Terahertz Nondestructive Evaluation and Characterization of Missile Radomes

We propose to demonstrate the feasibility of using time domain terahertz measurements to locate, identify and image defects and material variations within advanced composite materials used in missile radomes. We will investigate the time and frequency domain transmission properties of radome materials to determine their intrinsic terahertz electrical properties and prove the detectability of defects. These and other measurements will also be used to prove high-resolution mapping of the composite material structures. We will generate methods to link measured terahertz properties to estimated microwave electrical properties and radome performance. In particular, we will investigate the limits of these methods in enabling rapid estimation of microwave boresight error and transmissivity using measured terahertz maps. We will finally determine the specifications of a prototype automated terahertz missile radome inspection system requiring minimal human intervention. In Phase II, we will deliver a prototype system providing accurate and consistent defect mapping and estimated microwave radome performance.