Terahertz (THz) - Frequency Differential-Absorption Spectrometer for Remote Biological Agent Detection

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI), in conjunction with the University of California, Berkeley proposes to develop and demonstrate a biochemical-specific standoff sensor for detection of biological warfare agents (BWAs). Differential absorption LIDAR (DIAL)methodology will be used to provide chemical and biological specificity. Our innovation is the extension of DIAL technology to Far-IR (THz) wavelengths corresponding to the frequencies of collective modes of DNA and proteins, potentially a "fingerprint"spectral region for BWAs. This technology represents a long-standing need with the DoD, FAA, and security community for detection of BWAs. Furthermore, the potential structure penetrating nature of this radiation allows for the possible detection of BWAsconcealed in luggage, packages, and under clothing. The Phase I program will demonstrate the feasibility of the concept through experimental measurements of absorption spectra of target compounds and the first demonstration of a differential-absorptionsensor for BWAs in the THz frequency regime. In the Phase II portion of the program, a sensor will be developed and field tested at a selected Army test site. This program will demonstrate a standoff THz-DIAL apparatus with the capability of chemically-specific detection of biological weapon agents. Such an apparatus represents a long-standing need in the military for BWA detection. This technology can also fill a critical need for civilian security and homeland defense. Significant commercialapplications of the enabling sensor technology exist in the petro-chemical and bulk materials processing industry. PSI has already established a commercialization partnership with the Dow Corporation to exploit these markets.