Portable narcotics detector and the results obtained in field tests

Tumay O. Tumer; Chih-Wu Su; Christopher R. Kaplan; Stephen W. Rigdon

doi:10.1117/12.266259

6 February 1997 Portable narcotics detector and the results obtained in field tests

Tumay O. Tumer, Chih-Wu Su, Christopher R. Kaplan, Stephen W. Rigdon

Proceedings Volume 2936, Physics-Based Technologies for the Detection of Contraband; (1997) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.266259
Event: Enabling Technologies for Law Enforcement and Security, 1996, Boston, MA, United States

Abstract

A compact integrated narcotics detection instrument (CINDI) has been developed at NOVA R&D, Inc. with funding provided by the U.S. Coast Guard. CINDI is designed as a portable sensitive neutron backscatter detector which has excellent penetration for thick and high Z compartment barriers. It also has a highly sensitive detection system for backscattered neutrons and, therefore, uses a very weak californium-252 neutron source. Neutrons backscatter profusely from materials that have a large hydrogen content, such as narcotics. The rate of backscattered neutrons detected is analyzed by a microprocessor and displayed on the control panel. The operator guides the detector along a suspected area and displays in real time the backscattered neutron rate. CINDI is capable of detecting narcotics effectively behind panels made of steel, wood, fiberglass, or even lead-lined materials. This makes it useful for inspecting marine vessels, ship bulkheads, automobiles, structure walls or small sealed containers. The strong response of CINDI to hydrogen-rich materials such as narcotics makes it an effective tool for detecting concealed drugs. Its response has been field tested by NOVA, the U.S. Coast Guard and Brewt Power Systems. The results of the tests show excellent response and specificity to narcotic drugs. Several large shipments of concealed drugs have been discovered during these trials and the results are presented and discussed.

Citation Download Citation

Tumay O. Tumer, Chih-Wu Su, Christopher R. Kaplan, and Stephen W. Rigdon "Portable narcotics detector and the results obtained in field tests", Proc. SPIE 2936, Physics-Based Technologies for the Detection of Contraband, (6 February 1997); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.266259

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