Detection of Concealed Explosives at a Distance Using Terahertz Technology

Abstract

A prototype terahertz standoff detection system is shown to be able to sense explosives at a distance of one meter, through several layers of clothing, employing safe-to-use non-ionizing radiation.ABSTRACT | Terahertz imaging and spectroscopy has been shown to have the potential to use very low levels of nonionizing radiation to detect and identify objects hidden under clothing. In this paper we discuss some of the important factors involved in addressing practical systems in the security industry, and describe our recent work on the development of a prototype terahertz standoff detection system. Using this system we demonstrate the spectroscopic detection of concealed explosives at a standoff distance of 1 m, both real time, in reflection, and under normal atmospheric conditions.

Review of Terahertz Tomography Techniques

“…The main idea relies on the fact that molecular crystals present very specific features in the THz spectrum. For example, explosives [94][95][96][97] or illicit drugs [98][99][100] have been efficiently localized and unambiguously identified within an envelope [101], a parcel, or a suitcase [102]. Besides, dangerous metallic items like guns [103] or knifes become clearly visible by their shapes and can be easily identified by pattern recognition algorithm.…”

New frontiers for infrared

“…or even high, performances sources and sensors have made the previously un−used terahertz frequency bands accessible for spectros− copy analysis and even for imaging systems. Nowadays, applications include detection of biological and chemical hazardous agents, explosive detection, applications in build− ing and airport security weapons concealed underneath clothing (airports), environmental monitoring and control, product inspection (industry), spectroscopy (chemistry, as− tronomy and space research), material characterization (physics) to biomedicine diagnostics (new detection sys− tems for cancer pathologies) and wide bands secure point to point TLC and high definition SAR [79][80][81][82]. THz transmission properties have open new applications thanks to the fact that THz waves can penetrate through materials opaque to other parts of the EM spectrum.…”

Hidden Explosive Detection Systems for Vehicle

“…The processing unit then makes the decision on the suspected material. This system is precisely planned for the stalemate explosives material finding, this high frequency THz stream of light is employed for echo spectroscopy from substantial target [2].…”