Thousands of land-based cargo containers pass through ports of entry at US borders each year. On a daily basis, 17,000 containers enter the US, but only a few are actually inspected. Technologies, as we know from previous WAR Reports, are being developed and deployed at a rapid pace in all areas of national security.
One of the newest technologies to come on board is the use of nuclear resonance fluorescence imaging technology (NFRI). NFRI can determine the elemental content of the cargo: literally, what the cargo is made of. Developed at MIT by Dr. Robert Bertozzi, who now sits on the board of Passport Systems, has made the dramatic technology that will make an impact on container security worldwide. In a recent article CEO and Passport Director Dr. Robert Ledoux of Passport Systems stated ?NRFI can even distinguish between uranium isotopes commonly used for various medical purposes and weapons grade uranium?without opening the box.? Simplistically speaking, X-ray beams are used to ?excite? the atoms in the container; a gamma-ray detector then identifies the atoms. Selection is determined by the unique energies and photon intensities transmitted as the nuclei return to their inception without fission.
The X-ray beam can be directed to illuminate within the container giving a 3D image of the location of materials, even down detecting the radioactive potassium-40 in bananas. NFRI?s technology will aid in global security against weapons of mass destruction, nuclear materials, contraband, and other hazardous materials.
At present, X-ray scanning systems deployed at all airports and seaport facilities around the world do not answer: ?what is in the box?? NFRI will facilitate and transform the freight business internationally and rather than impede the flow of commerce, the elemental process of detection used by this technology will increase security and the reliability of the inspections. Steel containers have been labeled the ?Trojan Horse? of modern international commerce because X-rays could not pierce the container. NFRI will remove that threat.
The feasibility testing is completed at Passport Systems, and their partnering with DHS has enabled funding to continue the development to achieve a preliminary prototype in the next few months. If the design passes, then the final stage would begin with work completed in 18-24 months.
The US 9/11 Commission Report stated that: ?While commercial aviation remains a possible target, terrorists may turn their attention to other modes. Opportunities to do harm are as great or greater in maritime and surface transportation.? As we continue to develop these technologies, funding must continue to flow to these areas to enhance success. NFRI is one of the technologies that will help keep ports safe, addressing the 9/11 Commission’s concern, and will likely prove a major asset to counter-terrorism securities.