Through-barrier detection of explosive components for security screening applications

Linda Lee; Alex Frisby; Ralph Mansson; Rebecca J. Hopkins

doi:10.1117/12.898608

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13 October 2011 Through-barrier detection of explosive components for security screening applications

Linda Lee, Alex Frisby, Ralph Mansson, Rebecca J. Hopkins

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Proceedings Volume 8189, Optics and Photonics for Counterterrorism and Crime Fighting VII; Optical Materials in Defence Systems Technology VIII; and Quantum-Physics-based Information Security; 81890V (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.898608
Event: SPIE Security + Defence, 2011, Prague, Czech Republic

Abstract

The detection of materials through containers is a vital capability for security screening applications at high risk locations, such as airports and checkpoints. Current detection procedures require suspect containers to be opened and the contents sampled, which is laborious and potentially hazardous to the operator. The capability to detect through-barrier would overcome these issues. Spatially Offset Raman Spectroscopy (SORS) is an innovative spectroscopic technique that avoids fluorescence and Raman scatter from containers, which can mask the Raman signature from the sample. This novel approach enables noninvasive detection of hazardous and benign materials through a wider range of container materials than is possible using conventional Raman spectroscopy. SORS spectra were acquired from explosive compounds and benign materials within a range of coloured glass and plastic containers. The SORS spectra were compared to the reference Raman signatures of the materials studied. Two data analysis methods were then applied to the resultant data to investigate the ability of SORS to detect the target materials through the barriers tested. Furthermore, the potential for reduction of sample fluorescence was investigated by using longer excitation wavelength (1064 nm) than is typically used in commercially available Raman instruments that use silicon detector technology. For some fluorescent samples, Raman spectral features that were masked by fluorescence at 785 nm were revealed at 1064 nm.

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Linda Lee, Alex Frisby, Ralph Mansson, and Rebecca J. Hopkins "Through-barrier detection of explosive components for security screening applications", Proc. SPIE 8189, Optics and Photonics for Counterterrorism and Crime Fighting VII; Optical Materials in Defence Systems Technology VIII; and Quantum-Physics-based Information Security, 81890V (13 October 2011); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.898608

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