Rapid Low Vapor Pressure Chemical Detection Using a Hand-held Artificial Nose

The Phase I research proposed here focuses on three areas of innovation necessary for low vapor pressure chemical detection using our hand-held artificial nose device: 1) We will optimized sensor construction methods to improve the sensitivity and discrimination ability of individual chemical detectors in the device. 2) We will design and test new vapor sampling methods. Vapor sampling is an area of aerodynamic research for which there are few data available. 3) We will improved the optical components of the device by designing and testing LED driver circuitry and passive optical components, with the goal of improving sensor signal-to-noise. These studies are therefore instrumental for demonstrating the feasibility of using the device for detecting and identifying low vapor pressure chemicals and will support the preliminary design review due at the end of the Phase I period.