SBIR-STTR Award

The objective of this proposal is to evaluate the efficacy of the novel combination of microstructured aerosol and gas collector and terahertz (THz) spectroscopy techniques to non-invasively collect and detect hazardous chemical vapors, biological pathogens and toxins, and nuclear materials of interest. MicroEnergy Technologies and the University of Wisconsin-Madison have substantial experience in every aspect of the novel combination of filtration and detection, including air sampling for CBR agents, surface sampling, and optical spectroscopy. We will integrate a miniaturized terahertz spectroscopy system with microstructures to develop a state-of-the-art high signal-to-noise ratio chemical, biological, and nuclear agent detection system. During Phase I of this project, we will perform the feasibility of development of this system and demonstrate the approach with simulants, while during Phase I option and Phase II we`ll focus on development of a prototype for demonstration with real agents in a certified agent lab. The development of man-portable noninvasive NBC detection device will enable personnel to detect chemical, biological, and nuclear contamination for emergency response, law enforcement and military applications.

During Phase I of this project MicroEnergy Technologies demonstrated a prototype universal chemical, biological and radiological sensor. Defense against Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) has become increasingly critical national security need. Current technologies are generally targeted for single type of threat. In addition, the biological sensors are generally non-real-time and the current universal systems deployed by joint services are too large and too expensive. MicroET sensor uses solid state THz source and detector developed by vdW Design (Madison, Wisconsin) The objective of this proposal is to develop a portable solid-state device using Terahertz (THz) energy to determine the presence of chemical, biological and radiological hazards. The THz system can be used to alarm against airborne threats. During Phase II, we demonstrated the feasibility of the novel combination of aerosol and gas collector with an all electronic THz spectrometer to non-invasively detect simulants of hazardous chemical vapors, biological pathogens and radiological compounds. During phase II we will optimize and characterized the device for possible filed testing

Keywords:
CBR, NBC, Detection, Terahertz, THz, Aerosol, Gas