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

Description

To address the Armys need for a portable and fast explosives detection device, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Ultraviolet Raman Explosives Detection (UVRED) system based on a novel combination of hyperspectral imaging techniques and a compact optical design, as well as well-understood explosive Raman signatures. Specifically, the hyperspectral imaging techniques adapted for Raman imaging will enable the UVRED system to quickly detect explosives residue on a 4cm^2 area at a distance of >1m. As a result, this system offers scan times of <30s, making it suitable for near-real-time detection of explosive signatures in the field. Benefits of the hyperspectral imaging will ensure that UVRED devices will reliably detect micron-size explosive particles at areal densities as low as 1m/cm^2, while the inherent high spectral resolution (<10cm^-1) will yield excellent chemical specificity and accuracy of detection, thus, directly addressing the Army requirements. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate the feasibility of UVRED by building a compact, benchtop prototype system capable of meeting the detection requirements and reaching TRL-4. In Phase II, POC plans to enhance and ruggedize the UVRED system to make it more compact and portable, delivering an operational prototype and reaching TRL-7.