Hull Contamination Measurement

We propose to develop a device to identify hull surface contamination, such as lubricants and amines formed during the coating process, using a measurement technique that can be adapted to a ship construction environment. The method we have demonstrated in our Phase I program is laser light scattering, specifically standoff Raman scattering, to provide a noncontact, high-speed, accurate method of checking for and chemically identifying surface contaminants, allowing focused treatment of contaminated areas and better use of paints and coatings. This Phase II program builds upon the successful Phase I effort that demonstrated the capability to identify specific hull contaminants at a distance from a metal surface with the Companys compact Raman platform and an integrated telescope configuration. The goal of the Phase II program is to fabricate a prototype test device based on the Raman study of Phase I and, in consultation and collaboration with Navy shipyard personnel, to demonstrate the performance capabilities of the prototype to locate contaminants in a controlled laboratory environment.