Christine Thropp
Shine Technologies will use its neutron generator platform to study, create and test a prototype of a contraband detection tool under a potential 42-month, $16.8 million contract from the Department of Homeland Security.
The company said Wednesday the development of the neutron-based technology is meant to support DHS’ detection and identification of illegal narcotics and other contrabands hidden in commercial cargo passing at ports of entry.
The Interrogation with Neutrons – Screening for Threats and Interdicting Narcotics in Cargo at High Throughput project is also aimed at expanding the agency’s Non-Intrusive Inspection program and enhancing border security.
“IN-STINCT aligns with Shine’s mission to deploy safe and reliable fusion technologies in ways that benefit humanity, in this case, by enabling the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to detect and identify illegal narcotics and contraband at ports of entry,” said Jess Giffey, general manager of systems and manufacturing division at Shine.
The division’s Fitchburg, Wisconsin location will accommodate IN-STINCT’s initial modeling, design and project management activities while other company facilities and Phoenix’s neutron imaging center will host the detection system’s testing and data collection efforts.
The tool is planned to be used along with other Customs and Border Protection screening equipment and methods.
