Investigation of biomaterial classification using T-rays

Abstract

The use of terahertz pulses (T-rays) for imaging has created a wide range of new applications. This paper investigates a number of techniques for optimally classifying terahertz data. Specifically we consider statistical pattern classification methods. A goal of this research is to implement a classifier as for classifying biomaterials. The objective is to train a classifier using THz images of known materials and then to use the classifier to identify the materials present in unknown images. Potential applications in security systems for airports, customs, and post offices are significant, because we can actually identify the material inside the package without opening it, based on a material"s broadband frequency signature.