Detection of trace explosives on relevant substrates using a mobile platform for photothermal infrared imaging spectroscopy (PT-IRIS)

Kendziora, Christopher A.; Furstenberg, Robert; Papantonakis, Michael R.; Nguyen, Viet Quoc; Byers, Jeff M.; McGill, R. Andrew

doi:10.1117/12.2177255

Cited by 4 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 13 publications

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“…We have been developing an eye-safe stand-off detection technique suitable for the detection of trace amounts of solid explosives (and other hazardous) particulates on solid surfaces [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13] . In order to reach required detection sensitivity levels, we employ high-power (but below the eye-safe limit) tunable quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) as the active illumination source.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Characterization and control of tunable quantum cascade laser beam parameters for stand-off spectroscopy

et al. 2016

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Infrared active stand-off detection techniques often employ high power tunable quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) for target illumination. Due to the distances involved, any fluctuation of the laser beam direction and/or beam profile is amplified at the sample position. If not accounted for, this leads to diminished performance (both sensitivity and selectivity) of the detection technique as a direct result of uncertainties in laser irradiance at each imaged pixel of the sample. This is especially true for detection approaches which illuminate a relatively small footprint at the target since the laser beam profile spatial fluctuations are often comparable to the (focused) laser spot size. Also, there is often a necessary trade-off between high output QCL power and beam quality. Therefore, precise characterization of the laser beam profile and direction as a function of laser properties (tuning wavelength, current and operating mode: pulsed or CW) is imperative. We present detailed measurements of beam profiles, beam wander and power fluctuations and their reproducibility as function of laser wavelength and stand-off distance for a commercially available tunable quantum cascade laser. We present strategies for improving beam quality by compensating for fluctuations using a motorized mirror and a pair of motorized lenses. We also investigate QCL mode hops and how they affect laser beam properties at the sample. Detailed mode-hop stability maps were measured.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Characterization and control of tunable quantum cascade laser beam parameters for stand-off spectroscopy

et al. 2016

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“…Recent efforts have focused on upgrading the mobile platform "cart" originally constructed for outdoor testing [2][3][4][5] . A photograph of the cart is shown in.…”

Section: Pt-iris Mobile Platform Instrumentationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The mobile platform is designed primarily for photo-thermal infrared (IR) imaging spectroscopy (PT-IRIS) [1][2][3][4] . We have previously described aspects of the PT-IRIS concept, theory, and physical simulation, as well as the demonstration of detection of trace explosives indoors, outdoors, and on several types of solid substrates, including fabrics.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Broadband infrared imaging spectroscopy for standoff detection of trace explosives

et al. 2016

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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/cm 2 ). Sensitivity to explosive traces as small as a single 10 μm diameter particle (~1 ng) has been demonstrated.

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“…14 Spectroscopic technologies employ mass spectrometry or infrared spectrometry to detect illicit or hazardous materials. [15][16][17][18][19][20][21] These techniques are able to detect trace amounts of explosive or illicit material in vapor or as residue collected from swabs taken of luggage or a person's skin. These technologies vary greatly in principle but tend to be spot analyses rather than bulk analysis and are unable to detect materials through a barrier -thus a hermetically sealed can poses an insurmountable barrier to the test.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Application of the modified transient plane source technique for early detection of liquid explosives

et al. 2016

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The paper will review the feasibility of adapting the Modified Transient Plane Source (MTPS) method as a screening tool for early-detection of explosives and hazardous materials. Materials can be distinguished from others based on their inherent thermal properties (e.g. thermal effusivity) in testing through different types of barrier materials. A complimentary advantage to this technique relative to other traditional detection technologies is that it can penetrate reflective barrier materials, such as aluminum, easily. A strong proof-of-principle is presented on application of the MTPS transient thermal property measuring in the early-screening of liquid explosives. The work demonstrates a significant sensitivity to distinguishing a wide range of fluids based on their thermal properties through a barrier material. The work covers various complicating factors to the longer-term adoption of such a method including the impact of carbonization and viscosity. While some technical challenges remain, the technique offers significant advantages in complimenting existing detection methods in being able to penetrate reflective metal containers (e.g. aluminum soft drinkscans) with ease.

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Detection of trace explosives on relevant substrates using a mobile platform for photothermal infrared imaging spectroscopy (PT-IRIS)

Cited by 4 publications

References 13 publications

Characterization and control of tunable quantum cascade laser beam parameters for stand-off spectroscopy

Characterization and control of tunable quantum cascade laser beam parameters for stand-off spectroscopy

Broadband infrared imaging spectroscopy for standoff detection of trace explosives

Application of the modified transient plane source technique for early detection of liquid explosives

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