Photoacoustic Sensing of Explosives (PHASE)

Abstract

There is a worldwide threat from concealed explosives that target unsuspecting civilians, military personnel, and political officials. Detecting trace explosives residue on exposed surfaces is key to finding the concealed threat device and network source that constructs such devices. To this end, rapid, safe, covert, standoff systems are urgently needed to detect explosive trace. Long-term goals of the ONR PHASE program conducted by MIT Lincoln Laboratory encompass developing a low SWaP system that can optimally detect low fill area trace level explosives residue on common surfaces from significant standoff that lead to 1) transport of concealed lethal explosives used in bomb making and 2) detection of concealed threat devices targeting unsuspecting civilians, military, and political personnel and high value structures, vehicles, and property. The envisioned system will provide useful target standoff and scan/search times for operational requirements that also meets safety requirements for people in the inspection area. The envisioned system will potentially be housed on a robotic platform, ground vehicle, be soldier carried, and/or mounted on a UAV.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 15, 2018
Accession Number
AD1148391

Entities

People

  • Charles M. Wynn
  • John H. Doherty
  • Marius A. Albota
  • Robert W. Haupt

Organizations

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Counter IED
  • Human Systems
  • Sensors
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acoustic Detection
  • Acoustic Emissions
  • Acoustic Signatures
  • Acoustic Waves
  • Detection
  • Detectors
  • Explosive Devices
  • Explosives
  • Explosives Detection
  • False Alarms
  • Field Tests
  • Improvised Explosive Devices
  • Laser Doppler Vibrometers
  • Materials
  • Measurement
  • Nanosecond Time
  • Picosecond Time
  • Shock Waves
  • Warning Systems

Readers

  • Agricultural Chemistry/Soil Science
  • Sensor Fusion and Tracking Systems.
  • Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.

Technology Areas

  • AI & ML
  • AI & ML - DoD AI Strategy
  • Autonomy