Optically Covert Detection of Trace WMD Residues

It is challenging to detect CBRN weapons production facilities that are hidden in residential and industrial neighborhoods. Once the weapons are manufactured, they will be sealed and removed from the site of production, so developing techniques to reveal the presence of the weapons will likely be fruitless. In this project, we will develop indicators that can be applied covertly around suspected weapons manufacturing areas. When these indicators are exposed to precursors for the production of either chemical weapons or bio-weapons, they will produce a distinct, covert signal that can be viewed from a distance using standard military equipment. The indicators will be inexpensive to manufacture, and will be safe for release in the environment.