Covert Optically-Reporting Threat-Functionalized Nanomaterials

To address the limitations of diagnostic equipment for chemical and biological warfare agent threats, Voxtel proposes to further develop low-cost, rapid biological-threat-reporting optical nanomaterials for a tag-track-and-locate system to consistsing of five components: 1) nanocrystal nanobeacons, a series of covert threat-functionalized optical identifiers with near-infrared through short-wave infrared spectral signatures functionalized to report their optical signatures only when exposed to specific threats; 2) delivery system, enabling tagging of the person, vehicle, material, or area of interest; 3) concentration system, enhancing the threat signal using sol-gel or mechanical tools; 4) optical interrogation source, including passive solar, UV solar blind lasers, and NIR lasers or flashlights; and 5) nanobeacon read system, providing filters to demonstrate different signals for different threats with standard night-vision goggle systems. Voxtels multi-spectral imaging technology will demonstrate an integrated, simultaneous view of different threats reported by different nanobeacons in the same assay. The technology will dramatically reduce time and costs associated with chemical biological warfare agent threat detection. This technology enables U.S. Forces and anti-terror agencies worldwide to use their currently fielded stationary and unmanned systems to respond to chemical and biological warfare agent threats in the low-cost, rapid, efficient, and effective manner demanded by peacekeeping missions.