Terahertz imaging of subjects with concealed weapons

Jason C. Dickinson; Thomas M. Goyette; Andrew J. Gatesman; Cecil S Joseph; Zachary G Root; Robert H Giles; Jerry Waldman; William E. Nixon

doi:10.1117/12.667998

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19 May 2006 Terahertz imaging of subjects with concealed weapons

Jason C. Dickinson, Thomas M. Goyette, Andrew J. Gatesman, Cecil S Joseph, Zachary G Root, Robert H Giles, Jerry Waldman, William E. Nixon

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Proceedings Volume 6212, Terahertz for Military and Security Applications IV; 62120Q (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.667998
Event: Defense and Security Symposium, 2006, Orlando (Kissimmee), Florida, United States

Abstract

In response to the growing interest in developing terahertz imaging systems for concealed weapons detection, the Submillimeter-Wave Technology Laboratory (STL) at the University of Massachusetts Lowell has produced full-body terahertz imagery using coherent active radar measurement techniques. The proof-of-principle results were readily obtained utilizing the compact radar range resources at STL. Two contrasting techniques were used to collect the imagery. Both methods made use of in-house transceivers, consisting of two ultra-stable far-infrared lasers, terahertz heterodyne detection systems, and terahertz anechoic chambers. The first technique involved full beam subject illumination with precision azimuth and elevation control to produce high resolution images via two axis Fourier transforms. Imagery collected in this manner is presented at 1.56THz and 350GHz. The second method utilized a focused spot, moved across the target subject in a high speed two dimensional raster pattern created by a large two-axis positioning mirror. The existing 1.56THz compact radar range was modified to project a focused illumination spot on the target subject several meters away, and receive the back-reflected intensity. The process was repeated across two dimensions, and the resultant image was assembled and displayed utilizing minimal on-the-fly processing. Imagery at 1.56THz of human subjects with concealed weapons are presented and discussed for this scan type.

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Jason C. Dickinson, Thomas M. Goyette, Andrew J. Gatesman, Cecil S Joseph, Zachary G Root, Robert H Giles, Jerry Waldman, and William E. Nixon "Terahertz imaging of subjects with concealed weapons", Proc. SPIE 6212, Terahertz for Military and Security Applications IV, 62120Q (19 May 2006); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.667998

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