Laser system for the contactless detection of explosives
The goal of the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) PHYLAX project is to enable the quick and reliable screening of persons for traces of explosives. The DLR institutes of Technical Physics and Robotics and Mechatronics will be showing a first technology demonstrator at ILA 2022.
PHYLAX uses laser spectroscopy technology to detect traces of explosives on people. The screening can be carried out within a few seconds, without the need for contact, from a distance of approximately one metre. In comparison with conventional wipe-sample techniques, there is not only an increase in convenience for the person being screened, but also a greater number of persons can be processed per hour.
With this technology demonstrator, the shoes of the persons to be checked are specifically examined for traces of explosives. For this purpose, PHYLAX combines various spectroscopic technologies with an optical tracking system. After determining the target coordinates, the laser detection systems are oriented, and a spectroscopic examination takes place. In addition to searching for traces of solid explosives, the air is also checked for traces of highly volatile substances. The system has an integrated database for classifying the substances.
This internal project is funded as part of DLR’s security research and by DLR Technology Marketing.
Links:
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Institute of Technical Physics
Dr. Frank Duschek · Email frank.duschek@dlr.de
