Optimal Bioaerosol Sampler

Development of an Optimal Bioaerosol Sampler with enhanced optical triggering capability is proposed, following a highly successful Phase I effort that clearly demonstrated feasibility. The threat of a bioaerosol attack can be partially mitigated by deployment of a cost-effective sensor network. High priority programs, such as BioWatch and Portal Shield will benefit from a sensor compliant to Joint Warning & Reporting Network (JWARN) standards, as the proposed sensor will be. For U.S. forces in particular, the high false alarm rate of the Biological Aerosol Warning System (BAWS) is costly in reagents and personnel stress. The Phase II effort will refine and integrate the subsystems, successfully demonstrated in Phase I, to produce a working prototype that meets operational requirements. Successes of the Phase I effort include operation of two subsystems, the high-efficiency electrostatic concentrator, and the prototype acoustic particle sorter. The sensitivity and selectivity of FT-IR instruments provide rapid detection, but the aerosol background is a daunting problem. High SNR FT-IR photoacoustic detection of aerosols and archived samples were also demonstrated and will provide enhanced statistical discrimination. Commercial and scientific opportunities in material processing and aerosol sampling will accrue from development of this technology.