SBIR-STTR Award

We propose to study and develop a novel, highly sensitive and selective optochemical portable detection system for stand-off detection (more than 300 m) of IED hazard. In Phase-I, the feasibility of the concept will be demonstrated at a distance of 150 m for major nitro-explosives (TNT, RDX, PETN) deposited on the surface with concentration ~ ng/mm2. The two main transduction mechanisms will be tested: polymer fluorescence quenching and spectral shift of resonance peak of nanoporous Si microcavity infiltrated with imprinted silica. The unique nanodevice structure provides a large surface area between the sensory material and the analytes leading to the highest sensitivity, which is critical for fast detection (response time is about several seconds) of low vapor pressure explosives. Stand-off sensing will be provided by ballistic delivery in conjunction with laser excitation/interrogation followed by the signal processing. The proposed technology is highly innovative and promising for future developments. We have demonstrated some of the key issues for its implementation, thus the successful completion of Phase-I is highly possible. In Phase-II, the developed prototype will be capable of detecting IEDs from the stand-odd distance of more than 300 meters in the presence of common operational interferences.

Keywords:
Ieds, Explosives, Fluorescent Sensory Polymers, Porous Silicon Microcavity, Fluorescence Quenching, Molecular Imprinting

We propose to develop a novel, highly efficient, soldier-borne system for real-time detection and neutralization of IED hazards at a stand-off distance of 150 meters and more. The proposed approach is a significant advance in stand-off explosive detector technologies, combining image processing with chemical detection signature and ballistic delivery of the sensory material to inspected objects. This allows fast identification of major explosives contained in IEDs (less than 2-3 second) followed by IED neutralization. In Phase I, the feasibility of the explosive detection concept was demonstrated using fluorescence imaging (FLIM) approach. In Phase II, major efforts will be focused on the improvement of the fluorescence imaging method such as stand-off distance extension; enhancement of the fluorescence quenching contrast by the lock-in imaging and using narrow band-pass filtering; image processing/pattern recognition and integration ballistic delivery means with recording/ processing equipment in one portable package (less than 20 pound). The neutralization system will be identified and designed to work in conjunction with the IED detector. In Phase II, two developed prototypes (FLIM-I and FLIM-II) will be tested at stand-off distance of 150 m and more and test results will be compared with modeling efforts. The Phase II prototype will prove to be an essential link between the accomplishments of Phase I and the development of a commercially viable technology in Phase III which have a wide variety application in the military and commercial sectors.

Keywords:
Explosive Detection, Ied, Fluorescence Quenching, Optochemical Chemosensors, Stand-Off Ied Detection, Ballistic Delivery, Fluorescence Imaging