Scanning Eye-safe UV Raman Explosives Detection System

Alakai proposes to breadboard and design the Chemical Explosives Detection Scanner (CEDS), an Eye-safe, deep UV Raman Scanner/imager to detect explosives chemicals and their precursors, for short standoff trace explosive detection. This system could eventually be integrated into DHS's Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) system to provide a chemical signature of explosives thereby improving the screening effectiveness of personnel and baggage. Alakai is a leader in Standoff UV Raman for DoD applications, as evidenced by being the first known company to undergo an Army technical, operational and human factors evaluation of their standoff checkpoint explosive detection system. This system has detected Ammonium nitrate at trace concentrations in 1s at 25m range and bulk in 1s at 100m range. Alakai can leverage its existing UV Raman capability (proven hardware performance, existing UV Raman library and detection algorithm) to customize a completely eye-safe UV Raman system for TSA screening applications. Utilizing well known scaling equations this performance extrapolates to detection of ~1ng/(cm*cm) of Ammonium nitrate in 1s at a range of 50cm using a small aperture system. In this Phase I project, Alakai will perform key experimental trade studies, construct a small breadboard scanner and complete a conceptual system level design of a UV Raman scanner for DHS/TSA applications. Once integrated into AIT's, this could provide valuable standoff chemical detection of trace quantities of explosives on personnel and baggage which would greatly enhance the screening effectiveness.