Stand-off Explosives Detection by Photothermal Emission Imaging

TSA is seeking techniques for non-contact detection of trace explosive residue on a person's body, clothing or baggage. A TSA checkpoint screens about 200 passengers per hour. TSA is already deploying millimeter wave and backscatter x-ray Advanced Imaging Technologies (AITs) to enable Transportation Security Officers to detect non-metallic anomalies beneath clothing. TSA is now seeking a trace explosives sensor that would be integrated into the AIT system and operate concurrently, thereby minimizing sensor footprint and impact on passenger throughput. Bodkin Design & Engineering is will develop a resonant photothermal imaging system for explosives residues on personnel and clothing. The system will be designed to be integrated with the existing AIT scanners and to measure all exposed surfaces of an entire person in less than 20 seconds. The initial effort will target explosive materials TNT and RDX as well as ammonium nitrate and urea nitrate.