Production of an Optimal biological Obscurant

A multi-spectral obscurant that is non-toxic and biodegradable will lower risks to personnel and to the environment. We propose to produce an effective and safe obscurant by combining the fermentation products of several strains of photosynthetic bacteria. By mixing pigments and whole bacteria from several strains we will create an obscurant with significant adsorption of ultraviolet, visible and infrared electromagnetic radiation. In Phase I studies we will devise an optimal multi-spectral obscurant by computer simulation. We will prepare a preproduction batch of our optimal biological obscurant and test the spectral and dispersion characteristics of the material. BENEFITS: Current obscurants used in the battlefield and in training are toxic to personnel on the ground and damage surrounding flora and fauna. To lower the risk to personnel and the environment, and to generate considerable cost savings, a multi-spectral obscurant that is non-toxic and biodegradable is highly desirable.