Detection of Permethrin in Military Uniforms via Microwave NDE

Permethrin content in the Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform (MCCUU) decreases during active field duty, potentially exposing Marines to disease-carrying insects. Chemical based tests are currently impossible to perform in-situ under field condition, requiring consumables, bulky equipment, and a long test time. Under this effort, Nokomis will develop a handheld permethrin detection device that uses nondestructive microwave absorption measurements to determine the concentration of permethrin in the MCCUU in less than two seconds. All chemical species absorb microwave energy as they undergo energy state transitions. Nokomis device will target multiple frequencies in the microwave frequency band where permethrin exhibits its characteristic absorption behavior. Experimental tests on controlled sample sets will be performed to derive requirements for the handheld device. Current expectations are that the developed product will weigh less than two pounds, fit within a Marines pocket, and perform accurate tests on any part of the uniform within two seconds. Sensitivity to concentrations as low as 50 pico-grams per square centimeter are expected through use of Nokomis microwave sensor technology as a foundation for the handheld device. The technology developed under this program is thereby anticipated to exceed stated Marine Corps requirements for the handheld permethrin detection device.