HALO is exhibiting at Passenger Terminal Expo for the first time in 2025… come and see us at Stand 9907.

HALO X-ray Technologies is the only X-ray diffraction (XRD) technology manufacturer with solutions for the aviation checkpoint. We currently have operational pilot lanes in Copenhagen Airport and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, providing valuable data for both HALO (stream of commerce data to understand false alarm candidates) and the airports (operational performance and false alarm reduction), which is proving invaluable in understanding how XRD will work operationally for aviation security. However, we are taking our XRD technology much further than just checkpoint.

XRD for checked baggage

The HXT2108 is the ‘big brother’ of the smaller checkpoint HXT264 product. It is bigger in every way, with a larger inspection volume to accommodate checked bags and can be used in a wide number of distributed applications, with any CT primary inspection system, including inline and offline deployments. Our empirical work under numerous government sponsored programmes has proven capability for the HXT2108 and we can build and deploy this in short order. XRD optics has been transferred from the HXT264, allowing fast certification and approval under national or ECAC requirements.

The HALO ONYX system is a longer term programme, which will introduce next generation XRD capability, with step change improvement in performance, and using the same footprint as existing CT Explosive Detection Systems (EDS). We have listened to feedback from regulators and operators on size and space restrictions in checked baggage environments and provided the optimum solution. Most significantly, this new HALO XRD capability sits alongside existing CT detectors to provide full 3D CT and XRD volume information on the same rotating gantry, using the existing CT system X-ray generator. The HALO team has made significant improvements in X-ray optics to realise this new capability, which will in future feed back into the design of our other systems and provide commensurate improvements across the product range. We have a prototype currently under construction, providing the first examples of XRD spectra operating on the gantry of a rotational CT EDS.

XRD for alarm resolution

The HALO ARES system leverages all our in-house XRD skill and knowhow to produce a Bulk Resolution Technology (BRT) for alarm resolution at checkpoint, checked baggage, and across all security applications, such as fast parcel, and customs and border protection. We have taken our knowledge of XRD optics, scaled this down to a desktop solution, and combined CT capability to produce a small format CT/XRD alarm resolution system, realising full 3D CT and XRD volume information of all container types and small electronic devices. This will address limitations of other alarm resolution technologies that cannot analyse opaque containers and items, such as iPads and PCs.

We have a broad range of XRD products and a portfolio of capability that continues to grow. Come and discuss your application with the diffraction experts, and understand how our XRD technology can help reduce false alarms, increase operational efficiency, and optimise passenger flow in your airport.