SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION


                              Washington, DC 20549

                     ---------------------------------------

                                    FORM 10-Q

    (mark one)

    [ X ] Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
          Exchange Act of 1934 for the Quarter Ended June 28, 1997.

    [   ] Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
          Exchange Act of 1934.

                         Commission File Number 1-12745


                            THERMEDICS DETECTION INC.
             (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

    Massachusetts                                                  04-3106698
    (State or other jurisdiction of                          (I.R.S. Employer
    incorporation or organization)                        Identification No.)

    220 Mill Road
    Chelmsford, Massachusetts                                      01824-4178
    (Address of principal executive offices)                       (Zip Code)

       Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (617) 622-1000

         Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all
         reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the
         Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months
         (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to
         file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
         requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [ X ] No [  ]


         Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the
         issuer's classes of Common Stock, as of the latest practicable
         date.

                     Class               Outstanding at July 25, 1997
          ----------------------------   ----------------------------
          Common Stock, $.10 par value              13,354,792
PAGE
<PAGE>
    PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

    Item 1 - Financial Statements


                            THERMEDICS DETECTION INC.

                           Consolidated Balance Sheet
                                   (Unaudited)

                                     Assets

                                                      June 28,  December 28,
    (In thousands)                                        1997          1996
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Current Assets:
      Cash and cash equivalents                       $ 45,714      $ 13,484
      Accounts receivable, less allowances
        of $1,171 and $1,215                             8,164         9,387
      Inventories:
        Raw materials                                    6,858         6,135
        Work in process and finished goods               4,268         2,965
      Prepaid and refundable income taxes                2,189         2,173
      Prepaid expenses                                     712           547
                                                      --------      --------
                                                        67,905        34,691
                                                      --------      --------

    Property, Plant, and Equipment, at Cost              5,994         5,683
      Less: Accumulated depreciation and
            amortization                                 4,374         3,899
                                                      --------      --------
                                                         1,620         1,784
                                                      --------      --------
    Cost in Excess of Net Assets of Acquired
      Companies                                         15,813        16,694
                                                      --------      --------
    Other Assets                                           301           314
                                                      --------      --------
                                                      $ 85,639      $ 53,483
                                                      ========      ======== 




                                        2PAGE
<PAGE>
                            THERMEDICS DETECTION INC.

                     Consolidated Balance Sheet (continued)
                                   (Unaudited)

                    Liabilities and Shareholders' Investment

                                                     June 28,  December 28,
    (In thousands except share amounts)                  1997          1996
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Current Liabilities:
      Promissory note to parent company              $ 21,200      $      -
      Accounts payable                                  3,033         3,030
      Accrued payroll and employee benefits             1,230         1,375
      Accrued installation and warranty expenses        1,020         1,413
      Deferred revenue                                  1,648         1,281
      Customer deposits                                 1,440           637
      Accrued income taxes                              1,671           334
      Other accrued expenses                            2,880         3,102
      Due to parent company and Thermo Electron
        Corporation                                       900           161
                                                     --------      --------
                                                       35,022        11,333
                                                     --------      --------
    Deferred Income Taxes                                  40            40
                                                     --------      --------
    Promissory Note to Parent Company                       -        21,200
                                                     --------      --------

    Shareholders' Investment (Note 2):
      Common stock, $.10 par value, 50,000,000
        shares authorized; 13,354,792 and
        10,683,500 shares issued and outstanding        1,335         1,068
      Capital in excess of par value                   40,984        13,130
      Retained earnings                                 9,575         7,136
      Cumulative translation adjustment                (1,317)         (424)
                                                     --------      --------
                                                       50,577        20,910
                                                     --------      --------
                                                     $ 85,639      $ 53,483
                                                     ========      ========


    The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
    financial statements.






                                        3PAGE
<PAGE>
                            THERMEDICS DETECTION INC.

