Terahertz (THz), Mid Infrared (MIR) and Near Infrared (NIR) Technologies for Protection of Critical Infrastructures Against Explosives and CBRN

Critical infrastructures are targets for terrorism, and technological breakthroughs have led to rugged commercial devices capable of standoff sensing. However, criminal and terrorist organizations have also benefited from the availability of technologies, and a concerted effort is needed to improve early detection measures to identify activities that can be potentially dangerous to society. 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.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 285 pages
Publication date: 02 May 2022
Publisher: Springer

Critical infrastructures are prime targets for terrorism, providing a valuable channel for the detection of CBRN and explosive precursors. Recent technological advancements, particularly in near infrared (NIR), mid infrared (MIR), Terahertz (THz), and Gigahertz (GHz) sources and detectors, have resulted in robust commercial devices capable of standoff sensing a wide range of these hazardous substances. However, concurrently, criminal and terrorist organizations have also gained from the availability of technologies to enhance their threat to public security. A concerted effort is urgently required to enhance early detection measures to identify activities, such as the production of homemade explosives or CBRN, that pose significant risks to society.

The primary global technological challenge to overcome is the lack of integration and networking of mature detection technology into early warning systems for critical infrastructures. To address this issue, 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.

The importance of robust infrastructure protection cannot be overstated, as the consequences of a successful attack on critical infrastructure can be catastrophic. Recent events, such as the 9/11 attacks in the United States and the Mumbai attacks in India, have highlighted the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to terrorism. In addition to the immediate physical damage and loss of life, such attacks can also have long-term economic and social consequences, such as disruption to transportation, communication, and power systems, which can have far-reaching impacts on society.

To mitigate the risks associated with terrorism, it is essential to have effective detection and prevention measures in place. One of the most effective methods for detecting CBRN and explosive precursors is through the use of advanced sensing technology. These technologies can provide real-time monitoring of critical infrastructure and can detect even small amounts of these substances, which can be difficult to detect using traditional methods.

One of the most promising technologies for CBRN detection is near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. NIR spectroscopy is a non-destructive method that can detect a wide range of substances, including explosives, chemicals, and biological agents. NIR spectroscopy can be used in a variety of applications, including airport security, border control, and industrial process monitoring.

Another promising technology for CBRN detection is mid infrared (MIR) spectroscopy. MIR spectroscopy is similar to NIR spectroscopy, but it can detect substances that are not visible to the human eye, such as gases and liquids. MIR spectroscopy is often used in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries to detect the presence of impurities and contaminants.

Terahertz (THz) spectroscopy is another promising technology for CBRN detection. THz spectroscopy is a non-destructive method that can detect substances that are not visible to the human eye or to other traditional sensing technologies. THz spectroscopy is often used in the medical and pharmaceutical industries to detect the presence of cancer and other diseases.

Gigahertz (GHz) spectroscopy is another promising technology for CBRN detection. GHz spectroscopy is a non-destructive method that can detect substances that are not visible to the human eye or to other traditional sensing technologies. GHz spectroscopy is often used in the telecommunications industry to detect the presence of interference and other problems.

In addition to these advanced sensing technologies, it is also important to have effective networking and collaboration between different stakeholders, such as government agencies, private companies, and academic institutions. This collaboration can help to ensure that the most effective detection and prevention measures are in place and that the risks associated with terrorism are minimized.

One of the key challenges in implementing effective detection and prevention measures is the lack of standardization and interoperability of detection technology. Different detection technologies may use different protocols and standards, which can make it difficult to integrate and share information. This can lead to gaps in coverage and a lack of coordination between different stakeholders.

To address this challenge, it is important to develop and promote standardization and interoperability of detection technology. This can be achieved through the development of open-source software and protocols that can be used by different stakeholders to share information and coordinate their efforts. In addition, it is important to develop and promote training programs that can help to ensure that stakeholders have the skills and knowledge necessary to implement effective detection and prevention measures.

Another challenge in implementing effective detection and prevention measures is the lack of funding and resources. Many government agencies and private companies may not have the resources necessary to implement effective detection and prevention measures. This can lead to gaps in coverage and a lack of coordination between different stakeholders.

To address this challenge, it is important to increase funding and resources for detection and prevention measures. This can be achieved through the development of public-private partnerships, which can help to pool resources and expertise. In addition, it is important to develop and promote funding programs that can help to ensure that stakeholders have the resources necessary to implement effective detection and prevention measures.

In conclusion, critical infrastructures are prime targets for terrorism, providing a valuable channel for the detection of CBRN and explosive precursors. Recent technological advancements have resulted in robust commercial devices capable of standoff sensing a wide range of these hazardous substances. However, at the same time, criminal and terrorist organizations have also gained from the availability of technologies to enhance their threat to public security. A concerted effort is urgently required to enhance early detection measures to identify activities, such as the production of homemade explosives or CBRN, that pose significant risks to society.

To address this challenge, it is essential to have effective detection and prevention measures in place. One of the most effective methods for detecting CBRN and explosive precursors is through the use of advanced sensing technology. These technologies can provide real-time monitoring of critical infrastructure and can detect even small amounts of these substances, which can be difficult to detect using traditional methods.

In addition to these advanced sensing technologies, it is also important to have effective networking and collaboration between different stakeholders, such as government agencies, private companies, and academic institutions. This collaboration can help to ensure that the most effective detection and prevention measures are in place and that the risks associated with terrorism are minimized.

To address the challenges associated with implementing effective detection and prevention measures, it is important to develop and promote standardization and interoperability of detection technology. This can be achieved through the development of open-source software and protocols that can be used by different stakeholders to share information and coordinate their efforts. In addition, it is important to develop and promote training programs that can help to ensure that stakeholders have the skills and knowledge necessary to implement effective detection and prevention measures.

Finally, it is important to increase funding and resources for detection and prevention measures. This can be achieved through the development of public-private partnerships, which can help to pool resources and expertise. In addition, it is important to develop and promote funding programs that can help to ensure that stakeholders have the resources necessary to implement effective detection and prevention measures.

Weight: 468g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789402420845
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021