Manportable Chemical and Biological Sensor

Center for Laser Studies (USC-CLS), as subcontractors, propose to develop a ruggedized, solid-state laser-based, Manportable Chemical and Biological Sensor (MCBS) for the purpose of detecting biological and chemical warfare agents in the field. The MCBS will be capable of operating at a 50 Hz pulse repetition rate, will occupy less than 0.5 cubic foot in volume, and will have a weight of less than 20 pounds. The MCBS will be capable of simultaneous operation in the eyesafe (1.5-1.6 micron) band, and in the 8-12 micron band, and will have the capability of rapidly switching wavelengths within these bands at a 50 Hz, or greater, rate. The MCBS will providetopographical CL measurements out to several kilometer ranges, and will have a range capability of at least 8 kilometers for aerosol clouds. The main goal of the Phase I effort will be to demonstrate the feasibility of our transmitter design, thus providing the basis for Phase II system development. BENEFITS: The wavelength agility techniques developed here are broadly applicable to both military and commercial markets. Potential commercial markets include the remote detection and monitoring of chemical pollutants. This includes the detection of hazardous industrial waste chemicals.