Counterterrorist Detection Techniques of Explosives [Hardcover]

Jehuda Yinon (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 30, 2007 | ISBN-10: 0444522042 | ISBN-13: 978-0444522047 | Edition: 1

The detection of hidden explosives has become an issue of utmost importance in recent years. While terrorism is not new to the international community, recent terrorist attacks have raised the issue of detection of explosives and have generated a great demand for rapid, sensitive and reliable methods for detecting hidden explosives. Counterterrorist Detection Techniques of Explosives covers recent advances in this area of research including vapor and trace detection techniques (chemiluminescence, mass spectrometry, ion mobility spectrometry, electrochemical methods and micromechanical sensors, such as microcantilevers) and bulk detection techniques (neutron techniques, nuclear quadrupole resonance, x-ray diffraction imaging, millimeter-wave imaging, terahertz imaging and laser techniques). This book will be of interest to any scientists involved in the design and application of security screening technologies including new sensors and detecting devices which will prevent the smuggling of bombs and explosives.

* Covers latest advances in vapor and trace detection techniques and bulk detection techniques
* Reviews both current techniques and those in advanced stages of development
* Techniques that are described in detail, including its principles of operation, as well as its applications in the detection of explosives

Editorial Reviews

Review

"If you are in the business of R&D for explosives detection equipment or techniques, or need (or just want) to understand the technologies available now and in the near future, then this book simply must be part of your library." -Maj. Ken Cross, MBE MSc FIExpE, Explosives Engineering, March 2008

Product Details

• Hardcover: 454 pages
• Publisher: Elsevier Science; 1 edition (August 30, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0444522042
• ISBN-13: 978-0444522047
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,567,366 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars excellent cover !, January 15, 2008

By 

W Boudville (Terra, Sol 3) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Counterterrorist Detection Techniques of Explosives (Hardcover)

The image on the book's cover is one of the best I've seen in many years. The subject is important and a hard technical problem. But the cover immediately and axiomatically summarises the promised capabilities of the antiterrorist methods.

Be warned. The text is deeply technical. With an emphasis on the chemistry of explosives. Most explosives [well most solid substances] outgas. It is the detection and classification of this vapour that takes most of the book's attention. Many methods are brought to bear on the problem. Where you need to remember that only trace quantities of vapour will be present.

One method uses differential mobility spectrometry. Another idea is to have a MEMS - a small micromechanical widget on a chip, that functions as a little chemistry lab, optimised to detect explosives. Yet another approach uses millimeter waves for imaging. (This was used to make the cover's image.)

Overall, the conclusion is promising. The different methods collectively offer high probabilities of detection. Whether these can be pervasively and economically done at sensitive sites like airports is another issue, outside the book's remit.