RF And Photonic Innovations Post 9/11: An Overview

By John Oncea, Editor

The 9/11 attacks changed everything. They also spurred significant advancements in RF and photonics technologies for security and emergency communications, making the world a safer place today.

Twenty-three years ago, 19 al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four commercial airliners conducting a coordinated attack against the U.S. At 8:46 a.m., American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. Seventeen minutes later, at 9:03 a.m., United Airlines Flight 175 struck the South Tower.

As the world watched, a third plane, American Airlines Flight 77, slammed into the western facade of the Pentagon at 9:37 a.m. Meanwhile, passengers on United Airlines Flight 93, having learned of the other attacks, fought back against the hijackers. Their actions led to the plane crashing in a field near Shanksville, PA, at 10:03 a.m., likely saving many lives at the intended target in Washington, D.C.

The impact of the first two crashes and ensuing fires caused both World Trade Center towers to collapse, with the South Tower falling at 9:59 a.m. and the North Tower at 10:28 a.m. The attacks resulted in the deaths of 2,977 people and remain the deadliest terrorist attack in history.

In the immediate aftermath, U.S. airspace was closed, and hundreds of flights were diverted to Canada and other countries. The nation was plunged into grief and shock but also witnessed extraordinary acts of heroism from first responders and ordinary citizens alike.

The 9/11 attacks profoundly changed the world, leading to major shifts in U.S. foreign policy, increased security measures, and the launch of the global War on Terror. They also led to the development and implementation of several technologies that are helping enhance security and improving communication, all in hopes of preventing similar attacks.

Changes At The Airport And In Communications

One major change that occurred as a result of 9/11 was the way we travel, particularly flying. “On September 10, 2001, anyone – even those who weren’t flying out – could come to the airport and pass through the security checkpoint to enter the secure area,” writes Philadelphia International Airport. “At the checkpoint, screeners employed by private companies hired by the airlines scanned carry-on bags. Anyone passing through the checkpoint could do so without taking off shoes, belts, and outerwear or removing items from their carry-ons.”

That all changed in the aftermath of 9/11 and within days new regulations were put in place. These included allowing only passengers with tickets past the security checkpoint, banning sharp items in carry-on bags, and allowing vehicles to pull up curbside only for active loading and unloading.

Dozens of other programs and regulations were put in place over the years and, at the same time, RF and photonic technologies were incorporated at various points around the airport. This included computed tomography (CT) scanners using X-ray technology that provide 3D images of luggage contents, enhancing the detection of explosives and other threat items.

In addition, enhanced advanced imaging technology (AIT) units with improved detection capabilities have been implemented at airports, using millimeter wave technology to screen passengers for concealed items. Airports around the world have deployed explosives detection systems to screen all bags, using various spectroscopic and imaging techniques, as well as facial recognition technology to automate identification and boarding pass verification processes.

After 9/11, there was a major push to improve and strengthen communications networks, particularly for emergency response and disaster preparedness. According to The Brookings Institution, more robust and broad-based wired and wireless networks with the ability to withstand interruptions from damaged infrastructure were established. In addition, mobile communications capabilities for use during terrorist attacks and natural disasters have been improved.

“One positive contemporary feature is that our communications networks are more broad-based and robust today than 20 years ago,” writes The Brookings Institution. “Government agencies and private companies have beefed up their disaster preparedness and telecommunications providers have strengthened their digital infrastructure. We have wired and wireless networks that can withstand the possible interruptions caused by downed antennae, or damaged wiring.”

These enhancements aimed to address the communications failures experienced on 9/11 when thousands of people in New York and near the Pentagon had difficulty contacting loved ones or getting information.

“The upside of the rapidity of news transmission is that people are aware of new developments far more quickly and in cases of such terrorist attacks are in a position to protect themselves,” writes The Brookings Institution. “We can see events unfold and react in whatever manner makes sense for individuals and organizations”

How 9/11 Changed RF

The RF industry has undergone significant changes since the 9/11 attacks, particularly in the areas of emergency communications and public safety. One of the major issues during 9/11 was the lack of interoperability between different agencies’ radio systems. Since then, according to Homeland Security, there have been concerted efforts to improve interoperability, including:

• Development of shared radio systems that allow different agencies to communicate on common channels.
• Implementation of the National Emergency Communications Plan to establish standardized protocols and procedures.
• Adoption of the Incident Command System to improve command, control, and communications during emergencies.

The Brookings Institute adds that the RF industry has focused on creating more robust and resilient communications networks by strengthening digital infrastructure by telecommunications providers, developing redundant and backup systems to maintain communications during disasters, and expanding both wired and wireless networks to provide more comprehensive coverage.

Several technological improvements have been made to RF systems in the wake of 9/11 as well, including wider adoption of digital radio systems with improved audio quality and features. Other improvements include the integration of GPS and location services into radio equipment and the continued development of software-defined radios for greater flexibility.

Increased security measures also have been improved and there is now a greater emphasis on securing RF communications via the implementation of encryption and authentication protocols, hardening of RF infrastructure against cyberattacks, and improved monitoring and detection of unauthorized transmissions.

While these changes have significantly improved emergency communications capabilities, the RF industry continues to evolve to address emerging threats and technological advancements. The focus remains on creating more effective, secure, and interoperable communications systems for public safety and emergency response.

How 9/11 Changed Photonics

The photonics industry was not directly impacted by the events of 9/11 in the same way as some other sectors, but it has seen significant changes and developments in the two decades since then starting with a shift in focus and applications

After 9/11, according to Defense One, there was an increased emphasis on defense and security applications of photonics technology, including greater demand for high-resolution imaging and sensing systems for surveillance and reconnaissance. The development of advanced optical technologies for threat detection, such as chemical/biological sensors and explosive detection systems, also was hastened by the events of 9/11.

While not directly tied to 9/11, progress has been spurred by it in other areas such as the rapid development of silicon photonics for telecommunications and data center applications. Improvements in integrated photonic circuits and devices and advances in fiber optic technology for high-speed communications are two additional developments that were shaped by industry response to the attacks.

These changes reflect the broader technological and societal shifts that have occurred in the past two decades, including increased focus on security, rapid technological advancement, and the growing importance of high-speed communications and data processing.