Electromagnetic Field Overexposure Indicator

There is a need for a personal radiofrequency radiation (RF) alarm that has theability to detect high levels of electromagnetic field exposures, in both near andfar-field situations, so that personnel can perform their duties without healthhazards in environments mandated by DOD operations. This project will evaluate thefeasibility of developing a small, inexpensive portable alarm to detect exosures toRF electric and magnetic fields, up to extremely high intensities; at the latter,electronic devices could be inactivated. The approach is to use a passive device,based on the biosynthesized polymer diazoluminomelanin (DALM) suspended in an agargel, for detecting, indicating with an alarm, and recording the exposure. The systemwould have a redundant active electronic component, which would provide alternativeaudible and visual alarm features. The DALM and the DALM-gel technologies wereinvented or developed by Air Force Scientists; Beam Tech Corporation (BTC) hasexclusive license to the biological and chemical synthesis of DALM. In additionto this DALM-agar bubble and luminescence technology, BTC will identify andconsider as alternatives both commercially available and patented technologiesthat could serve the same purpose, or could serve as components of the technologyto be designed.The personal RF Overexposure Indicator to be designed and evaluated for feasibilitywill be unique in that it will not be at risk for inactivation by the very electro-magnetic exposures for which it is supposed to provide an alarm. It has the additionalpotential benefit of recording the intensity of the exposure, for determining the extentof exposure over a period of time between examinations. By including a comprehensiveof any currently commercially available or otherwise patented technology, Beam TechCorporation could identify devices or components that will assist in the developmentof an active electronic component, to be included as a redundancy feature in theOverexposure Indicator. While the market for the device would be extensive withinthe DOD, it would also be useful to U.S. Government Security Agencies. It mightalso be useful for persons who work in the private sector in the vicinity ofintense RF sources, but who would not knowingly and purposefully allow or expectthemselves to be exposed. A complete market evaluation is not possible at thistime, with the limited preliminary information available to BTC. This wouldbecome possible with the development of prototype information in a Phase IIproject.