Transportation Security Laboratory

The Transportation Security Laboratory (TSL) is a Department of Homeland Security Federal Laboratory located at the William J. Hughes Technical Center, Atlantic City International Airport, New Jersey, and is a part of the Science and Technology Directorate of the Department. The core mission is to enhance homeland security by performing research, development and validation of solutions to detect and mitigate the threat of improvised explosive devices.

The TSL also does certification testing for Explosive Detection Systems. TSL has a rich history of successful product development and technology life cycle management. This consists of growing technology from conception to deployment, including applied research, development, prototyping, test and evaluation, certification, systems qualification, and laboratory assessment testing. The TSL is internationally recognized for its role in the development of standards, protocols and test articles necessary for detection technology assessments.

The specially designed facilities at TSL are used to perform research on explosives characteristics and chemistry, suicide detection imaging technology, communications, and human factors performance evaluations. The six specialized lab cells (four blast resistant) are used to evaluate explosives detection equipment, weapons imaging systems, and trace equipment against an extensive library of domestic, foreign, and home made explosive compounds.

TSL is organized into cross-functional product teams, supporting product development in the areas of personnel inspection, checked baggage and small parcel inspection, containerized cargo inspection, conveyance protection, and infrastructure protection.