Compact Unit for Eye-Safe Standoff Explosive Detection

The goal of this work is to develop a novel Raman scattering spectrometer for advance standoff detection of IEDs and suicide bomber threats. When using the proposed instrument, we will obtain rapid, chemical-specific analysis at standoff distances of up to 30 m. This instrument will have significantly increased detection sensitivity, measurement accuracy and analysis rates compared to more conventional spectroscopy methods. To achieve a compact and low cost instrument design, we will use a custom, high-gain APD array detector as the basis of the proposed analytical instrument. The collected spectral data will also be analyzed with sophisticated software tools to provide near-real time analysis of potential threats. The final instrument will rapidly image trace amounts of explosive chemicals and other explosive related compounds (ERC), allowing time for preemptive action. Existing development of UV Raman scattering for standoff detection of explosives will be leveraged to support this effort and increase the opportunity for success.