Substance Detection for Security Screening Using Terahertz Imaging Technology

The ability of terahertz radiation to render many non-metallic and non-polar substances transparent provides for many security applications. In this paper we will focus on the possible application of terahertz radiation scanning the contents for illicit substances in common use suitcases in secure areas. Suitcases and contents were simulated by sandwiching a cotton sheet between nylon or plastic, with the cotton being laced with illicit substances of varying concentrations. Data was then obtained by use of terahertz spectroscopy and the substances were identified based on reference samples.