Thermal Infrared Surface Contamination Sensor

A thermal infrared imaging spectrometer is proposed for the remote detection of surface contaminants. The instrument will use pulsing lasers to vaporize liquidswhile it scans the target scene generating 3D spectral-images. The instrument will be pre-programmed with a library of contamination filters that can automatically identify contaminants that could be present in any of the image pixels. The instrument isexpected to weigh less than 15 pounds and be deployable on a number of platforms. Key attributes include ruggedness, reliability, and high efficiency. Will provide the Army with a low cost, chemical detection imaging spectrometerthat can be deployed on a variety of platforms. Can provide city governments withmeans to monitor air pollution while simultaneously monitoring the possiblerelease of chemical agents in public places. Can be used by the medical industry to detect cancer or to detect arterial soft-plaque buildup.