Portable Ultraviolet Raman Imaging Sensor for Trace Explosives Detection

There is a large and growing U.S. Government and commercial market for sensors that can detect, identify and rapidly map contamination and threat materials on surfaces, especially trace explosives. The objective of this Phase II SBIR is to design, integrate, test and deliver a UV Raman Imaging sensor system for the detection and identification of trace explosive particles on surfaces with high spatial resolution. Phase II builds on the success of Phase I, which demonstrated the feasibility of the sensor through modeling and simulation verified by laboratory measurements with a testbed system. The conclusion of the Phase I effort is that the UV Raman Imaging system is predicted to be able to detect explosive particles in the size range of 5 microns to 10 microns and density 1 microgram/cm2 from a standoff distance of 1 meter with a 30 second integration time. In Phase II, we follow a system engineering approach to establish a design based on end-user requirements. Key trade studies are performed to arrive at the optimal hardware and algorithmic choices for the sensor. Following a critical design review, the sensor hardware, control software and identification algorithms will be integrated and its performance verified prior to delivery.