Hidden object detection: security applications of terahertz technology

William R. Tribe; David A. Newnham; Philip F. Taday; Michael C. Kemp

doi:10.1117/12.543049

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8 April 2004 Hidden object detection: security applications of terahertz technology

William R. Tribe, David A. Newnham, Philip F. Taday, Michael C. Kemp

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Proceedings Volume 5354, Terahertz and Gigahertz Electronics and Photonics III; (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.543049
Event: Integrated Optoelectronic Devices 2004, 2004, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

Recent events have led to dramatic changes to the methods employed in security screening. For example, following the failed shoe bombing, it is now common for shoes to be removed and X-rayed at airport checkpoints. There is therefore an increasing focus on new Recent events have led to dramatic changes to the methods employed in security screening. For example, following the failed shoe bombing, it is now common for shoes to be removed and X-rayed at airport checkpoints. There is therefore an increasing focus on new technologies that can be applied to security screening, either to simplify or speed up the checking process, or to provide additional functionality. Terahertz (THz) technology is a promising, emerging candidate. In previous publications we have shown how our THz pulsed imaging systems can be used to image threat items, and have demonstrated that explosive materials have characteristic THz spectra. We have also demonstrated that nonmetallic weaponry can be imaged when concealed beneath clothing. In this work we examine more closely the properties of barrier and potential confusion materials. We demonstrate that barrier materials have smooth spectra with relatively low attenuation. We further demonstrate that the terahertz spectra of several common chemicals and medicines are distinct from those of threat materials.

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William R. Tribe, David A. Newnham, Philip F. Taday, and Michael C. Kemp "Hidden object detection: security applications of terahertz technology", Proc. SPIE 5354, Terahertz and Gigahertz Electronics and Photonics III, (8 April 2004); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.543049

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