In compliance with the security concerns of major airports, approximately 64 other airports across Europe have now installed and are testing scanners that have the ability of testing carry-on liquids. These high-tech scanners will now bring an end to common practice of airport authorities confiscating carry-on water bottles or lattes before letting passengers board their flights.
These state-of-the-art scanners possess the ability to test the content of liquids being carried on-board by passengers distinguishing common-use liquids from any liquid explosives. This will also lift the ban on the limit imposed of carrying liquids that are under 100ml or 3.4 ounces. This limit is being observed since the year 2006 with only recent developments of scanners which have prospects of lifting this ban, provided the scanners are successful.
The scanner from Cobalt Light Systems possesses the intricate ability to test the contents of plastic or glass containers that have the limit of up to 3 litres. These scanners will not require opening up of these liquid-holding containers as has currently been the case, much to the discomfort of passengers.
The scanners use special laser beams to determine the chemical make-up of liquids using Ramen spectroscopy. Cobalt has also proudly stated that the probability of these scanners falsely detecting liquids is less than one percent.
The scanners have not yet been brought to use at US airports and are currently only being tested out at London’s Heathrow and at other major airports across Europe. It is hoped that if the scanners prove successful, it will bring about a gradual lift of the 100ml carry-on liquid limit by 2015.
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