An expert view of CT technology

Well established in hold baggage screening and now set to take passenger checkpoint security to a completely new level, Computed Tomography (CT) does, of course, have its roots in the medical profession. An expert in the field, Prof. Dr. Marc Kachelriess of the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) in Heidelberg has been researching and working with many different aspects of X-ray and CT since the mid-1990s. We asked him to give us an overview of the development and benefits of this exciting technology.

 Prof. Dr. Kachelriess’ views can be summed up in one theme, data is critical to making the most informed decisions. Rotating CT scanners provide consistent data and excellent image quality. These demands are also requirements in the aviation sector as threat continues to evolve with smaller and more varied substances and more complex concealment. The medical sector continues to invest heavily in x-ray/CT imaging with all providers choosing rotating CT solutions for the data and image quality, coupled with the high reliability and availability of the system.

 Also interesting is the comment that ‘rotating CT scanners have literally no mechanical issues and offer high availability, consistent data and excellent image quality’. This clearly echoes the demands of the aviation sector. It is also interesting to note that all the CT scanners developed for the checkpoint are rotating and no manufacturers have chosen to produce static systems.

 A key point from Prof. Dr. Kachelriess was regarding the quality of the raw data. The value of rotating CT is in terms of generating more views and consistent data to build complex high-resolution images – whereas with static CT, additional interpolation has to be used to construct more data points. Aviation security requires the best possible images to support operator analysis; and accurate density and material data for automatic detection. The value of this data translates to operational benefits for the operators in increasing productivity as better quality images are made available to operators who are in turn making better and more informed decisions to support efficient operations.

Complex advanced detection applications based on AI also rely on optimum clarity and unfiltered data.

  Read the full interview with Marc Kachelrie? here?