Automatic, Non-Intrusive Chemical, Biological, and Radiological (CBR) Threat Detection

We propose to develop the design for a terahertz imaging and spectroscopy test bed system for the non -intrusive detection of chemical, biological, and radiological threats. Terahertz imaging has the potential to reveal concealed explosives, flammables,biological agents, chemical weapons, metallic and non-metallic weapons, and other threats delivered to the Navy on personnel or packages. Because terahertz imaging employs safe non-ionizing radiation that penetrates clothing, people may be routinelyscanned as well as packages. Images can have sub-millimeter resolution, superior to longer wavelength techniques. Explosives may posses a spectral fingerprint in the terahertz regime. In phase I, a commercially available terahertz imager will be usedto demonstrate the feasibility of detecting concealed threats and discriminating against harmless objects. A test bed based on commercial components will be designed. High speed image scanners will be designed to overcome the limitations of theconventional terahertz image technique which raster scans by moving the object. In particular, designs with no moving parts analogous to pulsed MRI and ultrasound will be evaluated theoretically and experimentally. The design approach will be evaluatedfor projected capabilities, the impact on shipboard use, and lifecycle costs. A successful Phase II will result in a terahertz spectroscopic imaging test bed of the appropriate configuration (portal scanner, portable or hand held scanners) with thecapability of detecting chemical, biological, or radiological threats. The high speed terahertz imagers, algorithms and associated hardware developed will add to the list of recently commercialized transmitters, receivers, and signal processors. Inaddition to DOD applications, terahertz security scanners for aviation and law enforcement could be commercialized, as well as OEM applications including, manufacturing, medical, and environmental diagnostics.