Anti-Terrorism - Detection, Indications, and Warnings

There is a clear need for improved instrumentation to detect airborne bioaerosols remotely. Natural airborne bioaerosols are common sources of disease, and many seasonal pollens cause allergic reactions. Of greatest concern, however, is the malevalentdissemination of airborne bioagents. The widespread availability of technology to manufacture bioagents has been clarified by the revelation that in only six years (1985--1991) Iraq completed all the research and development needed to produce andweaponize various bioagents, including anthrax and botulinum toxin. Science Research Laboratory (SRL) proposes to develop a Multispectral Bioaerosol Illuminator (MSBI). This instrument will be the light source for a standoff sensor that remotely detectsclouds of bioaerosols from as far away as 5-10 km. Our standoff sensor will be geared to identify the aerosol, resolve the distance to the aerosol cloud, and track it in real time. To our knowledge, no instrument currently available can detect and reliablyidentify bioaerosols at such large distances. Phase 1 will verify the feasibility of the MSBI concept and produce a design of a working instrument. Phase 2 will provide a proof-of-principle demonstration of the critical technology. The instrument wepropose to develop will provide reliable remote detection of bioaerosol clouds from distances in the range 5-10 km. It can discriminate between bioagents and benign aerosol clouds, and may provide identification of the type of bioaerosol. Reliable remotedetection of bioaerosol clouds is a central US military goal. With its unique capability of improving the range and discrimination of standoff bioaerosol detection, SRL's instrument will find a ready military market. State agencies focusing on advancedwarning of an attack on large population centers comprise a secondary market for this instrument. Additional peacetime applications, including the tracking of allergens and of man-made pest controls, will also expand the market forthis instrument.