Comparative Analysis of Ion Mobility Spectrometry-Based Explosive Trace Detectors

Abstract

Aviation security increasingly relies on explosive trace detectors (ETDs), particularly those employing ion mobility spectrometry (IMS). However, few studies have systematically compared the performance of IMS-based ETDs, especially in terms of measurement uncertainty and stability under repeated operation. This study evaluated two commercially available IMS-based ETDs using statistical analysis and data visualization. Repeated TNT (2,4,6-trinitrotoluene) detection tests were conducted to assess performance over consecutive operations. The results revealed significant differences in measurement uncertainty between the two devices. One ETD exhibited stable measurements throughout, while the other showed variance fluctuations that stabilized only after extended use. Despite using the same detection principle, the two devices responded differently to operational conditions, suggesting that internal specifications and design choices significantly affect reliability. This study offers a methodological framework for ETD comparison and provides insights to support more rigorous evaluation and certification practices in aviation security.