SBIR Phase I: Precision Refractometry for Chemical Detection

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project describes a compact and low-cost optical based system for the rapid detection of chemicals. The detector system relies on precision measurements of refractive index changes from analytes absorbed within a thin film polymer coating. Significant advantages in sensitivity and stability are obtained from the long coherence length of a laser compared to existing methods. Feasibility will be demonstrated during the Phase I effort with a proof of principle experiment designed to monitor trace amounts of water vapor; Phase II will result in a fully designed and characterized prototype system. A compact, high sensitivity monitor of specific chemicals in both vapor and liquid having modest cost of material would find wide spread application in the areas of environmental and industrial detection. Large commercial markets have been identified for air and water quality monitoring, the monitoring of volatile organic compounds, and trace moisture