Physical Optics Corporation — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: Worldwide terrorist use of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) with chemical/biological (CB)

Description

Worldwide terrorist use of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) with chemical/biological (CB) warfare agents is growing. To address the CBD"s need for a sensitive, field-deployable sensor platform in sensing networks, UAVs, and stand-alone CB point detection, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a novel Graphene-Based Chemical Agent Detector (GCAD) based on a sensitive graphene layer, broadband impedance spectroscopy, and a recognition algorithm. The novel sensor design provides analyte pre-concentration, sensitive interrogation, and advanced pattern recognition, enabling sub-ppb limit of detection (LOD), selective detection with low false alarm rates, high-throughput analysis (<3 s), and multiplex detection. The GCAD requires no sample preparation and minimal user interaction. Additionally, the miniature module design, together with inexpensive materials and commercial-of-the-shelf components, offers low cost fabrication and small size, weight, and power (SWaP). In Phase I, POC will demonstrate the GCAD by fabricating the sensing chip, building a benchtop prototype, and testing against chemical agents or simulants. In Phase II, a fully integrated and optimized GCAD will be developed with specifications of LOD, sensitivity, selectivity, interferant effects, response time, weight, footprint, power budget, and environmental impact. The Phase II GCAD technology will meet the CBD requirements and be ready for evaluation in relevant environments.