Advanced LWIR Hyperspectral System for On-the-Move Standoff Detection of Liquid and Solid Contaminants on Surfaces

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) proposes to utilize an innovative LWIR hyperspectral technology coupled with advanced data processing algorithms for non-contact, standoff detection of liquid/solid contaminants on surfaces. The technology will address the US Army"s need for fast, on-the-move, non-contact detection of ground contamination during reconnaissance missions. The Phase I effort demonstrated the feasibility of the concept through the development of a system model and validation of the model using a laboratory breadboard. Based on the validated system model and a review of the Concept of Operations, a conceptual design of the detection system was generated. In addition, an algorithm framework was developed using field data and simulated data. In the Phase II effort, the conceptual design will be implemented to generate a full system design. The assembled system prototype will be evaluated through field testing and refined based on the Army"s evaluation and feedback. By the end of the Phase II program PSI will develop and validate a TRL 5 prototype system capable of on-the-move (~10 mph) detection of contaminant particles with surface density of 0.5 g/cm2 with Pd>90%.