SBIR-STTR Award

We present a highly qualified team, including security experts and technical experts, and a patent-pending new microcantilever array sensor technology (which has been tested for chemical and explosive detection) to be integrated with low-cost electronics and networking modules and implemented as an inexpensive and easily deployable solution to the shipping container inspection problem. Because of the flexibility and advantages of the proposed platform, such a system could provide monitoring of containers for pollutants, toxic industrial chemicals, and chemical and biological agents with one low-cost sensor array in each container. The overarching objective of this work is to develop sensing inspection and assessment technologies for remotely screening in-bound shipping containers for use on-shore during container loading and unloading, and in offshore holding areas for inbound container ships. In Phase I of the program, we will develop a sensor and implementation methodology, and demonstrate proof-of principle data collection and analysis. In phase II of the award, larger arrays of more sensitive microcantilevers will be fabricated and packaged with standard ICs for implementation in a small network of sensor units embedded in two or more shipping containers. These containers will undergo a field test with chemical and/or explosive laden mock cargo

The remarkable sensitivity, compactness, low cost, low power-consumption, scalability, and versatility of microcantilever sensors make this technology possibly the best solution for container screening. In Phase I, Nevada Nanotech Systems (NNTS) successfully demonstrated all components of a prototype sensor system for measuring the concentrations of unlawful or hazardous materials in shipping containers. The 20-month Phase II program will be an iterative development effort whereby successive versions of a field prototype are built, tested, modified and optimized. The effort will be split into two, 10-month programs, A and B. The Phase II A program is structured as a concentrated design cycle, followed by the building of a field prototype and initial laboratory testing of this instrument. The Phase II B program begins with a focused period of field prototype testing in a lab environment, emphasizing key performance metrics. The sensor will be tested using varying analyte concentrations and varying mixtures. During two field tests, the sensor system will be installed in a shipping container and exposed to controlled traces of chemical and/or explosive vapors. The objective of this program is a robust, rigorously characterized field prototype sensor system ready for development into a commercial product.

Keywords:
Chemical, Explosive, Biological, Sensor, Piezoelectric, Cantilever, Array, Container