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New Security Breakthrough in Screenings for Explosives and Narcotics

The surge in airport security technology over the last two decades has ushered in a new era in ensuring safe passage for travelers.  

Looking ahead, the next two decades promise further innovations in detection systems at U.S. and international airports. Integration of risk and intelligence-based threat information will further enhance security measures, making the passenger experience more enjoyable and comforting, with built-in conveniences and threat mitigation. 

Amidst these advancements, the need for a precision trace detection system with enhanced performance of the currently fielded Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS) based trace detection systems has become increasingly apparent. Minimizing the costs and inconveniences associated with false alarms is crucial, highlighting the importance of deploying accurate and efficient security measures. As we navigate the evolving security landscape, ensuring the effectiveness of detection systems remains paramount in safeguarding travelers and maintaining the integrity of airports and other points of entry. 

Astrotech Mass Spectrometry (AMS) technology, brings the laboratory to our security personnel in the field: 

  • The system operates under a high vacuum, eliminating competing molecules and thereby ensuring higher resolution and near zero false alarms 
  • Unique among mass spectrometers, the system auto calibrates daily eliminating the need for highly trained personnel and clean room environments 
  • Collection of invaluable mass spectrometry data for current or later analysis 
  • 15 seconds per test 
  • A truly rugged mass spectrometer that has been proven in harsh airport cargo environments in 14 countries 
  • Easy to maintain only needing a one hour or less service by a certified technician every six months, and does not require molecular sieve dryers or dopants 
  • Virtually unlimited library, and additions to that library will not increase false alarms 

Currently, the AMS technology is deployed in 1st Detect’s TRACER 1000TM which has both a narcotics and explosives trace detection (NTD & ETD) library available. The TRACER 1000 product line has proven its capabilities in delivering thousands of tests per day with the security of 14 countries relying on the reliability, repeatability, and exceptional accuracy of the technology. These high-performance instruments are capable of rapidly detecting trace levels of explosive and narcotic compounds with exceptional precision, making them invaluable assets in diverse settings, including airports, ports of entry, border crossings, secure buildings, public events, and the military. 

Mass Spectrometry vs. Ion Mobility Spectrometry 

Mass spectrometry (MS) stands as a pivotal analytical technique utilized for the identification, characterization, and quantification of chemicals within a sample. By measuring charged particles, MS provides highly specific detailed insights into the composition of substances.  The high resolution can then distinguish between millions of different molecules resulting in a fingerprint or spectra for every test. 

In contrast, ion mobility spectrometry operates by separating ions based on their mobility or their collision cross section (size) in a gas phase under the influence of an electric field. IMS methods, while advantageous in terms of cost and miniaturization, have historically struggled with accuracy, leading to potential false alarms. 

MS vs IMS: Selectivity & False Alarm Performance  

As shown in the following figures, the traditional IMS based explosives detectors tend to struggle when an everyday product is detected such as perfume, which in this example of IMS spectra, shows nearly a full overlap in peaks resulting in a false alarm that that has identified a perfume as a lethal explosive. 

When comparing the spectra from the Tracer 1000, with its AMS technology, there is a clear difference and no overlap in the peaks detected for TNT and perfume resulting in zero false alarms.  It is easy to see why mass spectrometry outperforms IMS. 

Figure 2 Tracer 1000 spectra of TNT Perfume = Zero False Alarms

MS VS IMS: Performance Comparison 

Table 1. Comparison of Product Features: MS vs IMS 

PRODUCT FEATURE MASS SPECTROMETRY ION MOBILITY SPECTROMETRY 
Selectivity Higher Lower 
False Alarms Lower Higher 
Operational Cost Lower Higher 
Threat Library No-limit Limited 
Threat Identification Higher Lower 
Test Throughput Higher Lower 

As shown in the above figures the selectivity of the Tracer 1000 mass spectrometer delivers a much higher selectivity resulting in low false alarms while maintaining the same detection sensitivity and performance of the currently fielded IMS based trace detectors.  

Lower false alarms drive lower ownership and operational costs dramatically reducing wait times and secondary screening or even building clear-outs. An added benefit to the higher selectivity of a mass spectrometer also allows for the detection library to expanded without impacting the performance and false alarms.  

1st Detect’s Tracer 1000 ETD is currently certified by the European Civil Aviation Conference. In the United States, the Company is working with the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (“TSA”) towards air cargo certification. It is also available for procurement on the GSA. 

Source: https://www.hstoday.us/featured/article-advancing-security-mass-spectrometers-superior-detection-for-trace-elements-in-explosives-and-narcotics/

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Fern Prompravat

Ms Prompravat is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Old Dominion University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, with a concentration in Human Factors. Along with two minors of Computer Science and Business Management. Ms Prompravat began working with Mr. Halinski since 2017, as a liaison for aviation security projects between the United States and countries in South East Asia, specifically Thailand and Vietnam. Ms. Prompravat has made a significant impact in bridging the cultural divides between the SRI Group and their collaborative projects. Currently, Ms Prompravat is responsible for all marketing and GSA administrative aspects for the SRI Group.

