Fieldable, Portable Mass Spectrometer for Chem-Bio Agent Detection

Analysis of chemical and biological samples in the field has many advantages over laboratory analysis. Laboratory analyses can be slow, involve increased expense, lead to additional waste generation and disposal problems, and may introduce errors due to sample degradation or mishandling. In situ analysis mitigates all of these problems. The specific aim of this project is the development of a truly fieldable and portable mass spectrometer for chemical and biological agent analysis. Our device will feature greatly reduced size and improved portability over commercially available units by combining proven miniaturized mass spectrometer, vacuum system, and mass analysis technologies. These technologies will be combined with an easy-to-use package and interface that will enable soldiers-in-the-field to perform chemical and biological analyses. The Creare team is extremely well qualified to develop and transition/commercialize this technology. Creare is a leading developer of miniaturized instruments for use in military applications, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Microsystems Laboratory is a pioneer in the development of MEMS mass analyzers.