[Gllug] Even more increased airport security announced.

Mike Brodbelt mike at coruscant.demon.co.uk
Thu Aug 24 20:45:34 UTC 2006


t.clarke wrote:
> Well maybe they should just install Video cameras in the Toilets!  hehe
> (suitably placed to view above wasit height only of course)
> 
> Or suitable 'sniffing' technology maybe?

The reality is that that is pretty much impossible. Sniffers work only
because almost all explosives are based on nitrate esters or similar.
This is because the N2 molecule is highly stable, and as such at the
bottom of an energy curve. Chemically, if you can pack lots of nitrogen
into a molecule such that the decomposition releases lots of N2, then
you get lots of energy out. If your explosive is carbon based, than
adding some oxygen to the mix also helps, as you get CO2 out as well,
which is also nice and stable. Nitrating organic compounds is pretty
easy, and packs in nitrogen and oxygen. Of course your resultant
substance has a lot of energy packed into the molecular structure, and
decomposes slowly. The decomposition gives off characteristic byproducts
which are detectable.

Change the explosive to something like a a peroxide and you have
different decomposition mechanisms, so you have to start making a far
more general purpose sniffer. This requires coated piezo-crystals for
gas adsorption, and careful analysis. Such things are expensive,
delicate, and not easily portable or usable by security monkeys at airports.

> The current regulations seem total overkill!

Yes. They're quite ridiculous, but when's that ever stopped them?

Mike

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