This proposal describes the novel concept of using innocuousenergy sources to enhance the desorption, from clothing surfaces, of chemical vapors associated with explosives. The First Omega Group, Inc. proposes to demonstrate the suitability of this concept which would enable the construction of equipment that can be located at airport passenger screening areas. The device is expected to encourage the desorption of vapors emanating from explosives which other wise tend to "stick" to clothing fabric, possibly avoiding detection. It is further expected that this can be accomplished without affecting (disturbing or endangering) the persons being screened. The objective of Phase I research is a laboratory demonstration of the novel concept in Phase II, pre-production prototype equipment will be designed, fabricated and field tested. If proven feasible, this concept will be the basis for improved detection of explosives in airports, thus improving the security and reducing terrorism.
