EXHIBIT 23.3

                       INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

    We consent to the use in this Registration Statement of Thermedics Detection
Inc.  on  Form  S-1 of our  report  dated  January  29,  1997  (relating  to the
consolidated  financial  statements  of Rutter & Co.  B.V.  for the period  from
January  25,  1996 to  December  28,  1996,  not  presented  separately  herein)
appearing  on page F-3 in the  Prospectus,  which  is part of this  Registration
Statement.

    We also  consent to the use in this  Registration  Statement  of  Thermedics
Detection  Inc. on Form S-1 of our report  dated March 13, 1996  (except for the
disclosures included in the supplementary  information under the caption "United
States Generally  Accepted  Accounting  Principles  (U.S.  GAAP)" which is as of
December 20, 1996) relating to the consolidated financial statements of Rutter &
Co. B.V.  for the two years ended  December  31, 1995  appearing on page F-28 in
this Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement.

    We also consent to the  reference to us under the heading  "Experts" in such
Prospectus.






DELOITTE & TOUCHE Registeraccountants

Almelo, The Netherlands
July 23, 1997