Terahertz Spectroscopy and Imaging for Defense and Security Applications Laboratory experiments indicate that, with more powerful sources and more sensitive detectors, terahertz techniques have great potential for detection and identification of concealed explosives.

TLDR: THz technologies are promising for the standoff detection and identification of explosive targets and the opportunity for transformational advances in defense and security is offered.

Abstract: Terahertz (THz) radiation, which occupies a relatively unexplored portion of the electromagnetic spectrum between the mid-infrared and microwave bands, offers inno- vative sensing and imaging technologies that can provide information unavailable through conventional methods such as microwave and X-ray techniques. With the advancement of THz technologies, THz sensing and imaging will impact a broad range of interdisciplinary fields, including chemical and biological detections and identifications. In particular, THz radiation offers the opportunity for transformational advances in defense and security. Recent work shows that THz technol- ogies are promising for the standoff detection and identifica- tion of explosive targets.