Protection of civil society in a VUCA world. Case study: library free bulk detection of explosives - combining simple sensors for resolving a complicated issue

Abstract

Modern societies depend on the reliable operability of their critical infrastructures. Today's networked world requires coordinated efforts and holistic approaches to protect critical infrastructures from the growing number of hazards. One of the most important goals of the newly founded Institute for the Protection of Terrestrial Infrastructures is the prevention of CBRNe related accidents and attacks. The primary objective of this oral presentation is to provide an overview of the goals, capabilities and methods of the Institute for the Protection of Terrestrial Infrastructures and especially its Department for Detection Systems. Within this department the research group "C/B/e Detection" focuses on the chemical, biological and explosive events. The group's approach for resolving C/B/e related issues is demonstrated by the example of developing a detector prototype for library free bulk detection of explosives. Sophisticated modular electronics allows quick exchange of sensors in case of malfunction or for experimental reasons. The application of custom metal oxide semiconductor gas sensors has the potential of a significant power saving thus bringing the detector prototype one step closer to the real-life application. Based on 170 experiments a detection rate of 99,4% was reached. In additional experiments, the possibility of library free and automatized operation was proven. Those experiments were performed in a double-blind mode and resulted in 9 of 10 right assignments (8 energetic materials and one benign) and 1 false positive.