Passive Infrared Detection of Liquids on Surfaces

Our goal is to design and build a lightweight, wide area passive standoff imaging detection system capable of rapidly detecting liquids on surfaces for the purpose of contamination avoidance and reconnaissance. The envisioned technology extends the advantages of wide area passive infrared sensing of chemical contaminants to include detection of liquids contaminants on surfaces. During Phase I we will conduct a feasibility study for detection of liquid contaminants on the ground using our passive LWIR hyperspectral imaging spectroradiometer operating over the 8 to 13 m region. We will explore models for cold sky reflectance onto a contaminated surfaces, and determine the expected differential radiance when a contaminant is placed on surfaces of interest (including painted metal, concrete, grass, and dirt). Our team"s approach is to extend Spectrum Photonics"passive LWIR hyperspectral imaging technology, currently under development for gas plume detection, to address the need for condensed phase detection applications.