Jun 20 2014
American Science and Engineering, Inc., a leading worldwide supplier of innovative X-ray detection solutions, today introduced the MINI Z™, the world's first handheld Z Backscatter® imaging scanner for fast, portable, real-time detection of hidden organic threats, such as drugs, contraband, plastic guns, ceramic knives, and explosives.
MINI Z™ system, the world's first handheld Z Backscatter® imaging system, providing fast, portable, real-time detection of hidden organic threats and contraband such as drugs, plastic guns, ceramic knives, and explosives behind non-metallic surfaces.
Designed for law enforcement, first responders, border control, event security, maritime police, and general aviation security, the MINI Z system's single-sided imaging and compact size offers unsurpassed operational flexibility — scanning effectively "on the go" in the hardest-to-reach environments.
"Leveraging the breakthrough capabilities of our Z Backscatter detection technology, the MINI Z system is AS&E's initial offering of what will be a family of portable backscatter products," said Chuck Dougherty, AS&E's President and CEO. "We have taken the technology behind the success of the ZBV® system and miniaturized it — making it more affordable and accessible to a broader range of customers. The MINI Z system is a game-changer for law enforcement and border security officials who are constantly challenged to quickly and accurately detect potential threats in hard-to-reach environments as they work to ensure the highest level of public safety."
The MINI Z system is ideal for security and public safety officials for multiple applications. Examples include:
- Public Safety: Quick screening of unattended and suspicious bags and packages for potential terrorist threats in public spaces.
- Border and Security Checkpoints: Inspecting vehicle bumpers, tires, panels, and interiors for explosives, plastic weapons, and other concealed threats and contraband.
- Drug Enforcement: Investigating suspected drug labs for drugs or currency.
- Event Security: Screening hand baggage and deliveries to ensure public safety.
- VIP Security: Security sweeps of meeting rooms and furniture for organic threats and IEDs to ensure personnel safety.
- Maritime Security: Screening the hulls and bulkheads of suspected drug running boats for contraband or narcotics.
- General Aviation Security: Inspecting the seats, compartments, and panels of small planes for hidden contraband.
MINI Z — the World's First Handheld Z Backscatter® Imaging System:
- Scans in Places Other Systems Can't Reach: The MINI Z system is a compact, single-sided imager that can be used to scan objects in hard-to-reach areas, such as unattended bags, backpacks, or packages in a subway or bus. Unlike density meters, trace detectors, or portable transmission X-ray systems, the MINI Z system produces an easy-to-interpret image to quickly detect organic threats and contraband behind non-metallic surfaces.
- Unsurpassed detection of organic threats: The MINI Z handheld system uses AS&E's signature Z Backscatter technology, an advanced X-ray imaging technology that produces a real-time image of the scan target, highlighting organic materials that transmission X-ray systems can miss, such as explosives, currency, and drugs.
- An easy to use, all-in-one imaging system: The MINI Z system is self-contained and does not require set-up, enabling immediate operation. The operator controls the scanning function using a simple, intuitive GUI on the system's dedicated tablet, upon which an image of the scanned target appears in real-time.
- Safe, secure and dependable operation: The MINI Z system is safe for operators, bystanders, and the environment. The system's X-ray dose conforms to the appropriate ANSI, ICRP, NCRP, and EURATOM radiation safety standards. Although the MINI Z is a low-energy and low-dose Z Backscatter system, it is not designed to scan people. The MINI Z system must be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions as well as applicable laws and regulations.