Data associated with 'Design and Development of a Semtex Simulant Suitable for Measurements at THz Frequencies Using a Genetic Algorithm'

The development and use of terahertz-frequency (THz) spectroscopy systems for security screening has shown an increased growth over the past 15 years. In order to test these systems in real world situations, safe simulants of illicit materials are required, particularly of explosives. Ideally simulants should mimic key features of the material of interest, such that it at least resembles or even appears indistinguishable from the material of interest to the interrogating technique(s), whilst not having hazardous or illicit properties. Ideally, simulants should: have similar physical properties such as malleability, density, surface energy, volatility etc; be non-toxic; be easy to clean and decontaminate from surfaces; be recyclable or disposable; and, be useable in a public environment. A THz explosive simulant would require spectral features at similar frequencies to those in a common explosive, in this instance Semtex-H, but would be safe to handle and be non-explosive. Here, we present a method for developing such a simulant based on a database of THz spectra of common organic molecules, and the use of a genetic algorithm to select a mixture of compounds automatically to form such a simulant. We propose four mixtures that could then be used to test the response of any instrument, working at terahertz frequencies, without the need for an explosive substance.