Stand-Off Detection of Functionalized Nanoparticles

In this Phase I SBIR, the feasibility of a chemical, biological, or explosive (CBE) agent micro-taggant monitoring system will be demonstrated. In Phase I, existing CBE-taggants will be evaluated and compared to a novel, solar-insensitive, invisible, lanthanide oxide quantum dot nanocrystal microtaggant. The developed CBE-taggants will emit in the near-infrared (NIR) and shortwavelength infrared (SWIR), enabling US warfighters with unique detection equipment. The lanthanide oxide nanocrystals will be coupled to proteins or secondary antibodies, to enable a variety of specific chem-bio conjugates - optimizing their functionality for CBE agents. The CBE mictotaggants will be tested against environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and smog, and other known risk item, and the microtaggant system will be tested in the laboratory suing commercial off the shelf (COTS) interrogating laser probes and NIR and SWIR cameras. Using the developed concept of operations (CONOPS), we will refine the micro-taggant monitoring system, so that in Phase II, a small-sized, lightweight, prototype system, compatible with man-portable or UAV operation, can be field demonstrated for interrogation, activation, and detection of functionalized nanparticles at over 100 meter distance. The system will be delivered to the AF at the completion of Phase II.