                      Consolidated Statement of Operations
                                   (Unaudited)


                                                       Three Months Ended
                                                    -----------------------
                                                    June 28,       June 29,
    (In thousands except per share amounts)             1997           1996
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Revenues:
      Product                                        $ 8,766        $ 6,724
      Service                                          3,631          3,380
                                                     -------        -------
                                                      12,397         10,104
                                                     -------        -------
    Costs and Operating Expenses:
      Cost of product revenues                         3,907          4,193
      Cost of service revenues                         1,970          1,883
      Selling, general, and administrative
        expenses                                       3,123          4,777
      Research and development expenses                1,374          1,203
                                                     -------        -------
                                                      10,374         12,056
                                                     -------        -------

    Operating Income (Loss)                            2,023         (1,952)

    Interest Income                                      656             56
    Interest Expense, Related Party                     (317)          (252)
    Other Income (Expense), Net                           (3)           125
                                                     -------        -------
    Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes                  2,359         (2,023)
    Income Tax (Provision) Benefit                      (944)           779
                                                     -------        -------
    Net Income (Loss)                                $ 1,415        $(1,244)
                                                     =======        =======
    Earnings (Loss) per Share                        $   .11        $  (.12)
                                                     =======        =======
    Weighted Average Shares                           13,355         10,342
                                                     =======        =======


    The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
    financial statements.




                                        4PAGE
<PAGE>
                            THERMEDICS DETECTION INC.

                      Consolidated Statement of Operations
                                   (Unaudited)


                                                        Six Months Ended
                                                    -----------------------
                                                    June 28,       June 29,
    (In thousands except per share amounts)             1997           1996
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Revenues:
      Product                                        $17,839        $13,281
      Service                                          6,987          6,168
                                                     -------        -------
                                                      24,826         19,449
                                                     -------        -------
    Costs and Operating Expenses:
      Cost of product revenues                         8,521          7,746
      Cost of service revenues                         3,452          3,512
      Selling, general, and administrative
        expenses                                       6,572          8,335
      Research and development expenses                2,445          2,379
                                                     -------        -------
                                                      20,990         21,972
                                                     -------        -------

    Operating Income (Loss)                            3,836         (2,523)

    Interest Income                                      859             56
    Interest Expense, Related Party                     (623)          (473)
    Other Income (Expense), Net                           (7)            80
                                                     -------        -------
    Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes                  4,065         (2,860)
    Income Tax (Provision) Benefit                    (1,626)         1,092
                                                     -------        -------
    Net Income (Loss)                                $ 2,439        $(1,768)
                                                     =======        =======
    Earnings (Loss) per Share                        $   .20        $  (.17)
                                                     =======        =======
    Weighted Average Shares                           12,165         10,220
                                                     =======        =======


    The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
    financial statements.









                                        5PAGE
<PAGE>
                            THERMEDICS DETECTION INC.
                      Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
                                   (Unaudited)
                                                        Six Months Ended
                                                     -----------------------
                                                     June 28,       June 29,
    (In thousands)                                       1997           1996
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Operating Activities:
      Net income (loss)                              $  2,439       $ (1,768)
      Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to
        net cash provided by operating activities:
          Depreciation and amortization                   746          1,647
          Provision for losses on accounts
            receivable                                     43            121
          Other noncash expenses                          162          1,308
          Changes in current accounts, excluding
            the effects of acquisitions:
              Accounts receivable                         945            (95)
              Inventories                              (2,263)           982
              Other current assets                       (235)        (1,039)
              Accounts payable                             38             24
              Other current liabilities                 2,554          2,820
                                                     --------       --------
    Net cash provided by operating activities           4,429          4,000
                                                     --------       --------
    Investing Activities:
      Acquisitions, net of cash acquired                    -        (21,668)
      Purchases of property, plant, and equipment        (396)          (317)
      Other                                                80             38
                                                     --------       --------
    Net cash used in investing activities                (316)       (21,947)
                                                     --------       --------
    Financing Activities:
      Net proceeds from issuance of Company
        common stock (Note 2)                          28,121          3,000
      Proceeds from issuance of promissory note to
        parent company                                      -         21,200
      Transfers to parent company and additional
        capital contributions, net                          -            120
      Other                                               (35)           (30)
                                                     --------       --------
    Net cash provided by financing activities          28,086         24,290
                                                     --------       --------
    Exchange Rate Effect on Cash                           31           (163)
                                                     --------       --------
    Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents              32,230          6,180
    Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of
      Period                                           13,484          1,282
                                                     --------       --------
    Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period       $ 45,714       $  7,462
                                                     ========       ========
    Noncash Activities:
      Fair value of assets of acquired companies     $      -       $ 24,328
      Cash paid for acquired companies                      -        (21,668)
                                                     --------       --------
        Liabilities assumed of acquired companies    $      -       $  2,660
                                                     ========       ========

    The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
    financial statements.
                                        6PAGE
<PAGE>

                            THERMEDICS DETECTION INC.

