Detection of Liquids on Surfaces using Long Wave Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging Spectroradiometer

Not Available "Chemical warfare agents with their low vapor pressure can stay on a surface for long periods of time and thus pose a serious threat to anyone coming in contact with that surface. Silicone oils, which have strong infrared absorption, around 1000wave-numbers (10 mm), can be used to simulate chemical agents. Sky shine for example, acts as an infrared source in the 8-14 micron region of the spectrum. Liquid residual chemical agents on surfaces will show up as areas of higher absorption and can bedetected with a spectral imager tuned to the appropriate wavelength band. Recent work in the area of imaging spectroscopy has shown that very weak signals can be detected by taking advantage of spatial and spectral information.Pacific Advanced Technology (PAT) using an uncooled longwave infrared hyperspectral camera, has detected silicone oil on an aluminum surface from several meters using spectral/spatial processing algorithms. PAT, along with our team member SouthwestResearch Institute (SwRI) will use this approach during Phase I to demonstrate the technology and improve the algorithms based upon experimentation. In addition, we will generate models based on radiometry that will determine the sensitivity of the PAThyperspectral imaging technology for this application. A handheld Chemical Biological warfare detection camera system can be used by the US Armed Forces in the battlefield to detect harmful agents remotely before military personnel are exposed to them. The same technology can be used in the commercial marketfor gas leak detection in oil and gas processing plants as well as the pharmaceutical industry."