Broadband infrared imaging spectroscopy for standoff detection of trace explosives

Christopher A. Kendziora; Robert Furstenberg; Michael Papantonakis; Viet Nguyen; R. Andrew McGill

doi:10.1117/12.2224049

25 May 2016 Broadband infrared imaging spectroscopy for standoff detection of trace explosives

Christopher A. Kendziora, Robert Furstenberg, Michael Papantonakis, Viet Nguyen, R. Andrew McGill

Proceedings Volume 9836, Micro- and Nanotechnology Sensors, Systems, and Applications VIII; 98362G (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2224049
Event: SPIE Defense + Security, 2016, Baltimore, MD, United States

Abstract

This manuscript describes advancements toward a mobile platform for standoff detection of trace explosives on relevant substrates using broadband infrared spectroscopic imaging. In conjunction with this, we are developing a technology for detection based on photo-thermal infrared (IR) imaging spectroscopy (PT-IRIS). PT-IRIS leverages one or more IR quantum cascade lasers (QCL), tuned to strong absorption bands in the analytes and directed to illuminate an area on a surface of interest. An IR focal plane array is used to image the surface thermal emission upon laser illumination. The PT-IRIS signal is processed as a hyperspectral image cube comprised of spatial, spectral and temporal dimensions as vectors within a detection algorithm. Here we describe methods to increase both sensitivity to trace explosives and selectivity between different analyte types by exploiting a broader spectral range than in previous configurations. Previously we demonstrated PT-IRIS at several meters of standoff distance indoors and in field tests, while operating the lasers below the infrared eye-safe intensity limit (100 mW/cm²). Sensitivity to explosive traces as small as a single 10 μm diameter particle (~1 ng) has been demonstrated.

Citation Download Citation

Christopher A. Kendziora, Robert Furstenberg, Michael Papantonakis, Viet Nguyen, and R. Andrew McGill "Broadband infrared imaging spectroscopy for standoff detection of trace explosives", Proc. SPIE 9836, Micro- and Nanotechnology Sensors, Systems, and Applications VIII, 98362G (25 May 2016); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2224049

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