Question for physicists/scientists re: detection of PM's

[Gaillo]

Drove through an interstate "port of entry" a few days ago, and noticed a huge (about 3 feet long by 8" diameter) camera-housing looking thing (but without any lenses, looked more like a microwave scanner or something else electromagnetic) mounted on a cross-beam pole, pointed at incoming traffic.

My question: could this machine, whatever it is, be used to detect the presence of substantial quantities of certain elements (Gold, Silver, Etc)? Are there any physicists on the forum that might know if electromagnetic detection like this is possible?

Cued up for the inevitable flood of "scannned you" jokes... :oo-->

[TheNocturnalEgyptian]

You're not alone. This week I noticed a white box with a red laser in the middle of a busy intersection where I buy lunch. This intersection already had cameras.


Get out your digital camera and aim it at your TV remote control - then start using your remote control. Some cameras will detect and show you the infrared energy. Then you can take your camera to the intersection and check it out...

[Gaillo]

You're not alone. This week I noticed a white box with a red laser in the middle of a busy intersection where I buy lunch. This intersection already had cameras.


Get out your digital camera and aim it at your TV remote control - then start using your remote control. Some cameras will detect and show you the infrared energy. Then you can take your camera to the intersection and check it out...


Yes, Egyptian, I'm already aware of those... I think they're some kind of speed measurement/recording device for intersection accident investigation. They have also been installing a LOT of RFID readers in this area, they are a white plastic box about 10" square and 3" thick - we're seeing them all along the freeway, mounted on poles, and at intersections in town.

This thing I saw at the port of entry is different, however, it doesn't look like anything I've seen around the highways or intersections. It's obviously a detector of some sort... I'm just trying to figure out WHAT it might be detecting! ;)

[solid]

It would great to get an EMP gun and go around destroying these things. ;D

[LuckyStrike]

There are some on I75 and 95 when entering Florida, I've always wondered what they were as well. I've noticed some similar things over the turnpike near orlando. (no they aren't sunpass detectors)

[ShortJohnSilver]

I have sometimes seen long pipe-like things before and after weigh scales, which trucks are obligated to enter if they are 18-wheelers. Could it be that?

I don't think they have the capability of detecting what kind of metal, just the total mass.

[SLV^GLD]

The things Gaillo described in OP are tractor trailer detectors. You will see them before every weight station. They don't "see" you unless your vehicle exceeds a certain height. These alert active weigh stations to approaching tractor trailers. Often you will see them trigger the flashing weigh station open signs when a tractor trailer passes under them. I have no doubts they sense other traffic and may provide the data needed for the signs that indicate approximate travel times to upcoming exits.

[chad]

i don't think so. i cross in and out of canada at pigeon river, minnesota. hey have those things over both of the car only lanes, a guy is standing about 100 yards before making everyone with any kind of trailer go into another driveway. they are definitely scanning cars.

[Gaillo]

i don't think so. i cross in and out of canada at pigeon river, minnesota. hey have those things over both of the car only lanes, a guy is standing about 100 yards before making everyone with any kind of trailer go into another driveway. they are definitely scanning cars.


Interesting. My first thought is some kind of geiger counter to detect radioactives, but again... I'm wondering if it is possible to do metalic element detection at a distance... any physicists here that can verify or disprove such a notion?

[vacuum]

Gaillo - I don't think its possible.

[MAGNES]

for what it's worth, who knows what they are doing

Full-Body Scan Technology Deployed In Street-Roving Vans
http://blogs.forbes.com/andygreenberg/2010/08/24/full-body-scan-technology-deployed-in-street-roving-vans/

I had a similar question in my area, two camera systems, learned they are
red light cameras offset to intersection, very unusual looking and took a
while for me to find out what they are.


A metal detector a good one works this way, you have ferrous and non ferrous detection.
With Iron Mask on, the ferrous material is excluded from detection, the non ferrous material,
rings, etc, gold, silver, copper, aluminum, etc, you gotta dig to see what you have, an experienced
detectorist can guess, don't see why they can't make a bigger machine like that , doing other
things as well, like xray.

[Dogman]

Gaillo - I don't think its possible.


Drove through an interstate "port of entry" a few days ago, and noticed a huge (about 3 feet long by 8" diameter) camera-housing looking thing (but without any lenses, looked more like a microwave scanner or something else electromagnetic) mounted on a cross-beam pole, pointed at incoming traffic.

My question: could this machine, whatever it is, be used to detect the presence of substantial quantities of certain elements (Gold, Silver, Etc)? Are there any physicists on the forum that might know if electromagnetic detection like this is possible?

Cued up for the inevitable flood of "scannned you" jokes... :oo-->


I tend to agree, the science may be able to do it up close, but not at a distance of any kind yet
Most of those big units are used to x-ray looking for compartments and anomaly's that should not be there!

Gold and silver would look the same as lead, But I am not sure about backscatter, and where the tech is at at this point. That has the possibility of telling the difference of metals, but am not clear of where they are at this time.

[gunDriller]

personally i find PMS is very easy to detect and does not require a special machine.

[brosil]

There was an article I read somewhere that the border crossings are using some type of gamma backscatter device to see into the truck trailers. They were able to "see" several duffel bags of weed in one. If you were hauling gold bars concealed, they might spot them.

[Dogman]

personally i find PMS is very easy to detect and does not require a special machine.


I know what you intended when you wrote this. But I can not resist.... ;D

Live with any woman and it is a no brainer.. Once a month!! :lol :lol :lol :boom