Stand-off explosive sensing and imaging with scanning dual-comb spectrometer

A proof-of-concept scanning stand-off dual-comb spectrometer for explosives detection and identification at 3 m distance is demonstrated. Detection of two types of explosives: RDX and PETN on various surfaces was carried out in reflection- absorption and backscattering modes. A scanning area of 18 cm x 18 cm (400 pixels) was covered in similar to 2.5 sec. Identification method used was based on Pearson's correlation coefficients between the recorded reflection-absorption (backscatter reflection) spectra and transmission (reflection) FTIR of substances. Detection limits using the laboratory system of similar to 2.g/cm(2) were achieved.

Automated summary

A proof-of-concept scanning stand-off dual-comb spectrometer for explosives detection and identification at a 3 m distance is demonstrated. Detection of two types of explosives, RDX and PETN, on various surfaces was carried out using reflection-absorption and backscattering modes. The results show that the device has the features of fast scanning, accurate identification, and low detection limits.