Course-Terahertz Technology in Homeland Security and Defense (SC718)

Course Level: Introductory
Instructor: Ruth M. Woodward, HT Consultants Ltd. (United Kingdom)
http://spie.org/x1145.xml?course_id=M0000782&topic_id=5

Course Details

This course will introduce the basic techniques in terahertz technology for imaging and spectroscopy in homeland security and defense. The course reviews the progress of the technology in the security and defense arena, including recent developments in sources and detectors. The focus will be specifically on the application of the technology for improvised explosive device (IED) detection and chemical and biological sensing. The methods required for the successful imaging and spectroscopy of target materials will be discussed, in addition to the appropriate implementation of standards for identifying the viability of terahertz technology in this arena. The student will receive an understanding of the challenges and potential of terahertz technology in homeland security and defense.

Learning Outcomes

This course will enable you to:

• describe the current progress of terahertz technology in homeland security and defense
• explain the signatures observed in the terahertz region and associated merits for time or frequency domain analysis
• understand the limitations of the terahertz technology for stand-off detection
• identify problems associated with image generation and spectroscopy
• understand the appropriate experiments required for identify the viability of terahertz technology in security and defense
• conclude the areas where terahertz technology has potential

Intended Audience

This material is directed at scientists, researchers, managers and government interested in the application of terahertz technology for homeland security and defense initiatives. Those currently in the field of terahertz technology or wishing to enter and explore this field will find this course valuable.

Instructor

Ruth M. Woodward is director and founder of HT Consultants Ltd., a specialist consultancy firm in terahertz technology. She has been involved in the application of terahertz pulsed imaging and spectroscopy to the medical industry since its foundation in 1999. During her PhD research on ‘Terahertz pulsed imaging and spectroscopy applied to dermatology’, she identified a terahertz contrast between diseased and normal tissue in basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer, which led to an explosion of interest in the application of terahertz technology to the medical industry, and the subsequent commercialization of terahertz imaging systems in this area. As Chair of SPIE Global Homeland Security Technical Group Standards Subcommittee, she also takes an active interest in the implementation of product and safety standards in security and defense, in addition to alternate methods for improving homeland security.