Detection of concealed explosives at stand-off distances using wide band swept millimetre waves

David A. Andrews; Nacer D. Rezgui; Sarah E. Smith; Nicholas Bowring; Matthew Southgate; John G. Baker

doi:10.1117/12.800382

2 October 2008 Detection of concealed explosives at stand-off distances using wide band swept millimetre waves

David A. Andrews, Nacer D. Rezgui, Sarah E. Smith, Nicholas Bowring, Matthew Southgate, John G. Baker

Proceedings Volume 7117, Millimetre Wave and Terahertz Sensors and Technology; 71170J (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.800382
Event: SPIE Security + Defence, 2008, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom

Abstract

Millimetre waves in the range 20 to 110 GHz have been used to detect the presence and thickness of dielectric materials, such as explosives, by measuring the frequency response of the return signal. Interference between the reflected signals from the front and back surfaces of the dielectric provides a characteristic frequency variation in the return signal, which may be processed to yield its optical depth [Bowring et al, Meas. Sci. Technol. 19, 024004 (2008)]. The depth resolution depends on the sweep bandwidth, which is typically 10 to 30 GHz. By using super-heterodyne detection the range of the object can also be determined, which enables a signal from a target, such as a suicide bomber to be extracted from background clutter. Using millimetre wave optics only a small area of the target is illuminated at a time, thus reducing interference from different parts of a human target. Results are presented for simulated explosive materials with water or human backing at stand-off distances. A method of data analysis that involves pattern recognition enables effective differentiation of target types.

Citation Download Citation

David A. Andrews, Nacer D. Rezgui, Sarah E. Smith, Nicholas Bowring, Matthew Southgate, and John G. Baker "Detection of concealed explosives at stand-off distances using wide band swept millimetre waves", Proc. SPIE 7117, Millimetre Wave and Terahertz Sensors and Technology, 71170J (2 October 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.800382

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