A novel infrared hyperspectral imager for passive standoff detection of explosives and explosive precursors

The passive standoff detection of vapors from particular explosives and precursors emanating from a location under surveillance can provide early detection and warning of illicit explosives fabrication. DRDC Valcartier recently initiated the development and field-validation of a novel R&D prototype, MoDDIFS (Multi-Option Differential and Imaging Fourier Spectrometer) to address this security vulnerability. The proposed methodology combines the clutter suppression efficiency of the differential detection approach with the high spatial resolution provided by the hyperspectral imaging approach. This consists of integrating the imaging capability of the Hyper-Cam IR imager with a differential CATSI-type sensor. This paper presents the MoDDIFS sensor methodology and the first investigation results that were recently obtained.