NQR detection of explosive simulants using RF atomic magnetometers

Mark C. Monti; Dimitri A. Alexson; Jeffrey K. Okamitsu

doi:10.1117/12.2224053

3 May 2016 NQR detection of explosive simulants using RF atomic magnetometers

Mark C. Monti, Dimitri A. Alexson, Jeffrey K. Okamitsu

Proceedings Volume 9823, Detection and Sensing of Mines, Explosive Objects, and Obscured Targets XXI; 98230Y (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2224053
Event: SPIE Defense + Security, 2016, Baltimore, MD, United States

Abstract

Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance (NQR) is a highly selective spectroscopic method that can be used to detect and identify a number of chemicals of interest to the defense, national security, and law enforcement community. In the past, there have been several documented attempts to utilize NQR to detect nitrogen bearing explosives using induction sensors to detect the NQR RF signatures. We present here our work on the NQR detection of explosive simulants using optically pumped RF atomic magnetometers. RF atomic magnetometers can provide an order of magnitude (or more) improvement in sensitivity versus induction sensors and can enable mitigation of RF interference, which has classically has been a problem for conventional NQR using induction sensors. We present the theory of operation of optically pumped RF atomic magnetometers along with the result of laboratory work on the detection of explosive simulant material. An outline of ongoing work will also be presented along with a path for a fieldable detection system.

Citation Download Citation

Mark C. Monti, Dimitri A. Alexson, and Jeffrey K. Okamitsu "NQR detection of explosive simulants using RF atomic magnetometers", Proc. SPIE 9823, Detection and Sensing of Mines, Explosive Objects, and Obscured Targets XXI, 98230Y (3 May 2016); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2224053

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available