Ultra Sensitive Rama Device for Detecting Arsenic in Water Utilizing Fractal/Microcavity Composite

LaSys, Inc., utilizing the unique spectral characteristics of its proprietary fractal-microcavity composite will be used to perform the proof-of-concept research required to develop an ultra-sensitive optical detector of low concentration of arsenic in water based on the Raman effect. Phase I technical objectives are designed to demonstrate that fractal microcavity composite - SERS spectroscopy is capable of quantitatively detecting arsenic in water at levels which are useful for determining compliance with the upcoming EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 10 µg/L. The goal at the end of Phase III is to develop a hand-held, easy-to-use, instrument for the field detection of arsenic at or below the January 2006 MCL. This ultra sensitive instrument will provide accurate, precise and quantitative measurement of arsenic in the 1-200 ppb range in real time via a visual digital readout. This commercial field portable device of robust construction will be battery powered and weight approximately one pound, and be simple to use in the hands of noon-technical individuals. It will provide significant advantages over currently available colorimetric test kits and chemical sensor and be competitively priced.