Assessment of Millimeter-Wave and Terahertz Technology for Detection and Identification of Concealed Explosives and Weapons

Assessment of Millimeter-Wave and Terahertz Technology for Detection and Identification of Concealed Explosives and Weapons

  • Publisher: National Academies Press
  • ISBN: 9780309104692
  • eISBN Pdf: 9780309668491
  • eISBN Epub: 9780309179911
  • Place of publication:  United States
  • Year of digital publication: 2007
  • Month: March
  • Pages: 89
  • DDC: 600
  • Language: English

The security of the U.S. commercial aviation system has been a growing concern since the 1970's when the hijacking of aircraft became a serious problem. Over that period, federal aviation officials have been searching for more effective ways for non-invasive screening of passengers, luggage, and cargo to detect concealed explosives and weapons. To assist in this effort, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) asked the NRC for a study of emerging screening technologies. This report—the third of four—focuses on currently maturing millimeter-wavelength/terahertz imaging and spectroscopy technologies that offer promise in meeting aviation security requirements. The report provides a description of the basic operation of these imaging systems, an assessment of their component technologies, an analysis of various system concepts, and an implementation strategy for deployment of millimeter-wavelength/terahertz technology screening systems.

  • FrontMatter
  • Preface
  • Acknowledgment of Reviewers
  • Contents
  • Figures and Tables
  • In Memoriam
  • Executive Summary
  • 1 Introduction
  • 2 Basic Operation of Systems and Phenomenology
  • 3 Component Technology
  • 4 System Concepts
  • 5 Implementation Strategy for the Deployment of Millimeter-Wavelength/Terahertz Technologies for Aviation Security
  • 6 Conclusions and Recommendations
  • Appendixes
  • Appendix A Acronyms
  • Appendix B Committee Biographies

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