PHYSICAL SCIENCES INC. — Department of Defense SBIR Phase II: Non-DoD

Description

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) will develop a capability to detect chemical contamination on terrain, roads, airfields, buildings, and military equipment that threatens soldier safety or limits the tempo of military operations. This effort will continue maturation of a Long Wave Infrared (LWIR) Spatial Heterodyne Spectrometer (SHS), an LWIR illuminator, and an automated detection algorithm for the non-contact identification of liquid/solid contaminants on surfaces, while on-the-move at military speeds or when stationary. The initial Phase II effort demonstrated the ability to detect Chemical Warfare Agent simulants from a 15 cm range at a speed of 1 mph with an SNR-limited PD of 50% and false alarm rate of 8/hr. This effort will update the illuminator to use Quantum Cascade Lasers (QCLs) to extend the standoff range to 1.2 meters as well as increase the system’s depth of focus, SNR, and acquisition speed. It will also implement a real time detection algorithm validated in the initial Phase II effort. The system prototype will be evaluated through field testing and refined based on the Army’s feedback. At the end of this program PSI will have developed and validated a brassboard system that complies with the threshold detection requirements of the Chemical Surface Detector.