Portable Stand-off Detection of IEDs Based on Fluo

We propose to study and develop a novel, highly sensitive and selective optochemical portable detection system for stand-off detection (more than 300 m) of IED hazard. In Phase-I, the feasibility of the concept will be demonstrated at a distance of 150 m for major nitro-explosives (TNT, RDX, PETN) deposited on the surface with concentration ~ ng/mm2. The two main transduction mechanisms will be tested: polymer fluorescence quenching and spectral shift of resonance peak of nanoporous Si microcavity infiltrated with imprinted silica. The unique nanodevice structure provides a large surface area between the sensory material and the analytes leading to the highest sensitivity, which is critical for fast detection (response time is about several seconds) of low vapor pressure explosives. Stand-off sensing will be provided by ballistic delivery in conjunction with laser excitation/interrogation followed by the signal processing. The proposed technology is highly innovative and promising for future developments. We have demonstrated some of the key issues for its implementation, thus the successful completion of Phase-I is highly possible. In Phase-II, the developed prototype will be capable of detecting IEDs from the stand-odd distance of more than 300 meters in the presence of common operational interferences.