TSR-SHIELD: Time & Spatially Resolved Standoff Hyperspectral Imaging Explosives LIDAR Detector

Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is being successfully transitioned to field applications in both close-contact (proximity) and standoff detection modes. LIBS is attractive since it can be used to detect a wide range of chemical, biological and explosive (CBE) hazardous materials. While LIBS is well suited to evaluation of complex hazards, including improvised explosive devices (IEDs), technology approaches that will improve probability of detection (Pd) and reduce false alarm rates (FAR) are desired. Improvements in sensor performance can be accomplished by combining LIBS with Raman spectroscopy, a highly complementary spectroscopic technique, and employing state-of-the-art sensor data fusion algorithms. ChemImage Corporation (CI) teaming with the University of Central Florida proposes to combine state of the art LIBS and Raman standoff optical sensors into a leap-ahead system for hazardous materials detection. In this Phase I program, we will focus on standoff explosives detection using a novel LIBS/Raman sensor, the Time and Spatially Resolved Standoff Hyperspectral Imaging Explosives LIDAR Detector (TSR-SHIELD