Sout African brains take X-ray machines into future
Airports across the world could soon have a type of X-ray vision technology using a locally invented device that seems straight off a James Bond set.
Designed by staff and students from Stellenbosch University’s department of electrical and electronic engineering, the Scryer Imaging device won third prize at the annual Innovation Fund Competition.
The device was developed by Retief Gerber, a post-graduate student and lecturer, assisted by his study leader, Dr Coenrad Fourie, and another post-graduate student, Dave Northeast.
Gerber received a R150 000 cash prize for his cutting-edge concept, which works on the principle of reading frequencies emitted by different objects. The device is similar to human screening systems at airport security checkpoints.
Gerber explained that every object had a natural radiation, and this frequency was measured by the device, which then represented it in a certain colour.
“Every object has a different frequency, and in the case of metal it absorbs the body’s natural radiation. There are a spectrum of frequencies, and the device will show up the colour so that you can work out which frequency it is emitting.”
A “print” was made and the Scryer device, functioning on terahertz radiation, could read it to detect hidden objects on a person, such as metal, plastics or ceramics.
Gerber and Fourie have been working on the idea for about a year, but admitted it had been on the back burner for a while.
Fourie said they had few expectations when entering the competition. “We know how long it takes to get some projects off the ground. When it comes to funding, you can be shown the door hundreds of times. So we decided to participate in the competition to see what people thought of the idea. Winning a prize was a big confidence boost.”
Fourie also hoped the exposure would show more young people the endless possibilities offered by a career in electrical engineering.
“We hope a win like this shows kids that we are busy doing some interesting, cool things. It’s helpful, because there is a skills shortage.”
They are applying for a few patents for their design. Gerber, Fourie and the university will be the joint holders of the patent. The prize money will be used to further develop the product.
The machine is able to screen people as they stand in queues, meaning a boost in passenger throughput levels, said Gerber. For South Africa, especially, the device had big potential for the 2010 soccer World Cup, when security will be an issue.
And one of the biggest advantages of the device is that it emits no radiation – starkly different from other devices used for similar purposes.
The super-conducting sensors used in the system are extremely sensitive and pick up the slightest change in frequencies. “It’s a very passive system. In that way, it’s different from conventional electronics that send out signals to get a reflection,” said Gerber.
This aspect of the system makes it useful to diverse industries. The military’s technology is based on radar, but with the new system it would be able to detect approaching objects without activating any of its own signals.
“If it’s there, it won’t be able to hide. It will nullify all stealth.”
Even the diamond classification industries will benefit. The system is non-invasive, but can still detect the composition of an object.
It could also lead to breakthroughs in the medical world. “The terahertz radiation penetrates a few millimetres under the skin, and it can be used for illnesses like cancer.”
Gerber said the concept was also cost-effective, since the price range for the X-ray systems used at airports was around R500 000.
Airports would be able to earn their investment back, as the system needed fewer operating staff. Only one person would be needed to monitor the device’s computer display, and one male and one female guard would be needed for closer inspections.
* This article was originally published on page 12 of The Cape Argus on April 27, 2008