The US Navy has awarded a $100,000 Phase I SBIR contract to Zyberwear, Inc. of Orlando, Florida for the development of a new class of high-power lasers operating in the terahertz wavelength region. This spectral region is very attractive for its ability to "see" through clothing and into sealed luggage and packages, but has barely begun to be exploited for lack of a powerful illuminator for the imaging system.

Using proprietary techniques and materials, Zyberwear will develop and demonstrate an operating 10 watt THz laser in Phase I and optimize it for producibility and minimum cost in Phase II.

This laser is a crucial development for Zyberwear in completing its THz system ensemble: THz camera, aperture scanning filter, and this illuminator make a complete and functional integrated system for imaging spectral analysis in medical, agricultural, scientific applications.. and a compelling method for rapidly screening passengers and sealed packages for contraband or explosive threats.

US Navy -- more