Stand-off detection of trace explosives by infrared photothermal imaging

Michael R. Papantonakis; Chris Kendziora; Robert Furstenberg; Stanley V. Stepnowski; Matthew Rake; Jennifer Stepnowski; R. Andrew McGill

doi:10.1117/12.818752

8 May 2009 Stand-off detection of trace explosives by infrared photothermal imaging

Michael R. Papantonakis, Chris Kendziora, Robert Furstenberg, Stanley V. Stepnowski, Matthew Rake, Jennifer Stepnowski, R. Andrew McGill

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 7304, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Sensing X; 730418 (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.818752
Event: SPIE Defense, Security, and Sensing, 2009, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

We have developed a technique for the stand-off detection of trace explosives using infrared photothermal imaging. In this approach, infrared quantum cascade lasers tuned to strong vibrational absorption bands of the explosive particles illuminate a surface of interest, preferentially heating the explosives material. An infrared focal plane array is used to image the surface and detect a small increase in the thermal intensity upon laser illumination. We have demonstrated the technique using TNT and RDX residues at several meters of stand-off distance under laboratory conditions, while operating the lasers below the eye-safe intensity limit. Sensitivity to explosives traces as small as a single grain (~100 ng) of TNT has been demonstrated using an uncooled bolometer array. We show the viability of this approach on a variety of surfaces which transmit, reflect or absorb the infrared laser light and have a range of thermal conductivities. By varying the incident wavelength slightly, we demonstrate selectivity between TNT and RDX. Using a sequence of lasers at different wavelengths, we increase both sensitivity and selectivity while reducing the false alarm rate. At higher energy levels we also show it is possible to generate vapor from solid materials with inherently low vapor pressures.

Citation Download Citation

Michael R. Papantonakis, Chris Kendziora, Robert Furstenberg, Stanley V. Stepnowski, Matthew Rake, Jennifer Stepnowski, and R. Andrew McGill "Stand-off detection of trace explosives by infrared photothermal imaging", Proc. SPIE 7304, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Sensing X, 730418 (8 May 2009); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.818752

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