Anti-terrorism research grant boost for firm (From Warrington Guardian)

Anti-terrorism research grant boost for firm

AN Appleton-based company, which is helping in the fight against terrorism, has won a £20,000 Government grant.

ATMOS, on Burfield Drive, researches radiation sensors, that can be used as anti-terrorism devices to prevent the illegal air transport of radioactive materials.

These materials can be used to make 'dirty bombs', pollute water supplies or poison the food chain - causing fear among civil populations and economic disruption. And there is a fear among governments that terrorists could be planning on using such devices on a more regular basis.

The £20,000 grant, courtesy of the Department of Trade and Industry, will allow the company to develop and research more sensitive radioactive sensors than are currently on the market.

Jeffrey Boardman, managing director of the company, said: "Following the events of September 11 and due to the availability on the international black market of radioactive nuclear material from the former Soviet Union, western governments have become increasingly concerned about the possibility of terrorist attacks.

"Current sensor devices are fragile, small, costly, require complex high voltage electronics to operate and cryogenic cooling with liquid nitrogen."

ATMOS has already been successful in developing simple prototypes and is looking to extend that in identifying more easily operated and cost effective sensors.

The grant will be specifically focused on this research programme.