A, Small, Low Power, SERS Based Bioagent Detection Module for use within Geospatial Networked Motes.

There is a need for near-real time detection (less than 5 minutes), quantification, and location of biological threat agents in trace quantities given a release within the air column and on battlefields to support troop mobility. Currently, self-contained networked motes are being developed, but lack a modular, swappable nano-film based sensor for the recognition of biological threat agents. Ideal sensor modules would be inexpensive, low power, robust, maintenance free, provide accurate readings in a wide variety of environments, and be flexibly adaptable to detect more than one type of target. Sensor modules that are “smart”, containing embedded processing capabilities for in-place, real-time analysis of raw sensor data, reducing the data management and bandwidth burden on the rest of the wireless network and backend data processing, would be highly advantageous. The objective of this proposed work is to develop such a sensing module, based on the efficient implementation of a miniaturized surface enhanced Raman scattering spectroscopy (SERS) concept. . This Phase I effort will include: the evaluation SERS substrate preparation processes, the evaluation of higher level system interface hardware/firmware, the evaluation of the optical sensing module hardware/packaging design concepts, and the construction and proof of principle demonstration of first generation hardware.