Picometrix, (an Advanced Photonix subsidary) is in negotiations for contract with NASA Phase 1, to develop Miniaturized Time Domain Terahertz Non Destructive Evaluation for In-Orbit Inspection of Inflatable Habitats and Thermal Protection Systems

Another likely contract win for Advanced Photonix! This is the third terahertz contract award within the last 30 days to go along with a 7 million dollar annual contract award for API, to supply 100gig high speed optical receivers,
(which obviously, is not the focus of this blog, but still very exciting to many who read this blog). In rereading the information, it appears picometrix is in contract negotiations, but I anticipate a contract will be consumated. Sorry, if I "jumped the gun", in stating it was final.
 The proposal summary envisions a number of commercial applications upon successful completion of the 3 phase evaluation, including use in characterizing the aging and durability of aircraft and spacecraft materials and components. Materials to be inspected would include ceramics, foams, Kevlar, Aylon, other non-conductive polymer matrix composites. Additional NDE applications would include inspection of soft shell fan containment, thermal protection systems, and composite overwrap pressure vessels.
The proposal summary also lists a number of likely commerical applications
noting that each of the substances  and materials listed above are used in automobiles, ships, and other consummer and industrial products. "A
compact TD-THz imager could be used to inspect automobile dashboards, inspect for delamination of printed circuit boards, inspection of pipe insulation, as well as inspect manufactured parts such as pure plastics and paper products. A compact TD-THz imager would benefit homeland security applications under development such as personnel and luggage inspectio for concealed weapons and explosives (in luggage, shoes, etc)

(Special thanks to bucktailajig on the IV message board for finding  this story, and congratulations to David Zimdars at picometrix, who was the project manager on this development).