Techniques for dynamic object detection

An object scanning apparatus, comprising:

• a terahertz source for generating a propagated optical beam;
• an inspection zone defined by an inspection surface and an in-focus region of the optical beam wherein the optical beam remains substantively in three-dimensional focus;
• a force application mechanism for creating a range of motion of a container within the inspection zone;
• an imaging sensor for collecting a time series of optical beam energy signals from the inspection zone as a function of the range of motion;
• and
• an image processor for receiving the time series and generating a series of images representing transmission or reflection as a function of the range of motion, wherein the image processor identifies a region of interest to determine a characteristic of an object.

An object scanning apparatus, comprising:

• a terahertz source generating a propagated optical beam;
• an inspection zone defined by an in focus region of the optical beam wherein objects interact with the optical beam;
• a force application mechanism for applying a mechanical force to an object in the inspection zone;
• an imaging sensor configured to collect first and second optical beam images, the force application mechanism applying force for at least one of the first and second optical beam images, wherein the force is used to change a physical property;
• and
• an image processor for acquiring data from the imaging sensor and processing the first and second images to determine a characteristic of the object.