                   Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

    1.  General

        The interim consolidated financial statements presented have been
    prepared by Thermedics Detection Inc. (the Company) without audit and, in
    the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments of a normal recurring
    nature necessary for a fair statement of the financial position at June
    28, 1997, the results of operations for the three- and six-month periods
    ended June 28, 1997, and June 29, 1996, and the cash flows for the
    six-month periods ended June 28, 1997, and June 29, 1996. Interim results
    are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.

        The consolidated balance sheet presented as of December 28, 1996, has
    been derived from the consolidated financial statements that have been
    audited by the Company's independent public accountants. The consolidated
    financial statements and notes are presented as permitted by Form 10-Q
    and do not contain certain information included in the annual
    consolidated financial statements and notes of the Company. The
    consolidated financial statements and notes included herein should be
    read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes
    included in the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No.
    333-19199), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    2.  Initial Public Offering

        In March 1997, the Company sold 2,671,292 shares of common stock in
    an initial public offering at $11.50 per share for net proceeds of $28.1
    million. Following the offering, Thermedics Inc. (Thermedics) owned
    approximately 75% of the Company's outstanding common stock.

    3.  Presentation

        Certain amounts in 1996 have been reclassified to conform to the 1997
    financial statement presentation.


    Item 2 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
             Results of Operations

        Forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Section 21E of the
    Securities Exchange Act of 1934, are made throughout this Management's
    Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
    For this purpose, any statements contained herein that are not statements
    of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements.
    Without limiting the foregoing, the words "believes," "anticipates,"
    "plans," "expects," "seeks," "estimates," and similar expressions are
    intended to identify forward-looking statements. There are a number of
    important factors that could cause the results of the Company to differ
    materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements,
    including those detailed under the caption "Risk Factors" included in the
    Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-19199).

                                        7PAGE
<PAGE>
                            THERMEDICS DETECTION INC.

    Overview

        The Company develops, manufactures, and markets high-speed detection
    and measurement systems used in on-line industrial process applications,
    explosives detection, and laboratory analysis. The Company's industrial
    process systems use ultratrace chemical detectors, high-speed gas
    chromatography, X-ray imaging, near-infrared spectroscopy, and other
    technologies for quality assurance of in-process and finished products,
    primarily in the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, forest products,
    chemical, and other consumer products industries. The Company's
    explosives-detection equipment uses simultaneous trace particle- and
    vapor-detection techniques based on its proprietary chemiluminescence and
    high-speed gas chromatography technologies. Customers use the Company's
    explosives-detection equipment to detect plastic and other explosives at
    airports and border crossings, for other high-security screening
    applications, and for forensics and search applications.

        Historically, the Company's principal product lines were process
    detection systems, including Alexus(R) systems used to assure the quality
    of refillable plastic containers, and EGIS(R) explosives detectors. The
    Company expanded its product lines to include moisture analysis equipment
    through its acquisition of Moisture Systems Corporation and Rutter & Co.
    B.V. (collectively, Moisture Systems) in January 1996, and also
    introduced its InScan(TM) high-speed X-ray imaging systems (InScan
    systems) and Flash-GC(TM) gas chromatography systems (Flash-GC systems)
    in 1996. The Company has also recently introduced Rampart(TM), the latest
    portable trace-detection system that incorporates the advanced Flash-GC
    technology in tandem with a highly sensitive chemiluminescence detector.
    The Company also performs contract research and development services for
    government and industry customers and earns service revenues through
    long-term contracts.

        A substantial portion of the Company's sales are derived from sales
    of products outside the United States, through export sales and sales by
    the Company's foreign subsidiaries. Although the Company seeks to charge
    its customers in the same currency as its operating costs, the Company's
    financial performance and competitive position can be affected by
    currency exchange rate fluctuations. The Company expects an increase in
    the percentage of its revenues derived from international operations.

    Results of Operations

    Second Quarter 1997 Compared With Second Quarter 1996

        Revenues in the second quarter of 1997 increased 23% to $12.4 million
    from $10.1 million in the second quarter of 1996. Product revenues
    increased 30% to $8.8 million in 1997 from $6.7 million in 1996, while
    service revenues increased 7% to $3.6 million in 1997 from $3.4 million
    in 1996. Revenues from the Company's process detection instruments and
    related services increased to $4.9 million in 1997 from $3.7 million in
    1996, primarily due to Alexus revenues of $1.9 million from the continued
    fulfillment of a mandated product-line upgrade from The Coca-Cola Company
    to its existing installed base and, to a lesser extent, increased
    shipments of the Company's InScan systems, which were introduced in 1996.
                                        8PAGE
<PAGE>
                            THERMEDICS DETECTION INC.

