.

I do not see any way in which ordinary explosives could be undetected, in amounts sufficient to cause appreciable damage to a commercial aircraft.

The advantages of this method are: (1) Detection cannot be prevented by encapsulating, sealing, or wrapping the explosive, since detection does not depend on a sample of vapor given off by the explosive; (2) Detection cannot be prevented by shielding the explosive against neutrons or x-rays; (3) Detection does not depend on taggants that must be included when the explosive is manufactured; (4) All currently used explosives can be detected; (5) Photographic or x-ray film will not be fogged;

(6) The systems are fast -as little as 1 to 2 seconds per package.

Positron emitters of the other light elements all either have lifetimes longer than a minute, or thresholds over 40 MeV.

THOR LVX technology accuracy and speed

99.6% accuracy, high processing speed and an expandable data base are the hallmarks of THOR LVX. Constructed around a powerful miniature particle accelerator and designed with the latest insights in detection technology, THOR LVX represents a world premiere in EDS systems. Definitive molecular identification of explosives, nuclear material, and narcotics is accomplished at speeds previously unattainable. Automatic operation eliminates human error inherent in other technologies such as x-ray, allowing more items processed without losing money and time unloading “suspicious” containers by hand.

Additionally, human factors figure into a significant percentage of contraband that goes undetected. Tired or poorly trained operators interpreting vague, shadowy images often result in a high rate of false positives and slow processing speeds. Questionable images must be resolved by opening the container and unloading it by hand – a slow and arduous process and tremendous expenditure of time and money. THOR’s fully automated system eliminates errors inherent in systems using human screeners. THOR LVX investigation results in < 1% false positives.

Another benefit of the new THOR LVX series is the high processing speeds which are three times faster than current machines. One checked airport bag can be scanned every 2 seconds for a through put of almost 1,800 bags per hour. A 20-foot cargo container can be scanned

every 30 seconds and a 40-foot container in under 1 minute.

THOR LVX technology expandable and cost-efficient

The current world situation demands a technologically superior front line defense against contraband crossing your country’s borders. Clear and immediate threats are not limited to explosives. Intelligent automation and adaptive software allows system to address multiple threats-explosives, nuclear material, chemical or biological agents, and narcotics. THOR’s data base may be expanded to include additional profiles to fit your needs. There is no requirement to purchase a separate system or add expensive additional components. Compatibility issues are eliminated and costs are reduced.

Cost savings are realized with fully automated operation. The high costs of training are greatly reduced as there is no requirement to employ a staff of screeners and technicians. Increased accuracy ensures greater productivity -more containers, less time. Lower energy consumption further reduces overall operating costs. THOR provides accurate detection and a fully automatic EDS of modular design resulting in the highest quality system tailored to the user’s specific situation and threat.

THOR system offerings currently include two types of detection systems, one dedicated to screening container shipments/trucks and one for Screening airport cargo/baggage.