The Development of a Semtex-H Simulant for Terahertz Spectroscopy

The Development of a Semtex-H Simulant for Terahertz Spectroscopy

The development and use of terahertz (THz) frequency spectroscopy systems for security screening has shown an increased growth over the past 15 years. In order to test these systems in real-world situations, safe simulants of illicit materials, such as Semtex-H, are required. Ideally, simulants shou...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of infrared, millimeter and terahertz waves Vol. 38; no. 3; pp. 325 - 338
Main Authors: Greenall, N., Valavanis, A., Desai, H. J., Acheampong, D. O., Li, L. H., Cunningham, J. E., Davies, A. G., Linfield, E. H., Burnett, A. D.
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: New York Springer US 01-03-2017
Springer Nature B.V
Subjects:
Classical Electrodynamics
Decontamination
Electrical Engineering
Electronics and Microelectronics
Engineering
Genetic algorithms
Instrumentation
Organic chemistry
Physical properties
Security
Spectral sensitivity
Spectroscopy
Spectrum analysis
Surface energy
Terahertz frequencies
Volatility
Semtex
Simulant
Explosive
Terahertz
Time-domain spectroscopy
Genetic algorithm
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Summary:The development and use of terahertz (THz) frequency spectroscopy systems for security screening has shown an increased growth over the past 15 years. In order to test these systems in real-world situations, safe simulants of illicit materials, such as Semtex-H, are required. Ideally, simulants should mimic key features of the material of interest, such that they at least resemble or even appear indistinguishable from the materials of interest to the interrogating technique(s), whilst not having hazardous or illicit properties. An ideal simulant should have similar physical properties (malleability, density, surface energy and volatility to the material of interest); be non-toxic and easy to clean and decontaminate from surfaces; be recyclable or disposable; and be useable in a public environment. Here, we present a method for developing such an explosive simulant (for Semtex-H) based on a database of THz spectra of common organic molecules, and the use of a genetic algorithm to select a mixture of compounds automatically to form such a simulant. Whilst we focus on a security application, this work could be applied to various other contexts, where the material of interest is dangerous, impractical or costly. We propose four mixtures that could then be used to test the spectral response of any instrument, working at terahertz frequencies, without the need for an explosive substance.
ISSN:1866-6892
1866-6906
DOI:10.1007/s10762-016-0336-z