    Second Quarter 1997 Compared With Second Quarter 1996 (continued)

    Revenues from the mandated product-line upgrade are expected to continue
    through the third quarter of 1997. These increases were offset in part by
    a decrease in international plant expansions and, in turn, demand for the
    Alexus line of products from customers other than The Coca-Cola Company.
    Revenues from the Company's EGIS explosives-detection systems and related
    services increased to $3.1 million in 1997 from $1.5 million in 1996,
    primarily due to continued international shipments of the EGIS systems to
    provide security measures overseas. In May 1997, the Company was awarded
    a $5.8 million contract for its EGIS systems from the Federal Aviation
    Administration. No revenues were recognized under this contract during
    the second quarter of 1997. Revenues from the Company's Moisture Systems
    subsidiary decreased to $3.6 million in 1997 from $4.4 million in 1996,
    primarily due to a slowdown in product demand in Europe.

        The gross profit margin increased to 53% in the second quarter of
    1997 from 40% in the second quarter of 1996. The gross profit margin on
    product revenues increased to 55% in 1997 from 38% in 1996, primarily due
    to a charge of $0.8 million in the second quarter of 1996 as a result of
    obsolescence created by planned product changes and, to a lesser extent,
    a change in product mix to higher-margin revenues from Moisture Systems.
    The gross profit margin on service revenues increased to 46% in 1997 from
    44% in 1996, primarily due to increased field service efficiencies.

        Selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percentage of
    revenues decreased to 25% in the second quarter of 1997 from 45% in the
    second quarter of 1996. The decline was primarily due to nonrecurring
    costs of $0.4 million in the 1996 period related to a reduction in
    personnel and a reduction in leased space in response to lower sales
    volume of process detection instruments and, to a lesser extent, an
    increase in revenues in 1997. This decrease was offset in part by
    increased selling expense as the Company develops a sales force for its
    InScan and Flash-GC systems. Research and development expenses remained
    unchanged at $1.4 million in the second quarter of 1997 and 1996,
    respectively.

        Interest income increased to $0.7 million in the second quarter of
    1997 from $0.1 million in the second quarter of 1996, primarily due to
    interest income earned on invested proceeds from the Company's March 1997
    initial public offering (Note 2).

        Interest expense, related party, of $0.3 million in the second
    quarter of 1997 and 1996 reflects the issuance of a $21.2 million
    promissory note to Thermedics Inc. (Thermedics) in connection with the
    January 1996 acquisition of Moisture Systems. This note is due March
    1998, and bears interest at the 90-day Commercial Paper Composite Rate
    plus 25 basis points, set at the beginning of each quarter.

        The effective tax rates were 40% and 39% in the second quarter of
    1997 and 1996, respectively. The effective tax rates in both periods
    exceeded the statutory federal income tax rate primarily due to the
    impact of state income taxes. The effective tax rate increased in 1997
    due to a change in the mix of income within foreign jurisdictions.

                                        9PAGE
<PAGE>
                            THERMEDICS DETECTION INC.

    First Six Months 1997 Compared With First Six Months 1996

        Revenues in the first six months of 1997 increased 28% to $24.8
    million from $19.4 million in the first six months of 1996. Product
    revenues increased 34% to $17.8 million in 1997 from $13.3 million in
    1996, while service revenues increased 13% to $7.0 million in 1997 from
    $6.2 million in 1996. Revenues from the Company's process detection
    instruments and related services increased to $11.5 million in 1997 from
    $6.7 million in 1996, primarily due to $4.1 million from the continued
    fulfillment of a mandated product-line upgrade from The Coca-Cola Company
    to its existing installed base and, to a lesser extent, increased
    shipments of the Company's InScan systems, which were introduced in 1996.
    Revenues from the Company's EGIS explosives-detection systems and related
    services remained relatively unchanged at $4.2 million in 1997 and $4.4
    million in 1996. Revenues from the Company's Moisture Systems subsidiary,
    acquired in January 1996, increased to $7.7 million in 1997 from $7.3
    million in 1996, primarily due to the inclusion of revenues for the full
    six months in 1997, offset in part by lower revenues in 1997 due to a
    slowdown in product demand in Europe.

