SBIR-STTR Award

The proposed goal of Nevada Nanotech Systems Inc for the Phase I program is to select a practical technological solution and develop a Con-Ops for the problem of detecting U.S. currency via unique vapor signature(s) in confined spaces for three related, though unique, application scenarios (bags, vehicles, and shipping containers). Nevada Nano will document a matrix of technical and operational requirements for three application areas, identifying commonalities and key differences. Nevada Nano will map the requirements to the capabilities of various existing technologies and assess the tradeoffs. Any gaps in the technology capabilities versus application requirements will be identified and workarounds developed to minimize the impacts. The Phase II goal is to fabricate systems for field testing, achieve satisfactory detection results in these tests, and provide detailed documentation of the performance. It is expected that a field-proven technology (TRL10) can be adapted for this application; however the need for adaptation will reduce the TRL to about 5/6 at the end of Phase I. Rapid increases to TRL7/8 are expected early in Phase II. The anticipated results are: 1. a comprehensive listing of requirements for this task based on prior studies and additional tests 2. a detailed assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of each possible technology solution with documented test results demonstrating baseline capabilities 3. a selection of the best fit technology and clear documentation of the strengths and weaknesses of the technology 4. conceptual design of any adaptations required for this application

The proposed goal of Nevada Nanotech Systems Inc for the Phase II program is to adapt a commercially available gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer instrument for the problem of detecting U.S. currency via unique vapor signature in confined spaces and then field test three prototype units, operated by government personnel, during a 6-month field test. After this test, we will provide detailed documentation of the performance. The anticipated results for Phase II are: 1)Fabrication of at least three prototype systems for full evaluation. 2)Development and implementation of adapted sample collection, data analysis and user interface hardware and software. 3)Initial field-simulation evaluation of the prototypes in a laboratory setting. 4)The enabling and support of a 1-week initial field trial at a border checkpoint with government personnel operating the system. 5) Modification, as necessary, of the prototype systems based on performance data and information gathered during the 1-week initial trial. 6)The enabling and support of a 6-month evaluation of these systems in the field with government personnel operating the system. 7) Completion of a comprehensive assessment of the system's performance, including changes to the Con-Ops, instrument performance (capabilities and shortfalls), recommended changes to the instrument, and recommendations for the revalidation/ qualifications testing if changes are required.