Smiths Detection and TeraView to use Exciting New Technology in Developing Hand-Held Security Screening Device
16 June 2004 16:07
Hand-held wand will simultaneously detect explosives, weapons and other threats, both metallic and non-metallic.
June 16, 2004 -- Smiths Detection, the world's leading provider of X-ray and trace detection equipment, has signed a strategic partnership agreement with TeraView, a proprietary technology and product development company. The two companies will co-develop a next-generation hand-held security wand that utilises terahertz light waves to detect and identify metallic and non-metallic weapons, as well as bulk and sheet explosives that are concealed beneath clothing, inside shoes, or in other objects.
"This technology detects multiple threats and will represent a significant leap forward over existing hand-held metal detectors," said Bill Mawer, President of Smiths Detection North America. "TeraView is the clear leader in developing this exciting technology and together we will develop a commercial product that will strengthen any security checkpoint."
“We are delighted to partner with Smiths Detection. As one of the top security screening vendors, they provide an excellent route to market our technology and products in the US and around the world," said Don Arnone, CEO of TeraView. "This alliance will make terahertz products available to the security screening industry for the first time.”
Terahertz light, which lies between microwave and infrared in the electromagnetic spectrum, has a number of properties that set it apart from other technologies, particularly those applied in passenger screening. It passes through clothing, paper and plastics to detect metal, ceramic or plastic weapons. It also allows substances such as explosives to be identified from their characteristic spectral 'fingerprints'.
Terahertz technology has the potential to overcome the limitations of new security screening techniques that use ionising radiation, raising safety concerns if used on people. Terahertz light is non-ionising and can be used safely for people screening applications.
The new wand will provide improved security over hand-held metal detectors by reducing the number of false alarms that lead to invasive manual searches. It will also enable in-situ screening of luggage for explosives.
About Smiths Detection
Smiths Detection is one of four operating divisions of Smiths Group plc. Smiths Detection offers technologically advanced security solutions to detect and identify explosives, chemical & biological agents, weapons and contraband. Employing trace detection technology together with Smiths Heimann x-ray imaging, Smiths Detection provides screening solutions for customers in civil and military markets worldwide.
About TeraView
TeraView is a UK company established in April 2001 to develop and exploit terahertz technology and develop innovative products to meet customer needs. TeraView has engineered the technology into practical systems for use in pharmaceutical and medical markets, producing the world’s first portable terahertz imagers and spectrometers. With approximately 30 staff based in Cambridge UK, TeraView is the only company solely focused on terahertz technology and is widely recognised as having a world-leading position in terahertz imaging and spectroscopy.
For more information on this company:
Smiths Detection - World Leaders in the Field of Threat Detection.
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