WMD detection research gets more U.S. government funding

HAWTHORNE, Calif., Aug. 31 (UPI) -- Research into detecting nuclear and other materials with potential for use in weapons of mass destruction received more pledges of government support after a Californian security electronics firm received contracts worth up to $12 million for developing new detection devices and techniques.

Amid continuing concerns over the threat of terrorists attempting to deploy weapons of mass destruction in random attacks the U.S. Domestic Nuclear Detection Office took further steps Tuesday to advance research into WMD detection.

Scientists' teams that develop new technologies will be in the forefront of the effort funded by DNDO planners at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. All new contracts announced Tuesday focus on detecting shielded nuclear materials.

OSI Systems, Inc., a vertically integrated provider of specialized electronics for critical applications in the security and healthcare industries, said the new contacts were part of the Multiple Exploratory Research Program run by the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office.

Rapiscan Systems, OSI's security division, is the direct beneficiary of the contracts. The work involves transformational research and development initiatives.

The company said DNDO wants "to enlist thought leaders to advance the country's nuclear materials detection capabilities."

With its team of scientists and engineers, Rapiscan has secured contracts that are incrementally funded for a total obligated value of $2 million with additional options for a total value of up to $12 million.

While all the contracts are specific about finding new ways of detecting shielded nuclear material, the company has been charged with developing a liquefied noble gas detector in collaboration with Yale University, a threshold activation detector, a human portable system and an aircraft inspection solution.

Rapiscan Systems President Ajay Mehra said the contracts were designed to enhance detection capabilities throughout the U.S. security networks.

"These contracts require the unique combination of our team's experience in high-energy X-ray imaging, and nuclear, mechanical and electrical engineering," said Mehra. "When successfully completed, these threat detection and verification technologies will provide additional inspection capabilities in protecting our nation from weapons of mass destruction being smuggled into the country."

Mehra said Rapiscan research was "at the forefront of combating some of this country's most serious security threats."

OSI Systems, Inc. combines more than 30 years of electronics engineering and manufacturing experience and has offices and production facilities in more than a dozen countries.

Rapiscan Laboratories, with headquarters in Sunnyvale, Calif., is Rapiscan Systems' research and development arm, focused on government research and development programs for non-intrusive inspection of people, baggage and cargo for explosives, drugs, chemicals and nuclear material.

Employing X-ray radiography, X-ray computed tomography, neutron- and photon-based threat material detection and identification, many of the developments at Rapiscan Laboratories are incorporated into Rapiscan Systems security products.