Using infrared backscatter imaging spectroscopy to detect trace explosives at standoff distances

Christopher J. Breshike; Christopher A. Kendziora; Robert Furstenberg; Viet Nguyen; Andrew Kusterbeck; R. Andrew McGill

doi:10.1117/12.2304002

16 May 2018 Using infrared backscatter imaging spectroscopy to detect trace explosives at standoff distances

Christopher J. Breshike, Christopher A. Kendziora, Robert Furstenberg, Viet Nguyen, Andrew Kusterbeck, R. Andrew McGill

Proceedings Volume 10629, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Sensing XIX; 106290N (2018) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2304002
Event: SPIE Defense + Security, 2018, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

We are developing a stand-off technique for the detection of trace amounts of explosive materials. The motivation behind this work is to prevent loss of life and injury to military and civilian personal by detecting threats at distance. The matured technique will allow for the facile identification of possible threats with minimum user effort and enough time to take appropriate action. This manuscript illustrates the results from our infrared backscatter imaging spectroscopy mobile stand-off method to detect trace amounts of explosive materials under laboratory conditions. The described technique uses tunable quantum cascade lasers, with full spectral coverage from 6-11 μm, to illuminate a target and an infrared focal plane array to collect the backscattered signal into hyperspectral images cubes. The quantum cascade lasers are operated under eye safe levels which allows for safe and stealthy probing of objects, vehicles, and even people. Experiments are performed on tilted substrates to simulate real world conditions where it is unlikely to collect the specular reflections. The collected hyperspectral image cubes contains spectral, spatial, and temporal information that can be fed to a detection algorithm.

Citation Download Citation

Christopher J. Breshike, Christopher A. Kendziora, Robert Furstenberg, Viet Nguyen, Andrew Kusterbeck, and R. Andrew McGill "Using infrared backscatter imaging spectroscopy to detect trace explosives at standoff distances", Proc. SPIE 10629, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Sensing XIX, 106290N (16 May 2018); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2304002

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available