Hidden Airport Scanner Will Pinpoint Terrorists

Scientists have developed a scanner that can pinpoint explosives and weapons hidden in the shoes, clothing and luggage of terrorists as they walk around airport terminals.

The system - created by researchers led by Professor Wuqiang Yang of Manchester University - can detect devices instantly. Moreover, it does not require travelers to take off their shoes or place luggage on conveyor-belt detectors. Instead, security staff will be able to spot terrorists with knives in their jackets or explosives in their backpacks as they move around the departure lounges.

News of the scanner's development comes after last week's convictions of three British men for conspiracy to murder in a case in which defendants were accused of trying to smuggle bomb-making materials onto aircraft inside cabin luggage. The alleged plot, in August 2006, led to a global security clampdown at airports that has resulted in severe restrictions - still in place - on carrying liquids in hand luggage.

As a result, the scanner has triggered considerable interest among US defence chiefs, who are investing billions of dollars on research into detectors that might improve airport safety. At the request of UK security officials, a prototype has been sent to be tested at Dallas airport.

'I will be going out soon to run demonstration tests,' said Yang. 'Once it has been properly developed, our device would cost only a few thousand pounds and could be installed under carpets, tiles or flooring in airports to detect shoe bombs without the use of radar or cameras. It is also capable of learning the characteristics of new threat substances - including explosives and non-metallic weapons - when developed by terrorists.'

Yang said his team was also working on hand-held versions of the detector that could be used to screen abandoned luggage or to scan envelopes and parcels delivered to companies.