Passive Infrared Detection of Aerosolized Bacterial Spores

The capability to reliably and remotely detect, identify and track biological aerosols is a critical need for the United States military. EPIR Technologies proposes to improve this capability by making use of the infrared signatures from biological aerosol broadband Mie scattering, comprising both mid and long wavelength infrared (MW/LWIR) components, as well as a potential polarization component. EPIR proposes to meet this need with the design and fabrication of a passive standoff sensor based upon molecular beam epitaxy-grown n-p-n HgCdTe simultaneous two-color infrared focal plane arrays (FPAs) capable of MW/LWIR detection combined with a differential polarization detection capability. Phase I will focus on performance modeling and system trades including FPA geometry, spectral response, noise requirements and operating temperature to meet the system requirements while minimizing cost and risk, and maximizing yield. A parallel effort in Phase I will include polarization grid test structure design, fabrication, and testing on an infrared transparent material. Phase II will focus on infrared detector array prototyping and characterization, as well as system design and fabrication. Phase III will focus on manufacturing with design refinements including field deployable packaging and increasing detection capabilities to include chemical vapors as well as the primary objective of biological aerosols.