No Power Detection and Identification of Nerve Agents

Rapid identification of asymmetric warfare modes, including unconventional chemical agents based attacks, is vital to the protection of U.S. armed forces personnel. Existing detection methods use bulky and expensive laboratory equipment to analytically determine the identity and concentration of chemical threats, negating their battlefield use. Colorimetric indicators such as the currently deployed M8 and M9 detection papers are the fastest, cheapest, lightest and easiest type of detector to use; however, these cannot detect vapor form chemical agents, and are highly susceptible to false positives from bug spray, smoke, gasoline and strong bleach. Lynntech proposes development of a passive colorimetric sensor array platform, capable of detecting and identifying a variety of organophosphate based nerve agents. The sensor array will consist of a combination of different nanoparticles based chemistries and color changing dyes. The nanoparticles will be attached permanently to the polymer support that will react with the chemical agent. The reaction products will induce a visible color change to the imbedded dye molecules. The sensor array will operate on a field rugged support to identity levels of chemical threat molecules. The sensors will be sensitive, rugged, reagentless and low cost and will meet the specifications outlined in the solicitation.