A review of X-ray explosives detection techniques for checked baggage

Area of Science:

• Aviation Security
• Imaging Technology
• Threat Detection

Background:

• The focus of civil aviation security has evolved from hijacking to preventing deliberate sabotage.
• X-ray imaging is crucial for checked baggage inspection, analyzing item form, density, and material properties.
• Current security measures face challenges in effectively detecting sophisticated threats.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the challenges faced by X-ray technology in ensuring passenger transportation safety.
• To provide an overview of existing and emerging X-ray imaging approaches for aviation security.
• To highlight advancements in imaging technology and decision-making principles for baggage screening.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on aviation security and X-ray imaging techniques.
• Analysis of conventional and unconventional baggage inspection methods.
• Examination of state-of-the-art imaging technologies and decision support systems.

Main Results:

• Identified key challenges in X-ray baggage screening, including material discrimination and complex threat detection.
• Presented a spectrum of imaging techniques, from conventional to advanced.
• Highlighted the integration of machine and human-based decision-making for improved accuracy.

Conclusions:

• X-ray imaging technology faces significant challenges in the evolving landscape of aviation security threats.
• Advancements in imaging and decision-making are essential for maintaining a secure passenger transportation system.
• Continuous innovation in technology and methodology is required to counter deliberate sabotage threats effectively.