EXPLOSIVE DETECTOR FOR RAPID SITE SEARCH

Menon and Associates, Inc. proposes to develop a new explosive-detection system. The system will support site searches by enabling rapid collection and analysis of particulate samples, revealing prior explosive handling in the area. The system will thus reveal clandestine preparation sites for explosive devices such as IED's, car bombs, and suicide belts as well as ordnance rework, arms storage, and any other activity which generates particulate residue of explosive material. The proposed system includes a sample collection unit and an analysis unit. The collection unit is a hand-held vacuum-type evidence collector, which deposits sample material in special filtered vials. The analysis unit is based on the MENTOR (Mobile Environmental Threat Detector), a miniature magnetic resonance (MR) instrument to analyze characteristic explosive signals within the collected material. Prototype tests have demonstrated high detection probability for small quantities of explosives. Modifications of the prototype system have also demonstrated high sensitivity for chemical/biological weapons and their precursors. In Phase I we plan to test nitrogen-detection upgrades and test the hand-vac technique with filter vials. In Phase II we will field-test a fully functional unit and initiate a rapid manufacturing program.