Passive Detection of Liquids on Surfaces

The proposed Sequential Phase II proposal builds on the parent Phase II project (SBIR Topic #A11-044; Proposal #A2-4962; Contract #W911SR-12-C-0045) was to develop and build a long-wave infrared (LWIR) hyperspectral imaging (HSI) spectrometer operating in the 8-10.5 micron range, specifically for passive detection of liquid contaminants on surfaces. The overarching goal of the project was to develop and test a compact LWIR system in combination with a physics-based liquid droplet phenomenology model. Fielded applications include the detection and identification of toxic industrial chemicals (TICs), toxic industrial materials (TIMs), and chemical warfare agents (CWAs) on substrate materials such as tarmac (concrete and asphalt), sand, gravel, dirt, etc. The Sequential Phase II seeks to integrate Spectrum's compact Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS) with an imaging LIDAR sensor based on Spectral Sensor Solution's (S3's) REVEAL micropulse short wave infrared laser system. The team will explore VTOL-based remote and standoff sensing applications for persistent liquid detection and identification.