Detection of chemical pollutants by passive LWIR hyperspectral imaging

Hugo Lavoie; Jean-Marc Thériault; François Bouffard; Eldon Puckrin; Denis Dubé

doi:10.1117/12.930967

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15 October 2012 Detection of chemical pollutants by passive LWIR hyperspectral imaging

Hugo Lavoie, Jean-Marc Thériault, François Bouffard, Eldon Puckrin, Denis Dubé

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Proceedings Volume 8515, Imaging Spectrometry XVII; 851503 (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.930967
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2012, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Toxic industrial chemicals (TICs) represent a major threat to public health and security. Their detection constitutes a real challenge to security and first responder's communities. One promising detection method is based on the passive standoff identification of chemical vapors emanating from the laboratory under surveillance. To investigate this method, the Department of National Defense and Public Safety Canada have mandated Defense Research and Development Canada (DRDC) - Valcartier to develop and test passive Long Wave Infrared (LWIR) hyperspectral imaging (HSI) sensors for standoff detection. The initial effort was focused to address the standoff detection and identification of toxic industrial chemicals (TICs) and precursors. Sensors such as the Multi-option Differential Detection and Imaging Fourier Spectrometer (MoDDIFS) and the Improved Compact ATmospheric Sounding Interferometer (iCATSI) were developed for this application. This paper describes the sensor developments and presents initial results of standoff detection and identification of TICs and precursors. The standoff sensors are based on the differential Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) radiometric technology and are able to detect, spectrally resolve and identify small leak plumes at ranges in excess of 1 km. Results from a series of trials in asymmetric threat type scenarios will be presented. These results will serve to establish the potential of the method for standoff detection of TICs precursors and surrogates.

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Hugo Lavoie, Jean-Marc Thériault, François Bouffard, Eldon Puckrin, and Denis Dubé "Detection of chemical pollutants by passive LWIR hyperspectral imaging", Proc. SPIE 8515, Imaging Spectrometry XVII, 851503 (15 October 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.930967

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