Security & Cargo Inspection
Active neutron interrogation for explosive and fissile material detection at ports and borders.
The Challenge
Detecting Threats Inside Sealed Containers
Seaports, land borders, and high-security checkpoints must screen millions of sealed containers annually for explosives, fissile materials, and contraband. Conventional X-ray screening identifies threats by density — but cannot distinguish between innocuous dense materials and threat materials with similar profiles. India’s 12 major ports handle over 200 million tonnes of cargo annually. Effective screening requires elemental identification, not just density imaging.
Our Approach
Active Neutron Interrogation for Elemental Identification
ASPL Fusion develops active neutron interrogation systems that use fast neutrons to penetrate sealed containers and induce characteristic gamma-ray signatures. Unlike X-ray screening, neutron interrogation identifies materials by elemental composition — distinguishing nitrogen-rich explosives from benign organics, and fissile isotopes from non-fissile metals.
Our knowledge graph includes 16 papers specifically on security and neutron interrogation applications.
Why It Matters
Key Benefits
Elemental Identification
Neutron interrogation identifies materials by atomic composition, not density — detecting explosives and fissile materials that X-ray screening may miss.
Deep Penetration
Fast neutrons penetrate steel, lead, and other shielding that attenuates X-rays, enabling inspection of heavily shielded cargo.
Complementary Screening
Deployed alongside existing X-ray systems, neutron interrogation adds an independent detection modality — significantly reducing false negative rates.
Who This Serves
Industries & Applications
- Seaport authorities screening containerised cargo for explosives and fissile materials
- Land border checkpoints inspecting vehicles and freight for contraband
- Airport security complementing X-ray screening with elemental analysis
- High-security government and defence installations requiring comprehensive screening
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Related Applications
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