Infrared Derivative Spectroscopy for Open Path Sensing

There is a long-standing military, homeland security and industry need for compact, portable sensors to remotely detect, identify and quantify chemical and biological warfare agents and other hazardous species at significant standoff ranges. Current LWIR Fourier transform spectrometers are mechanically complex and sensitive, and susceptible to interference from atmospheric background fluctuations. Spectral Sciences Inc. and Boston University propose the development of a long-path sensor based on a novel derivative multiplexed spectrometer technology that provides high sensitivity, high-speed processing, on-the-fly spectral adaptability, and mechanical stability, all in a rugged package with no macro-scale moving parts. The instrument would operate in two modes, a survey mode for species detection and a pre-processing mode for sensitive measurement. The use of an arbitrarily programmable spectrally selective element makes it suitable for all types of derivative spectroscopy, including novel optically multiplexed approaches, which have the potential for unprecedented sensitivity and background rejection. In Phase I we will develop an engineering design for a prototype Phase II system, project its performance, and compare it with conventional devices. In Phase II we will construct a prototype instrument suitable for low-volume production.