https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/north-shore/bradfield-mp-paul-fletcher-gets-up-close-and-personal-with-lindfields-csiro/news-story/ef0c8a3411c4fc83ee5cbe8eb241f746
Doug Conway,
SUPERMAN has been enlisted in the fight against terrorism, thanks to scientists beavering away in quiet, leafy Lindfield.
His powers of X-ray vision are being replicated at the CSIRO facility there in an ambitious project to detect, and ultimately disarm, bombs and other explosive devices.
The three-year, $3.6 million project is being partially funded by a $2.5 million federal grant to CSIRO, working in partnership with UTS and the University of Wollongong.
It aims to produce a light, portable device weighing five to 10 kilos which will allow soldiers to “see” weapons through clothing and to detect explosives in non-metal containers at a safe distance of 30m.
“Wouldn’t it be great to be able to give defence personnel Superman’s vision to detect improvised explosive devises in places like Afghanistan? That’s what we are aiming for,” deputy director and science director at CSIRO Manufacturing Dr Cathy Foley said.
The device could also be used in civilian installations such as airports and during emergencies such as when suspect packages are left in trains or other public places.
Dr Foley said such a device “absolutely” could have been used to save countless lives, not only on the battlefield but in terrorist attacks such as the bombing at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester last year.
“It would have allowed security personnel to pick up explosive material in that backpack,” she said.
Sports stadiums could have such safeguards routinely built into them in future.
“That’s the dream and the vision. It will get there, no doubt,” she said.
The science behind the project involves using the Terahertz spectrum, which provides an imaging “sweet spot” in between higher frequency gamma rays, X-rays and infra-red rays, and lower frequency radio waves and microwaves.
The Terahertz spectrum provides sufficient penetration without being harmful to humans by breaking down cells.
It allows scientists to detect different substances, which all have a different chemical “fingerprint”. The sensor system can see through fabrics, plastics, wood and other non-metals, and could be used in conjunction with existing metal detectors.
“Very few people would realise that we have such a world-class research institution right here in Lindfield,” Bradfield federal Liberal MP Paul Fletcher said.
