Thermal Infrared Surface Contamination Sensor

A thermal infrared imaging spectrometer is proposed for the remote detection and identification of surface contaminants. The instrument will use a high power, pulsing CO2 laser to vaporize the liquids while it scans the target scene generating 3Dspectral-images. The instrument will be pre-programmed with a library of contamination filters that can automatically identify contaminants that could be present in any of the image pixels. The instrument will have a 30 degree field of view, weigh 14 kg,and consume 80 watts of power. It can be deployed on a number of platfroms. Key attributes include reggedness, reliability, and high efficiency, Will provide the Army with a wide FOV, standoff chemical detection imaging spectrometer that can be deployedon a variety of platforms. Can provide city governments with the means to monitor air pollution while siumultaneously monitoring the possible release of chemcial agents in public places. Can provide port authorities with a means to monitor spills andleaks from oil tankers. Can be used by the medical industry to detect cancer or to detect arterial soft-plaque buildup.