Development of an Atmospheric Monitor Hardened for Naval Submarine Deployment

In this Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program, Nikira Labs Inc. proposes to work with Cepeda Associates Inc. to harden an atmospheric monitoring system for Naval submarines.  The system will measure both volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as well as life gases and other key species.  The instrument will allow for next-generation atmospheric monitoring aboard Navy submarines.   In an accompanying SBIR (Contract #N68335-20-C-0072), Nikira Labs is working to develop an unhardened version of this analyzer.  This analyzer uses a combination of mid-infrared and near-infrared cavity-enhanced absorption spectrometry to measure VOCs and life gases respectively.  Previous results of this unit have already shown the ability to measure almost all of the Navy target compounds at levels that meet or exceed the Navy’s needs. This proposed work will focus on hardening the analyzer to meet Navy’s submarine deployment requirements.  Hardening and testing will be performed in conjunction with Cepeda Associates Inc. and include shock/vibe, EMI, power instability, and other critical tests.