TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER OPPORTUNITY: Real-time 2D-sparse-array microwave or millimeter-wave imaging for transportation security, asset protection, and medical applications

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, operated by Battelle Memorial Institute, Pacific Northwest Division (PNNL)’s Technology Transfer Program solicits inquiries from companies interested in obtaining license rights to commercialize, manufacture, and market the following technology. License rights may be issued on an exclusive or nonexclusive basis and may include specific fields of use. PNNL provides no funding in conjunction with these potential licenses.

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER OPPORTUNITY: Imaging systems for millimeter-wave (MMW) screening of personnel for concealed weapons, narcotics, contraband, and other imaging applications.

Overview: MMW-based imaging systems and methods with increased computational efficiency to enable real-time security scanning applications. The anticipated implementation of such systems is at checkpoints for mass transportation, ports of entry, concert and sports venues, and the protection of high-value assets, among other applications, potentially including specific medical applications.

Description: Screening of personnel for concealed weapons has become increasingly important as threats to aviation and other public venues, such as public arenas and courthouses, have evolved. The security posture at airports has been driven by high-profile events. Screening systems have been primarily directed towards detecting objects, such as weapons and explosives, that are concealed on and under the clothing of individuals. The initial security focus was directed toward detecting concealed handguns and knives, with metal detectors used for passenger screening and X-ray systems for hand-carried baggage and items.

Radar imaging technology, which utilizes microwave and MMW electromagnetic energy, has been demonstrated to detect concealed weapons on individuals because these signals can penetrate common clothing materials and are amenable to precise mathematical focusing techniques. MMW image reconstruction, which requires mathematical focusing of the transmit-receive data, is computationally intensive. Novel sparse array imaging techniques, in conjunction with advanced reconstruction algorithms, have resulted in faster image reconstruction speeds with lower latency and higher resolution, enabling the detection of anomalies and artifacts through clothing with a high level of accuracy. This allows the real-time detection of concealed objects and enhances the throughput potential for security checkpoints. This technology enables real-time walk-through passenger screening, in contrast to the pause-and-pose systems currently deployed.

• https://www.pnnl.gov/millimeter-wave


• https://www.dhs.gov/science-and-technology/news/2025/01/07/feature-article-reimagining-imaging-airport

Benefits:

• MMW technology compatible with walk-by sensors


• Fast image processing


• Supports numerous operational concepts, including self-screening

Applications:

• Security screening of passengers in mass transportation applications (e.g., airports)


• Security scanning at large public venues – concerts, sports, and other venues


• High value asset protection – theft prevention


• Body scans for medical applications

Development Status:

TRL 6

Intellectual Property:

• Imaging Systems and Imaging Methods (Patent pending US18/133,746)


• Real-time 2D Sparse Array Microwave and Millimeter-wave Imaging Systems and Techniques (Patent pending US18/133,777)


• Imaging Systems and Imaging Methods (Patent pending US18/133,749)


• Imaging Systems and Associated Methods (Patent pending US17/959,890)


• Surface Determination Systems, Threat Detection, and Medical Treatment Systems (Patent pending US18/019,631)


• Copyrighted hardware drivers and image reconstruction software

For all inquiries, please reference the following Battelle IPIDs: 31915, 32327, 32283, and 32090.

By coming to PNNL, businesses of all sizes tap into technology and expertise, much of which has been developed through multi-year government investments. At PNNL, we have been creating and moving technologies into the marketplace for more than 60 years. Making our broad array of intellectual property and expertise available to businesses is part of our mission as a taxpayer-funded laboratory operated for the U.S. Department of Energy. It’s our job to tackle the most challenging problems in science, energy, the environment, and national security. By partnering with us, businesses gain valuable insights into emerging and innovative technological developments that help solve their problems.

What We Offer Businesses

• New technologies and other intellectual property available for licensing


• Collaborative development to transform technologies into customized products


• Access to nationally and internationally known, entrepreneurial-minded staff who understand the fast-paced, solution-focused culture of industry


• Connections to a vast entrepreneurial ecosystem for specialized expertise


• Access to EMSL, the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a DOE scientific user facility at PNNL

Learn more about our licensing opportunities and the support we provide at: https://www.pnnl.gov/licensing-technology-transfer

NOTE: THIS IS NOT A PROCUREMENT. The purpose of this opportunity is to promote public awareness of PNNL-developed technology products and potential for future licensing opportunities. We do not engage in purchasing, manufacturing, or procurement decisions, nor do we provide funding. Please send letters of interest to the attention of the POC identified within this opportunity and reference Battelle IPID 31915, 32327, 32283, 32090.

Primary POC: Commercialization Manager, Kannan Krishnaswami