Polychromic Imaging for Standoff Detection of Explosives and Weapons

Terahertz (THz) radiation imaging and sensing is one of the most promising technologies for standoff detection of concealed threats. New THz sources and detectors are emerging on the commercial market. Existing methods for data processing and image construction, however, are either too cumbersome or fail to provide much of the required data for detecting concealed weapons and explosives. Intelligent Optical Systems (IOS) proposes an innovative solution to these shortcomings. By integrating the use of polychromic imaging, advanced spectral analysis, synthetic aperture processing, fusion with conventional surveillance data, the IOS approach will produce real-time detection and imaging of concealed threats at a distance. What is novel in the proposed effort is that terahertz spectroscopy will be combined with conventional video imaging to enhance identification and to enable the tracking of potential threats at standoff distances. The potential benefits of this program are enormous, and include saving many lives, and neighborhoods. Commercial potential is in the $Billions. Images from security systems showing physiological details have caused some concern. IOS`s approach will eliminate this possible embarrassment. In Phase II, IOS will design a Phase II Prototype System to obtain Multispectral THz Reflection Images at distances of 50 m or greater.