OptEX™

Explosives Trace Detection (ETD)

L-3’s innovative energetic materials detection (EMD) technology represents a paradigm shift for screening trace amounts of explosives. Departing from conventional ion mobility spectrometer (IMS) detection devices, L-3’s EMD explosives trace detection products do not require carrier gases or dryer consumables, radioactive sources or reference libraries. This technological breakthrough results in immediate operator benefits, including significantly lower operating costs, an inherently safer product that does not require radioactive wipe testing, and an intrinsic capability to detect new or evolving explosive compounds without having to update reference libraries.

OptEX™

Whether screening for trace amounts of explosives or being used to confirm the presence of bulk explosives, L-3’s revolutionary desktop explosives trace detection system ushers in a new era of accuracy, dependability and detection capability. The innovative OptEX energetic material detection (EMD) system detects virtually any explosive on any surface in less than four seconds.

Unlike other ETD systems that can only detect explosives included in their substance libraries, OptEX detects explosive compounds based on their thermodynamic characteristics. There’s no limit to the explosives that this revolutionary new technology can find, whether a newly created compound or a previously documented substance. OptEX combines highly sensitive and specific threat detection with convenience, maximizing the probability of detection while minimizing the potential for false alarms.

OptEX safely indicates the presence of TATP, EGDN, NG, TNT, PETN, RDX, NC, nitrates and other explosives without using carrier gases or radioactive sources. This slim, easy-to-operate unit keeps throughput rates high, and reusable swabs significantly reduce the cost of disposables associated with other trace detection systems.

Any kind of checkpoint can be secured with the OptEX desktop system: airports, seaports, rail yards, border crossings, embassies and critical infrastructure facilities. L-3’s proprietary EMD technology operates without frequent software updates and is ideal for remote, hard-to-access locations such as military facilities and covertly operated checkpoints.

OptEX is a controlled item under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). It may be exported with proper authorization by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

OptEX is listed on the UK Department for Transport (DfT) Aviation Security Screening Approved Equipment List (AEL) for use in screening people, cabin baggage and hold baggage. OptEX is recognized by the European Civil Aviation Conference as having met UK and International performance standards for Explosive Trace Detection Systems (ETDS) in aviation security screening applications.