Through container THz sensing: applications for explosives screening

The THz spectra of the high explosives, HMX, RDX, PETN, and TNT were measured using the technique of Time Domain THz (TD-THz) spectroscopy, and resonances attributed to phonon bands were observed. The TD-THz methods used to obtain these spectra are described and strategies for improved data collection methods are outlined. Concepts for through container DIfferential Absorption Lidar (DIAL) are outlined and the suitability of TD-THz methods for DIAL sensing is discussed.