Kevin Cahill​

Mr. Cahill is an internationally recognized aviation security consultant and skilled instructor who has provided expertise and assistance to multiple countries, aviation agencies and international organizations throughout the world. He is currently the Director of Aviation Security for SRI Group and is a consultant to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). He previously served as the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) liaison responsible for aviation and transportation security issues in Central and Eastern Europe, including the Russian Federation, Ukraine and Poland. He was responsible for ensuring compliance with U.S. aviation security regulations and ICAO international aviation security standards and developed risk mitigation plans to counter aviation security vulnerabilities. He also provided technical assistance and response to acts of unlawful interference against aviation and other transportation infrastructures. He successfully negotiated international transport security agreements and helped develop national level transportation security programs, policies and plans to mitigate risk to global aviation.

Mr. Cahill has developed strong partnerships with foreign governments and airport authorities in regions that have direct flights to the U.S., as well as with key U.S. government agencies, to ensure that effective, sustainable security practices and new security technologies are implemented. He led the TSA 2014 Sochi Olympics team which provided aviation security expertise to the U.S. State Department’s interagency security effort for the Olympic Games. As Department for Homeland Security (DHS) Attaché for Poland, he was responsible for ensuring coordination of all DHS activities and policies throughout the Central and Eastern European region. He also served as U.S. delegate to the ICAO Aviation Security Panel and to ICAO Aviation Security Working Groups, helping insure that U.S. aviation policies were included as a key part of the overall global security strategy.

As TSA Representative to the ICAO Universal Security Audit Program (USAP), Mr. Cahill conducted multiple ICAO aviation security audit missions worldwide, successfully leading international civil aviation security audit missions in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. He worked closely with national authorities and aviation security stakeholders to provide assistance to host governments, assisting them in achieving compliance with international standards. He has also facilitated ICAO aviation security auditor certification training programs at several ICAO training centers, resulting in the certification of dozens of ICAO Auditors from countries throughout Africa and Europe. He has also successfully conducted quality control training and ICAO Global Aviation Training programs and is certified as an ICAO Instructor and has been certified as an ICAO AVSEC Auditor.

As Senior International Aviation Security Inspector for TSA in Brussels, Belgium and Frankfurt, Germany, Mr. Cahill conducted multiple quality control oversight missions, including foreign airport assessments and air operator inspections, ensuring compliance with ICAO and TSA requirements. He successfully coordinated the implementation and sustainability of international compliance standards and procedures with U.S. and foreign aircraft operators at airports in over 20 countries throughout Europe, Africa and the Middle East.  He directed operations as on-site aviation security coordinator for the TSA/DHS response to transportation-related terrorist threats during deployments to European locations during the outbreak of the Iraq war in 2003 and during heightened security threats in the UK in 2004 and 2006.

 Mr. Cahill is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Boston with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and is a retired U.S. Air Force veteran specializing in Security Forces operations who served in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, with NATO Forces in Bosnia and Kosovo and in Operation Enduring Freedom

John Halinski

John Halinski is currently the CEO partner of S&R Investments LLC of Manassas dba SRI Group, a veteran owned small business specializing in global security and technology and risk consulting opportunities. He is also the President and owner of Raloid Corporation a manufacturing facility specializing in sensitive DoD programs in Baltimore Maryland. He also consults for the International Civil Aviation Organization, ICAO.

John Halinski became TSA’s Deputy Administrator in July 2012. As Deputy Administrator, he was responsible for helping TSA grow as a high-performance counterterrorism agency.

Halinski joined TSA in July 2004, serving in the Office of Global Strategies (OGS) before assuming his role as Deputy Administrator.  In this capacity Halinski served as the COO for the 62,000-person TSA.  He has spearheaded an operational and cultural change which has stressed a risk-based approach to security, the professional development of the TSA workforce and increasing stakeholder outreach.    

As Assistant Administrator for OGS from 2008 to 2012, Halinski was responsible for enhancing international transportation security through compliance, outreach and engagement, and capacity development. Key accomplishments included the advancement of measures to prevent and suppress all acts of unlawful interference against civil aviation and acting as the US Representative on Aviation Security for ICAO. As the Europe Area Manager/TSA Representative for OGS, Halinski was also responsible for all TSA operations and administrative activities in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Additional accomplishments since joining TSA include serving as the TSA/DHS lead for the 2006 Winter Olympics and acting as the TSA Representative for the evacuation of Americans from Lebanon in 2006. Halinski also served as the chief technical advisor for aviation security for the U.S. State Department negotiations on Open Skies agreements.  He also developed and implemented a successful Africa engagement strategy for TSA, as well as the Safe Skies for Africa program. In addition, Halinski directed the TSA response to international incidents including the international cargo plot of 2010, rebuilding of Haiti’s transportation security infrastructure following the 2010 earthquake, and the December 25, 2009 attempted terrorist bombing and printer bombing attempt.

Previously, Halinski served 25 years in the Marine Corps in a variety of positions. Highlights of this period include several successful tours involving counterterrorism, counter-drugs and counter-proliferation operations.

Halinski earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Florida and a Master of Science degree in Strategic Intelligence from the National Intelligence University in Washington, D.C. He is a graduate of TSA’s Senior Leadership Development Program and the Federal Executive Institute in Charlottesville, Virginia. John Halinski is also on the Board of Advisors for Marymount University’s Intelligence Studies Program, The Board of Advisors for Christopher Newport University’s Center for American Studies and is a Senior Fellow with George Washington University on Homeland Security issues.  John Halinski is also a frequent contributor to the media and has appeared as an expert commentator for NBC, CBS, ABC, Bloomberg and MSNBC as well as being published in various security publications.