Explosive Substance Detection Spectrosopic Standoff System

To address the HSARPA need for remote detection of vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIED) and suicide-bomber threats, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Explosive Substance Detection Spectroscopic Standoff System (ESD3S) based on integration of infrared (IR) structure resonance modulation spectroscopy (SRMS) and wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS). The key element of the ESD3S is an ultralarge aperture narrowband light generator (NLG), which emits light at two periodically modulated wavelengths: test and reference. Absorption by explosive particles causes periodical scattering of readout light emitted by LED or intensity modulation of the test light passing through explosive vapors. Near-trace-level sensitivity is achieved by combining phase-detection electronics with the NLG ultralarge aperture. Detection on several absorption lines (fingerprints) provides high selectivity against commonly encountered materials. The proposed system offers real-time, reliable detection of multiple solid or liquid explosive contaminants in variable environmental conditions (flexible ConOps). Operation in infrared spectrum and the NLG packaging design hide the detection process. In Phase I POC will demonstrate feasibility of the ESD3S prototype with direct measurements of explosives simulants in critical near-trace-level concentrations. In Phase II POC plans to develop and deliver the working engineering system for extended testing at an environmentally contained government facility.