Physical Optics Corporation — Department of Defense SBIR Phase II: A16-045

Description

To address the Army’s need for a portable and fast explosives detection device, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to continue the development of a new Ultraviolet Raman Explosives Detection (UVRED) system based on a novel combination of hyperspectral imaging techniques and a compact optical design. The hyperspectral imaging techniques adapted for Raman imaging enable the UVRED system to quickly detect explosives residue on a 4 cm^2 area at a distance of >1 m. This system offers scan times of <30 s, making it suitable for near-real-time detection of explosive signatures in the field. Benefits of the hyperspectral imaging ensure that UVRED devices will reliably detect explosive particles at areal densities as low as 1 µg/cm^2, while the inherent high spectral resolution (<20 cm^-1) will yield excellent chemical specificity and accuracy of detection. In Phase I, POC demonstrated the feasibility of UVRED by building a benchtop prototype capable of collecting Raman spectra from a projected laser line over short distances and extrapolating design changes necessary for meeting Army performance targets, reaching TRL-3. In Phase II, POC will enhance the UVRED system to improve its performance and make it more compact and portable, delivering an operational prototype and reaching TRL-5+.