The CONSORTIS 16-channel 340-GHz security imaging radar

Abstract

We have completed a 16-channel 340 GHz 3D imaging radar for next-generation airport security screening under the European Union funded CONSORTIS (Concealed Object Stand-Off Real-Time Imaging for Security) project. The radar maps a 1 x 1 x 1 m3 sense volume with ∼1 cm3 voxel resolution at multi-hertz frame rates. The radar has been installed in the CONSORTIS system enclosure and integrated with a passenger control system and command module. The full system will ultimately also incorporate a dual-band passive submillimeter wave imager and automatic anomaly detection software for reliable, ethical detection of concealed objects. A large data collection trial on targets of interest has been conducted to support the development of automatic anomaly detection software. Initial threat detection analysis indicates promising results against aviation-relevant objects including simulant dielectric threat materials.