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The company becomes the first foreign concern to receive certification from the Transportation Security Administration.

Hitachi's DS-110E-W Explosives Trace Detection System garnered certification from the TSA, according to a statement from the company. This technology detects the presence of explosives through mass-spectrometry analysis.

Security personnel use special "wipe sheets" to swab carry-on bags and checked luggage. The Hitachi ETDS checks for traces of explosives on those sheets, and notifies handlers of any problems it detects.

Hitachi notes that its technology offers a significant advantage for those employing the ETDS: "The samples are ionized using a clean corona discharge, instead of the conventional radiation sources used in other ETDS units.

"This eliminates the need for various applications and certifications required for the management and handling of radiological equipment."

TSA deployments of such technology have been made at several airports, as evidenced by wipe procedures conducted by security personnel. The agency has also deployed "puffer" machines, which use puffs of air to blow particles off passengers at six airports. Those machines then scan the air for explosive traces.

David Utter is a staff writer for WebProNews covering technology and business. Email him here.