Hand-Held Stand-off Explosive Identification System
Portable Raman-Based Explosive Detector Identifying 50 Explosives and Precursors in Under 10 Seconds
The HHEI Hand Held Stand-off Explosive Identification System is a fully portable laser-based explosive identification system designed and supplied by System Controls for stand-off detection and identification of explosives and chemical precursors at border posts, checkpoints and security screening locations. Using Raman scattering, the HHEI illuminates target materials with a 532 nm laser and analyses backscattered signals against an onboard library of 50 explosives and precursors, delivering a positive identification in under 10 seconds with a limit of detection of approximately 10 mg. At approximately 4.5 kg, it is a fully self-contained handheld system requiring no external equipment for field operation.
What is HHEI?
The HHEI is a complete portable stand-off identification system with built-in hardware and software for screening of explosives and chemicals without physical contact with the target material. The hardware comprises an opto-electronic system housed in a portable mechanical assembly, integrating front optics, HR mirror, dichroic mirror, focusing optics, laser source, spectrograph, single board computer, laser driver, power card PCB, battery and navigation and control panel with display. The 532 nm laser at 400mW variable power illuminates target materials and the backscattered Raman signal is collected through 50mm optics and processed by the onboard single board computer against a library of 50 explosives and chemical precursors. Identification results are delivered in under 10 seconds with a limit of detection of approximately 10 mg, making the HHEI directly deployable for field screening at borders, checkpoints, critical infrastructure and event security operations.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Operational Principle | Raman scattering |
| Stand-off Range | 30cm (for systems with weight of ~4.5 kg) |
| Limit of Detection (LoD) | ~10 mg |
| Detection Time | < 10 sec |
| Laser Wavelength | 532 nm |
| Optics Aperture | 50 mm |
| Laser Power | 400 mW (Variable) |
| Laser Linewidth | 0.1 nm |
| Spectral Range | 530–640 nm |
| Spectral Resolution | 5-10 cm-1 |
| Library | 50 Explosives/precursors |
Sub-10 Second Identification from Stand-off
The HHEI delivers identification of explosives and chemical precursors in under 10 seconds from a 30cm stand-off range without requiring physical contact with the target material. This rapid, non-contact identification capability makes the system directly deployable by security personnel at borders, checkpoints and access control points where speed and operator safety are both critical requirements.
10 mg Limit of Detection for Trace Identification
The HHEI achieves a limit of detection of approximately 10 mg, enabling reliable identification of trace quantities of explosive material that may not be visible or detectable through conventional inspection methods. Combined with 400mW variable laser power, 50mm optics aperture and 5-10 cm⁻¹ spectral resolution, this trace detection capability supports thorough screening even where only minimal quantities of material are present.
50-Entry Explosive and Precursor Library
The onboard library covers 50 explosives and chemical precursors, providing comprehensive coverage of the threat materials encountered in defence, border security and critical infrastructure protection scenarios. Library matching is performed by the integrated single board computer, delivering clear identification results on the onboard display within the detection time without external processing infrastructure.
Raman Spectroscopy for Positive Material Identification
Raman scattering produces a unique spectral fingerprint for each material, providing positive identification rather than simple detection. This specificity reduces false positive rates compared to non-specific detection technologies, giving security personnel high confidence identification results in the rapid sub-10 second screening time required at busy border posts, airports and event security operations.
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Standoff identification of explosives and chemical precursors using Raman scattering. 532 nm laser, identification in under 10 seconds, 50-entry library, 10 mg detection limit, 4.5kg portable handheld system.
532 nm laser illuminates the target; the backscattered Raman signal produces a spectral fingerprint that is matched against a 50-entry onboard library in under 10 seconds from a 30 cm standoff distance, without physical contact.
It can identify 50 explosives and chemical precursors in the onboard library.
Under 10 seconds, with an approximate limit of detection of 10 mg.
Yes. It weighs approximately 4.5 kg and is fully self-contained, with built-in hardware, software, display, SBC, laser driver, power card, and battery. No external equipment is required.
A 532 nm laser at 400 mW variable power, with 0.1 nm linewidth and a 50 mm optics aperture.
From 530 to 640 nm, with 5–10 cm ¹⁻ spectral resolution.
Front optics, HR mirror, dichroic mirror, focusing optics, laser source, spectrograph, single board computer, laser driver, power card PCB, battery, navigation and control panel and display.
