Ultra-Trace Molecular Detection Instrumentation Based on Aerosol Nucleation with Rapid Preconcentration and Separation

75447-The threat from the proliferation of nuclear weapons creates a continuous need for the long-term monitoring of chemical signatures of nuclear material production (effluents from uranium conversion and enrichment facilities). Detection networks and systems are needed to support the wide-area monitoring, detection, location, and characterization of non-declared nuclear activities. A novel sensor, based on the nucleation principle (gas-to-particle phase transition), will be developed in order to detect low concentrations (parts per trillion and less) of various chemicals in air that are signatures for nuclear material production. In particular, both methods and prototypical hardware will be developed for using aerosol nucleation in combination with high speed chromatographic separation for the selective detection of traces of semi-volatile and volatile chemical signatures of nuclear material production. Phase I will determine the feasibility of developing a sensor that is sensitive, selective, and fast. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: A sensor based on ultra-sensitive analytical techniques should be widely used for nuclear non-proliferation purposes. Other applications include explosives detection, monitoring for chemical weapons and toxic industrial materials, leakage testing, and clean room control.