Developments towards real-time active and passive submillimetre-wave imaging for security applications

Both active and passive submillimetre-wave stand-off imaging systems are under development for security imaging applications. The drivers for operation at higher frequencies have been the desire for better image resolution, smaller optics package, reduced susceptibility to specular reflections from the human skin and capability for stand-off imagery. In this paper we summarise our efforts on devices, components and systems which could eventually pave the way for fast, real time, high-resolution imaging systems for the submillimetre-wave range.