Advanced Standoff Instrumentation and Non-Destructive Evaluation for Composite Structures

PNTS Incorporated (formerly Princeton Nanotechnology Systems) has teamed with researchers from Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, to provide a novel, comprehensive response to SBIR Topic N111-073. In this program, we propose to combine Wright State University"s research in non-destructive testing using terahertz radiation with the earlier Princeton Nanotechnology Systems work performed under recent SBIR contracts from DTRA and DARPA. The PNTS team feels that the combination of terahertz imaging, coupled with aplanatic optics, compressive sensing, and extensive digital signal processing will provide a rich set of capabilities to measure temperature, strain, as well as real time imaging of defects under the unprecedented set of demanding conditions extant in the electromagnetic railgun (EMRG) environment. Moreover, terahertz radiation is relatively immune from the gas and particulates that would obscure or otherwise impair laser or other optical based metrology systems. The final deliverable will include not only experimental data and analysis, but also, a prototypical design of the hardware components, software platform, and simulation results of the relevant performance characteristics using continuous wave terahertz imaging technology and compressive sensing for the final solution. This methodology will provide a robust system design and the ability to employ a dynamic product suite, ranging from fixed emplacements for large EMRG monitoring to portable easily deployable devices for smaller installations. Risks often associated with the transition of technology from Phase I to Phases II and III will be mitigated as PNTS, Wright State University, and their other respective partners are already current engaged in the design and development of software and hardware components similar to what would be incorporated into the deliverable system(s) for Phase II and III.