High-res imagery helps inspect cargo.

• Author: Foster, Sharon
• Position: Tech Talk

The Detection Systems division of PerkinElmer Instruments, of Woburn, Mass., took its CX-450 Mobile cargo X-ray inspection system on the road this year to show how it can improve homeland security.

Once used primarily by the U.S. Customs Service for drug interdiction, the CX450 also can be used to detect weapons, explosives and other security threats, said the firm's president, Michael Meshay. The system's biggest advantage, he said, is the high-resolution imagery, which makes it easier for security personnel to figure out whether suspect items are explosives or contraband, for example.

The CX-450 is used to inspect large trucks, sea containers...