Chemical Agent Detector

To address the Air Force need for a non-intrusive NBC agent detection approach for use with DoD gas masks and garments, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Chemical Agent Detector (CADET). This CADET technology is based on changes in electrical charge carrier mobility in organic thin-film transistors during chemical vapor interaction with semiconducting organic thin films. The CADET technology uses multiple (>5) organic thin-film transistors on a single chip (<1-in. diameter) and onboard electronics with a pattern recognition algorithm to measure concentrations of chemical agents and determine exposure levels in the individual wearer. The innovation in using multiple sensor elements will enable the system to not only detect the presence of agents but also quantitatively identify them and notify the wearer the extent of exposure. The miniature sensor design and visible warnings will allow the proposed technology easy interfacing with gas masks or garments, and timely action. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate the feasibility of CADET by detecting and identifying five different chemical stimulants using a benchtop prototype in laboratory. In Phase II, POC plans to develop a fully operational CADET, including an onboard signal processing unit, for use by the Air Force. BENEFIT: Development of CADET will provide the military with a reliable, hands-free method to rapidly determine the identity and exposure level of CWAs during asymmetric warfare involving NBC agents. CADET will also be useful for law enforcement personnel and first responders to enter a contaminated area and perform their duties. Commercial applications of CADET include use by environmental protection agencies to monitor a variety of chemical pollutants in the environment and regulate air quality. In addition, CADET will be useful for monitoring the indoor and outdoor air of chemical plants and oil refineries. The main advantages of CADET over existing chemical analyzers include simultaneous in situ measurement of multiple CWAs at lower operating costs. The proposed CADET, with minor modifications, will also have other commercial applications, including terrorism-related biological agent monitoring for homeland security, and wastewater monitoring near chemical/biological disposal plants.