Handheld Photoacoustic Chemical Agent and Toxic Industrial Material Detector

Manning Applied Technology proposes to develop a handheld infrared spectrometer, ideally suited to detection of airborne chemical agents at and below permissible exposure limits. This approach offers unmatched sensitivity and specificity for detection of all types of chemical vapors. The instrument is modular, rugged, compact and highly sensitive. Volume pricing will be less than $1000 each. The vision is to combine, for the first time, a preconcentrator with a photoacoustic detector that uses high- sensitivity MEMS microphone. A novel field-widened interferometer will provide high throughput from a high-efficiency infrared source. A computer-machined aluminum housing and COTS handheld computer complete the system. Dr. Pedersen will demonstrate a new approach to MEMS microphone design. Dr. Manning, the Principal Investigator, is an internationally recognized FT-IR spectrometer design expert. Military uses of the technology include a variety of sensing activities for personnel protection and monitoring of asymmetric attacks. Commercial applications include a wide range of process and quality control, medical, environmental monitoring, laboratory research, field measurements and remote sensing applications. Conservative estimates indicate a $40 million per year market for the technology. The low cost insures that it will capture a significant market share. ATK/MRC will provide Phase I, II and III support.