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

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.

Table of Contents

• Front Matter
• 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
• Appendix A: Acronyms
• Appendix B: Committee Biographies
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