Testing Protocol for Surface-Sampling Detectors

Abstract

The use of surface sampling and on-site analysis is a recent innovation in “sniffer” technology designed to counter the bomb threat in civil aviation. Augmenting the previous vapour sampling approach, new detector technology is emerging which allows the rapid detection of nanogram quantities of plastic explosive residue which may be present on the exterior of passenger luggage or air cargo as a result of secreted explosives. In assessing the efficacy of a new detector system, the problem arises of providing a realistic and reliable source of plastic explosive residue with which to challenge the detector. This paper describes several laboratory and field-simulation approaches, and presents results obtained with the most quantitative of these techniques, a “calibrated” thumbprint source.