If you've noticed those omnipresent white plastic security tags hanging from garments in stores, you're looking at a component of an electronic surveillance system invented by Philip Anderson, Ph.D., of Madison. This invention helps prevent theft and shoplifting. Earlier security systems were prone to false alarms and poor detection rates.

In 1987, as president of the former Livingston-based company, Identitech Corporation, then a joint venture of Allied-Signal Inc., Morris Township, (now Honeywell International, Inc., Morris Township) and Sensormatics Electronics Corporation, Deerfield Beach, FL, Anderson developed this technology which uses amorphous metal, another Allied product.

Anderson's electronic article surveillance system consists of two parts: A small strip of amorphous metal attached to an item, and two electro-magnetic sensors positioned near an exit. When someone exits past the sensors with an item still containing the security tag, the metal strip within the tag begins vibrating. The movement, in turn, disturbs the detection system's electromagnetic field and triggers an alarm to warn store personnel of a possible theft.

Hospitals use other versions of this security system to protect babies from possible abduction, and to prevent patients from wandering away from a convalescent or psychiatric facility. More than 164,000 of these systems are installed worldwide. Owners of discount, variety, home improvement, hardware, entertainment, and specialty stores, say Anderson's invention is their top choice for security.

A professor of physics at Ramapo College since 1990, Anderson teaches introductory and advanced physics, electronics and invention courses. He has 20 years of experience with product development and is a consultant to Fortune 500 companies and the U.S. Army. He has 29 U.S. patents and more than 100 patents worldwide covering amorphous metals, sensors, and medical, automotive and security devices.

Anderson received a doctoral degree in physics from Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, a master's degree in electrical engineering and a master's degree in physics, both from Drexel University, and a bachelor's degree in physics from Widener University, Chester, PA.