SBIR-STTR Award

In this Phase I project, we will define and develop a concept for a multi-analyte sensor system to detect explosive threat compounds of interest at operationally relevant concentrations in seawater. Explosives trace detection and classification will be performed by Emitechs novel technology, which involves smart nanocomposites and multi-parametric electro-optical sensing. We will conduct a feasibility analysis and provide the conceptual design of a compact sensor array for underwater real-time detection and classification of nitro- and peroxide- based explosives. The design of a water-vapor conversion module will be selected and preliminarily tested using simulating breadboards. The number of sensory elements will be determined and the flow cell will be modified accordingly. Also, with high-level assistance from SubChem Sensor System, Inc. (our subcontractor), all necessary equipment/software for integration of the sensor array into an ROV platform will be assessed and conceptually designed. During the 6-months of the Phase I option, we will contribute to the continued progress of the project for a successful transition to Phase II. This time will be spent initiating the transition from a conceptual design to a fabricated package. A working prototype will be fabricated, tested and optimized during Phase II project performance.

Benefit:
The proposed sensing technology will have many applications for Navy missions related to hull searches, harbor demining (as in the Persian Gulf during Iraq War in 2003), the search for the underwater buried UXO, and the safety of sea ports. Also, as a sensor array can be tuned to other groups of target compounds in water (not explosives), such a system will find many commercial applications in environmental monitoring related to water quality control, monitoring and the warning of toxic pollution in harbors, lakes and rivers. In addition, this technology could be employed for oil/gas exploration and mineral deposits on the bottom of the ocean and pipeline inspection. To date, the market analysis displays a highly growing interest in such low-cost and effective sensor devices.

Keywords:
ROV, ROV, Sensor Array, porous silicon, multi-parametric sensing, nanocomposite., Explosive trace detection in seawater, Marine Environment