ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 5

Rapid, Noninvasive Contraband Detection by Acoustic Response
Young, C
Supervisory Special Agent and Electronics Engineer, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Engineering Research Facility, VA

Yohman, R
Supervisory Special Agent and Electronics Engineer, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Engineering Research Facility, VA

(Received 22 September 1993; accepted 20 August 1994)

Abstract

We present here a simple, inexpensive method for the rapid detection of concealed contraband materials. This method exploits the difference in acoustic response between a hollow, contraband-laden host and a solid object of the same type. We model the concealment as a damped resonator and contrast it with the unperturbed unit, which is solid and therefore exhibits less damping upon excitation. Next we present the laboratory results that confirmed the efficacy of the technique, prior to on-site deployment as part of a narcotics investigation. Finally, we summarize the results in situ and offer concluding comments.

Keywords:
engineering, contraband detection, acoustic response

Paper ID: JFS13807J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13807J
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