Explosives detection EU FP7 status report 2010

By enabling FOI to participate in the EU seventh Framework Programme (FP7) Security Research, the project Explosives detection provides the Swedish Armed Forces with the latest research and development within the area of explosives detection. The FP7 projects that are concerned are LOTUS, EFFISEC and OPTIX. These projects have a civilian focus, but the issues covered by the projects are from many aspects in line with the interests of the Armed Forces. The economical means provided by the Armed Forces will thus result in a high yield of gathered information and development of new technologies. The report includes a list of reports generated within the FP7 projects, the reports are presented with title and distribution classification. Within LOTUS, a concept for localizing clandestine bomb factories within an urban area is being developed. The localization is done using a network of mobile sensors that continuously communicates findings of increased levels of threat chemicals to a control centre, specifying the type of chemical, the time and the location for the finding. This concept could also be used in areas of military operations. As part of the work performed within LOTUS, a list of potential HMEs (home made explosives) and the chemicals necessary for their production has been generated. To evaluate the efficiency of the sensors and to facilitate the interpretation of sensor data, the spread of chemicals/explosives/precursors around a production site has been studied in the field. Other partners have developed theoretical models for the spread of these volatiles. EFFISEC will provide personnel at the outer border checkpoints of the European Union with technological tools to increase the security at border checkpoints while keeping a high throughput of people. Within EFFISEC, technologies for CRNE detection are being developed, keeping a focus on explosives detection. FOI develops mass spectrometry based point detection as well as electrostatic particle concentration. Sensitive and selective point detection is of general interest in all checkpoint situations where there exists a need of controlling people, vehicles or packages. OPTIX combines three different standoff detection technologies into one system; Raman spectroscopy, LIBS (laser induced breakdown spectroscopy), and laser fragmentation - IR absorption. The prototype developed will be demonstrated in a standoff scenario of sparse explosive remnants on a surface at a distance of 20 m, providing an identification of the explosive present. Additionally, the project Explosives detection gives support to the Armed Forces, acts as a means for creating networks, and facilitates the communication of research activities in both a scientific forum as well as in other contexts. The report gives a brief description of the FP7-projects mentioned above and their progress in 2010. Some examples of other activities, aimed at communicating research and results, are also included.