Phylax
Non-contact explosives detection in personnel screening
PHYLAX is a system for quickly and reliably checking people for traces of explosives. PHYLAX stands for personalised hybrid laser-based explosives detection. The system analyses people's shoes using laser spectroscopy and indicates within a few seconds whether explosives have been found.
Brief Description
PHYLAX is a laser-based system for the non-contact detection of traces of explosives. People at checkpoints, e.g. airports, can be checked quickly and reliably using laser spectroscopy.
Applications
- Security checks
- Access control at airports and critical infrastructures
- Protection of public buildings, event venues and government facilities
Facts and figures
- Detection of traces of explosives on shoe surfaces
- Control duration: < 5 seconds
- Detection distance: ~1 m
- mobile device
- Simple operationg
- Dimensions: 75 X 75 X 80 cm
- Weight: 150 kg
The DLR Institutes of Technical Physics and Robotics and Mechatronics have developed the technology specifically for use at security checkpoints, for example at airports, in public facilities or at major events. PHYLAX combines various laser spectroscopic technologies with an optical tracking system to specifically analyse the surface of people's shoes. Detection is contactless and works from a distance of around one metre. As soon as a person enters the detection area in front of the device, the inspection starts automatically and is completed after a few seconds. The device displays the result of the inspection before the person leaves the inspection area.
PHYLAX's innovative technology stands out from other technologies due to the achievable control distance and fast response time. Thanks to the high passenger throughput per hour, PHYLAX increases civil security and at the same time improves comfort for passengers and staff during screening. This makes the screening processes more efficient and economical. Watch the video to see what screening with PHYLAX can look like.
The developed laboratory sample demonstrates the functionality of the technology. In the next steps, the system will be optimised and tested in applications outside the laboratory.
The project is being funded as part of DLR security research and by DLR Technology Transfer (VO-TF).