Innovative Sampler and Terahertz Spectroscopy as CBR Sensor

During Phase I of this project MicroEnergy Technologies demonstrated a prototype universal chemical, biological and radiological sensor. Defense against Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) has become increasingly critical national security need. Current technologies are generally targeted for single type of threat. In addition, the biological sensors are generally non-real-time and the current universal systems deployed by joint services are too large and too expensive. MicroET sensor uses solid state THz source and detector developed by vdW Design (Madison, Wisconsin) The objective of this proposal is to develop a portable solid-state device using Terahertz (THz) energy to determine the presence of chemical, biological and radiological hazards. The THz system can be used to alarm against airborne threats. During Phase II, we demonstrated the feasibility of the novel combination of aerosol and gas collector with an all electronic THz spectrometer to non-invasively detect simulants of hazardous chemical vapors, biological pathogens and radiological compounds. During phase II we will optimize and characterized the device for possible filed testing.