As terror threats spread far and wide, scientists in UK claimed to have developed a scanner that can pinpoint explosives and weapons hidden in the shoes, clothing and luggage of terrorists as they walk around airport terminals.
The system - created by researchers led by Professor Wuqiang Yang of Manchester University - can detect devices instantly, The Observer reported.
Moreover, it does not require travelers to take off their shoes or place luggage on conveyor-belt detectors. Instead, security staff will be able to spot terrorists with knives in their jackets or explosives in their backpacks as they move around the departure lounges.
The scanner has triggered considerable interest among US defence chiefs, who are investing billions of dollars on research into detectors that might improve airport safety. At the request of security officials, a prototype has been sent to be tested at Dallas airport.
Yang told the newspaper that he would be going out soon to run demonstration tests.
"Once it has been properly developed, our device would cost only a few thousand pounds and could be installed under carpets, tiles or flooring in airports to detect shoe bombs without the use of radar or cameras," Yang said.
PTI
"It is also capable of learning the characteristics of new threat substances - including explosives and non-metallic weapons - when developed by terrorists," he said.
The system - created by researchers led by Professor Wuqiang Yang of Manchester University - can detect devices instantly, The Observer reported.
Moreover, it does not require travelers to take off their shoes or place luggage on conveyor-belt detectors. Instead, security staff will be able to spot terrorists with knives in their jackets or explosives in their backpacks as they move around the departure lounges.
The scanner has triggered considerable interest among US defence chiefs, who are investing billions of dollars on research into detectors that might improve airport safety. At the request of security officials, a prototype has been sent to be tested at Dallas airport.
Yang told the newspaper that he would be going out soon to run demonstration tests.
"Once it has been properly developed, our device would cost only a few thousand pounds and could be installed under carpets, tiles or flooring in airports to detect shoe bombs without the use of radar or cameras," Yang said.
PTI
"It is also capable of learning the characteristics of new threat substances - including explosives and non-metallic weapons - when developed by terrorists," he said.