        The gross profit margin increased to 52% in the first six months of
    1997 from 42% in the first six months of 1996. The gross profit margin on
    product revenues increased to 52% in 1997 from 42% in 1996, primarily due
    to the inclusion of an $0.8 million charge in the second quarter of 1996
    as a result of obsolescence created by planned product changes, as well
    as the inclusion of higher-margin revenues from Moisture Systems for the
    full six months of 1997. The gross profit margin on service revenues
    increased to 51% in 1997 from 43% in 1996, primarily due to increased
    field service efficiencies and, to a lesser extent, the inclusion of
    higher-margin service revenues from Moisture Systems for the full six
    months of 1997.

        Selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percentage of
    revenues decreased to 26% in the first six months of 1997 from 43% in the
    first six months of 1996. The decline was primarily due to nonrecurring
    costs in the 1996 period related to a reduction in personnel, a reduction
    in leased space, and other adjustments in response to lower sales volume
    of process detection instruments and, to a lesser extent, an increase in
    revenues in 1997. This decrease was offset in part by increased selling
    expenses as the Company develops a sales force for its InScan and
    Flash-GC systems. Research and development expenses remained relatively
    unchanged at $2.4 million in the first six months of 1997 and 1996,
    respectively.

        Interest income increased to $0.9 million in the first six months of
    1997 from $0.1 million in the first six months of 1996, primarily due to
    the reason discussed in the results of operations for the second quarter.

        Interest expense, related party, of $0.6 million and $0.5 million in
    the first six months of 1997 and 1996, respectively, remained relatively
    unchanged. The related debt was discussed in the results of operations
    for the second quarter.
                                       10PAGE
<PAGE>
                            THERMEDICS DETECTION INC.

    First Six Months 1997 Compared With First Six Months 1996 (continued)

        The effective tax rates were 40% and 38% in the first six months of
    1997 and 1996, respectively. The effective tax rates in both periods
    exceeded the statutory federal income tax rate primarily due to the
    impact of state income taxes. The effective tax rate increased in 1997
    due to a change in the mix of income within foreign tax jurisdictions.

    Liquidity and Capital Resources

        Consolidated working capital was $32.9 million at June 28, 1997,
    compared with $23.4 million at December 28, 1996. Cash and cash
    equivalents were $45.7 million at June 28, 1997, compared with $13.5
    million at December 28, 1996.

        During the first six months of 1997, $4.4 million of cash was
    provided by operating activities. During this period, cash of $2.3
    million was used to fund an increase in inventories resulting from an
    order received from the FAA. This use of cash was more than offset by
    cash of $2.6 million provided by an increase in other current
    liabilities, including $0.8 million of customer deposits, primarily
    relating to the mandated product-line upgrade from The Coca-Cola Company.

        During the first six months of 1997, the Company expended $0.4
    million on purchases of property, plant, and equipment. During the
    remainder of 1997, the Company expects to make capital expenditures of
    approximately $0.1 million.

        In March 1997, the Company sold 2,671,292 shares of its common stock
    in an initial public offering at $11.50 per share for net proceeds of
    $28.1 million (Note 2). 

        Although the Company expects to have positive cash flow from its
    existing operations, the Company anticipates it will require significant
    amounts of cash for the possible acquisition of complementary businesses
    and technologies. While the Company currently has no agreement to make an
    acquisition, it expects that it would finance any acquisitions through a
    combination of internal funds, additional debt or equity financing,
    and/or short-term borrowings from Thermedics or Thermo Electron
    Corporation, although it has no agreement with these companies to ensure
    that funds will be available on acceptable terms or at all. The Company
    believes that its existing resources are sufficient to meet the capital
    requirements of its existing businesses for the foreseeable future.


    PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

    Item 6 - Exhibits

        See Exhibit Index on the page immediately preceding exhibits.

                                       11PAGE
<PAGE>
                            THERMEDICS DETECTION INC.

                                   SIGNATURES


        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
    the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by
    the undersigned thereunto duly authorized as of the 5th day of August
    1997.

                                             THERMEDICS DETECTION INC.



                                             Paul F. Kelleher
                                             ---------------------
                                             Paul F. Kelleher
                                             Chief Accounting Officer



                                             John N. Hatsopoulos
                                             ---------------------
                                             John N. Hatsopoulos
                                             Vice President and Chief
                                               Financial Officer









                                       12PAGE
<PAGE>
                            THERMEDICS DETECTION INC.

                                  EXHIBIT INDEX


    Exhibit
    Number      Description of Exhibit
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------

      11        Statement re: Computation of Earnings (Loss) per Share.

      27        Financial Data Schedule.