News
News Releases Next generation MagViz technology demonstrated at Albuquerque International Airport
Tool distinguishes potential-threat liquids
Michelle Espy of Applied Modern Physics, (P-21) demonstrates the MagViz Bottled Liquid Scanner for media and guests at the Albuquerque International Sunport.
October 15, 2010—Visitors to the Albuquerque International Sunport found a high-tech security demonstration underway on Wednesday (October 13) when a next-generation liquid- and gel-scanning system for airport travelers was demonstrated for the public, media, congressional staff and U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials.
The newest version of the Laboratory-developed tabletop MagViz (Magnetic Vision) Bottled Liquid Scanner (BLS) was displayed, employing ultra-low-field nuclear magnetic resonance technology for the checkpoint detection of liquid explosives.
MagViz uses an innovative application of a technology that was first used for medical imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The tool distinguishes potential-threat liquids from the harmless shampoos and sodas a regular traveler might take aboard an aircraft. Currently, all liquids, except those that are medically exempted must be in three-ounce or less containers in a one-quart zip-top bag, with one bag per traveler.
The Transportation Security Administration is actively working with industry to develop the technologies that meet its strict detection standards to address liquids screening while keeping the traveling public safe.
Congressional staff members learn about the MagViz Bottled Liquid Scanner from Steve Surko, DHS program manager (far left), and Michelle Espy (left).
MagViz Bottled Liquid Scanner demonstration at the Albuquerque International Sunport
Fast Facts
People
11,127 total employees
Los Alamos National Security, LLC 8,683
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Contractors 606
Students 1,101
Place
Located 35 miles northwest of Santa Fe, New Mexico, on 36 square miles of DOE-owned property.
More than 2,000 individual facilities, including 47 technical areas with 8 million square feet under roof.
Replacement value of $5.9 billion
Budget FY 2012: Approx. $2.2 billion
57% Weapons programs
9% Nonproliferation programs
7% Safeguards and Security
8% Environmental Management
4% DOE Office of Science
4% Energy and other programs
11% Work for Others
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34% of employees live in Los Alamos, the remainder commute from Santa Fe,
Española, Taos, and Albuquerque.
Average Age: 46
70% male, 30% female
43% minorities
63% university degrees
· 23% hold undergraduate degrees
· 16% hold graduate degrees
· 24% have earned a Ph.D.
Major Awards
121 R&D100 awards since 1978
31 E.O. Lawrence Awards
The Seaborg Medal
The Edward Teller Medal
The Nobel Prize in Physics, Frederick Reines