Miniature CBR Sensor with Combined Sampler and Terahertz Spectroscopy

MicroEnergy Technologies in conjunction with vdW Design (at the University of Wisconsin-Madison) has demonstrated feasibility of development of a unique non-intrusive chemical and biological agent detection system during Phase I. The need for CBR threat detection has become increasingly critical to national and international security. Current detection techniques rely on systems that are intrusive, expensive, time-consuming or unreliable. A non-intrusive Terahertz (THz) CBR detection approach demonstrated during phase I will enable reduced shipboard workload for functions (such as examining packages delivered to Navy ships) and will increase the ship's protection against asymmetrical threats. The objective of this proposal is to develop a portable solid-state device to interrogate shipboard hazards with Terahertz (THz) energy to determine the presence of chemical and biological hazards. While the initial focus is on screening packages, the proposed system is safe for people screening, and when afloat, the THz system can be used to alarm against airborne threats. During Phase I, we demonstrated the efficacy of the novel combination of microstructured aerosol and gas collector with an all electronic THz spectrometer to non-invasively detect simulants of hazardous chemical vapors and biological pathogens. The participants have substantial experience in every aspect of the novel combination of filtration and detection, including air sampling for CB agents, surface sampling, and optical spectroscopy. During Phase II, we will focus on development of a portable prototype for demonstration with biological agents in a certified agent lab.