Batteryless Sensors for Intrusion Detection and Assessment of Threats

A batteryless and wireless sensor for intrusion detection and assessment of threats which requires no battery, external power or wiring is proposed. These types of sensors derive energy from passing vehicles or persons, and indicate their presence, location, speed, etc., via a self-generated short-range radio signal. These sensors require no maintenance, and can be inconspicuously placed in windows, doors, and other entry locations. They may be used for fixed and mobile assets. The first phase of the proposed program identifies newly developed technology that can be used to meet a variety of U.S. Nuclear security applications. Improvements in materials, electronics, and manufacturing techniques will permit rapid sensor development for testing. Requirements for these systems will be investigated and new types of sensors based upon different phenomenology will be identified. Advanced feasibility models will then be built and tested. the sensors will be designed to communicate via RF to an existing low-cost multi-channel receiver. Phase I will identify innovative and very low-cost designs for batteryless sensors. Phase II will take the selected designs to a pre-production status where they can be rapidly transitioned into Phase III for commercialization. The use of batteryless and wireless sensors offers savings in purchase price, installation, maintenance and repair. The elimination of wiring is extremely attractive for nuclear weapon facility and home/business security systems. This is particularly true of existing facilities where the expense of wiring is generally cost prohibitive and cosmetics are a concern. These sensors can be used in countless applications for detecting the presence of intruders, vehicles, and other possible threats. Due to their inconspicuous nature and very low-cost, law enforcement agencies will find them very attractive.