– Working topic: Concepts for hazard prevention based on the detection of objects hidden on the body – Hidden Thread Detector (HiTD).
– Short description of the content with reference to photonics at the IPHT or networking at the IPHT: The aim of the project is to create a novel and practice-relevant method based on passive submillimeter wave scanning, which allows the assessment of the hazard potential of persons or groups of persons from a distance and can be used in a legally permissible manner. The core of the project is the further development of the passive terahertz camera in the direction of better practical applicability in order to enable later commercial exploitation by the participating SMEs. The IPHT is to solve several important subtasks in the project: the establishment of a detector technology for a working temperature of 4-6 K, the development of a SQUID-based high-frequency multiplexing method for the detector readout, as well as the hardware-related image processing. This requires the networked collaboration of several research departments of the IPHT.
– Short description State of the art; which top performances and unique selling points are achieved compared to this state of the art:
– TES detectors for submillimeter waves: TES represent an established technology and are widely understood scientifically. However, for scientific purposes, TES are typically used at sub-Kelvin temperatures to achieve the highest sensitivity. In this project, on the other hand, cooling effort and cost are to be reduced, so a working temperature of 4-6 K seems reasonable. TES of high sensitivity at this working temperature represent a novelty.

The project is funded by the VDI Technology Center under the number 13N14713.
The project is funded by the BMBF with the grant number 13N14713.