ARETE ASSOCIATES — Department of Defense SBIR Phase II: CBD11-105

Description

Raman spectroscopy is well suited for detecting trace surface contaminants that may indicate the presence of explosives, harmful chemical or biological agents, illicit drugs, or specific combinations of indicator chemicals used in processing nuclear materials. An example mobile Raman spectroscopy system is the vehicle mounted Joint Contaminated Surface Detector (JCSD), which uses a gaseous KrF excimer laser operating at 248 nm as the pump source; but the laser used presently in the JCSD presents significant logistical problems. The goal of this effort is to develop and build an improved all-solid-state laser that generates pulses at 236.5 nm. This effort will focus on packaging and design improvements that will improve reliability and portability. First, the optical design will be tested, analyzed, and improved to reduce sensitivity. Second, the mechanical design will be upgraded to reduce size and increase robustness. Third, the electronics will be redesigned and repackaged to reduce size. Finally, a computer control system will synchronize system components and automate laser operation.