Package and Personnel Inspection Systems for Installation and Aviation Security

We propose to develop the design for a terahertz imaging and spectroscopy inspection system prototype for the detection of concealed threats in packages and personnel. Terahertz imaging has the potential to reveal concealed explosives; metallic andnon-metallic weapons (such as ceramic, plastic or composite guns and knives); flammables; biological agents; chemical weapons and other threats hidden in packages or on personnel entering Air Force and civilian facilities and vehicles. Because terahertzimaging employs safe non-ionizing radiation that penetrates clothing, people may be routinely scanned as well as packages. Images can have sub-millimeter resolution, superior to longer wavelength techniques. Explosives, chemical weapons, and biologicalagents may posses a spectral fingerprint in the terahertz regime. In phase I, a commercially available terahertz imager will be used to demonstrate the feasibility of detecting concealed threats and discriminating against harmless objects. A test bedbased on commercial components will be designed. The data gathered in phase I will determine the imaging mode for the (transmission or reflection geometry; raster scanning or tomographic ) best suited for a high speed prototype imager. Phase I willinclude a preliminary marketing analysis and commercialization strategy. A successful Phase II will result in a prototype terahertz imaging test bed of the appropriate configuration (portal scanner, portable, or hand held scanners) appropriate for use inAir Force and civilian aviation security. The high speed terahertz imagers, algorithms and associated hardware developed will add to the list of recently commercialized transmitters, receivers, and signal processors. In addition to DOD applications,terahertz security scanners for civil aviation and law enforcement could be commercialized, as well as OEM applications including, manufacturing, medical, and environmental diagnostics.