Micro-Machined Aerodynamic Lens Aerosol Concentrator for Particulate Sampling

The proposed project will develop a novel aerosol concentrator based on aerodynamic lens technology capable of achieving very high concentration factors in a compact device, fabricated using micro-fabrication methods to achieve low cost, compact size, high reliability, high throughput, and extremely high precision and repeatability. In this project we will develop Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) models of fluid flow and particle trajectories. We will fabricate prototype lenses, arrays, and complete aerosol concentrators using micro-fabrication techniques; we will test those lenses using inert aerosols and simulant bio-aerosols to determine device performance and effects on organism viability; and we will make detailed comparisons between CFD modeling predictions and the experimental results. We will develop collaborative arrangements with one or more BAND contractors and will design and fabricate a commercial prototype aerosol concentrator and interface it to one or more BAND analyzers. For the commercial prototype we will utilize a fabrication method suited to mass production at very low cost per device. In conjunction with the BAND contractor, we will test our commercial prototype aerosol concentrator and document its performance. Our device will be applicable to a wide range of particulate sampling markets including security, environmental monitoring, military, and industrial pollution control.