Terahertz Detection System for Hidden Hazardous Substances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current long-distance explosive detection technologies face limitations in identifying hidden hazardous substances due to issues such as ionization risks from X-rays, limited penetrability, and distortion from atmospheric absorption, particularly in terahertz spectroscopy, which hampers effective and safe detection at extended ranges.
Innovation Solution
A method combining continuous wave terahertz imaging with multi-wavelength spectroscopy, where terahertz imaging quickly locates suspicious areas and selects frequency bands with good atmospheric transmittance for further substance identification, using a wavelength tunable terahertz radiation source to enhance detection efficiency and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If X-ray backscattering imaging is used for long-distance explosive detection, then detection distance is improved, but ionization harm to human health occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electromagnetic radiation parameter from X-ray to terahertz wave, which has lower energy and no ionization effect, thereby eliminating harm to human health while maintaining long-distance detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of electromagnetic radiation by selecting terahertz frequency range that provides both sufficient penetration distance and safety for human health, turning a harmful technology into a safe one
2Length of stationary object
If laser spectroscopy is used for long-distance detection, then detection distance is improved, but ability to detect hidden explosives is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines imaging function and spectroscopy function into a single terahertz detection system, enabling the system to both locate hidden explosives through imaging and identify them through spectroscopy, achieving multi-functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges continuous wave terahertz imaging technology with multi-wavelength spectroscopy technology into an integrated detection system, combining the advantages of both methods
3Measurement precision
If terahertz spectroscopy is used for substance identification, then composition identification capability is improved, but atmospheric absorption distortion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary selection of frequency bands with good atmospheric transmittance before spectroscopy measurement, avoiding severe atmospheric absorption effects in advance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating frequency parameter to select terahertz frequency bands that experience less atmospheric absorption, thereby reducing spectrum distortion while maintaining substance identification capability
4Measurement precision
If conventional terahertz imaging is used for locating suspicious objects, then location capability is improved, but detection speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary imaging to locate suspicious areas before conducting detailed spectroscopy measurement, quickly narrowing down the detection target to reduce overall detection time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the detection process into two stages: imaging stage for locating suspicious areas and spectroscopy stage for identifying substances, segmenting the detection task to improve efficiency
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables simultaneous identification of hidden hazardous substances by shape and composition, improves detection speed, and mitigates atmospheric absorption effects, providing better penetrability and signal quality for long-distance detection.
Implementation Method 1
terahertz radiation has a very strong penetration through many non-metallic and non-polarity substances and can directly detect hidden hazardous substance
Implementation Method 2
a lot of organic molecules are characterized by characteristic absorption and dispersion within a terahertz frequency band so that the terahertz spectrum of a substance exhibits a 'fingerprint' property
Implementation Method 3
images are formed by electromagnetic radiation of millimeter wave band emitted by the detected object itself or reflected back from the object
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an apparatus for detecting hidden hazardous substance including the steps of: performing terahertz imaging for a detected object; judging whether there is a suspicious area containing the hidden hazardous substance in a terahertz image of the detected object obtained by the terahertz imaging; performing a multi-wavelength spectroscopy measurement to the suspicious area, determining whether the hazardous substance is contained in the suspicious area according to results of multi-wavelength spectroscopy measurement; and outputting the image of the detected object and hazardous substance detecting result. Also disclosed is an apparatus for implementing the method for detecting the hidden hazardous substance according to the present invention. Determination of the hidden hazardous substance can be performed from the perspectives of shape features and substance composition, thus the accuracy of detection is greatly increased.