Short Wavelength IR Imaging for Presence of Explosives (SWIPE)

The objective of this program is to develop a stand-off detection system with a combined detection and chemical identification capability needed to detect and identify explosives hidden by a suicide bomber under his/her clothes. We aim to develop this unique system by fusing two orthogonal infrared-based techniques - mid-infrared-based imaging (detection) of the concealed explosive followed by near-infrared-based identification (chemical signature) of the explosive. The system can be configured as a dynamic detection/identification system to monitor and track a person who approaches the building. As the person is about 200 ft away from the building, the concealed explosive will be imaged using mid-IR imaging technology that uses the temperature difference between the bag containing the explosive and the person to produce a well-defined image to show that the person is carrying something suspicious under his/her clothes. Immediately, the near-IR identification system will then direct the beam on the concealed object and keep acquiring and processing data as the person walks towards the building. It will chemically identify the explosive and transmit an alarm to the security post when the person is still more than 50 ft away from the entrance to the building.