Agilent Cobalt Insight200M Liquid Explosives Detection System (LEDs) with Spatially Offset Raman Spectroscopy

Overview

The Agilent Cobalt Insight200M is a purpose-built, transportable liquid explosives detection system (LEDs) engineered for high-throughput security screening of liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs) in aviation and critical infrastructure environments. It employs spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS), a non-invasive, non-destructive optical technique that enables molecular identification through opaque or multi-layered packaging—including frosted glass, aluminum cans, foil-laminated pouches, and Tetra Pak® containers—without requiring sample opening or physical contact. Unlike conventional backscattering Raman systems, SORS utilizes a spatially separated excitation and collection geometry to suppress surface fluorescence and enhance subsurface signal acquisition. This architecture delivers unambiguous chemical identification based on vibrational fingerprint spectra, enabling reliable discrimination between threat compounds (e.g., hydrogen peroxide, nitromethane, acetone peroxide precursors) and benign household or pharmaceutical liquids. The Insight200M meets the stringent performance requirements of ECAC Type A and Type B certification standards for LEDs and has been formally approved by the UK Department for Transport for use in regulated aviation checkpoints.

Key Features

• ECAC Type A and Type B certified for operational deployment in EU and UK civil aviation security frameworks
• Class 1 laser safety design with integrated interlocks, eliminating operator exposure risk during routine operation
• Sub-6-second automated analysis cycle per container, supporting throughput rates aligned with modern checkpoint flow requirements
• Robust SORS optics optimized for heterogeneous LAG matrices—validated across 10 mL to 3 L volumes and irregular geometries (e.g., wide-mouth bottles, cylindrical cans, flexible pouches)
• CE-marked hardware compliant with EN 61000-6-3 (EMC) and EN 61000-6-2 (immunity), suitable for integration into electromagnetically noisy checkpoint environments
• Modular architecture supporting standalone operation or seamless integration as an alarm resolution subsystem within CT-based EDS platforms

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Insight200M is validated for direct interrogation of commercially packaged LAGs without unpacking or preparation. Compatible container types include transparent and colored glass, frosted and opaque glass, PET and HDPE bottles, aluminum beverage cans, laminated foil pouches, cardboard cartons, food-grade tins, and sorbent tubes. Its SORS configuration mitigates interference from packaging fluorescence and scattering, enabling confident identification of target analytes at trace concentrations even when concealed behind >2 mm thick aluminum or multi-layer polymer barriers. The system adheres to ECAC ACI-LED-01:2022 test protocols for sensitivity, specificity, and false alarm rate validation. Operational data from deployed units confirm sustained false alarm rates below 2.5% across mixed-threat scenarios involving >10,000 screened items per month. All firmware and spectral libraries are maintained under controlled revision control per ISO/IEC 17025:2017 requirements for testing laboratories.

Software & Data Management

The Insight200M runs Agilent’s proprietary Cobalt Security Software Suite, which provides real-time spectral acquisition, multivariate chemometric classification (PLS-DA and hierarchical clustering), and audit-trail logging compliant with ICAO Annex 17 and EU Commission Regulation (EU) No 2015/1998. Each analysis generates a timestamped, digitally signed result record containing raw spectrum, processed classification output, confidence metrics, and container metadata (size, material type, orientation). Data export supports CSV, XML, and ASTM E2911-compliant formats for integration with airport baggage handling information systems (BHSIS) and centralized threat analytics dashboards. Software updates follow a formal change control process aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 principles, including electronic signatures, version rollback capability, and immutable audit logs for all user actions and calibration events.

Applications

• Primary alarm resolution for CT-based EDS systems in hold baggage screening (HBS) and cabin baggage screening (CBS) lanes
• Stand-alone liquid screening at staff access points, VIP lounges, and cargo acceptance facilities
• Verification of declared hazardous materials (HAZMAT) in logistics and pharmaceutical supply chains
• Forensic triage of suspicious substances in law enforcement and border control operations
• Validation of cleaning efficacy and residue detection in GMP-compliant manufacturing environments

FAQ

Is the Insight200M certified for use in EU airports?
Yes—the system holds full ECAC Type A and Type B certification under ACI-LED-01:2022 and is listed on the ECAC Approved Equipment List (AEL) for liquid explosives detection.

Does it require consumables or routine optical alignment?
No—SORS optics are factory-aligned and sealed; no user-serviceable optical components exist. The Class 1 laser source has a rated lifetime exceeding 20,000 hours with no scheduled replacement intervals.

Can it detect peroxide-based explosives in opaque plastic containers?
Yes—validation reports demonstrate detection of TATP and HMTD precursors at relevant threat concentrations (≥5 wt%) through HDPE and PET containers up to 3 mm wall thickness.

What network interfaces are supported for system integration?
Standard Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45) with TCP/IP support for HL7, ASTM E2911, and custom API integration; USB 2.0 port for local diagnostics and firmware recovery.

How is spectral library maintenance handled?
Agilent provides quarterly library updates via secure HTTPS download; each update includes version-controlled release notes, validation reports per ISO 17025, and backward-compatible spectral signature files.