A Measurement System for Characterizing the Detection Performance of Metal Detectors: Design and Operation

Published

June 1, 2000

Author(s)

Nicholas Paulter, Donald R. Larson, Jon R. Pratt

Abstract

A measurement system for evaluating the performance of hand-held (HH) and walk-through (WT) metal detectors is described. These detectors produce time-varying magnetic fields that interact with objects comprised of electrically conductive and/or magnetizable materials and this interaction allows detection of the object. Detection performance parameters considered are the magnitude of the magnetic field inside the portal region of a WT metal detector and around the HH detector, the ability to detect the presence of small metal objects, and the speeds over which small metal objects can be detected. The metal objects used for testing, because HH and WT metal detectors are typically used in security applications, are based on objects defined as threat items by local, state, and federal law enforcement and corrections agencies.

Citation

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR) - 6530

Report Number

6530

NIST Pub Series

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

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DOI Link

Keywords

detection sensitivity map, hand-held metal detector, robotic positioner speed test, throughput test, walk-through metal detector

Citation

Paulter, N. , Larson, D. and Pratt, J. (2000), A Measurement System for Characterizing the Detection Performance of Metal Detectors: Design and Operation, NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.IR.6530 (Accessed March 13, 2025)