Hybrid Laser Spectroscopy for Real-Time Standoff Detection of Explosive Residues on Individuals

Kurzfassung

Our technical demonstrator for the rapid standoff detection of explosive residues on individuals aims towards a significant advancement in security screening technology, particularly for airport security checks. This innovative system integrates Mid-Infrared (MIR) and Raman spectroscopy with advanced tracking, auto-focusing, and real-time analysis capabilities, focusing on enhancing sensitivity to achieve low detection limits for explosive residues on peoples’ shoes. Achieving the desired sensitivity and low detection limits presents challenges. When scanning peoples’ shoes for explosives, the shoe materials themselves are bound to influence the quality and clarity of the spectral results making analysis difficult. Additionally, the useable laser power is limited due to regulations regarding eye and skin safety. To tackle these challenges, the development of sophisticated analytical algorithms for both Raman and MIR spectroscopy is essential.