This work is intended to jointly address the development, realization and applications of emitters and detectors of terahertz (THz-0.3 THz up to 10 THz) and their application to diagnostics of CBRN effects and detection of explosives and CBRN. Hazardous substances typically exhibit rotational and vibrational transitions in this region, hence giving access to spectroscopic analysis of a large variety of molecules which play a key role in security as well as various other areas, e.g. air pollution, climate research, industrial process control, agriculture, food industry, workplace safety and medical diagnostics can be monitored by sensing and identifying them via THz (0.3 to 10 THz) and mid infrared (MIR-10 THz to 100 THz) absorption “finger prints”. Most plastics, textiles and paper are nearly transparent for THz radiation.

The reader will find here a timely update on new THz sources and detection schemes as well as concrete applications to the detection of Explosives and CBRN. Included is a method to identify hidden RDX-based explosives (pure and plastic ones) in the frequency domain study by Fourier Transformation, which has been complemented by the demonstration of improvement of the quality of the images captured commercially available THz passive cameras. The presented examples show large potential for the detection of small hidden objects at long distances (6-10 m). Complementing the results in the short-wavelength range, laser spectroscopy with a mid-infrared, room temperature, continuous wave, DFB laser diode and high performance DFB QCL have been demonstrated to offer excellent enabling sensor technologies for environmental monitoring, medical diagnostics, industrial and security applications. From the new source point of view a number of systems have been presented - From superconductors to semiconductors, e.g. Detection of Terahertz Waves from Superconducting Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ Intrinsic Josephson Junctions. The quest for a compact room temperature THz source and the recent advances in high power mid-IR QCLs lead to the development of a semiconductor THz source based on intracavity difference frequency generation. Furthermore, alternative electrically pumped THz sources based on the high emission efficiency predicted for polaritonic states in the ultra-strong coupling regime led to the demonstration of electroluminescent devices. Finally, antipolaritons in dispersive media were discussed and different aspects of the interaction of THz radiation with biomatter were presented.

Critical infrastructures are targets for terrorism and deliver a valuable vector through which the proliferation of CBRN and explosive precursors can be detected. Recent technological breakthroughs, notably in the field of near infrared (NIR), mid infrared (MIR), Terahertz (THz) and Gigahertz (GHz) sources and detectors, have led to rugged commercial devices, capable of standoff sensing a range of these dangerous substances. However, at the same time criminal and terrorist organizations have also benefited from the availability of technologies to increase the threat they pose to the security of citizens and a concerted effort is needed to improve early detection measures to identify activities, such as the production of homemade explosives or CBRN that can be potentially dangerous to society. The key global technological bottleneck to be overcome is the current lack of integration and networking of mature detection technology into early warning systems for critical infrastructures. Thus, this book brings together complementary information connecting the research of leading teams working on critical Infrastructure protection with academic developers and industrial producers of state of the art sensors.

Over the last decade, techniques for materials preparation and processing at nanometer scale have advanced rapidly, leading to the introduction of novel principles for a new generation of sensors and detectors. At the same time, the chemical industry, transport and agriculture produce huge amounts of dangerous waste gases and liquids, leading to soil, air and water contamination. One more modern threat - international terrorism - demands that scientists make efforts to apply new principles and technologies to protect society against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) attacks and to develop novel effective technologies for the remediation of large contaminated areas. Accordingly, the main goal of this book is to bring together experts (theorists, experimentalists, engineers and technologists) for an extensive discussion covering: novel principles for functional nanostructures and detector fabrication and implementation, the development of novel technologies for the deactivation of CBRN agents, their experimental realization and their application in novel monitoring and control systems, and technological processes for soil and water remediation, with a view to environmental protection and defence against CBRN-based terrorism. In keeping with the book’s main goal, the following topics are highlighted and discussed: - Sensors and detectors - detection of chemicals, principles of “artificial nose” and chemical “micro-lab on a chip” design, surface and underground water quality monitoring systems, molecular electronics, superconducting electronic devices, quantum detectors and Qubits. - Environmental protection and CBRN - detection of infrared, microwave, X-ray and terahertz radiation. Principles for novel IR-, UV-, and Terahertz-wave devices for the detection of low-contrast objects. - Novel technological processes for CBRN destruction and deactivation. All these topics are strongly interrelated, both with regard to fundamental aspects and to fabrication and implementation technologies; in addition, they are highly promising for application in novel functional devices, computer logics, sensing and detection of low-concentration chemicals, weak and extremely weak magnetic and microwave fields, infrared and ultraviolet radiation. Given its scope, the book will be a useful and interesting guide for a broad readership of engineers, scientists, PhD students and experts in the area of defence against environmental terrorism.

This authoritative new resource provides an overview of the deployment of various devices in systems in actual field conditions and efficacy established in warfare. The book covers laser and optronic technologies that have evolved over the years to build practical devices and systems for use in Homeland Security and low-intensity conflict scenarios. Readers will be able to assess combat and battle-worthiness of various available devices and systems. This book covers state-of-the-art and emerging trends in various optoelectronics technologies having applications in Homeland Security. It provides information on operational aspects, deployment scenarios, and actual usage of laser and optoelectronics based technologies for low intensity conflicts, offering insight into the utility of each technology/device for a given operational requirement. This book evaluates the merits of various laser and optoelectronic sensor based technologies intended for low intensity conflict operations, including counter-insurgency and anti-terrorist operations. It is a useful reference for those specializing in defense electronics and optronics and professionals in the defence industry involved in operation and maintenance of laser based security equipment. Packed with tables, photographs, and a comprehensive list of references in every chapter, this is the only book that covers all topics related to Laser and Optoelectronics devices intended for low intensity conflict operations in a single volume.

Explores broader applications of the THz regime in the agri-food sector Describes system components, different forms of THz systems, and the working principle of THz waves for spectroscopic and imaging techniques Provides insights on future research needs for industrial implementation of THz technology Complements the knowledge of other existing non-destructive spectroscopy and imaging techniques for food analysis

This book provides multifaceted components and full practical perspectives of systems engineering and risk management in security and defense operations with a focus on infrastructure and manpower control systems, missile design, space technology, satellites, intercontinental ballistic missiles, and space security. While there are many existing selections of systems engineering and risk management textbooks, there is no existing work that connects systems engineering and risk management concepts to solidify its usability in the entire security and defense actions. With this book Dr. Anna M. Doro-on rectifies the current imbalance. She provides a comprehensive overview of systems engineering and risk management before moving to deeper practical engineering principles integrated with newly developed concepts and examples based on industry and government methodologies. The chapters also cover related points including design principles for defeating and deactivating improvised explosive devices and land mines and security measures against kinds of threats. The book is designed for systems engineers in practice, political risk professionals, managers, policy makers, engineers in other engineering fields, scientists, decision makers in industry and government and to serve as a reference work in systems engineering and risk management courses with focus on security and defense operations.