Our systems engineering approach
Sandia has developed numerous systems to prevent, detect, and delay potential intruders as part of our work to protect the nuclear weapons complex. These systems are now being used at military and other sensitive facilities worldwide.
We apply a systems engineering approach to develop robust and reliable physical security systems. This means we examine systems across their life cycle, including:
- Identifying requirements
- Designing the system
- Installing and testing the system
- Supporting its operation
- Ensuring system cost-effectiveness
Our physical protection systems integrate personnel, procedures, and technologies, including Sandia-developed technologies, where needed. For example, we’ve developed:
Explosives detector: This handheld trace explosives detector integrates patented Sandia sampling and preconcentration technology, which is key to detecting the minute amounts of explosives that may be the only indicator of terrorist activity.
Scanner-less range imager: These imagers provide a 3D biometric facial image to enhance identification in critical situations. 
PIDAS: The perimeter intrusion detection and assessment system (PIDAS) integrates a comprehensive set of tools to protect high-asset sites.
