Optical Stand-Off Detection of Explosive Residue

Energy Research Company (ERCo) has developed and proven the feasibility of a novel and highly powerful sensor technology for detecting films and residues of explosive materials. This sensor will enable the detection of improvised explosive devices (IED’s), car bombs, and other weapons being used against U.S. and allied forces. By optically scanning surfaces that the bomber has likely touched, for example, car door handles and windowsills, from distances as far as 10’s of meters away, the sensor will detect explosive residues in a safe and discreet fashion. The benefits of the proposed design are: · Multiple and orthogonal detection technologies combine to improve sensitivity and minimize false alarms · Stand-off capability of 50 meters · Technology is expandable to future threats from new explosive formulations · High degree of eye safety · Rapid scanning – 10’s seconds per scan · Compact – Humvee or tripod mounted · Utilizes commercial-off-the-shelf equipment. During Phase I, we experimentally detected explosives down to 1 microgram/cm2 and were able to distinguish explosives from other materials. In Phase II we will continue development and will test a full-scale prototype.