Isonics Corporation has scheduled the premier public demonstration of a prototype of its NeutroTest explosive detection product. The presentation, which will be available to the public via the Internet, has been scheduled for Noon EDT, October 21. The announcement was made by Boris Rubizhevsky, president of Isonics Homeland Security and Defense Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Isonics.
"Due to the response we have received from investors and industry about Isonics' NeutroTest explosive detection device over the last several days, we have decided to accelerate the date of our public introduction to next Thursday,'' said Mr. Rubizhevsky. ``We will utilize the worldwide platform of the Internet to better reach investors and decision-makers in the homeland security marketplace, so that we can clearly communicate the technical and functional details of the NeutroTest to the public. This unique online event will be the first in a series of Internet presentations Isonics Homeland Security and Defense will conduct as it develops its anticipated new technologies and services.''
The Oct. 21 presentation will include video footage of the functional operation of the NeutroTest prototype device, filmed September 24th in the Berlin, Germany laboratories of IUT-Berlin, Isonics' development partner which is developing NeutroTest under a research and development contract with IUT Detection Technologies, an 85%-owned Isonics subsidiary.
The NeutroTest product is a portable, hand-held device designed to provide first-responders with a powerful tool for quickly and easily evaluating an explosive threat in the form of a suspicious package or purported explosive device. It was designed to be capable of detecting as little as 200 grams of TNT or other explosive material through 5 mm of steel.
The NeutroTest device uses a stream of neutrons to penetrate to the interior of objects, such as packages or suitcases, and interact with the materials inside. When interacting with neutrons, every element produces a unique data ``signature,'' consisting of back-scattered neutrons, gamma rays and other information. NeutroTest analyzes the data streams and informs the operator via a readable display if the contents are potentially dangerous.
This neutron-based technology is distinct from the X-ray scanning systems commonly used in package and suitcase security inspections, and provides unique types of information about the packages or cases being evaluated. X-rays simply detect shapes and density, and provide pictures of the contents of containers. Neutrons have the ability to provide information regarding the nature of the chemical composition while x-rays do not.
Isonics is positioning the NeutroTest as a moderately-priced, portable product for use by first-responders in bomb squads, airports, police departments, fire departments, customs agencies and security services worldwide.
