Stand-off Detection of Chemical, Biological and Explosive Material Surface Contamination by Thermal Emission

In this proposal, Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) outlines the development of a system for stand-off detection of chemical and biological warfare agents and explosive (CBE) materials on surfaces. The system includes an illumination source to heat and desorb thermolysis products of contaminants from the surface and a fast spectrometer to collect the resulting thermal emission signature. The identity of the contaminant is determined through real-time analysis of the emission spectrum against a library of spectra. The Phase I program focuses on measurements and modeling to assess and optimize the measurement approach. The intensity and temporal profile of the infra-red (2 - 12 micrometer) thermal emission signature will be characterized as a function of illumination wavelength and pulse width and energy. A thermal model will be developed to optimize the characteristics of the illumination system to maximize the thermal emission signature. A prototype instrument design will be developed and in Phase II, the prototype contamination monitor will be assembled and tested. The design goal for the Phase II system will be stand-off detection (50 meters) of CBE materials at surface loadings >=0.1 g/m^2 on any number of surface types such as concrete, plastic, steel and painted surfaces on buildings and vehicles.