Highly Sensitive and Selective Optochemical Sensors Based on Organic-Inorganic Nanocomposite for Real-Time, Standoff Detection of Vehicle-Borne IEDs

Emitech, Inc proposes to design and develop a novel, highly sensitive and selective optochemical sensor array based on organic-inorganic nanocomposites for real-time, standoff detection of vehicle-borne IEDs. The main principle of detection, as distinct from other luminescent chemical sensors, is based on the emission quenching of sensory polymers entrapped into mesoporous photonic crystal (or microcavity). The unique nanodevice structure will provide a large interfacial surface between the sensory material and the analytes leading to the highest sensitivity, which is critical for rapid detection (dwell time is on the order of seconds) of low vapor pressure chemicals, like explosives. In Phase I we performed a feasibility study and proved the proposed concept by demonstrating that emission quenching is accompanied by a spectral shift when sensory polymers entrapped in the unique microcavities. This novel effect is critical to the development of sensor arrays possessing high selectivity and sensitivity to explosive vapors. In Phase II the demonstrated new technology will be further developed and optimized to fabricate a prototype sensor array for Army missions and commercial applications. A sensor array will be placed on the tip of the lightweight telescopic probe/console (length up to 20 m and longer) which can be mounted to a HMMWV or other armor vehicles. Also, this device can be installed on the small robotic vehicle or mini unmanned plane (standoff distance is of 100 m) teleoperated from a HMMWV.